If you’re like most people, driving by or next to commercial vehicles on the road can be incredibly intimidating due to the nature of these vehicles. Because accidents involving commercial trucks can be devastating, there are many regulations in place to ensure the safety of everyone on the roads. The following blog explores some of the most important rules trucking companies must adhere to and the steps you should take if you are involved in an accident with one of these trucks. You’ll also learn the importance of working with a Broward County truck accident lawyer to help you through these difficult times.
What Rules Do Trucking Companies Have to Follow?
First and foremost, it’s important to understand what agencies oversee the trucking industry. Not only must drivers obtain a commercial driver’s license (CDL) and abide by the laws and regulations of their state, but they must also adhere to the regulations imposed by the Department of Transportation (DOT) and the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). These agencies are responsible for setting standards and enforcing safe travel by commercial vehicles.
One of the most important regulations is the Hours of Service limit. This helps reduce the risk of accidents for truck drivers and others on the road by limiting how many hours a driver can spend on the road before taking a mandatory break. Essentially, drivers are allowed to travel up to 14 hours per day. Within those 14 hours, they can only drive for 11 hours before taking a mandatory 10-hour break. To ensure compliance, electronic logging devices are used. By limiting hours behind the wheel, drivers are less likely to be involved in accidents caused by exhaustion.
In addition to limiting hours spent driving, these agencies also enforce drug and alcohol testing. Essentially, anyone who holds a CDL and operates a commercial vehicle is subject to random testing by their employer to ensure they are in compliance with the FMCSA rules. Typically, trucking companies will test drivers after they are hired, at random, even when off duty, following accidents, and when their employer has reasonable suspicion if they see signs of drug or alcohol use.
What Should I Do if I’m Involved in an Accident With a Truck?
Accidents involving commercial vehicles can be devastating due to their size. A fully loaded vehicle can weigh up to 40 tons, meaning these collisions are often catastrophic in nature. As such, the most important thing you can do if you are involved in an accident is to immediately seek medical attention. Even if you feel okay following an accident of this nature, you may have injuries that are not immediately apparent because of the adrenaline your body is producing. Allowing emergency medical technicians to assess you can help protect your health and well-being while establishing immediate medical care after the accident.
However, the most important thing you can do to protect yourself if you’ve been involved in an accident with a commercial vehicle is to contact an experienced attorney as soon as possible. If the driver or their company were discovered in violation of the rules in regulations in place, which led to the collision, working with an experienced attorney as soon as possible can help you through these difficult times. At the Finzio Law Group, we understand that suffering injuries of this nature can flip your life upside down, which is why we are here to fight for you. Contact us today to learn more.
