Call Us atCommercial trucks are significantly bigger than usual passenger cars because they need to haul cargo over long distances. This means truck drivers must have a higher level of skill to operate their vehicles safely. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) established certain rules to try to prevent driver errors that could lead to accidents. These regulations include cell phone use, working hours, and vehicle maintenance. Unfortunately, not every trucker or company follows the rules, and if they cause an accident, they could be held responsible. If a driver failing to follow Federal trucking laws in Bothell injures you in an accident, call the Libbey Law Offices and speak to a truck accident attorney to learn about your legal rights and options.
Federal Trucking Laws and Cell Phones
Of all the causes of motor vehicle collisions, distracted driving is the most common because a driver must keep their eyes on the road. This is very important for truck drivers because the sheer size of their vehicle makes it harder to manage and easier to lose control. Anything that takes a driver’s attention away from the road is a distraction, such as:
- The radio
- Eating or drinking
- Reaching for objects
- Billboards or Signs
- And especially cell phone use
With the rise of everyday cell phone use, the FMCSA issued rules specifically prohibiting texting and using cell phones while driving a commercial motor vehicle. The only exceptions are if the driver needs to communicate with law enforcement or emergency services. The penalties for breaking these rules can be severe for drivers, who could face hefty fines or lose their licenses, but these pale in comparison to the injuries accident victims could sustain if a truck hits them.
Authorities could hold a truck driver responsible for causing an accident in Bothell if they break federal trucking laws regarding cell phone usage. An experienced lawyer could help victims pursue a claim against a texting trucker.
Federal Working Hours Regulations
Fatigue also takes the driver’s attention away from maintaining control over their vehicle. Commercial truck drivers must get their cargo across the country, which requires several consecutive hours of driving, and some may neglect sleep in favor of getting to their destination. The FMCSA established regulations on how many hours truck drivers may work and the hours they must be on break.
The agency sets a maximum of 11 hours of driving at a time and requires drivers to take a half-hour break after eight hours. Additionally, drivers may not drive more than 60 hours in a seven-day period or 70 hours in an eight-day period.
The purpose of these time limits is to give drivers a chance to rest and not fall asleep at the wheel. A trucker who fails to follow these rules and causes an accident in Bothell could be liable for any injuries.
Trucking Maintenance Requirements
The long distance and hours that a commercial big rig drives puts a substantial amount of wear and tear on the vehicle’s mechanics and parts. As such, mechanics or operators must regularly inspect the vehicle to ensure its parts are in good working condition and repaired or replaced if not. This is not just common sense—the FMCSA has rules requiring the maintenance of commercial motor vehicles.
The agency’s rules place the burden of maintenance and repair on the drivers and their company. If a poorly maintained wheel comes off on a highway and causes a truck accident, authorities or victims could hold the company responsible. A knowledgeable lawyer could help determine if the trucking company played a role in the accident and pursue a claim against them.
Discuss Federal Trucking Laws With a Bothell Attorney
If you have been hurt by a truck because its driver failed to follow the Federal trucking rules in Bothell, talk to a devoted lawyer at Libbey Law Offices. The driver or the company may be responsible for causing the accident, and you may be entitled to compensation.
Truck accidents can cause severe injuries, but an attorney could help you recover the compensation you deserve. Contact us to discuss your case and explore your legal options.
