The trucking industry is among the biggest pillars of the U.S economy. They provide a safe and reliable means of transporting heavy goods from one region to another. Unfortunately, accidents involving trucks are usually tragic, resulting in losses amounting to billions of dollars every year.
Even with concerted efforts by different government agencies such as the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration to control their operations, trucks continue to pose a great risk to motorists and other road users. Unfortunately, many traffic accidents are not always accidental but often occur due to human error. While most states have trucking laws in place, the federal government has formulated special laws and regulations governing trucking operations. Understanding how truck industry regulations in Missouri City apply in your case is critical to realizing your legal options following a truck accident.
The Scope of Trucking Regulations by FMCSA
As mentioned earlier, the FMCSA stipulates how trucking operations are to be carried out. This is to ensure public safety for all road users. Through complaint investigations, compliance reviews, audits, and inspections, the agency enforces special laws and regulations regarding trucking in Missouri City and throughout the U.S. Some of the most popular yet commonly flouted rules entail:
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Hours of Service
Trucking involves covering long distances in a single trip. Drivers do a commendable job delivering goods from one region to another covering thousands of miles. However, driving for too long without adequate rest breaks can take hold of the driver’s judgment. The driver will be fatigued, thus affecting their concentration and vision. To curtail this, special rules and regulations have been put in place regarding hours of service. Trucking companies are therefore required to come up with schedules that allow drivers enough breaks between trips for their safety, as well as that of the general public.
Maintenance
All vehicles plying public roads in Missouri City, including trucks, are required to meet certain regulations concerning maintenance. Smaller vehicle maintenance is not much of a hustle compared with commercial trucks. They must be regularly maintained and inspected to ensure their roadworthiness. Because these vehicles cover long distances, their systems may be compromised due to skidding, braking, as well as wear and tear of crucial components. As such, they must be inspected every 90 days by relevant authorities. In a bid to cut costs and maximize profits, some rogue trucking companies fail to meet this requirement.
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Driver Qualifications
Operating a truck requires specialized training. Trucking companies must ensure that their employees meet the requisite driving qualifications as stipulated by FMCSA. They must be of the right age, and also have undergone basic training in truck operation. To cut costs, some notorious truck owners and companies might hire incompetent drivers. This poses a great risk to other road users.
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Drug & Alcohol Testing
Drug and substance abuse is prohibited for all motorists. Some abuse drugs to stay awake and alert throughout their journeys. Unfortunately, drug and substance abuse usually have destructive effects especially when visibility and judgment are compromised. To prevent this, the FMCSA requires all drivers to be subjected to regular drug and alcohol testing.
Insurance
Having valid insurance is a requirement that all motorists on Texas roads must fulfill. Trucks require higher insurance owing to the risks they pose. This ensures that the costs of damages caused in truck-related accidents are met. Trucks weighing 10,000 lbs must carry insurance worth $750,000, although many trucking companies have their fleet insured for at least $1,000,000.
Call a Missouri City Attorney to Learn More About Truck Industry Regulations
Applying the special rules and regulations in trucking accident cases in Missouri City requires a skilled attorney. Choosing a legal team with a proven track record is the only way you can rest assured that you still have a chance to make a successful claim. Please get in touch with us today to learn more about how different trucking laws apply in your case.
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