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Attorneys for Truck Compliance Accidents

Trucking compliance violations cause accidents, but you need help to prove your case when you suffer injuries. Our experienced truck accident lawyers can help you put the blame where it belongs. Contact the Wilshire Law Firm to pursue the compensation you deserve. We’ve recovered over $1 billion for clients. Call us 24/7 at (800) 501-3011.

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Attorneys for Truck Compliance Accidents

Trucking compliance violations cause accidents, but you need help to prove your case when you suffer injuries. Our experienced truck accident lawyers can help you put the blame where it belongs. Contact the Wilshire Law Firm to pursue the compensation you deserve. We’ve recovered over $1 billion for clients. Call us 24/7 at (800) 501-3011.

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Home » Truck Accident Lawyers » Negligence Causes » Trucking Compliance Violations

Table of Contents:

Violations in Trucking Compliance

Trucking compliance refers to violations of regulations and laws that govern the operation of commercial motor vehicles (CMVs) such as trucks, buses, and others. These violations can lead to accidents that result in property damage, injury, or even death. As a result, compliance with regulations is crucial to ensure the safety of everyone on the road.

Trucking Compliance - Who Sets the Rules?

In the United States, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) sets the standards and regulations for CMV operation. [1] These regulations detail a trucking company compliance checklist, including driver qualifications, service hours, vehicle maintenance, and cargo securement, among others. Violations of these regulations can lead to severe consequences for drivers and carriers, including fines, loss of license or operating authority, and even criminal charges in extreme cases.

How Do Trucking Compliance Violations Affect Your Lawsuit?

A truck accident lawyer can use the existence of compliance violations when filing a lawsuit to prove negligence. Negligence is a vital feature of a case without which the court will disallow the claim. Your injury lawyer may send an investigative team to the crash site. At the scene, they may look for evidence that proves negligence by utilizing various methods. Some common ones are:
  • Examining the site for evidence: The investigators scour the site for signs of negligent behavior. They mark the perimeters of the accident scene and use reconstruction techniques to determine liability.
  • Surveillance cameras: The investigators will obtain videos of the crash from traffic and local business cameras. Digital footage shows how the accident occurred and who is at fault.
  • Interview witnesses: This strategic method obtains eyewitness accounts of the accident.
  • Investigative mechanic evaluation: Mechanical engineers inspect the truck for compliance violations. If violations exist, they will help prove negligence or intentional neglect.
  • Examine the police report: This document is valuable and often a part of insurance negotiations and court cases. Mistakes could adversely affect the outcome of the trucking compliance violation accident case.
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7 VIOLATIONS TO AVOID

Types of Trucking Compliance Violations

Compliance with regulations is essential for ensuring the safety of everyone on the road. Carriers and drivers who prioritize safety and adhere to rules can help prevent accidents and minimize the risk of severe consequences in the event of a crash.

Some common types of truck accident compliance violations include:

DOT hours-of-service rules and violations:

Drivers must adhere to strict limits on how much time they can spend behind the wheel to prevent fatigue-related accidents. Breaches of these limits can lead to fines and other penalties. [2]

Driver qualification violations:

Drivers must meet specific qualifications to operate a CMV. These qualifications include passing a medical examination, having a valid commercial driver's license (CDL) and meeting age and experience requirements.[3]

Vehicle maintenance violations:

Carriers are responsible for maintaining their vehicles in safe and working condition. Failure to do so can result in mechanical malfunctions that lead to accidents.

Cargo securement violations:

Carriers are responsible for properly securing their cargo to prevent it from shifting or falling off the vehicle while in transit. Failure to do so can lead to accidents or damage to other cars on the road.

Equipment violations:

These can include issues with the brakes, tires, lights, steering, suspension and other mechanical components of the truck.

