A fully loaded tractor trailer in California can weigh up to 80,000 pounds. It is also typically around 72 feet long. Given the incredible size of large commercial trucks, it is imperative that they are operated with the absolute highest safety standards in mind. Corners cannot and should not be cut on safety. Notably, there are many federal regulations in place for commercial trucks. Within this article, our Stockton semi-truck accident attorney provides an overview of the most important trucking industry safety regulations.
Truck Licensing and Training Rules
Truck drivers get their commercial driver’s license (CDL) from their state. However, federal law sets some minimum requirements for state CDL programs. Indeed, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) sets strict rules for licensing, including mandatory medical exams and knowledge and skills testing. In 2022, the FMCSA implemented the Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) regulations, which require new drivers to complete standardized training from a registered provider before taking their CDL skills test. Truck companies need to ensure that their drivers are not only properly licensed, but also they are qualified and trained to drive safely. Operating a large commercial truck is a big responsibility. It requires skill, training, and experience.
Vehicle Maintenance and Inspections Requirements
The truck itself also needs to be in proper working condition. The FMCSA mandates that all commercial motor vehicles be regularly maintained and inspected to ensure roadworthiness. Along with other things, trucking companies must keep detailed records of maintenance and conduct pre-trip, post-trip, and annual inspections.
Drivers are required to complete daily vehicle inspection reports—sometimes referred to simply as DVIRs—in order to identify any defects or issues. The failure to to meet these maintenance requirements can lead to serious safety hazards. These rules are in place to reduce the risk of mechanical malfunctions causing accidents. Non-compliance is negligence.
Hours of Service (HOS) Restrictions
Fatigued driving is dangerous driving. It is a serious concern in the trucking industry and the best estimates suggest that fatigued driving by truckers is a factor in tens of thousands of crashes nationwide each year. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has Hours of Service (HOS) regulations in place to address the issue of fatigue driving.
These regulations limit how long drivers can be on the road and require mandatory rest periods. For example, property-carrying drivers may drive a maximum of 11 hours after 10 consecutive hours off duty. There’s also a 14-hour “driving window” and a 70-hour limit over eight days. Drivers must use electronic logging devices (ELDs) to track compliance.
Cargo Securement Regulations
A truck’s trailer—and the cargo within it—also has the potential to pose a safety hazard. Federal cargo securement regulations require all loads to be properly secured to prevent shifting or falling during transit. These rules are largely based on the North American Cargo Securement Standards. Among other things, they mandate the proper use of tie-downs, straps, and other equipment to keep cargo in place. The number and strength of securement devices must match the type and weight of the cargo. Improperly loaded/secured cargo can contribute to a very serious crash.
California also has State Safety Regulations for Trucking
Most commercial truck companies must comply with federal regulations. The rules apply to all trucks that operate in interstate commerce. California also has its own, even more comprehensive, safety regulations for commercial trucks. These state regulations are administered by the California Highway Patrol (CHP) and are found primarily in California Vehicle Code (CVC) and Title 13 of the California Code of Regulations (CCR). One key thing to know is that the CHP conducts regular inspections of motor carriers’ terminals under the BIT program. The inspection program is focused largely on vehicle maintenance and driver records.
A Serious Truck Accident Should Be Thoroughly Investigated By an Attorney
A serious truck accident should be thoroughly investigated by an experienced attorney. Your lawyer will help to determine exactly what went wrong. An investigation can uncover safety violations that may not be immediately apparent at the scene. Among other things, your attorney will be able to gather critical evidence—from maintenance logs to driver records to electronic logging device (ELD) data—to identify whether or not any federal or state regulations were violated.
Trucking Companies Should Be Held Responsible for Safety Violations
California is a fault-based motor vehicle accident state, including for commercial truck accidents. You can hold a negligent truck company legally responsible for a crash. Notably, a federal safety violation is negligence. For example, if a crash happened because a truck company allowed a driver to violate HOS limits, that company could be legally responsible for a resulting accident.
In California, truck accident victims have the right to seek compensation for both out-of-pocket losses and intangible damages. If a trucker or truck company bears liability for your crash, you may be entitled to recover compensation for: Vehicle repairs, emergency room care, hospital bills, loss of wages, pain and suffering, and other damages.
Why Trust Our Stockton Eighteen Wheeler Accident Attorney
Hurt in a tractor trailer crash in Stockton? You have the right to seek compensation for the full extent of your damages, including non-economic losses. At Redkey Gordon Law Corp, we provide aggressive, solutions-focused advocacy for victims and families. Trucking companies must be held accountable for federal safety violations. Our firm has recovered more than $25 million for victims and families. We believe that case results matter. Your initial consultation with our Stockton, CA truck accident lawyer is free, confidential, and carries zero obligations.
Contact Our Stockton, CA Eighteen Wheeler Crash Lawyer Today
At Redkey Gordon Law Corp, our Stockton eighteen wheeler accident attorney is a knowledgeable, experienced advocate for justice. If you or your loved one was seriously hurt in a crash, please do not hesitate to contact us today for a free, no obligation case review. With a law office in Stockton, our firm handles semi-truck accident claims throughout the region in the San Joaquin Valley.