Waldorf, Maryland Truck Accident Lawyers for FMCSA Violations

Attorneys Addressing Violations of Trucking Regulations in Truck Accidents in Waldorf

When a commercial truck accident occurs, an investigation will often need to be performed to determine the causes of the accident and the parties who were responsible. In many cases, accidents occur because of violations of the regulations that apply to the trucking industry. These regulations are enforced by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), and people or companies who violate regulations can put others at risk of being seriously injured.

The lawyers at Farmer & Klopfer understand the FMCSA regulations that may play a role in truck accident cases. With our experience investigating these accidents and taking legal action against the liable parties, we can build strong cases on behalf of injury victims and make sure trucking companies and truck drivers will be held accountable for violations and other forms of negligence.

Hours of Service Regulations

The FMCSA has put hours of service rules in place that place limits on the hours that commercial truck drivers can work. Truck drivers are limited to driving a certain number of hours per day and during a workweek. They are required to take rest breaks, and they must spend time sleeping while they are off-duty to ensure that they can remain awake and alert while driving.

When a driver violates their hours-of-service limits, they increase the risks of driver fatigue. In some cases, drivers may exceed the allowed number of hours, and they may falsify their logbooks or other records to try to prevent the detection of violations. Our attorneys can review records, uncover hours-of-service violations, and make sure truck drivers and trucking companies will be held responsible for their negligent behavior.

Driver Qualification Standards

The FMCSA requires truck drivers to meet certain qualifications. Trucking companies are required to verify that drivers meet these qualifications before allowing them to operate commercial vehicles. These requirements include having a valid commercial driver's license, receiving the proper training, and meeting standards for vision, hearing, and medical fitness.

A trucking company is required to review the records of drivers, make sure they meet all training and physical fitness requirements, and maintain files showing that drivers meet the proper qualifications. When a trucking company hires a driver who does not meet FMCSA qualifications, or when they fail to conduct background checks, they may allow unsafe drivers to operate commercial vehicles. Our lawyers can review records to determine whether trucking companies were negligent in their duties to ensure that drivers were properly qualified.

Drug and Alcohol Testing Requirements

FMCSA regulations require commercial truck drivers to take regular tests to determine whether they have been using drugs or alcohol. Pre-employment testing is required before a driver operates a commercial vehicle. Random testing must also be conducted throughout the year.

Trucking companies are responsible for testing drivers, and they should remove a driver from service after the failure of a test. A company that allows a driver to continue driving after a positive test result or fails to test drivers as required may be responsible for an accident caused by an unsafe driver. Our attorneys can review testing records and identify violations that played a role in a truck accident.

Vehicle Maintenance and Inspection Requirements

Trucking companies are required to keep commercial vehicles maintained. Regular inspections must be performed, and any issues identified should be repaired before a vehicle is placed into service. Maintenance records must be kept for each vehicle documenting inspections, repairs, and regular service. A failure to perform maintenance, inspect trucks, or repair known issues can lead to issues such as brake failure, tire blowouts, or the failure of steering components, suspension systems, or trailer couplings.

When truck accidents occur because of defective parts, our lawyers can review maintenance records and identify negligence by a trucking company. We can help determine who was responsible for the failure to inspect or maintain a truck.

Cargo Loading

FMCSA regulations detail how cargo should be loaded and secured on a truck. These include weight limits and standards for straps, chains, or other devices used to tie down cargo. Trucking companies or cargo loaders may violate these regulations by overloading a truck or failing to secure cargo correctly.

Our attorneys can review cargo records to determine who was responsible for a truck accident caused by shifting, falling, or overloaded cargo. We can also determine whether defective equipment may have caused cargo to come loose while a truck was in motion.

Hazardous Materials Regulations

Trucks that carry hazardous cargo, such as flammable liquids, corrosive chemicals, or explosives, are subject to regulations that are meant to ensure that these materials can be transported safely. Drivers who transport hazardous materials must have the appropriate qualifications and training. Trucks will need to have the proper systems to keep these materials from spilling or leaking.

When a truck accident involves hazardous materials, our lawyers can help determine whether violations of regulations may have contributed to the accident itself or to the spill of toxic chemicals or other substances. We can help determine who was responsible for an accident and the injuries suffered by victims, making sure they can be held liable for their negligence.

Contact Our Waldorf Truck Accident Attorneys

FMCSA violations can play a major role in truck accident cases. These regulations can be complex, and a close review of multiple types of records will be necessary to identify violations. The team at Farmer & Klopfer has the experience needed to make sure these issues will be addressed correctly. We will fight for the rights of our clients and make sure the parties who were responsible for a truck accident will be held accountable. Contact our Waldorf, MD FMCSA violation lawyers at 301-843-3890 to arrange a free consultation today.