Federal Regulation of Truck Drivers

As the fourth-largest city in the United States, Houston sees its fair share of traffic accidents involving commercial trucks. Federal regulation of truck drivers plays a crucial role in addressing truck accidents in Houston. 18-wheeler accidents can cause serious injuries and even fatalities, leaving victims and their families with medical bills, lost wages, and emotional trauma.

If you or a loved one has been involved in a truck accident, it is crucial to seek the assistance of a top-rated truck accident lawyer in Houston with experience handling these types of cases. One important aspect of winning these lawsuits is understanding the federal regulations that govern commercial truck drivers.

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Application Of Federal Regulations To Truckers

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulates commercial trucking in the United States. The rules cover various areas, including driver qualifications, service hours, and vehicle maintenance. Big rig accident attorneys will use the safety regulations to help prove what caused a truck accident and negligence.

Hours of Service

One of the most important regulations for truck drivers is the hours-of-service rule. This rule limits the number of hours a driver can be on duty and driving each day and week. This rule aims to prevent driver fatigue, a major contributor to truck accidents.

CDL

Another important regulation is the requirement for commercial truck drivers to have a commercial driver’s license (CDL). This license requires a driver to pass written and driving tests and meet certain health and safety requirements.

Maintenance And Safety

In addition to these regulations, there are rules around vehicle maintenance and safety. For example, trucking companies must regularly inspect and maintain their vehicles to ensure they are safe for the road.

Driver Qualifications

Federal regulations also outline the qualifications and requirements for commercial truck drivers. To drive commercially, you need a valid Commercial Driver’s License (CDL). You must also pass a medical exam. Additionally, there are age and experience requirements you need to meet. Trucking companies must do careful background checks. They must ensure that their drivers possess all the necessary qualifications before they can operate a commercial vehicle.

At Baumgartner Law Firm, we have handled many cases. In these cases, a motor carrier was often careless. This included failing to maintain the truck or hiring the wrong driver properly. You can read more about negligence in truck maintenance here.

Cargo Loading And Securement

Proper loading and securement of cargo is crucial to maintaining the stability and safety of commercial trucks. Federal regulations dictate the maximum weight limits, load securement methods, and distribution guidelines for different types of cargo.

Trucking companies need to train their drivers and staff in safe cargo-loading methods. This helps prevent accidents from shifting or falling cargo.

Licensing And Insurance Requirements For Interstate Trucking Companies

Interstate trucking companies play a crucial role in transporting goods across state lines. Truck accidents can cause serious injuries and major problems because these vehicles are large and heavy.

Therefore, these companies need to meet specific licensing and insurance requirements to ensure the safety of both their drivers and the public.

Dot Number

Licensing requirements for interstate trucking companies are governed by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), an agency within the Department of Transportation. To operate legally, trucking companies must obtain an FMCSA motor Carrier Number (MC Number).

This unique identifier is used to track and monitor their safety performance.

In addition to the MC Number, interstate trucking companies must have a USDOT Number, which the FMCSA issues after registration.

This number identifies the company and collects data on its safety audits, inspections, and crash investigations. These licensing requirements help ensure that trucking companies comply with federal regulations.

Insurance Requirements

Commercial vehicles, such as 18-wheelers, are required to carry commercial insurance policies with set minimum limits. The limits of liability insurance vary depending on the type of cargo. They often depend on the size of the trucking company.

Why Truck Accident Investigation Is Vital

Truck Crash Investigations Find Violations

When a truck accident occurs, it is essential to investigate whether the driver and the trucking company complied with these regulations. If they did not, this could show negligence in a personal injury lawsuit against the truck driver and the company.

Experienced Attorneys Required

However, understanding federal rules and presenting a strong case can be challenging for lawyers without experience in truck accident cases. That is why it is crucial to seek the assistance of a top-rated Houston personal injury attorney who handles truck accident cases to investigate the case.

Consult With A Top-Rated Truck Accident Lawyer In Houston

If you were in an accident with a commercial truck, you might think the driver broke the hours-of-service rules. If so, talk to a skilled personal injury lawyer. You can contact the Baumgartner Law Firm for help. We can look at the facts of your case. We will gather evidence to determine if the truck driver violated the hours-of-service rules. This will help us determine if it contributed to the accident.

Read More: How to File a Claim Against a Trucking Company in Texas

Talk With A Leading Houston Personal Injury Attorney

A top-rated personal injury attorney at Baumgartner Law Firm in the greater Houston area can help you navigate the legal process and fight for the compensation you deserve. They will have the experience and expertise to hold the negligent party accountable and ensure you receive the maximum compensation for your injuries, medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

Related Resources:

• Filing a Claim Against a Trucking Company in Texas
• What are my Rights After Getting Hurt in an Accident with a Commercial Vehicle?
• Commercial Vehicle Accident Attorney in Houston
• Understanding Commercial Vehicle Accidents
• The Role of Commercial Vehicle Regulations in Houston Car Accident Cases

Baumgartner Law Firm

Baumgartner Law Firm
6711 Cypress Creek Pkwy
Houston, Texas 77069
(281) 587-1111

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