One of the leading causes of truck accidents is the failure to comply with federal trucking regulations. These laws are specifically designed to enhance safety for all road users. When a truck driver or their employer disregards these regulations, they are acting negligently. If an accident occurs as a result, their negligence can serve as the foundation for a personal injury claim.
If you were injured in a crash caused by negligence, you may be entitled to compensation. Understanding federal trucking laws in Channelview can help you take the right steps toward recovering damages.
Hours of Service (HOS) Regulations
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has established Hours of Service (HOS) regulations to govern how long truck drivers can work on the road. These federal laws aim to prevent trucker fatigue-related accidents and keep everyone on Channelview roads safe. Some of the key points are:
- Drivers can operate their vehicles up to 11 consecutive hours but only after resting for at least 10 consecutive hours
- Drivers cannot operate their trucks past the 14th consecutive hour after starting their workday, even if they take breaks
- In adverse driving conditions (fog, heavy rain), the 11-hour and 14-hour limits may be extended by up to two additional hours
- Drivers must take a 30-minute break after driving for eight hours without one
Failing to comply with these regulations can lead to penalties even if an accident doesn’t occur. If a crash happens, the victim and their legal team would have to provide evidence that proves HOS violations.
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Evidence of Breaking Federal Truck Laws
Collecting evidence against the Channelview truck driver or the trucking company for breaking federal trucking laws requires a comprehensive legal approach. Some of the materials that support the personal injury case include:
Truck Driver’s Logbooks
Federal regulations require truck drivers to maintain detailed records of their driving hours. Any discrepancies in the logbook can demonstrate non-compliance with federal laws and support claims of fatigue contributing to the accident.
Electronic Logging Device (ELD) Data
Modern commercial trucks often have ELDs that automatically track driving hours. This data provides insights into whether the driver violated HOS regulations.
Inspection and Maintenance Records
A lawyer can review the truck’s maintenance logs to identify mechanical issues that contributed to the crash. If the truck company doesn’t maintain the vehicle properly, they can be responsible for compensation. The legal team may need to officially subpoena such evidence since companies are rarely willing to share it.
Additional Trucking Industry Regulations
In addition to HOS rules, truck drivers and companies in Channelview must follow these federal laws.
Licensing Requirements
Truck drivers must undergo proper training and obtain a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL), as mandated by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and the Texas Department of Public Safety (TxDPS). CDL classifications (Class A, B, and C) determine the types of vehicles and cargo a driver is authorized to operate. Additional endorsements, such as HazMat (H), Tanker (N), or Doubles/Triples (T), may be required for specialized cargo. Driving a commercial vehicle without the appropriate license is illegal and poses significant safety risks.
Vehicle Inspection & Maintenance
Both drivers and trucking companies must ensure that commercial vehicles undergo regular inspections, repairs, and maintenance as required by 49 CFR Part 396 of the FMCSA regulations. Failing to properly maintain a truck can result in mechanical failures that lead to serious accidents.
Weight & Load Regulations
Commercial trucks must adhere to strict weight limits outlined by federal and Texas state laws. Overloaded trucks can become unstable, increasing the risk of rollovers and brake failures. Federal law generally limits trucks to 80,000 pounds gross vehicle weight, and Texas imposes additional weight restrictions on certain roadways.
Drug & Alcohol Testing
Under 49 CFR Part 382, CDL holders are subject to mandatory drug and alcohol testing, including pre-employment, post-accident, random, and reasonable suspicion testing. Drivers found operating a truck with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.04% or higher violate federal law and face serious penalties, including license suspension.
Anti-Coercion Rule
Under the anti-coercion rule, it is illegal to pressure drivers into violating HOS or other laws. Any party found engaging in such coercion can be held accountable for the consequences.
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Discuss Federal Trucking Laws in Channelview With an Attorney
If a trucker or their employer does not follow federal trucking laws, they become responsible for accidents they cause. If you were injured in a truck crash, proving that the at-fault party broke a federal law can help you get the money you deserve.
At Lone Star Injury Attorneys, we have been helping people recover fair damages in truck accidents for many years. Call us for a free consultation regarding federal trucking laws in Channelview today.
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