Texas is a vital component of the nation’s supply chain with billions of tons of freight transported over the state’s interstate highways and through Texas communities. While Texans rely on the goods and services brought into and out of the state through the commercial trucking industry, violations of critical safety regulations present a serious hazard to those sharing the roadways with commercial trucks.
Because commercial trucks in Texas carry freight to and from other states and countries, the federal government retains the authority to regulate important aspects of the commercial freight industry through the Federal Motor Carriers Safety Administration (FMCSA). Violating these regulations leaves trucking companies and operators liable for damages to injury victims after an accident.
Key Components of FMCSA Regulations in Texas
The regulations put in place for freight-carrying trucks by FMCSA are carefully calculated to minimize the risk of an accident by controlling the aspects of transporting goods that place drivers and other motorists at risk. These important regulations include the following:
- Limits on the size and weight of fully loaded trucks
- Limits on the hours a driver can drive between breaks and the total number of working hours per week
- Requirements to keep detailed driving logs
- Requirements for regular routine truck and trailer maintenance
- Requirements for keeping meticulous maintenance records
- Requirements for securing loads
- Keeping visible identifying marks on trucks
- Drug and alcohol testing for drivers upon hiring, after an accident, and at random
In addition, Texas truck drivers face state regulations for obtaining their commercial driver’s license and following traffic laws and speed limits that may be unique to trucks.
Common Texas Commercial Trucking Violations
Trucking companies and operators in Texas have a legal obligation to carefully follow all FMCSA regulations. Violations of these regulations come with consequences including fines, penalties, license suspensions or revocations, and increased insurance costs, as well as liability for damages in accidents. Common FMCSA violations in Texas include the following:
- Operating a vehicle over the weight limit
- Inaccurate driving hour logs or intentionally misrepresenting driving hours
- Failure to properly maintain a truck, trailer, or connecting equipment
- Failure to keep accurate truck maintenance records
- Inadequately secured or unbalanced load violations
- Failure to clearly display identification marks or hazardous material markings
- Failure to have the necessary parts and accessories required for safe transporting of goods
- Failing a drug test or being caught in possession of narcotics or alcohol while driving
Truck drivers may also face moving violations for improper driving actions like speeding, using the left lane in prohibited areas, tailgating, unsafe lane changes, failure to yield the right of way, or improper turns.
Any of the above violations indicate liability for damages to victims if a truck driver’s actions cause an accident.
How Can a Texas Truck Accident Lawyer Help?
Investigating a truck accident takes time, access to resources, and an in-depth understanding of FMCSA and state regulations as well as the Texas comparison negligence insurance system. It also requires skilled, assertive action to demand financial accountability against trucking companies and their powerful insurance carriers. A truck accident attorney in Baytown will investigate your accident, determine the cause, and file a claim against the at-fault party’s liability insurance. Call Linebaugh, Dority, & Allen, LLP today for a free consultation on your case.