Our Glen Larson Law Injury Attorneys 18-wheeler accident attorneys in Austin have been pursuing dedicated, driven results for people injured or killed in Austin, Texas for more than 15 years because we know how difficult it is to fully recover from a semi-truck collision.
Our experience and expertise include a firm understanding of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations that monitor safety standards for all freight transit throughout the country.
It is no coincidence that catastrophic accidents occur on our streets and highways when these standards and regulations are violated.
When truck drivers, trucking companies, or another affiliated third party do not prioritize safety over revenue, our Austin personal injury attorneys will pursue the proper liable party or combination of parties for each of our client’s unique recovery needs.
What are the Most Common FMCSA Semi-Truck Regulation Violations in Texas?
The FMCSA guidelines are put in place to keep both the truck driver and other motorists safe on our expansive Texas roadways.
Unfortunately, by nature, there are multiple moving parts to the trucking and transit industry, and at some point, one or more parties may be guilty of violating important regulations that lead to serious 18-wheeler crashes.
Some of the most common semi-truck regulation violations that occur on Texas roadways include:
- Hours of Service Guidelines
The FMSCA Hours of Service Regulations limit how long a semi-truck driver may operate their vehicle without taking a break.
The current hours of service allowed by the FMCSA include:
- After 14 hours on duty, a 10-hour break is required by law in addition to the mandatory thirty-minute break for every eight hours driven limiting the driver to a maximum of 11 hours of drive time per day.
- Traveling no more than 60 hours in seven days, which requires a minimum of 34 hours of off-duty time once the limit is reached.
In addition, all semi-truck drivers are required to record all drive time and break in driving logs that can be reviewed by third parties including law enforcement officials, weigh station staff, the trucking company and our attorneys after an accident occurs.
- The Trucking Company’s Negligent Hiring Practices
Before a driver can operate an 18-wheeler, he or she must obtain and maintain a valid commercial driver’s license (CDL).
Trucking companies must also ensure their drivers are:
- Professionally trained
- Cleared through a full background check
- Drug and alcohol-free
- Physically and mentally fit, based on the medical assessment required by the FMSCA
- Free from traffic violations, including speeding, reckless driving, and driving under the influence
When the trucking company places an unsafe driver behind the wheel of a potentially 80,000-pound vehicle, they may be liable for the collision, injuries, or deaths that occur because of their negligence.
- Improper Loading and/or Maximum Weight Limit Violations
For interstate travel, 18-wheelers can weigh up to a maximum of 80,000 pounds.
All cargo must be properly loaded and secured using FMCSA regulations and standards to avoid braking trouble because the load is too heavy or dangerous shifts that can overturn the truck.
- Maintenance Standards
The FMCSA maintenance standards require the motor carrier to either inspect, repair, maintain, and keep suitable records for all vehicles subject to its control or assign another party to perform the activities to ensure they are in safe operating condition and that defects have been corrected.
How Can I Determine Which FMCSA Regulations Were Violated During My 18-Wheeler Accident in Texas?
Our Glen Larson Law Injury Attorneys 18-wheeler attorneys in Austin, Texas will review the circumstances of your crash to determine which party or combination of parties is liable for your accident and injuries, so you can focus on your physical and emotional recovery.
Our skilled team of legal professionals and support staff, investigative resources, research analysts, medical experts, and accident reconstruction and engineering specialists will lead your case to ensure no detail is left to chance while pursuing the best outcome for your complete recovery needs.
Contact Our Austin Truck Accident Attorneys at Glen Larson Law Injury Attorneys by calling 512-883-0277
To determine who was at fault for your 18-wheeler collision, contact our skilled Austin commercial vehicle accident attorneys at Glen Larson Law Injury Attorneys by calling 512-883-0277 or contact us online today to schedule a free consultation with our bilingual staff who is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week to ensure your legal rights are protected.
