Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations

Truck drivers and truck companies must follow the safety laws contained in the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations.

One of the regulations set forth in the Federal Motor Carrier Safety guidelines prevents driver fatigue. The hours are set for the amount of time a driver can be behind the wheel.

14-hour duty limit (minimum 10 hours of rest after 14 hours on duty)

11-hour driving limit (minimum 10 hours rest after 11 total driving hours)

60/70-hour duty limit

Professional drivers often feel pressured to deliver the load as quickly as possible. Often this is for a financial benefit or to appease the company. Driver fatigue can easily occur for truck drivers who drive long hours. This is why the regulations were set forth. It is critically important that the 18-wheeler accident attorney you select has experience in investigating driver fatigue. Additionally, they should research other violations of federal regulations.

Important evidence after a serious truck accident can include:

Logbooks

Black box or computer event data

Documents evidencing the load and prior deliveries

Inspection of the tractor-trailer

Inspection of the accident scene

Poor Training

Many 18-wheeler drivers have a commercial driver’s license and allowed out on the road. Simply having a CDL is insufficient training in operating an 80,000-pound truck. Motor carriers have a duty to ensure that their drivers are properly trained and able to safely operate the big rigs. Ongoing safety training must be a part of all trucking company operations.

Truck Equipment Inspections

Commercial trucking companies must make sure that their vehicles are safe to operate. These standards are set forth by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. Big rig drivers must inspect their tractor-trailers every day. Additionally, they must inspect their loads to ensure that they are secured. Furthermore, the federal regulations require truck drivers to inspect the truck prior to any trip. The truck driver must inspect:

Air Lines and compressor

Brakes

Fuel system

Lights

Steering

Safety equipment

Axles

Coupling devices

Wheels and tires

Numerous other equipment

Once a trip has ended, the commercial vehicle driver must re-examine their vehicle. They need to recheck all the parts in their driver’s daily vehicle inspection reports. All dangerous conditions or defects must be reported to the motor carrier before taking the truck out on another trip. Houston’s truck accident lawyer will inspect the vehicle logs to find negligence.

How long you have to file a truck injury claim

Each state has its own statutes of limitations. This indicates how long you have to take certain legal actions. If the time expires then a truck crash claim actions are not allowed.

In Texas, you have two years from the date of the truck crash to file an injury lawsuit. That means you must not wait longer than two years to take legal action, or you’ll never have the chance again.

Don’t wait for your injury costs to manifest fully in terms of medical bills. These can be projected into the future as part of an injury lawsuit. Get a knowledgeable 18-wheeler injury attorney. An attorney experienced with large truck crashes will provide an investigation. As well as, seek logbooks and other valuable evidence before a company can cover it up.

Why choose Walker Texas Lawyer

Walker Texas Lawyer has fought on behalf of over twenty thousand clients and knows first hand the peace that comes with justice. If you or a loved one find yourself in this situation, you will need an experienced lawyer. One who has a track record of success in litigating these cases and fighting on behalf of their clients. Don’t be a victim twice by attempting to deal with the insurance company on your own. Call the 18-Wheeler Accident Attorney.

Walker Texas Lawyer is an experienced truck accident attorney. He has handle many truck accident cases and knows how to work with insurance companies and the legal system to provide you the compensation you deserve. At Walker Texas Lawyer, our first concern if you are in a trucking accident is that you are safe. Once you are taken care of then we will listen to you and your memories of the accident. We will work to help you with the losses you have suffered. Losses such as, pain and suffering, lost wages and property damage.

We will investigate

Trucking companies are held to high standards of safety. James Walker will perform a full truck accident investigation. Our Goal is to determine if all the rules and regulations were met. Was the employer or driver negligent? Was there a part failure? Walker will talk with witnesses. He will reconstruct the accident and bring in experts to examine. Additionally, he will check maintenance logs, driver logs, safety inspections, GPS records, and truck accident reports.

Houston’s Truck Accident Lawyer will handle all insurance claims for you

The insurance company and trucking company will have lawyers on their side. You need an experienced 18-wheeler and commercial vehicle accident attorney. Insurance companies may act like your friend, but they are not in the business of paying out. That’s why you need an experienced lawyer to represent you in fighting them

If you or a loved one has been in a accident involving a truck, call Walker Texas Lawyer. He is the Houston Truck Accident Lawyer. Call us today at: 713- 552-1117