Commercial truck drivers are required to follow federal trucking regulations in addition to state regulations. These regulations are enforceable because truck drivers owe heightened duties of care to other drivers on the road. These laws set strict requirements for driver hours, training, fitness to drive, and other key issues for truck drivers. When drivers or commercial trucking companies fail to comply with federal regulations, serious accidents can occur.
If you were injured in a truck wreck, you can seek compensation for your losses. A knowledgeable lawyer can investigate the crash and determine whether federal trucking laws in Fresno were followed. Call an attorney at Valero Law Group today to learn more about your legal options after an accident.
What Is a Commercial Motor Vehicle?
Federal trucking regulations apply to commercial motor vehicles (CMVs) in Fresno. According to the FMCSA, a CMV is a motor vehicle used for interstate commerce purposes to transport property or passengers. Additionally, the vehicle must meet one of the following standards:
- Gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of 10,001 pounds or higher
- Single or a combination of vehicles with a GVWR of 26,001 pounds or more
- Designed to carry more than eight passengers for pay, or more than 15 passengers when no payment is included
- Used to transport hazardous materials that require federal placarding
Trucks that do not meet these standards are not considered CMVs for purposes of federal regulation. After any truck accident in the state, determining the type of truck involved and any applicable federal regulations will be crucial when pursuing financial recovery from the at-fault driver. A dedicated truck accident attorney will know what to look for and how to gather all facts involved with a personal injury claim.
Federal Trucking Regulations
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) sets regulations covering all aspects of commercial trucking in the U.S. Federal regulations are wide-ranging and designed to protect truck drivers and other motorists on the roads. Federal regulations cover issues such as:
- Licensing to operate commercial motor vehicles
- Physical fitness to drive
- Hours of service and logging requirements
- Specialized training to drive
Fresno trucking regulations under federal law prohibit the use of alcohol or other substances that can impair a trucker’s ability to drive. Commercial truck drivers must maintain a blood alcohol content of .02 percent or less within eight hours of their driving shifts and cannot transport alcohol unless it is in the cargo hold.
Hours of service regulations are strictly enforced as well. Generally, commercial truck drivers are limited to 70 hours on duty within eight days of work and can drive a maximum of 11 consecutive hours after being off duty for 10 hours. Federal regulations require truck drivers to log their hours on and off duty to ensure compliance with hours-of-service laws. These rules exist to combat the dangerous effects of fatigued driving and keep highways safe.
When commercial truck drivers violate FMCSA regulations and a crash occurs, violations by a driver—and possibly their employer—can constitute negligence. An experienced truck accident attorney can investigate the accident, collect evidence, and pursue damages.
Speak to a Fresno Truck Accident Attorney About Federal Laws Today
Truck accidents are unique because of the severe damage they can cause to other motorists. Determining whether Federal trucking laws in Fresno were violated can also factor into deciding who is responsible and how to collect damages. If a truck accident injured you, the lawyers at Valero Law Group can help. Contact our dedicated legal team to schedule a free consultation.