Regulations Big Rig Trucks Must Follow

 Posted on January 24, 2017 in Personal Injury

Tractor-trailers pose a huge threat to drivers of passenger cars. If they get into an accident, other cars are no match for such a heavy and large truck. Under trucking regulations, a truck can weigh up to 80,000 pounds. The average car weighs 4,000 pounds.

Because of this danger, trucks must follow additional federal and state regulations aimed at keeping trucks from getting into accidents. If you were injured in an accident involving an 18-wheeler, your case would be helped if it was determined that your accident was caused by the truck’s non-compliance with the regulations.

Consider the following trucking regulations that, if not followed, commonly lead to accidents.

1. Hours of Service Regulations

This set of rules governs how long a driver can drive. For example, a driver cannot drive for more than 60 hours in seven consecutive days or 70 hours in eight consecutive days. In addition, a trucker cannot be behind the wheel for more than 11 hours in a 14-hour on duty shift. After a 14-hour shift, a driver must go off duty for 10 consecutive hours.

2. Driver Logs

Trucking regulations also require truckers to keep driver logs. This can be done manually or automatically and requires a certain level of specificity. Most trucks have “black boxes,” which automatically record metrics like the truck’s speed, breaks taken, and location. This information can be helpful in the event of an accident in order to reconstruct the accident.

3. Inspection, Repair, and Maintenance Records

The regulations require that truck operators see to it that the tractor-trailer is in working condition and that all records relating to the truck’s inspection, repair, and maintenance are kept.

This is another type of documentation that is helpful to have if you are in an accident. By looking at who last inspected or repaired the truck, you may be able to determine additional parties responsible for your accident.

4. Driving Rules

The regulations also provide for specific driving rules truckers must follow, including:

• Not driving while sick or fatigued;
• Not driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs;
• Properly loading cargo; and
• Periodic vehicle inspection.

Contact a Lombard, IL Truck Accident Attorney

A truck accident is far more complex than a car accident. Injuries can be much more severe, and multiple parties could be considered liable for your injuries.

Due to the nature of truck accidents, a lawyer who thoroughly understands trucking regulations should handle these cases. Contact the DuPage County personal injury lawyers at Mevorah & Giglio Law Offices for a free consultation by calling 630-932-9100.