What Type of Trucks are Considered Commercial Vehicles?

Truck drivers are very well-known for having long working hours and days on-end of travel. While trucking companies want their drivers to stay on the roads so they can transport goods and cargo quickly, over-worked and under-rested truck drivers pose an enormous threat on American roads. Because large trucks are responsible for delivering over 70% of all goods and products throughout the country, large trucks are scattered about all over the roads. When other drivers are traveling near large trucks whose operators are feeling fatigued, they are at increased risk of being in a catastrophic accident.

Because of the risks that come with tired truck drivers, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration set forth guidelines that truck drivers and their trucking companies must follow. If you were in an Arizona large truck accident and you were injured, connect with the Arizona 18-wheeler accident attorneys at ELG. ELG’s talented and experienced team of Phoneix serious injury attorneys will examine your case and discuss with you the options you have to obtain compensation for your damages.

What Types of Trucks Must Follow FMCSA Rules?

Commercial vehicles traveling about on American roadways must follow the rules and guidelines developed by the FMCSA. Vehicles are considered to be a part of the commercial category if any of the following is true:

1. The weight of the vehicle is more than 10,000 pounds.
2. The weight of the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating is more than 10,000 pounds.
3. The product or material that the vehicle is transporting is hazardous.

Some of the guidelines handed down by the FMCSA include:

• Drivers may work in 14-hour windows
• During the 14-hour window, drivers can drive a maximum of 11 hours
• At least one 30-minute break must be taken during the 11 hours that they drive
• Drives may not drive over 60 hours in a seven-day period or 70 hours for an eight-day period
• Drivers that have completed a seven or eight-day driving period must wait 34 hours before they go back to work

Speak with a Phoneix Personal Injury Attorney Today

While it is up to trucking companies to make certain their drivers are following the requirements that the FMCSA outlines, truck drivers don’t always adhere to them when they hit the road. Sometimes, even the trucking companies themselves can pressure drivers to fudge the rules. When you have been hit by a big rig where the driver was not alert and was under fatigue, there may be more than one party responsible for your damages and losses.

The truck driver themselves, the trucking company, even the owner of the goods that the truck is transporting may all have a fault and be responsible to pay for your damages after your Phoenix truck accident experience. The Phoenix truck accident attorneys at ELG will be able to determine which parties are responsible for your damages and will fight on your behalf to obtain a fair settlement. Call the Arizona personal injury attorneys today to schedule your free consultation at (623) 877-3600. If you prefer remote intake, the Arizona personal injury firm at ELG offers this option as well.