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Houston is a major hub for trucking and transportation, playing a critical role in the state’s and nation’s economy. Due to the high volume of commercial truck traffic, the trucking industry is subject to stringent regulations to ensure road safety. Houston trucking rules and regulations govern the operation of commercial trucks, aiming to minimize accidents and enhance the safety of all road users.
Unfortunately, not all drivers and trucking companies comply with these regulations. When this happens, terrible accidents can result. A Houston truck accident lawyer with Armstrong Lee & Baker LLP is ready to help if you’ve suffered an injury from an accident caused by rules violations. Please contact us for a free consultation.
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) sets comprehensive regulations for truck drivers across the United States. These regulations ensure that drivers operate their vehicles safely and are adequately prepared for their roles.
Truck drivers must comply with strict hours-of-service (HOS) regulations. These regulations limit how many hours they can stay behind the wheel and mandate regular rest periods. These rules are in place to prevent accidents related to fatigue. For instance, drivers can drive a maximum of 11 hours after 10 consecutive hours off duty and must take a 30-minute break after 8 hours of driving.
Commercial truck drivers must possess a valid Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) specific to the type of vehicle they are operating. Obtaining a CDL involves passing knowledge and skills tests covering general truck driving knowledge, vehicle inspection, and road skills.
The FMCSA also mandates regular drug and alcohol testing for truck drivers. This includes pre-employment, random, post-accident, and reasonable suspicion testing. Drivers must maintain a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of less than 0.04% when on duty.
Truck drivers must undergo extensive training before hitting the road. This training covers safe driving practices, defensive driving techniques, and specific operational procedures for different types of commercial vehicles. Ongoing training is also necessary to update drivers on new regulations and technologies.
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In addition to driver-specific regulations, numerous rules govern commercial trucks to ensure their safe operation on public roads.
Commercial trucks must comply with specific size and weight limits. The maximum weight for a commercial vehicle is generally 80,000 pounds, including cargo. There are also restrictions on trucks’ height, width, and length to ensure they can safely navigate highways, bridges, and tunnels.
Federal trucking rules and regulations also mandate regular maintenance of commercial trucks to ensure their safety and reliability. Trucking companies must keep detailed maintenance records and inspect their vehicles regularly. Critical components, such as brakes, tires, and lights, must remain in good working condition to prevent accidents.
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In the unfortunate event of a truck accident, proving non-compliance with Houston trucking rules and regulations is critical to a successful legal claim. A skilled Houston truck accident lawyer can play a pivotal role in this process, holding the responsible parties accountable to help victims receive the compensation they deserve. The following is some information on how an Armstrong Lee & Baker LLP attorney can work to help you achieve justice.
A Houston truck accident lawyer will thoroughly investigate the accident, gathering crucial evidence such as driver logs, maintenance records, and inspection reports. These documents are essential for establishing whether the truck driver or trucking company violated any regulations.
Driver logs, for instance, can reveal if the driver adhered to the FMCSA’s hours of service rules mentioned earlier. Maintenance records can indicate if the company regularly serviced the truck in compliance with safety standards. Inspection reports can show whether the vehicle passed mandatory checks or if there were any outstanding violations. This comprehensive evidence collection helps build a solid case for non-compliance.
Attorneys often work with industry experts who can testify how the truck driver or company failed to comply with regulations. These experts have in-depth knowledge of trucking industry standards and can explain complex technical details to a jury.
For example, an expert might clarify how exceeding weight limits or neglecting maintenance can lead to accidents. Their testimony can be instrumental in making it clear to the court how non-compliance directly contributed to the wreck. Expert witnesses can also address the adequacy of the truck driver’s training and the company’s hiring practices, further strengthening the case.
An experienced Houston personal injury accident lawyer will scrutinize the trucking company’s practices, including their hiring, training, and supervision of drivers. They can use any lapses in these areas to demonstrate negligence and non-compliance with regulations.
For instance, if a company fails to conduct proper background checks or neglects to provide adequate training, this information could be pivotal in proving liability. Your attorney will examine whether the company adhered to FMCSA regulations regarding drug and alcohol testing, driver qualification, and safety performance histories. Highlighting these deficiencies can show a pattern of negligence and regulatory non-compliance.
If you’ve been injured in an accident involving a violation of Houston trucking rules and regulations, contact Armstrong Lee & Baker LLP right away. We have extensive experience handling truck accident cases and can help you deal with whatever challenges may arise. We offer a free consultation to discuss your case and explore your legal options.
Contact us online or call (832) 402-6637 to speak with a Houston truck accident lawyer who will protect your rights and fight for fair compensation.
Scott Armstrong obtains remarkable results for his clients. He has successfully tried numerous cases to favorable verdicts and reached significant settlements on his clients’ behalf, recovering millions for them. Our lawyers have 25+ years of combined experience.
Scott is known for his aggressive approach to every case. He has been recognized as a Rising Star by Super Lawyers, an accolade awarded to only 2.5% of attorneys under forty and practicing for less than ten years. Houstonia Magazine, H-Texas Magazine, and others have recognized Scott as a “top lawyer” in Houston.
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Armstrong, Lee & Baker did an absolutely wonderful job with my case. The resolution of my case was above and beyond what I expected! Shruti, the associate who handled my case showed great professionalism and I could not be more satisfied with the outcome. Thank you all!...
Josh Lee has been the best lawyer. He fights hard for you and will not give up until you are paid what you deserve. We were very fortunate to find him and his team. Any questions or concerns he was available day and night to answer anything we needed!
I had a great experience with this law office. The team communicated effectively and provided clear timelines for my accident case. Their professionalism and transparency made the process smooth. I highly recommend!! Emma Coomes and Dennise were amazing !
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