Federal Trucking Regulations

Accidents involving large commercial trucks can be among the most dangerous on the road. Regardless of how safely a person drives, other vehicles may simply be unable to withstand the power, weight, and momentum of an 18-wheeler. To curb this danger and risk of catastrophic injury, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) issues strict regulations that oversee almost all aspects of the trucking industry. However, according to the FMCSA, just under half-a-million truck-related accidents occurred in the U.S. in 2014 alone—many due to one or more violations of these regulations.

When an accident occurs due to the negligent driving behavior of a trucker, they can be held legally responsible for resulting damages. If you or a loved one has suffered an injury in a collision with a commercial truck, contact Rourke & Blumenthal and tell us what happened. Our Columbus truck accident attorneys possess an in-depth understanding of federal trucking regulations and know where to investigate to help determine if a violation played a role in your accident.

FMCSA Trucking Regulations

Largely put in place to help ensure that drivers on the road remain safe, the FMCSA regulations govern areas such as trucking maintenance and hours of operation as well as the actions of a trucking company. In the event of an accident, one of the first questions to ask is, “Did the operator or trucking company violate a federal regulation?” Companies and drivers alike are required to keep detailed documentation about the operation of their vehicles.

In the past, these records were kept with pencil and paper. Today, records are kept on electronic on-board recorders (EOBR) and electronic logging devices (ELD). Depending on the circumstances of an accident, a truck driver, a trucking company, and the manufacturer of the truck equipment may incur liability.

Areas that are subject to one or more federal regulations include:

• Driver certification
• Language requirements
• Trucking inspections and maintenance
• Load and cargo requirements
• The total hours a trucker is allowed to drive
• Proper maintenance of accurate records

Injured in a Truck Accident? Call (614) 321-3212.

At Rourke & Blumenthal, we understand how stressful being injured in an accident can be. Between dealing with insurance companies and paying medical bills, it can be difficult to know where you can turn for help. Know that you are not alone in this struggle, and our firm can help you to seek compensation for medical costs, missed work, and reduced income potential as well as for your pain and suffering. Our Columbus truck accident attorneys have a proven history of success in accident cases and can help you to seek the restitution that you deserve.