Sacramento Trucking Accident Lawyer

Federal Trucking Laws

In many cases, truck accidents occur as a result of the failure of truck drivers to adhere to government safety regulations. These safety procedures are established by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and establish protocols for things such as the proper loading of vehicles, safe speeds, and mandatory rest breaks for truck drivers. Violating these guidelines can cause accidents and put innocent people at risk.

Injured in a trucking accident? Contact our office today to seek the compensation you deserve.

How Many Hours Can Truck Drivers Work?

According to the Department of Transportation, truck drivers are required to take a 30 minute rest break for every eight hours spent behind the wheel. If a driver reaches their weekly maximum number of hours, they must take a 34-hour “restart” break prior to resuming work. These breaks are meant to help alleviate driver fatigue and reduce a driver’s chances of falling asleep behind the wheel, as driving for extended periods of time can affect a driver’s natural circadian sleep-wake cycle.

Under federal law, commercial drivers may not:

• Exceed 11 hours driven in one day
• Exceed 70 hours driven per week
• Work for more than 14 hours per day
• Skip required rest breaks

Cargo Securement & Vehicle Maintenance

Drivers and trucking companies are also required to frequently inspect and maintain their vehicles for various safety reasons. Tire treads, windshield wipers, headlights, taillights, trailer hitches, and brakes must all be examined for wear and replaced when necessary. Unless a truck driver has an oversize load permit, trucks are allowed to weigh a maximum of 80,000 pounds to ensure safe maneuverability and preserve the structural integrity of the nation’s roads.

Cargo must be evenly distributed within a vehicle’s trailer and properly secured to prevent shifting during transit. Inflatable dunnage bags, tie-downs, and shoring bars are to be used to ensure cargo is safely in place, especially if the vehicle is transporting hazardous materials. Unrestrained cargo can potentially alter a vehicle’s center of gravity, leading to rollover accidents, jackknifing, and possibly striking other vehicles with loose debris.

Contact a Skilled Truck Accident Lawyer in Sacramento

If you were injured in a collision resulting from a truck driver’s violation of a government mandated safety guideline, you may be entitled to recover monetary damages for your suffering. A hard-hitting Sacramento personal attorney from Eliot Reiner, APLC examine the specific circumstances of your crash and build a compelling case on your behalf in the pursuit of a fair settlement for your suffering.

You may be entitled to recover compensation for the following:

• Medical expenses
• Pain and suffering
• Lost income
• Property damage
• Wrongful death

Having recovered millions of dollars in verdicts and settlements on behalf of our clients, our attorneys can provide the results-driven representation you need to get you through this difficult time. With personalized attention, constant communication, and an unshakable dedication to preserving your well-being, your case is sure to be in excellent hands.

Call (916) 778-3228 to discuss your situation with a knowledgeable legal professional.