At Antezana & Antezana Law LLC, we’ve spent over 20 years fighting for individuals and families impacted by devastating accidents, including those caused by commercial trucks. These cases often involve serious injuries, extensive damages, and legal issues that go far beyond a typical car crash. That’s where our Alexandria, VA truck accident lawyer’s deep experience matters most. We’ve recovered more than 30 million dollars annually for our clients and have built our reputation on delivering real results. Understanding federal regulations is essential to holding trucking companies accountable. These regulations don’t just guide truckers—they often determine the outcome of a legal claim.
What Federal Trucking Regulations Cover
Federal trucking regulations are enforced by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, also known as the FMCSA. These rules were created to reduce accidents and protect the public from the risks associated with operating large commercial vehicles. The regulations cover a wide range of topics, including how long a driver can operate a vehicle without rest, how trucks must be maintained, what qualifications a driver must meet, and how cargo should be loaded and secured. When regulation violations occur, the consequences can be catastrophic, and the liability can extend beyond the driver to the trucking company and even third-party vendors.
Hours Of Service Rules And Driver Fatigue
One of the most important regulations focuses on driver fatigue. Truck drivers are only permitted to drive a certain number of hours per day and per week, and they must take mandatory rest periods between shifts. If a trucker drives longer than allowed or fails to log their hours accurately, they can put themselves and everyone on the road in danger. When we investigate a case involving suspected fatigue, we review logbooks, electronic logging devices, witness statements, and other records to prove whether the driver violated these limits. Fatigue-related crashes are preventable, and we work to show when a company ignored the warning signs.
Vehicle Maintenance And Mechanical Failures
Commercial trucks must undergo regular inspections and maintenance to remain roadworthy. If a company cuts corners on repairs or sends a truck onto the highway with worn brakes, bald tires, or broken lights, the results can be tragic. In these cases, we look at maintenance logs, repair histories, and any previous violations that suggest the vehicle was unsafe. A mechanical failure in a big rig often means someone didn’t do their job, and we hold them accountable.
Driver Qualifications And Company Responsibility
Every truck driver must have a valid Commercial Driver’s License and meet specific medical and training standards. Trucking companies are responsible for confirming a driver’s background, conducting drug and alcohol tests, and making sure the person they hire is prepared to handle a large commercial vehicle safely. If a company hires a driver with a record of violations or fails to properly train them, they can be held responsible for any injuries caused. We’ve seen firsthand how negligent hiring practices lead to preventable accidents, and we know how to prove it in court.
Cargo Securement And Roadway Safety
Federal law also dictates how cargo must be loaded and secured. Shifting or unsecured loads can cause a truck to roll over, jackknife, or spill hazardous materials into traffic. We’ve handled cases where improperly secured freight was the direct cause of a crash. In these situations, we examine the truck’s load records and inspection history, and if a third-party company was responsible for loading the trailer, we explore whether they should also be held liable. Safe cargo handling is just as important as safe driving.
Using Federal Violations To Build Strong Claims
When you hire our team after a truck accident, we get to work immediately. We investigate every aspect of the case, from driver qualifications and maintenance records to logbooks, black box data, and employer practices. If we find violations of federal trucking laws, we use them to strengthen your claim. These violations can significantly increase the compensation you’re entitled to, especially in cases involving serious injury or wrongful death. Trucking companies often try to protect their own interests fast, but we move faster to protect yours.
Experience You Can Count On After A Truck Accident
At Antezana & Antezana LLC, we never treat our clients like case numbers. We serve clients throughout Virginia. If you or someone you love has been hurt in a truck crash, let our experienced team put these regulations to work for you. Contact us today for a free consultation.
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