It’s frustrating enough to be involved in an accident with a commercial truck but it’s even more frustrating when that accident was preventable. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration has taken steps to try and prevent truck accidents but unfortunately not everyone is paying attention.
If you’ve been injured in a collision with a truck, then we encourage you to call Law Offices of Fernando D. Vargas at 909-982-0707 for a free case evaluation. If the driver in question violated the rule set by the FMCSA, or if the accident was otherwise at least partially their fault, then you may have a personal injury case on your hands.
Hours of Service Rules are there to protect everyone
There are exceptions to the rule, but House of Service Rules generally limit truck drivers to eleven hours of driving each day. Their total workday is further limited to 14 hours. The rules also state that a truck driver’s maximum hours in eight consecutive days is 70, and they can’t work more than 60 hours in seven consecutive days. They are also required to take at least one half hour break in the first eight hours they’re working.
When a truck driver reaches the work limits mentioned in the paragraph above, then they’re required to rest for a minimum of 34 hours before working again. This period of rest has to include two nights that include the hours from 1 am to 5 am. Clearly, these rules are there to protect both the drivers and other motorists on the road.
Who exactly has to follow these rules?
The rules apply to any driver of a CMV. A CMV is a vehicle that’s used for interstate commerce and is either more than 10,000 pounds in gross weight, has a combo weight rating of at least 10,000 pounds, transports hazardous fare, transports nine or more passengers for compensation, or transports fifteen or more passengers without being compensated.
This criteria covers just about everyone who drives a commercial vehicle.
What are the consequences for breaking the rule?
When a truck driver doesn’t follow these rules, there can be very serious consequences, the most serious of which involve an auto accident. Remember that commercial trucks can weigh as much as ten times what a standard car weighs. When the two collide, there’s no question about which one will sustain the most damage.
Have you suffered as a result of a truck driver not following these rules?
Have you or a loved one been injured as a result of a truck driver not following the rules above? Have you been injured in any other type of accident with a commercial vehicle? If so, then you need to call Law Offices of Fernando D. Vargas at 909-982-0707 for your free case evaluation. We take cases on contingency, which means you won’t have to come up with any money upfront. In fact, we only get paid if you win. Call today and let’s find out what your options are.
