Trucking Laws and Responsibilities
State and Federal trucking rules and regulations have been set in place in order to ensure the safety of drivers and their passengers on the road. Any serious form of misconduct or a willful violation of the laws could place truck drivers and the companies which employ them at risk of facing criminal charges. In the event of a wrongful action that resulted in the injury of an unsuspecting driver, the commercial truck driver and the company that employs him or her could face civil litigation.
As a result of the size and weight of large commercial vehicles, these vehicles can cause catastrophic accidents when not properly handled. If you or someone you know was injured in a collision involving a large commercial vehicle, it is critical to take immediate action and seek experienced legal counsel.
State Imposed Regulations
The State of California enforces rules and regulations regarding large commercial vehicles. The laws enforced in the state have been designed to cover important areas that are not covered by federal regulations.
Trucking laws in California are governed by the Department of Transportation Office of Trucks and Services. The department oversees broad regulations that manage commercial freight, but there are also other departments that oversee other specific areas of the commercial trucking industry. Some of these departments include: The Air Resources Board, which regulates air emissions; The California Department of Motor Vehicles, which manages a truck driver’s ability to maintain their license to operate the vehicle as well as the truck registration; and The California Highway Patrol, which inspects trucks and ensures truck drivers are abiding by traffic laws.
Federally Imposed Commercial Vehicle Rules and Regulations
The U.S. Department of Transportation houses the complete overview of federal trucking rules and regulations, and this can be found under the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. This administration also oversees that commercial vehicle drivers ensure that their vehicle is in proper condition before it is to be used on a public road.
Under this administration, a Truck Inspection and Highway Safety program has been established. Here, truck drivers are tested, trained, and a record of their driver logs is maintained.
Common Causes of Large Commercial Vehicle Accidents
Based on regulations imposed by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, truck drivers are only allowed to operate the commercial vehicle for a certain amount of time. Moreover, drivers are prohibited from being under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
In spite of these strict regulations, however, truck drivers and the companies that employ them sometimes make the mistake of attempting to cut corners in order to arrive at a destination faster and cut down their costs. When an accident occurs, accident victims have the right to pursue legal action against the negligent truck driver for damages.
Speak to an Experienced Trucking Accident Attorney
If you or someone you know has been involved in an accident that was caused because of a negligent truck driver, there may be an opportunity to recover financial compensation for the damages caused. Speak to a qualified attorney who can guide you through the legal process.
The attorneys at the Knez Law Group are exceptionally experienced in the field of trucking accidents. Large commercial vehicles have the ability to cause catastrophic injuries; speak to an attorney who can help you recover the compensation you deserve. Consider contacting the support of the attorneys at the Knez Law Group today.
Matthew J. Knez graduated from the University of Redlands in California with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Creative Writing. He then pursued his law degree at the University of La Verne College of Law in Ontario, California, where he earned various awards, including the CALI Award in Torts, and was on the Dean’s List. During his time in law school, Mr. Knez was a member of the Justice and Immigration Clinic, working with individuals seeking asylum in the United States from countries where they faced persecution or threats of persecution. Additionally, he was an Associate Editor for the Law Review and published an article on California family custody move-away cases. Learn more here.