Truck drivers operating commercial motor vehicles must follow strict federal trucking regulations while observing a heightened duty of care to other drivers. When negligence or failure to follow federal regulations leads to a truck crash, anyone injured can seek compensation through a personal injury claim.
Federal trucking laws in Pasadena apply to drivers of certain commercial vehicles. When large trucks cause wrecks, victims can suffer catastrophic injuries. If a truck crash has impacted you or a loved one, a dedicated tractor-trailer accident attorney from Williams Hart & Boundas can help.
Understanding Federal Trucking Regulations
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) sets and enforces regulations affecting all aspects of commercial trucking. Federal regulations are extensive and cover issues including:
- Physical fitness to drive
- Specialized training to drive
- Hours of service and logging requirements
- Licensing to operate commercial motor vehicles
Additionally, Pasadena trucking regulations under federal law prohibit the consumption of alcohol or other substances that can impair their ability to drive within eight hours of their driving shifts. Commercial truck drivers must maintain a blood alcohol content of .02 percent or less and cannot transport alcohol unless it is cargo. Such regulations are far more strict than those faced by regular drivers of passenger vehicles.
When commercial truck drivers violate any FMCSA regulations and an accident results, their violations can constitute negligence. Our knowledgeable attorneys can help investigate and pursue damages.
What Is a Commercial Motor Vehicle?
According to the FMCSA, a commercial motor vehicle (CMV) is any motor vehicle used on a highway for interstate commerce purposes to transport property or passengers. Additionally, the vehicle must meet one of the following standards:
- Is used to transport hazardous materials that require federal placarding
- Have a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of 10,001 pounds or higher
- Is a single vehicle or a combination of vehicles with a GVWR of 26,001 pounds or more
- Is designed to transport more than eight passengers for pay, or more than 15 passengers when it does not involve pay
For federal regulation purposes in Pasadena, the law does not consider trucks that fall below these weight thresholds or standards to be CMVs. Therefore, after any truck accident, it is important to note the type of truck involved and what, if any, federal regulations apply to that vehicle. Our attorneys can review the specific facts of your case.
Impacts of Federal Trucking Regulations
Some of the most important nationwide requirements for truckers operating commercial vehicles in Pasadena involve training and hours of service requirements. Both intend to make sure truckers are properly qualified and can operate their vehicles skillfully while driving.
State law mandates that truck drivers must go through hands-on training with qualified instructors for the required number of hours to gain eligibility for a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL). The state issues CDLs, but it too must comply with federal safety standards.
To combat drowsy driving and avoid collisions, commercial truck carriers must also follow strict federal regulations for hours of service. Truck drivers can only operate a commercial truck for 11 consecutive hours, after they have had at least 10 hours off. Commercial truckers are also limited to 14 total hours of operation per workday. Violations of these laws can have dangerous consequences for other drivers.
Call Our Pasadena Attorneys Regarding Federal Trucking Laws
Commercial truck drivers must follow federal trucking laws in Pasadena to keep themselves and others safe. When drivers of large vehicles do not follow the rules, devastating accidents can happen. If you or a loved one suffered harm in a truck crash, our proven lawyers can help. Contact our dedicated legal team today to learn more.