The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) develops and enforces a variety of regulations to promote safety in the commercial trucking industry. Any carrier that operates across state lines is subject to these regulations. Knowledge of federal trucking laws is critical when accidents happen and innocent people are injured in truck accidents in Oklahoma.
At Cain Law Office, our Oklahoma City truck accident lawyers have extensive knowledge of the state and federal laws applicable to commercial truck accidents. We’ve also seen firsthand how truck drivers or the companies that employ them violate these regulations, which we’ll discuss here.
Federal Hours of Service Regulations
Hours of service (HOS) regulations were implemented to prevent dangerous truck driver fatigue and reduce drowsy driving truck accidents. When drivers violate HOS limits, devastating wrecks can occur. Among other things, HOS regulations prohibit drivers from:
- Driving for more than 11 cumulative hours after 10 consecutive hours off-duty.
- Driving beyond the 14th consecutive hour after coming on duty.
- Driving for more than 8 cumulative hours without taking at least 30 minutes of uninterrupted rest time.
- Driving after 60 hours of on-duty time over 7 consecutive workdays or after 70 hours over 8 straight workdays.
Truck Maintenance Regulations
Commercial drivers and trucking companies are responsible for the regular maintenance and inspection of their trucks. Over time, everyday use can wear down critical components in these large vehicles.
If you suspect negligent maintenance may have played a part in your case, an attorney can help you determine whether any of the following FMCSA requirements apply:
- Companies must systematically inspect, repair, and maintain all commercial vehicles, including parts and accessories.
- Drivers must write daily inspection reports and inform companies of possible defects.
- Companies must promptly address reports of possible defects.
- Companies may not allow drivers to operate any vehicle in any condition that is likely to result in a breakdown or collision.
Restrictions on Drug and Alcohol Use
Any driver under the influence can put themselves and others at risk, but an impaired driver behind the wheel of a commercial truck is a recipe for disaster. If there is any indication that drug or alcohol use contributed to the semi-truck accident, your attorney can help you identify possible violations of federal regulations such as:
- Operating a commercial vehicle with a BAC of 0.04 percent or more
- Hiring drivers with known records of drug- and alcohol-related convictions
- Not requiring drug testing before companies can employ commercial drivers
- Not requiring alcohol and drug testing after an accident
Cain Law Can Help with Your Truck Accident Case
The Oklahoma City semi-truck accident attorneys of Cain Law Office have won more than $80 million for people in our community who’ve been injured due to negligence. We’re here to take your call 24/7, so don’t hesitate to contact us for your free case evaluation right away. Our rapid-response team can immediately launch an in-depth investigation into the accident to determine if any of these regulations or others have been violated. We will work to hold the truck driver or company responsible for the harm they’ve caused.
