Commercial distribution companies, also called contract carriers, play a paramount role and are vital to the success of the United States economy. They deliver everything from food, to consumer goods, to hazardous material, and many other types of freight throughout the country. Unfortunately, the size and substantial number of 18-wheelers traveling on the roads and highways increase the risk of severe and deadly collisions.
Therefore, federal and state agencies tightly regulate the industry, such as limiting the time truckers can drive. The rules promote highway safety while protecting truckers and other motorists traveling near them. When drivers or their employers fail to comply, and collisions occur, they could be held financially responsible. Contact a competent truck crash injury lawyer for guidance in obtaining a settlement to cover your losses.
Staying alert and maintaining control to operate semi-trucks safely is difficult in even the best circumstances. Drowsy truckers pose a huge and unnecessary risk. Highway safety agencies, such as the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, keep records of highway events to analyze and find ways to prevent accidents. According to studies they conducted, tired drivers are more likely to make mistakes, such as drifting from their lane. Inadequate rest can cause cognitive impairment, poor judgment, and slower reaction times, to name a few.
Drowsiness is a substantial factor in many collisions involving semi-trucks. The long hours and distance they travel around the clock make truckers particularly vulnerable to fatigue or falling asleep at the wheel. Thus, regulations limiting their hours help ensure they are awake and alert.
The federal and state governments regulate the industry, including Hours-of-Service rules, or HOS. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) sets HOS regulations that all Louisiana truck drivers engaged in interstate commerce must adhere to, which are as follows:
There are some exceptions for short-hauls and adverse driving conditions.
Industry regulations require truckers to keep a log to establish compliance with the hours-of-service guidelines. They must keep records of the hours on duty, off-duty, driving hours, and time spent napping in the vehicle’s sleeper berth.
Agencies closely govern the industry to prevent avoidable accidents and increase overall highway safety. When truckers, transport companies, or other related parties neglect to follow the rules, they face the potential of harsh penalties, including steep fines or the loss of driver certification. If you suffered harm because of someone else’s recklessness, you have rights and can seek a payout through the civil court.
Civil claims against trucking companies are complex, requiring an in-depth investigation and analysis to build a strong case and establish the elements of fault. Call to schedule a free consultation with a compassionate personal injury lawyer at Kopfler and Hermann for more information.
