Due to the dangers inherent in commercial trucking, state and federal governments have enacted numerous rules and guidelines — known as Motor Carrier Safety (MCS) regulations — that seek to make trucking safer. On their face, these regulations require, among other things, that truckers and trucking companies satisfy certain basic requirements relating to truck maintenance, weight limits and drive times.
Unfortunately, these regulations are difficult to enforce and often ignored by drivers and trucking companies who are chasing the almighty dollar. This failure to follow the law puts others at risk and results in thousands of trucking accidents every year.
Regulations For Trucks And Truck Drivers
If you or a loved one has been involved in a truck collision, it is likely that one or more trucking regulations was violated — and potentially caused or led to the collision. Experienced commercial trucking lawyers — like those at Malone Law — can help determine which regulations apply to your case and which regulations were violated by the trucker or trucking company.
Regulations cover all aspects of commercial trucking and apply to both trucks and their drivers. Some regulations that may affect your case deal with subjects such as:
- Licensing — Truck drivers need to be properly licensed — with a commercial drivers’ license — and have the proper endorsements to haul certain cargo.
- Medical exams — Truckers are required to have a medical examination every two years and must carry with them a medical card certifying they passed the examination.
- Hours of service — Federal regulations mandate that truckers drive no more than 11 hours after being off duty for 10 consecutive hours.
- Substance use — Truck drivers are not allowed to carry alcohol in their cab, or use alcohol or drugs while driving — and they may not have used alcohol or drugs in the eight hours before driving.
- Loads and freight — Cargo must be properly loaded, stowed and secured, and hazardous materials are subject additional, strict regulations
- Maintenance — Trucks are required to be inspected annually, truck owners must keep accident logs and truck drivers are obligated to perform pretrip inspections.
Georgia Attorneys Who Understand The Regulations — And Your Concerns
Trucking regulations number in the thousands — and they are constantly changing. When a personal injury case involves the commercial trucking industry, it is imperative that you have an experienced, qualified law firm on your side that knows the industry, the rules and the players. If you or a loved one has been involved in a tractor-trailer accident due to a rollover, brake failure or other truck safety regulatory violation, you are entitled to the best legal representation in the state.
For over 50 years, Malone Law has been providing exceptional legal service to people injured by trucks in the Greater Atlanta area and beyond. With our tradition of excellence on your side, you can rest assured that the best legal team in the area has your back.
To find out more, contact us online or call our office at 770-390-7550.
