Trucking companies and truck drivers play a vital role in transporting goods across Norfolk and beyond, keeping the economy moving. However, with their massive size and weight, commercial trucks can pose significant risks on the road.
To ensure safety and prevent truck crashes, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has regulations governing many aspects of the trucking industry. If you or a loved one was injured in a truck accident in Norfolk or Virginia Beach, an experienced Norfolk truck accident lawyer at Tavss Fletcher can determine if violations of these federal regulations contributed to the crash and work towards securing the compensation you deserve.
Common FMCSA Regulation Violations Leading to Truck Collisions in Norfolk
The FMCSA enforces various regulations to ensure commercial trucks operate safely and prevent tragic wrecks that cause victims to suffer devastating injuries or be killed. Some common violations of these regulations that often lead to truck crashes include:
Hours of Service Violations
Truck drivers should comply with hours of service regulations limiting their driving hours to prevent trucker fatigue. Violations of these rules can lead to drowsy driving and reduced reaction times, increasing the likelihood of accidents.
Distracted Driving
The FMCSA prohibits truckers from using handheld mobile devices while driving. Truck drivers engaged in texting, talking, or other forms of distracted driving can lose focus on the road and cause serious accidents.
Lack of Proper Maintenance
Trucking companies must follow FMCSA rules on maintaining their trucks in safe operating conditions. Failure to perform regular inspections and necessary maintenance can result in truck crashes if mechanical failures occur while the trucker is on the road.
Inadequate Training
Truck drivers are expected to have proper training and qualifications to operate commercial vehicles. Inadequately trained drivers may struggle to handle unexpected situations, leading to collisions.
Driving Under the Influence
FMCSA regulations prohibit truck drivers from driving when intoxicated and establish strict alcohol and drug testing requirements for commercial drivers. Driving drunk or high on drugs can impair a driver's judgment, vision, and response time, resulting in a dangerous drunk driving collision.
Negligent Hiring
Trucking companies must follow federal rules to hire qualified and safe drivers. Negligent hiring practices that lead to employing drivers with poor driving records or insufficient qualifications can contribute to accidents.
Log Books
Truck drivers are required to accurately record their driving hours in a logbook to ensure compliance with hours of service regulations. Unfortunately, some truckers falsify or fail to maintain these records when driving more hours than permitted, often with the encouragement of the trucking company.