When you share the road with trucks, you trust truck drivers and their employers to follow all Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations to help avoid accidents and keep all drivers safe. Unfortunately, issues with maintenance, hiring, service hours, and loading guidelines often occur, leading to collisions and serious injuries. If you have suffered harm in a truck accident due to someone else’s negligence, our experienced lawyers at Dominguez Law are here to help.
We have provided unmatched, complete legal services to New Mexico truck accident victims for years, so you can trust us to take on your claim and fight for your rights from start to finish. We take the time to listen to your story, create a personalized plan, and aggressively advocate for the compensation you deserve. Our team takes a compassionate approach, listening to your story and providing the guidance you need to achieve a successful outcome and have a stress-free experience.
What Are the Most Frequently Violated Trucking Violations That Cause Accidents?
The FMCSA guidelines are meant to keep all drivers safe and ensure trucking companies diligently follow regulations. Our knowledgeable truck accident lawyers understand these guidelines and can help you determine if the liable party violated them and caused an accident. The most commonly ignored trucking regulations include the following:
Maintenance
Trucking companies are responsible for maintaining their vehicles and ensuring their safety. This includes routine inspections of lighting, brakes, tires, and other systems. Truck drivers should also be trained to recognize brake issues, inspect their tires, and know the inflation requirements. Failing to perform this maintenance can result in unsafe vehicles on the roads that could cause an accident.
Hiring
All truck drivers must have a commercial driver’s license (CDL), and trucking companies must ensure drivers meet this requirement while having a safe driving record. Additionally, drivers should receive routine drug tests and background checks to ensure their safety and the safety of others. If trucking companies do not conduct this testing during their hiring process, they may be letting dangerous drivers on the road who could cause an accident.
Service Hours
Trucking companies and drivers often violate FMCSA guidelines regarding the number of hours drivers can drive. These regulations limit the amount of time drivers can go without a break. For example, drivers must take at least one 30-minute break every eight hours, stop driving after 14 hours, and take a 10-hour break before resuming. Additionally, from the first time drivers go on duty, they cannot work more than 60 hours in seven days, and after this window, they must stay off duty for at least 34 hours. Ignoring these regulations can lead to driver fatigue, making them careless and less alert.
Loading
In addition to trucking companies and drivers, cargo-loading crews have FMCSA regulations to follow. They must ensure the truck’s cargo does not exceed the 80,000-pound weight limit for interstate travel and distribute the load evenly to avoid tipping, flipping, and fishtailing. When crews overlook these guidelines, they put the driver at risk of getting into an accident, causing harm to those involved.
Injured in a Truck Accident? Reach Out to the Experienced New Mexico Lawyers at Dominguez Law to Seek Justice
If you suffer injuries in a truck accident due to the liable party’s negligence of trucking regulations, you have the right to file a claim and seek financial compensation for your losses. However, you may feel unsure where to start or overwhelmed by the complex legal process. Our compassionate personal injury lawyers at Dominguez Law are here to fight for your rights and support you from start to finish.
Our Spanish-speaking attorneys understand that every truck accident claim is different, so we work with you to create a legal plan tailored to your unique needs and circumstances. This personalized service and our commitment to justice give you peace of mind while you focus on recovery. To schedule a free consultation, call us at (505) 850-5854 or fill out our contact form.