Truck Drivers Who Fail to Comply With the Hours of Services Rules Are Dangerous Drivers
Commercial truck drivers are required to adhere to state and federal laws and regulations in regard to the hours of service that truck drivers are allowed to work. These rules and regulations are in place to keep other motorists that are sharing the roadways safe. If a driver works too many hours consecutively or too many hours in a week, the driver may not be able to safely operate their semi-tractor trailer, leading to a trucking accident. This unfortunately is all too common. Particularly regarding the hours of service rules for truck drivers. The failure to follow these rules could result in serious or catastrophic personal injury.
If you or your loved one was injured in a trucking accident, we encourage you to contact our lawyers at the Caruso Law Offices, P.C. Our experienced trucking accident attorneys in Albuquerque, NM can review your case and the details of the accident to determine if an hours of service regulation was violated.
Hours of Service Rules Explained
The hours of service rules and regulations were created by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). These rules are in place for the safety of truck drivers and other motorists on the road. Hours of service regulations refer to the amount of time a truck driver can drive their semi-tractor trailer during their shift as well as the amount of time a truck driver can operate their truck during the course of a week.
The hours of service rules include the following:
Hours driven in one day – Drivers transporting property can drive for a maximum of 11 hours, but must have 10 consecutive hours off duty in between shifts.
Hours driven in one week – Drivers are limited to work a maximum of 60 hours out of 70 hours in an eight-day period
Breaks – Truck drivers are mandated to take a break of at least 30 minutes after driving eight consecutive hours
Liability For a Trucking Accident Caused by Hours of Service Rule Violation
Liability in a trucking accident case is not always entirely on the truck driver. There are many different parties that can be held responsible for hours of service violations. Trucking companies can be held responsible for hours of service violations if they were aware of the violations and permitted the driver to work beyond what is allowed according to state and federal guidelines.
Proving liability is essential for gaining compensation for your injuries. If fault is not able to be determined, damages cannot be awarded. This is why it is so essential to work with an experienced truck accident attorney who can work to prove liability in order for you to gain the maximum amount of compensation you are entitled to for your injuries.
Our attorneys will conduct an investigation to review the details of the accident, including the truck driver’s behavior, how the driver was operating the semi-tractor trailer and what direction the semi-tractor trailer was driving at the time of the accident. Additionally, our lawyers will review the log book that the driver has detailing the number of hours spent driving. All of these things will help to determine if hours of service have been violated, and if the driver’s behavior was affected due to the violation of hours of service.
Injured in a Trucking Accident Due to Hours of Service Rules For Truck Drivers That Were Not Followed? We Can Help
If you or a loved one were seriously injured when hours of service rules for truck drivers were not followed, ask our experienced trucking accident lawyers at the Caruso Law Offices, P.C. for help. Our experienced lawyers can help you learn what your rights to compensation may be under the law. We offer FREE consultation which you can call to schedule yours by dialing (505) 273-2978 for your consultation.
We handle causes throughout New Mexico, including Las Cruces, Santa Fe, Roswell, Cuervo, Rio Rancho, Clovis, Farmington, Hobbs, Albuquerque where our office is located, and anywhere else throughout New Mexico. Please call to schedule for FREE appointment by dialing (505) 273-2978 or contact us through our website’s easy to use and convenient contact box available here.
