How Can Trucking Violations Cause an Accident?

Commercial truck drivers are governed by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). This Administration enforces strict regulatory guidelines for a reason. The reason is to minimize the number of accidents involving commercial trucks, whether minor or catastrophic, that occur on the roads. With that being said, please follow along to find out how a trucking violation can lead to an unfortunate accident event and how a proficient Passaic County truck accident lawyer at the Law Offices of August R. Soltis can help if this has happened to you.

In what ways can a trucking violation cause an accident?

You may have most commonly heard about the FMCSA’s Hours of Service (HOS) regulations. This limits the amount of time commercial truck drivers can be behind the wheel. For example, they are restricted to 60 hours on duty in seven consecutive days, or 70 hours in eight days. This is because, when a truck driver is drowsy or fatigued, their judgment and attentiveness may fade away, increasing the likelihood of a collision. 

In addition, there are specific drug and alcohol guidelines applied to truck drivers. For instance, they may be accused of impaired driving if their blood-alcohol content (BAC) level is 0.04 percent or higher, while a standard motor vehicle driver must be 0.08 percent or higher. What’s more, they are prohibited from drinking alcohol within four hours of operating a commercial truck. It goes without saying that there is a direct link between drunk driving and auto accidents. 

Last but not least, truck drivers must comply with certain safety standards before hitting the road, so to speak. For one, they must inspect their commercial vehicle to ensure their cargo is properly secured and it does not weigh over 80,000 pounds. Otherwise, the chances of having a rollover accident are high. And due to its sheer mass, colliding with a standard motor vehicle may undoubtedly leave another driver(s) with catastrophic injuries and damages. 

How long do I have to file a truck accident claim?

Whether you have reason to believe that a commercial truck driver was asleep, intoxicated, or driving a poorly loaded vehicle, you may have valid grounds to file a truck accident claim. While you may prioritize your immediate medical concerns for your incurred injuries, you must not lose sight of the deadline to receive financial compensation for them. That is, in the state of New Jersey, you may be held to a two-year statute of limitations. 

It is worth mentioning that filing against a truck driver or trucking company may be more difficult than if you were dealing with another standard motor vehicle driver. Rest assured, at the Law Offices of August R. Soltis, we treat every case with kid gloves, and you will notice this upon your initial phone call. So please do not hesitate to allow a talented Passaic County auto accident lawyer to represent you in your upcoming case.