Commercial trucks are subject to many regulations, which are designed to ensure safety on the roadway. While operations and safety standards are issued and governed federally, states also have their own regulations. Violations of these rules can cause accidents and lead to serious ramifications for the truck driver and those they harm. If you have been harmed because of a driver’s violation, a Pennsylvania truck accident lawyer can fight for you.
Munley Law represents you when you have been injured because a truck driver was violating commercial trucking regulations. We help you hold them accountable for their negligence and for breaking the law, which is an egregious safety hazard that puts motorists like you at risk. We stand up to the driver and trucking company on your behalf and help you get the results and justice you deserve.
What Qualifies as a Commercial Truck
According to Pennsylvania’s Trucker’s Handbook, a commercial vehicle is any vehicle that is used to transport goods, passengers, or hazardous materials and possesses a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of more than 26,000 pounds. These vehicles may be used in interstate or intrastate commerce and activities. Commercial truck drivers are also required to register with the FMCSA and receive a USDOT number for identification and monitoring.
Commercial Truck Regulations in Pennsylvania
The trucking industry is heavily regulated by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) has the power to regulate and oversee trucking operations originating within the state. These regulations are an essential part of smooth operations and preventing accidents. While there are many, there are some key rules that all truck drivers must follow or else risk legal action.
Size and Weight
A truck’s mass and load impact its ability to stop, avoid hazards, and may even make it more susceptible to tipping over or causing harm. As such, there are size and weight limitations applied to commercial trucks to help ensure safe operations. A truck’s weight must be less than its GVWR, and its length must not be more than 40 feet for a single trailer or 53 feet for a double trailer. There are serious consequences for the driver if weigh station violations are discovered.
Commercial Driver’s License
All commercial truck drivers are required to hold a commercial driver’s license (CDL) to operate the vehicle and show they have obtained the necessary skills. There are three different classes of CDLs, and each reflects the amount of weight an operator is qualified to drive. Additionally, endorsements may be required to drive or transport specific cargo or additional weight. Restrictions may also be issued if there are some exceptions to an operator’s CDL.
Hours of Service Regulations
Commercial truck drivers are required to follow all Hours of Service (HOS) regulations to limit driver fatigue and maintain alertness. For truck drivers carrying cargo, drivers may drive no more than 11 hours and work more than 14 hours after taking 10 hours off rest. A 30-minute break must be taken after eight consecutive hours of driving, and drivers may not drive more than 60 hours in seven consecutive days or 70 hours in eight consecutive days.
Regular Inspections and Maintenance
Trucks cover thousands of miles and carry heavy loads, all of which put a lot of wear on the vehicle. Drivers are required to have their trucks inspected every year to ensure that all systems are working as intended and can be fixed if not. Drivers should also ensure that all vehicle systems are properly maintained and meet Pennsylvania’s mechanical requirements.
Liability Insurance
Truck drivers are required to maintain liability insurance to cover accidents if they occur. At a minimum, drivers are required to carry $15,000 for bodily injury or death for one person, or $30,000 for more than one person. They must also carry at least $5,000 to cover property damage. If an accident should occur, drivers should follow the same steps that any other driver would be required to follow. Drivers may also face stringent penalties if they are uninsured.
Repercussions for Failing to Comply with Pennsylvania Commercial Truck Regulations
When trucks fail to follow state or federal regulations, they can be held liable for violations and any harm they cause to other motorists. DOT compliance in Pennsylvania is taken seriously, and they will enforce regulations through fines and other penalties as appropriate for the offense.
Drivers who violate commercial truck regulations may receive points against their driving record. They may be subject to other punishments as well, such as fines, a restricted, suspended, or revoked license, or prison time. The consequences of violating these regulations may vary depending on the type and severity of the offense that was committed.
Holding Truck Drivers Accountable for Violating Regulations
If you have been injured as a result of a truck driver’s violation and need help holding them accountable, an experienced truck accident attorney can assist you with taking the necessary action to do so. With their help, you can ensure the driver’s actions are accurately reported to the proper authorities and entities.
Your lawyer can also investigate the accident and its cause by obtaining evidence and reviewing the truck’s black box and driver log data, surveillance, and licensing details. Once they gather and review this information, they can use it to demonstrate that the driver was negligent. You may also be able to seek compensation from the driver to recover your losses.
Munley Law Helps You Hold the Truck Industry Accountable
Munley Law is equipped to hold commercial truck drivers and companies accountable when they fail to comply with state and federal regulations. Not only are these serious violations, but they also cause serious harm and injury. We will fight for you and ensure that the party responsible provides you with the necessary compensation to offset the impact of your losses. Schedule a free consultation with one of our attorneys today to discuss your options.
