What Are Federal Trucking Regulations?
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) creates and enforces commercial vehicle regulations in U.S. Commercial vehicles, including those that transport cargo or people for compensation. The most common is the semi-truck, also called a tractor-trailer or 18-wheeler.
FMCSA regulations include but are not limited to:
- Insurance requirements
- Hazardous material handling
- Vehicle size and weight limits
- Vehicle inspection and maintenance requirements
- Licensing requirements
- Hours of service limits
- Drug testing and blood alcohol content limits
Most Common Driver Violations
Each year, there are approximately 3 million inspections conducted by state and federal commercial inspectors, according to the FMCSA 2023 Pocket Guide to Large Truck and Bus Statistics. The most frequent driver violations in inspections included the following:
- Failure to obey traffic control device (65,675)
- Speeding (63,661)
- Falsifying a logbook (60,856)
- Failure to use a seat belt (53,638)
- Operating without a CDL (51,401)
- Lane restriction violations (41,531)
- Operating without a valid medical certificate (40,375)
- Electronic log device (ELD) No record of duty status (40,061)
Pennsylvania Trucking Regulations
States also have their own commercial trucking regulations within their borders. Commercial vehicle owners have to register their vehicles in Pennsylvania or under the International Registration Plan and pay the relevant taxes.
Pennsylvania oversees Commercial Driver’s Licenses (CDLs) and endorsements for its residents, although the FMCSA decides CDLs and Commercial Learner’s Permit requirements.
Pennsylvania also manages commercial vehicles’ size and weight. Oversized or overweight trucks must obtain a Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) permit to operate in the state. Trucks may also need permission to use certain bridges depending on the bridge’s weight restrictions and condition.
Truck Regulations & Your Truck Accident Case
Atlee Hall has years of experience handling truck accident cases in Lancaster, PA. Our success is primarily due to our in-depth investigations and trial preparation. We dive deep into your case to uncover not only what happened at the time of your crash but also to learn about the truck driver and trucking company’s history. We assess all the evidence to determine whether your case involved a regulatory violation.
We also work with highly respected trucking experts who understand the close connection between non-compliance and negligence. Motor carriers and drivers who breach their legal duties put everyone on the road in harm’s way. We work to put a stop to that.
Using a Black Box to Determine What Happened
Most trucks have a black box, or electronic data recorder, which records what happened leading up to and during an accident. We can use the information in that electronic data to determine if the trucker violated any state or federal driving regulations. If they did, they may be held responsible for the damages they caused.
Trucking Regulations & Insurance
State and federal regulations control the amount of insurance a trucking company and truck owner must have on their vehicle. If they cause an accident, you will need to discovery how much their policy is worth. It is generally much more than a standard car insurance policy. Thus, you have a better opportunity to obtain a full and fair truck accident settlement to cover your losses.
Did the Trucking Company Violate FMCSA Regulations?
It’s impossible to know whether your case involves a violation of one or more FMCSA or Pennsylvania trucking regulations right away. It may take some time to push through discovery and uncover violations. This can take time, so it’s essential that you consult with a truck accident lawyer as soon as possible.
We recommend working with our truck accident lawyers in Lancaster to ensure experienced attorneys and experts review the evidence. Being able to prove a regulatory violation may boost your compensation claim. It also forces the violator to comply with the law and reduces the risk of another similar accident.
Pennsylvania Truck Accident Laws
Pennsylvania laws that apply to your truck accident case are similar to those that apply to any other personal injury or car accident claim. However, there are some important aspects you should be aware of.
Deadline to File a Claim
There is a very strict deadline, called a “statute of limitations” on your trucking lawsuit. You must file a lawsuit within two years of the date of the accident. If you fail to do this, you may forfeit your right to any recovery – even if you have a strong case.
Determining Liability
Discovering that the trucker or trucking company violated state or federal regulations can help you determine who is at fault and ultimately liable for your accident.
It’s also important to know that Pennsylvania follows a modified comparative negligence rule. That means even if you were partially at fault, you may be able to recover compensation, but your recovery will be reduced by your percentage of fault.
Do I Need a Lawyer If There Was a Trucking Regulation Violation?
Although you’re not required to hire a trucking regulation lawyer to handle your case, it is highly recommended that you work with someone you trust. These cases often involve multiple parties and insurance companies who will try to take advantage of you. By working with a trucking attorney who is experienced with cases like yours, you will have the best opportunity to get maximum compensation.
Contact Our Pennsylvania Truck Regulation Lawyers
If a Pennsylvania truck accident caused you or a loved one harm, you should speak with our experienced truck accident lawyers right away. At Atlee Hall, we have been working with truck accident victims for years. We will get the right experts on your case and look for truck regulation violations immediately.
Call Atlee Hall today at 717-393-9596 or use our online contact form to reach out for a free consultation with a local personal injury lawyer in Lancaster.
Areas We Serve
Our truck accident lawyers in Pennsylvania are based in Lancaster, but we take cases across the state as far west as Allegheny County.
Where Were You Injured?
- Lancaster County
- York County
- Dauphin County
- Adams County
- Columbia County
- Cumberland County
- Juniata County
- Lebanon County
- Luzerne County
- Lycoming County
- Mifflin County
- Montour County
- North Umberland County
- Perry County
- Schuylkill County
- Snyder County
- Union County
