Truck accidents are among the deadliest types of vehicle accidents, due to their weight and high speed. As a driver sharing the road with these trucks, you expect the person behind the wheel to do all they can to keep you safe.
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration has put in place a number of laws to minimize risks to drivers on the road with trucks. Unfortunately, violations of these laws are some of the biggest reasons accidents happen. If injured in apreventable collision, be sure to speak with a Jackson big rig accident lawyer from Hearn Law Firm.
Know the Trucking Accident Risks and Laws Protecting You
Data from the National Safety Council indicates that 5375 large truck accidents resulted in fatalities in 2023, a rate that is 43% higher than it was just a decade before. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration has several types of laws in place to mitigate the risks of accidents with these vehicles. Some of the most common causes of accidents in Mississippi that are violations of these laws include the following:
Hours of Service Violations
One of the most common violations that cause victims to lose their lives is Hours of Service violations, meaning truck drivers are on the road for too many hours at a time without enough break time. This leads to a higher risk of serious injury from a tired driver. These laws require:
- 11 hours as the maximum driving time after having 10 consecutive hours of being off duty
- Those 11 hours must occur within 14 consecutive hours, which begin after the 10-hour off-duty rest period ends. Having a break does not reset this window.
- Drivers must have a 30-minute break after 8 hours of cumulative driving. During this time, the driver can be on duty but not driving, or they can be off duty or in the sleeper berth.
- Drivers cannot work more than 60 on-duty hours in any 7 days or 70 on-duty hours in an 8-day period.
- Additionally, if the weekly on-duty time limit is restarted, the driver must have at least 34 consecutive hours off-duty.
If a truck driver is working beyond these hours, they are at a much higher risk of causing an accident. These risks are a significant factor in many of the accidents that occur.
Truck Maintenance Logs
Trucks must be safe to operate on roadways. To be safe, they must have a maintenance log that demonstrates that the vehicle was properly serviced, based on its time and recommended maintenance. Logs of work done, including who did the work, are necessary.
Truck Driver Skill
Depending on the type of truck, truck drivers must have a proper license. A commercial driver’s license ensures that the driver has had proper training and has proven that they can safely operate a larger tractor-trailer truck.
Hazardous Material Rules
Another cause of serious accidents involves hazardous materials. Truck drivers must have advanced training and inspections to minimize these risks. Numerous stipulations exist.
Intoxication
Drivers cannot be under the influence of any substance while on the road. There is zero tolerance for the use of alcohol or drugs while operating a vehicle.
Seek a Consultation If You Are At Risk
If you were hurt in a trucking accident, turn to Hearn Law Firm to learn what your legal options are. Our truck accident lawyer has ample experience fighting for victims. Call or contact us online today for a free consultation.