Semi-trucks pose a significant risk to other motorists. A simple mistake in these big rigs can have serious ramification, resulting in a truck accident that leaves victims with serious injuries, including brain and spinal cord injuries. Some of these victims are left permanently disabled. Other die. Sadly, even though minor errors can cause these tragic results, truckers often make more egregious mistakes that are easily preventable.
This is why federal regulators have stepped in. By implementing certain rules, they hope to better ensure safe trucking and protect the public. One of the most important trucking regulations is that which pertains to hours of service. These regulations dictate how long truckers can stay on the road and when they have to take breaks. The aim is to prevent trucker fatigue and the risks that come with it.
Under these regulations, a trucker can only drive for 11 hours after taking 10 consecutive hours off. Additionally, after his or her 10-hour rest period, a trucker can only drive through the 14th hour. Rest breaks are mandated by the regulations, too, indicating that a trucker can only operate his or her vehicle if eight hours or less have passed since his or her last off-duty period or after at least a half-hour in his or her sleeper berth. Lastly, the regulations indicate that a trucker can only drive up to 60 hours in any seven consecutive days, or 70 hours in any eight consecutive days. A mandatory 34-hour rest period is implemented following these consecutive driving days.
Unfortunately, many truckers choose not to adhere to these regulations. When an injurious truck accident results, then legal action is justified. Truck accident victims can work with a skilled attorney who will know how to subpoena certain records and witness testimony to better show negligence and causation. If successful, compensation may be recovered for damages suffered.