State and Federal Trucking Regulations
Commercial trucks are vital elements of our supply chain throughout the United States. They transport all types of products and supplies nationwide. Unfortunately, these large vehicles pose significant dangers on the road.
For that reason, federal and state governments heavily regulate the trucking industry. However, trucking regulations do not prevent accidents from happening.
Our undefeated Houston truck accident lawyers at Zehl & Associates Injury & Accident Lawyers have extensive experience handling these cases. We’ve won billions of dollars for our clients in settlements and jury verdicts.
If you’ve been injured, contact our law firm to schedule a free case assessment. We’ll discuss how we can help you file a claim for damages after a truck crash in Houston, Texas.
Table of Contents
- How Our Undefeated Houston Personal Injury Lawyers Can Help You With a Truck Accident Claim
- Federal Trucking Regulations
- Texas Trucking Regulations
- How Can Violations of Trucking Regulations Impact My Houston Truck Accident Case?
- Schedule a Free Consultation With Our Undefeated Houston Truck Accident Lawyers
How Our Undefeated Houston Personal Injury Lawyers Can Help You With a Truck Accident Claim
Sorting out liability in a truck accident claim can be complicated. When drivers or employers violate Texas Motor Carrier Safety Regulations or Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations, it can increase the complexity of the personal injury case.
Experience matters if you are fighting for fair compensation for damages. At Zehl & Associates Injury & Accident Lawyers, we have the resources to take on large trucking companies and insurance providers. We are highly rated by Super Lawyers, The National Trial Lawyers, and The National Law Journal.
When you hire our top-rated truck accident lawyers in Houston, you can rest assured that we will:
- Fully investigate the cause of the truck accident
- Gather evidence proving who is responsible for the truck crash
- Work with leading trucking industry specialists, accident reconstructionists, and other expert witnesses
- Monitor the investigation of the truck accident by state and federal law enforcement and other agencies
- Assist you in gaining access to medical specialists and the best doctors to ensure your health is a priority and to document the extent of your injuries
- File claims and aggressively negotiate settlements with insurance providers, trucking companies, and other liable parties
- File a lawsuit and argue your case at trial if necessary
Call Zehl & Associates Injury & Accident Lawyers today to schedule a free case evaluation with one of our record-breaking truck accident lawyers in Houston, TX.
Federal Trucking Regulations
The FMCSA (Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration) is the agency that oversees commercial drivers and vehicles. FMCSA regulations cover most commercial vehicles transporting people or goods from state to state.
Many of the regulations address truck safety issues, such as:
- Mandated rest periods for truck drivers to prevent them from driving while fatigued and drowsy
- Hours of service rules to prevent truck drivers from staying behind the wheel of a truck for hours without breaks
- Mandatory training requirements for commercial truck drivers
- Reduced BAC levels for commercial truck drivers to reduce the risk of drunk driving accidents
- Mandatory drug and alcohol testing for truck drivers
- Strict rules governing the maintenance, inspection, and repair of trucks
- Mandatory background checks by employers before they allow a driver to operate a commercial truck
Even though the federal government enforces these regulations, it does not mean that trucking companies and drivers always follow the rules. Our Houston truck accident attorneys will carefully analyze the factors involved in the collision to identify violations of trucking regulations. If violations occurred, it could strengthen your claim for damages.
Texas Trucking Regulations
In addition to federal trucking regulations, Texas has adopted the Motor Carrier Safety Regulations that apply to commercial vehicles operating within the state. Most of the regulations follow the federal laws, but some exceptions exist. For example, truck drivers in Texas have different hours of service rules.
Determining whether state or federal trucking regulations apply in your case is one of the complex issues related to truck accident claims. Our Houston personal injury attorneys at Zehl & Associates Injury & Accident Lawyers have extensive knowledge of state and federal trucking regulations and safety laws.
How Can Violations of Trucking Regulations Impact My Houston Truck Accident Case?
Many truck accidents occur because of negligent behavior. Before receiving economic and non-economic damages in a truck accident claim, you must have evidence of negligence. The evidence must prove that the party’s negligent conduct was the cause of the 18-wheeler crash.
Violations of trucking regulations can be a factor in the cause of the accident.
Common situations where negligence and violations of trucking regulations can lead to a truck accident include:
- Distracted driving
- Stress and driver fatigue
- Improperly loaded cargo
- Failure to maintain, inspect, and/or repair a truck
- Altering driver logs to violate hours-of-service rules
- Failing to perform background checks
- Allowing truck drivers to remain on the road with driving violations or failed drug/alcohol tests
Trucking companies can be held liable for the negligence of their truck drivers. Our Houston truck accident lawyers will aggressively pursue all parties responsible for your injuries for the total value of your damages.
Schedule a Free Consultation With Our Undefeated Houston Truck Accident Lawyers
Don’t let the trucking service or its insurance company bully you into accepting a settlement offer that does not compensate you for all damages. Contact Zehl & Associates Injury & Accident Lawyers at 888-603-3636 to talk with one of our undefeated Houston truck accident attorneys. Let us help you obtain a fair settlement for your case.
We’re ready to address your concerns, clarify your legal rights and options, and equip you with the essential insights to make the best decisions for you and your family.
Every initial consultation is free, and you will not be charged unless we win your case.
Discover the victories we’ve secured for victims of truck accidents by visiting our “Results” page or click here to read testimonials from our clients about their experiences with our firm.