Drug and alcohol violations:

Impairment can occur when a driver is operating a vehicle under the influence of drugs or alcohol

Logs:

Record-keeping violations can occur when a company fails to keep accurate documentation of truck maintenance, driver logs, and other required paperwork

What Happens with an Hours of Service Violation

The penalties for hours of service (HOS) violations for commercial truck drivers can vary depending on the severity and frequency of the infraction. [4] The following are some of the penalties that a driver or trucking company may face for HOS violations:

  • Fines: Drivers and trucking companies may face fines for HOS violations. The penalty can vary depending on the severity of the breach, but fines can range from a few hundred to several thousand dollars.
  • Points on the driver's record: HOS violations can add points to a driver's record. If drivers accumulate too many issues, they may face suspension or revocation of their commercial driver's license (CDL).
  • Safety ratings: HOS violations can impact a trucking company's safety rating, leading to increased scrutiny and potential loss of business.

Additional Trucking Compliance Violation Penalties

In addition to hours of service (HOS) offenses, many other types of trucking compliance violations can result in penalties for drivers and companies. Some of these penalties may include the following:

  • Fines: Violations related to equipment, cargo, driver qualifications and other areas can result in fines ranging from a few hundred to several thousand dollars, depending on the severity of the offense.
  • Out-of-service orders: If drivers violate specific regulations, they may be placed out of service until the violation is corrected. This penalty can result in lost revenue for the driver and trucking company. [5]
  • Increased insurance rates: Violations can increase insurance rates for the driver and the trucking company, leading to higher operating costs and reduced profits.
  • Suspension or revocation of operating license: If a trucking company or driver has a history of repeat or severe violations, their operating license may be suspended or revoked.
  • Criminal penalties: In some cases, violations of certain regulations can result in criminal penalties such as fines, imprisonment or both.
  • Loss of business: Violations can impact a trucking company's reputation, resulting in a loss of business and potential revenue.

Drivers and trucking companies need to comply with all compliance regulations to ensure the safety of everyone on the road and avoid penalties that can result in financial losses and other consequences.

Safety Concerns

In addition to these penalties, HOS violations can also have serious safety consequences. Drivers operating a truck while tired are more likely to cause accidents, resulting in property damage, injuries and even fatalities. Therefore, it is essential for trucking companies and drivers to comply with all HOS regulations to ensure the safety of everyone on the road.

California Emissions Compliance Issues

The California Air Resources Board (CARB) is a regulatory agency responsible for ensuring that the air quality in California is protected and improved. [6] CARB has several programs to regulate air pollution from mobile sources, including commercial trucks.

The following are some of the programs that CARB has implemented to reduce air pollution from commercial trucks in California: [7]

  • The truck and bus regulation requires heavy-duty diesel big rigs and buses to meet specific emissions standards or replace them with newer, cleaner models. The regulation also requires fleets to report their compliance with the standards and maintain accurate records.
  • Drayage truck regulation standards require diesel-powered vehicles that operate at California ports and rail yards to meet emissions specifications. The rule also requires fleets to report compliance with the standards and maintain accurate records.[8]
  • The Transport Refrigeration Unit (TRU) Airborne Toxic Control Measure (ATCM) requires TRUs used on trucks and trailers to meet specific emissions standards or replace them with improved models. The law also requires fleets to report compliance with the standards and maintain accurate records. [9]
  • The Heavy-Duty Vehicle Greenhouse Gas Emission Reduction Measure requires manufacturers of heavy-duty vehicles to meet specific emissions standards for greenhouse gases. [10]
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By implementing these programs, CARB is working to reduce air pollution from commercial trucks and improve the environment. The regulations help ensure fleets and truck owners use the cleanest technology available and maintain their vehicles to reduce emissions.

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Truck accident compliance violations are complex; you need the legal acumen Wilshire Law Firm provides. We’ll help you pursue the compensation you deserve. Call us at (800) 501-3011, or contact us online 24/7. Since we bill on a contingency basis, you pay no fees unless you win.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Trucking Compliance

Are trucking compliance violations common?

Unfortunately, they are. Whether to cut costs or due to negligence, this adds to the escalating number of traffic accidents.

What is the most common reason for violating compliance rules?

Drivers who fail to comply with hours of service are the most common reason for violating the rules. This is partly due to wanting to deliver the goods as soon as possible or company pressure to do so.

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