Semi-trucks can pose a significant threat to other motorists on the roadways. Although federal regulations are aimed at curtailing dangerous trucking practices, the truth of the matter is that truckers and their employers often skirt these rules.
If you’ve been injured in a truck accident, then one way to build your case is to look at these regulations to see if they were violated before your accident.
What you need to know about hours-of-service regulations
Some of the most important regulations are those that pertain to hours of service. These rules put limits on the number of hours that truckers can operate their vehicles, in an effort to keep tired and fatigued truckers off the road.
So, what are the limits placed on truckers by those regulations? Here are some of the restrictions:
- A cap of 11 driving hours in any 14 consecutive hour period. However, this can only be achieved after taking at least 10 consecutive hours off.
- A mandatory 30-minute rest break after driving for eight consecutive hours.
- A limit of 60 driving hours in a seven consecutive day period or 70 driving hours in an eight-day driving period.
- At least 34 hours off duty before restarting the 60- or 70-hour drive period.
As you can see, these efforts are aimed at ensuring that truckers are rested and attentive behind the wheel. When truckers fail to adhere to these rules, then you could be put in harm’s way.
What if you’ve already been hurt in a truck accident?
If you’ve already been injured in a truck wreck, then you’re probably looking for accountability and some compensation to offset your losses.
Attorneys who are skilled in this area of the law help injured people dig into the evidence to maximize the compensation they can recover.