Texas truck drivers are subject to strict rules and regulations. However, not all drivers—or trucking companies—adhere to these laws. There are many ways that trucking companies break state and federal laws, including hours of service violations, poor maintenance, and the hiring of unlicensed drivers.
Hours of Service Violations
According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), truck drivers must follow strict regulations regarding when they can drive and when they must take a break. For example, drivers carrying property cannot drive more than 11 hours after 10 consecutive hours off duty. Additionally, drivers must take a 30-minute break when they have driven for 8 cumulative hours.
However, trucking companies can sometimes impose high workloads and strict deadlines on their drivers. Due to this pressure, drivers are encouraged to violate hours-of-service regulations and drive longer than they are allowed. As a result, drivers become fatigued and may turn to drugs to stay awake. This situation poses significant danger to truck drivers and other vehicles on the road.
Loading Violations
Large trucks cannot weigh more than 80,000 pounds while crossing state lines. If a truck exceeds the weight limit, it can become difficult to maneuver properly or stop in the event of an emergency. Some trucking companies ignore these rules and load more cargo than allowed in order to meet delivery demands.
A truck that exceeds the weight limit can become too heavy for a driver to operate, increasing the chances of a severe accident. Additionally, trucking companies can fail to load cargo properly, leading to objects that may fall out of the vehicle and strike other cars on the road.
Failure to Perform Regular Maintenance
The FMCSA also imposes maintenance standards for commercial trucks. Trucking companies must ensure that their vehicles are in safe working condition and perform regular inspections to assess their performance. If the company detects an issue, it must send the vehicle in for maintenance as soon as possible.
However, some trucking companies ignore these issues in favor of saving money. These entities may fail to perform regular inspections or maintenance at all, causing trucks to fall into disrepair. As a result, a vehicle malfunction can easily cause a severe truck collision.
Hiring Violations
Texas truck drivers must be properly trained and hold the appropriate commercial driver’s license. However, some trucking companies can fail to properly screen employees and validate their credentials. In some cases, a company may hire inexperienced drivers and fail to properly train them.
When an inexperienced or unlicensed driver operates a heavy-duty commercial truck, the consequences can be disastrous. The driver could easily lose control of the vehicle and cause a serious accident.
What to Do After a Texas Truck Accident
Violating state and federal trucking regulations can result in devastating accidents. If you are involved in a Texas truck accident, you can hold the driver and his or her employer accountable for your losses.
In these situations, you need a lawyer on your side. A Texas truck accident attorney can represent you in an insurance claim or lawsuit against the driver and the trucking company, helping you recover the compensation you deserve.
After your accident, call 911 to report the accident to the police and seek emergency medical attention for your injuries. After receiving treatment, contact a McAllen truck accident lawyer to discuss your legal options.
