Your Trusted Personal Injury Lawyers in Waterford, CT

The trucking industry is regulated at both the state and federal levels. Federal laws, however, address the primary concerns related to the industry. These laws hold truck drivers to strict safety standards.

If someone else’s negligence leaves you injured in a truck accident, you need skilled legal guidance. Consult with an experienced trucking accident attorney at Polito & Harrington LLC as soon as possible to find out what you need to know about federal trucking laws in Waterford.

Primary Federal Regulations

A range of federal regulations apply to trucking operations in Waterford and across the nation. Applicable safety standards are set by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration and are enforced by the state.

Truck Driver Qualifications

Truckers must meet all federal standards for over-the-road drivers. These include being at least 21 years old, carrying a valid commercial driver’s license, having a valid medical certificate, and passing both knowledge and skills tests.

Hours of Service Regulations

Operating a big rig on the open road is an exhausting job. Spending countless hours behind the wheel of a tractor-trailer greatly increases the chances of drowsy driving. As a result, there are careful hours of service requirements in place.

The basics for truckers carrying cargo include the following:

  • They can put in a maximum of 11 driving hours after taking 10 consecutive hours off duty
  • After being on duty for 14 hours following a break of at least 10 hours, they cannot put in any more driving time
  • They must take a break of at least 30 minutes after driving for a period of eight cumulative hours without any interruptions of 30 minutes or more (some or all of their 30-minute break can be work-related)
  • After putting in 60 hours of driving over seven days or 70 hours over eight days, they must take a break of at least 34 hours before putting in another days-long stretch of consecutive driving

Truckers must also acknowledge when they need rest outside of these limitations

Cargo Securement

Cargo securement plays a critical role in safe trucking. When people loading and securing cargo fail to do so correctly, this greatly increases the risk of rollovers and jackknifes. The load must be safely immobilized or secured within the truck’s structure, which must have the strength to hold it safely.

Drug and Alcohol Testing

Commercial truck drivers must follow all federal alcohol and drug testing rules. These address the procedures that such tests must follow, how often the tests must occur, and the substances that the tests must cover.

What Are Possible Losses in a Truck Accident?

If you are involved in a truck accident, your accident claim will address the losses you have experienced as a result of the truck driver or trucking company’s negligence. The incredible impact that a truck accident generates can be associated with serious losses in each of the following categories:

  • Property damage to your vehicle and any of its contents
  • Your medical bills, which are likely to be ongoing
  • Your lost income, including losses to your earning power in the future
  • Your physical and emotional pain and suffering
  • Permanent disabilities

If a trucker or their employer has failed to meet federal regulations, a Waterford lawyer could help you secure the compensation you deserve.

Protecting Your Claim and Recovery

Every truck accident claim is unique, but after any accident, it is critical to obtain the medical care you need and carefully follow your doctor’s advice. After that, you should consult with a seasoned Waterford truck crash lawyer as soon as possible and allow them to handle the insurance companies involved and determine whether the truck driver in your case broke federal rules.

Consult a Waterford Attorney About the Role of Federal Trucking Laws

If a truck accident caused by someone else’s negligence has left you injured, the accident attorneys at Polito & Harrington LLC could determine how federal trucking laws in Waterford apply to your case. Your claim is important. Do not hesitate to give us a call or contact us online.

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