In 1939, the federal government began to regulate the interstate trucking industry. The goal was to ensure safe operation of trucks to prevent catastrophic injuries. Today, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) governs the industry by establishing various regulations and requirements.
The attorneys at Herrman & Herrman, P.L.L.C. combine their experience with a thorough knowledge of both federal and state regulations. With those resources, we provide personalized and aggressive representation for our clients suffering serious truck accident injuries or mourning the death of a family member in a crash.
For legal help in getting you back on the road to recovery, contact us at our Corpus Christi office at 361-693-5593 or our McAllen office at 956-622-4200.
Rules of Truck Drivers
The most common federal regulations governing the trucking industry and used to pursue damage against negligent trucking companies include:
- Safety fitness procedures — Established safety procedures determine the fitness of a large truck, and ratings are designated based on these procedures.
- Minimum insurance coverage — Trucking companies are required to carry a minimum amount of insurance and significant financial responsibility to insure commercial truck operations.
- Qualifications of drivers — Certain standards and expectations must be met before a driver can operate a semi truck. The driver must be at least 21 years of age, able to speak enough English to understand simple conversations and read traffic signs, and must hold a valid commercial driver's license.
- Operation of commercial vehicle — Specific rules apply for a commercial truck driver. Those include alcohol and drug prohibitions and periodic stringent physical examinations with specific physical requirements.
- Inspection, repair and maintenance — Trucking companies must conduct frequent, routine inspections and repairs prior to a lengthy trip. Inspections should cover lights, reflectors, mirrors and windshields. Engine safety inspections involve checking the radiator, engine fan and belts, alternator, water pump, oil and more.
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