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Throughout the country, commercial trucks used for the interstate transportation of goods, including tractor-trailers, 18-wheelers, and semi-trucks, are governed by federal and state laws. These regulations not only establish restrictions and requirements that these trucks need to abide by, but they also keep the trucking industry operating smoothly.
In places like Las Vegas, truck accidents can be particularly devastating due to the bustling traffic and unique road conditions. If you or someone you know has been involved in such an accident, it’s essential to seek help promptly. Understanding liability in truck accidents can be complex, but with the right guidance, victims can navigate the legal landscape more confidently.
Yet, even with these numerous regulations, accidents still result because truck drivers or trucking companies refuse to abide by these rules. Consequently, many victims end up suffering catastrophic injuries, enduring life-changing damages, and often are left with immense anxiety about what their future holds. However, we are here to tell you that you do not have to go through this challenging ordeal alone. In this blog post, we will cover some of the most common types of trucking violations that occur and also explain how an experienced truck accident lawyer can get you the legal help you need.
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) makes it illegal for a trucking company in Nevada to hire a driver who has:
Even though not all of these rules are mentioned explicitly in the FMCSA regulations, they can still violate other rules that can lead to subsequent injuries or devastating collisions.
Additionally, truck drivers need to meet specific FMCSA standards in order to be considered a “safe” driver on the road. Typically, these truck drivers need to have a valid medical examination card that is kept up to date, showing that they are medically fit to drive. They also need a commercial driver’s license (CDL), which indicates they are adequately trained to operate an 18-wheeler truck.
Trucking companies may also require their drivers to go through background checks and random drug testing to ensure that motorists stay safe on the road. When trucking companies fail to perform these checks or make sure their drivers meet FMCSA requirements, serious accidents can happen.
Every individual needs sleep. Otherwise, this lack of rest can significantly impact the way they perform activities. Nobody understands this more clearly than truck drivers who need to stay on high-alert at all times, making sure they watch out for other cars and ensure they remain compliant with the rules of the road. For these reasons, the FMCSA has expressly set regulations detailing how many hours a truck driver can log before they need a break.
Under these rules, a truck driver needs to:
These Hours of Services rules are considered one of the most important regulations for a truck driver. However, they are also the most violated. Too often, deadlines and rigid schedules cause truck drivers to skip their breaks or continue driving for long periods of time, leaving them unable to stay awake or focused. Ultimately leading to deadly mistakes on the road.
One of the best ways to stop accidents from happening is to ensure that trucks operate properly and remain safe on the road, especially those traveling thousands of miles on a regular basis. That is why the FMCSA sets specific maintenance standards in order to ensure that these trucks not only stay in working condition but that their upkeep protects the wellbeing of other motorists sharing the road with them.
To meet these FMCSA standards, trucks need daily inspections to ensure that everything is working correctly. This includes checking the breaks, lights, and tires constantly. When it comes to tires, this part of the truck is often the most troublesome. Because trucks drive for long periods of time and cover a significant amount of ground, it is not uncommon for these tires to wear down quickly. Unfortunately, to save on costs, many trucking companies will just “re-cap” or replace tread on an old tire to allow these tires to continue to be used, way past their deadline. As a result, the continued use of these old tires can lead to dangerous and heartbreaking accidents.
It is not surprising to see a massive rig on the road these days carrying an incredible amount of weight. However, there is a limit to this weight. Large trucks are only allowed to carry a combined total weight of 80,000 pounds for interstate travel. This ensures that trucks stay within a safe weight limit that will enable them to easily maneuver, properly stop, and make sure that they do not break down from the added strain on each axle.
In addition, the FMCSA also mandates how cargo needs to be loaded and secured on a truck. When a trailer is improperly loaded, the cargo’s center of gravity can end up being too high or too much in one specific area of the trailer. This can cause the trailer to jackknife, fishtail, or become unstable, causing the truck to become more susceptible to colliding into nearby motorists.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a Nevada truck accident, you need to contact an experienced truck accident lawyer as soon as possible. Many times if these trucking accidents result from a trucking regulation violation, you may be entitled to significant compensation for the harm you endured. For these reasons, do not wait. Call us at 702-680-1111 and let a skilled truck accident attorney fight for the damages and justice you deserve.
As founder of Gina Corena & Associates, she is dedicated to fighting for the rights of the people who suffer life-changing personal injuries in car, truck and motorcycle accidents as well as other types of personal injury. Gina feels fortunate to serve the Nevada community and hold wrongdoers accountable for their harm to her clients.
