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Truck accidents tend to result in serious injuries. One of the reasons for this is that commercial trucks are large, powerful vehicles. Therefore, when they collide with passenger vehicles, such as cars, the results are often catastrophic. Commercial truck drivers and the companies they work for must comply with a variety of regulations. When they fail to do so, this can have an effect on resulting accident claims. In this article, we discuss how trucking regulations can affect accident claims.
Key Trucking Industry Regulations
Hours of Service Rules
There are regulations in place that limit the length of time a truck driver can operate his or her vehicle without taking a break or resting. The purpose of these regulations is to prevent driver fatigue, which is a major contributor to truck accidents. Important hours of service regulations include:
- A truck driver is permitted to drive a maximum of eleven hours following ten consecutive hours off duty.
- A truck driver is not permitted to drive beyond the fourteenth consecutive hour after coming back on duty following ten consecutive hours of being off duty. Off-duty time for a truck driver doesn’t extend the fourteen-hour period.
- A truck driver is not permitted to drive after sixty/seventy hours on duty in seven/eight consecutive days. A driver is permitted to restart this seven/eight-day period after taking thirty-four or more consecutive hours off duty.
Commercial Driver License Requirements
Commercial driver license requirements help to ensure that truck drivers have the required qualifications and skills to operate heavy and large vehicles. To obtain a commercial driver license, a truck driver must pass a road test and written test. In addition, he or she must meet specific medical and physical standards.
Drug and Alcohol Testing
Truck drivers must consent to random drug and alcohol testing. The federal agency that establishes trucking regulations has a zero-tolerance policy for truck drivers who have an alcohol concentration of 0.04 or higher or test positive for controlled substances.
Truck Inspection, Maintenance, and Repair
Truck drivers and trucking companies are also responsible for keeping their vehicles in safe, working order. Specifically, they must conduct regular inspections, make necessary repairs, and perform maintenance on their vehicles. They are also required to comply with regulations regarding lights, tires, brakes, and other parts.
The Impact of Trucking Regulations on Accident Claims
If you’ve suffered an injury in a truck accident, you may be able to use the types of regulations discussed above to prove liability and obtain financial compensation. For example, if the driver who caused your accident didn’t have a valid commercial driver’s license or was under the influence of alcohol or an illegal substance, then this will serve to strengthen your personal injury claim. Regardless of which regulations are involved, the New York truck accident attorneys of Dell & Dean, PLLC, will provide you with excellent legal representation as you pursue compensation for your injuries.
Contact Our New York & Long Island Truck Accident Attorney
If you or a loved one have been involved in a truck accident in New York, the prestigious law firm of Dell & Dean, PLLC, is here to help. At Dell & Dean, PLLC, our highly experienced New York truck accident attorneys will guide you and your family through the legal process while doing everything in our power to obtain financial compensation on your behalf. Please contact us to arrange a free initial consultation with a knowledgeable truck accident attorney.
