Trucking Accidents And Federal Regulations: What You Need To Know
Every day, thousands of tractor-trailers travel Florida’s highways carrying goods across the state and country. While trucking is vital to the economy, it can also pose substantial risks. A fully loaded semi can weigh up to 80,000 pounds. This makes any collision catastrophic for those in smaller vehicles. When crashes do occur, understanding the role of federal trucking regulations is important to proving negligence and securing compensation for the victims.
Why are federal rules important?
The trucking industry is regulated by both Florida and Federal law under the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). These regulations are designed to substantially reduce accidents, standardize safety practices, and hold carriers accountable for negligence. When a truck driver or company ignores these rules, it often becomes powerful evidence in a personal injury or wrongful death lawsuit.
Important safety rules for truck drivers
Several federal requirements frequently come into play in accident litigation. These include:
- Hours of service rules – Truck drivers must follow strict limits on how many hours they can drive before taking a mandatory break. Fatigue is a leading cause of truck accidents, and electronic logging devices now track compliance.
- Vehicle maintenance standards – Trucks are required to undergo regular inspections, repairs, and maintenance. Those who skip these steps can cause brake failures or tire blowouts, which endanger everyone.
- Licensing and training – Drivers have to hold a valid commercial driver’s license (CDL) and meet medical qualifications. Employing unlicensed or medically unfit drivers can expose a company to liability.
- Drug and alcohol testing – Carriers are required to test drivers regularly to ensure they are not impaired while operating a commercial vehicle.
How regulation violations lead to liability
When a trucking accident does occur, attorneys generally investigate whether violations of federal or state law contributed to the crash. For example:
- A driver exceeding hours of service limits and falling asleep at the wheel
- A company failing to service the brakes on their big rig, which leads to a malfunction
- A carrier hiring or retaining a driver with a poor safety record
In the aforementioned scenarios, both the driver and the trucking company can be held liable. Proving these violations can strengthen a personal injury case. It can also support claims for punitive damages when the conduct shows a reckless disregard for safety.
The importance of fast legal action
Trucking companies and their insurers respond immediately after a crash. They often send investigators to the scene of the accident within hours to protect their own interests. Victims need someone on their side to act just as quickly. Evidence such as driver logs, black box data, and maintenance records can be lost or destroyed if they aren’t preserved right away.
This is where an experienced personal injury attorney is vital. Your attorney will know how to demand this evidence and use it to build a strong case.
Talk to a Jacksonville, FL, Truck Accident Lawyer Today
Gillette Law represents the interests of victims in truck accident lawsuits filed against negligent companies. Call our Jacksonville personal injury lawyers today to schedule an appointment, and we can begin discussing your next steps right away.
