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Federal Regulation of Truck Drivers

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As the fourth-largest city in the United States, Houston sees its fair share of traffic accidents involving commercial trucks. 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 vital to seek the help of a top-rated truck accident lawyer in Houston with experience handling these cases. One important aspect of winning these lawsuits is understanding the federal regulations that govern commercial truck drivers.

federal regulation of 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 many areas, including driver qualifications, service hours, vehicle maintenance, etc. 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. These include holding a valid commercial driver’s license (CDL), passing a medical examination, and meeting specific age and experience requirements. Trucking companies must conduct thorough background checks and ensure that their drivers meet all necessary qualifications before allowing them to operate a commercial vehicle.

At Baumgartner Law Firm, we have found many instances of a motor carrier being negligent in maintaining the truck or in hiring a driver.

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 must ensure that their drivers and personnel are trained in proper cargo-loading techniques to prevent accidents caused by shifting or falling cargo.

Truck Accident Lawyer Greg Baumgartner on the Importance of Regulations to Truck Accident Lawsuits

Licensing And Insurance Requirements For Interstate Trucking Companies

Interstate trucking companies play a crucial role in transporting goods across state lines. However, truck accidents can result in severe injuries and devastating consequences due to the size and weight of these vehicles.

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 a Motor Carrier Number (MC Number) from the FMCSA.

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

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 a Motor Carrier Number (MC Number) from the FMCSA.

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.

Why Truck Accident Investigation Is Vital

Truck Crash Investigations Find Violations

When a truck accident occurs, it is important to investigate to determine whether the driver and trucking company followed these regulations. If they did not, this could be used as evidence of negligence in a personal injury lawsuit against the truck driver and the company.

Experienced Attorneys Required

However, navigating federal regulations and building a strong case can be complex and overwhelming for attorneys without truck accident expertise. 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.

Call an Experienced Law Firm for a Truck Accident Lawyer.

Talk with a truck accident lawyer by calling (281) 587-1111.
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Baumgartner Law Firm Personal Injury Lawyer Practice Areas

At Baumgartner Law Firm, our personal injury attorney in Houston, TX, helps clients throughout Texas maximize their damages to get the compensation they deserve. We have recovered millions of dollars and represented thousands of accident victims.

Since 1985, our firm has limited the practice to serious injury cases and produced exceptional results in the following areas:

Our founder attorney, Greg Baumgartner, has over 35 years of experience and has been peer-reviewed preeminent for decades.

Consult With A Top-rated Truck Accident Lawyer In Houston

If you have been involved in an accident with a commercial truck and suspect that the truck driver may have violated the hours-of-service regulations, talk with a knowledgeable personal injury attorney specializing in truck accidents at Baumgartner Law Firm. We can review the facts of your case, gather evidence, and determine if the truck driver’s violation of the hours-of-service regulations contributed to the accident.

Talk With A Leading Houston Personal Injury Attorney

A top-rated personal injury attorney in the greater Houston area at Baumgartner Law Firm 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.

Baumgartner Law Firm Truck Accident Resources

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

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