Accidents That Happen When Commercial Truck Drivers Break Industry Regulations

The trucking industry is an important part of the American economy. There are over 3.5 million professionally certified truck drivers moving cargo around the country at any given time. Every year large truck accidents on the road lead to catastrophic outcomes including severe, disabling injuries, and death. Most often, when trucks and passenger vehicles collide, the devastation that results occurs at a higher rate for the occupants of the passenger vehicles. 

Because large truck accidents have such cataclysmic outcomes, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration designed guidelines that truck drivers must adhere to and trucking companies must support to improve safety on the road. All drivers that have to share the road with commercial trucks are at risk of being in an accident that can have ruinous results which can change a victim’s life forever. Even though these regulations exist, not all trucking companies and truck drivers abide by them. With truck accidents increasing, victims must know if a truck driver was not following the guidelines because this information will be crucial to their Arizona personal injury claim.

What Guidelines Must Truck Drivers and Trucking Companies Follow?

In order to be a professional truck driver, one must go through training and obtain a specialized license. There are three classifications of licenses that a truck driver can obtain and they are Class A, B, or C. Bus drivers and those who driver passenger vans will be issued a Class B and Class C CDL. Truck drivers that will be operating large big rigs will obtain a Class A CDL. 

Those truck drivers with a Class A CDL must abide by specific work and rest schedules:

• Truck drivers cannot work more than 70 hours a week.
• Truck drivers can only drive 11 hours per day.
• After 8 hours of driving, a 30-minute break must be taken.
• Two nights each week a truck driver must rest and not driver between 1:00 a.m. to 5:00 a.m.

There are also common weight and maintenance requirements that Class A CDL drivers must follow including how many axles are on a truck, how heavy a truck can be loaded, and upholding specific routine maintenance of the truck. If any of these guidelines are ignored by a truck driver or a trucking company, the danger they pose to others on the road is increased substantially.

While these regulations are important for improving the safety of our roads, truck accidents cannot be completely prevented. When truck accidents happen, they are often far more complex than when two or more passenger vehicles collide. If you have been injured in an accident with a large commercial truck, working with a Phoenix truck accident attorney will help you navigate the process and secure a fair settlement from all parties that are responsible for paying for your damages. The truck driver, the trucking company, and even the manufacturer of the cargo could all be included in your lawsuit.

Speak with an Arizona Truck Accident Attorney Today

During a free consultation with an Arizona serious injury attorney at ELG, you will learn more about what your legal options are for pursuing the most compensation possible. To schedule your consultation with one of our talented and experienced Spanish-speaking bilingual Phoenix truck accident lawyers, call (623) 877-3600 today.