The commercial trucking industry has many rules and regulations designed to protect drivers and ensure the other travelers' safety on the road. Driving hour limitations, weight load requirements, and other safety standards help reduce truck accidents on our highways.
Trucking companies are required by law to follow these safety guidelines, but that doesn’t always happen. If you have been injured due to a truck driver’s failure to follow regulations, the truck accident lawyers at William Mattar Law Offices want to fight to protect your rights. Call (844) 444 - 4444 today to speak to an attorney about your case.
DRIVING HOURS
The New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT) has adopted federal rules and regulations pertaining to truck and interstate highway transportation. One aspect of commercial truck regulations is the maximum time limits drivers are allowed to work behind the wheel. These hour limitations vary depending on the type of truck and the number of consecutive driving days.
According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), driving hour regulations are as follows:
Passenger-Carrying Truck
- 10-Hour Limit: maximum of 10 hours of driving time after eight consecutive hours off duty
- 15-Hour Limit: maximum of 15 hours of driving time after eight consecutive hours off duty
- 60/70-Hour On-Duty Limit: maximum of 60/70 hours of driving time in seven to eight consecutive days of driving
Property-Carrying Truck
- 11-Hour Limit: maximum of 11 hours of driving time after 10 consecutive hours off duty
- 14-Hour Limit: maximum of 14 hours of driving time after 10 consecutive hours off duty
- 60/70-Hour On-Duty Limit: maximum of 60/70 hours of driving time in seven to eight consecutive days of driving; the driver must have 34 or more consecutive hours off duty before driving another seven to eight consecutive days
DRIVER RECORD KEEPING AND SAFETY AUDITS
In New York State, most commercial truck drivers are required by law to keep a daily log book for record keeping purposes. However, there is an exemption for drivers who "released from duty within 12 consecutive hours and operate within 100 air miles from their normal work report location." Motor carriers must also complete a safety audit to gather safety data to ensure adequate safety management controls are in place. These safety audits collect information on the driver qualifications, hours of service, vehicle maintenance, insurance, accident records, controlled substance and alcohol testing, and hazardous material transportation requirements.
UNSAFE TRUCKING ACCIDENTS
Serious truck accidents often occur when trucking companies and their drivers fail to follow safety rules and regulations. At William Mattar, we handle many accident claims resulting from truck crashes caused by a variety of factors, including:
- Inadequate Driver Training: The sizes and weights of commercial trucks can make them more difficult to drive than other passenger vehicles. Trucking companies have a responsibility to ensure their drivers receive adequate safety training before operating vehicles on public roads. If a driver is inexperienced or hasn’t received proper training, they may find certain maneuvers such as wide turns difficult. This can increase the risk of a potential accident, resulting in serious injury to the driver and others on the road.
- Unsafe Driver Schedules: Truck accidents can happen when drivers become fatigued due to exhausting schedules or fail to take mandated rest breaks. Many commercial truck drivers work long hours and travel long distances when transporting goods, equipment, or other materials. Our semi-truck accident lawyers will do our best to help gather the evidence needed and work to determine if failure to follow safety regulations may have contributed to your accident.
- Defective Vehicle Parts: Brakes, tires, and other vehicle parts are critical to keeping trucks safe on the road. According to a study conducted by the FMCSA, about 10 percent of large truck crashes are caused by a vehicle-related issue. These problems, such as faulty brakes or underinflated tires, can be caused by a manufacturing defect or poor vehicle maintenance. If you’ve been injured in a truck accident caused by an unsafe truck, we’re here to help protect your legal rights.
A serious investigation is often needed to help determine which party is legally responsible for a truck accident. If you’ve been injured by a truck, you may be entitled to financial compensation. Our truck accident lawyers want to help protect your legal rights to the compensation you need for your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
WE’RE YOUR RESOURCE
The truck injury attorneys at William Mattar are here to answer questions you have about your truck accident claim. We know the ins-and-outs of the law and can help determine whether a truck driving rule or regulation was violated, resulting in your accident. Contact us today at (844) 444 - 4444, or fill out a free initial consultation form to schedule a consultation now.