Trucking Accident Lawyer discusses the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Act

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Act (FMCSA) is a comprehensive set of regulations intended to maintain safe practices for trucks and buses that travel interstate, and also applies to other motor carriers that are registered with the U.S. Department of Transportation explains a trucking accident lawyer at the F&A injury law firm.

It should be noted that trucks and buses that do not travel interstate are still regulated similarly under New York law, because New York has adopted its own version of motor carrier safety regulations that are essentially identical to the federal rules. These regulations are wide-ranging, and apply to virtually all people who are involved in trucking and busing operations, but many of the most important regulations apply directly to drivers.

Compliance, Safety, and Accountability

A major purpose of the FMCSA is to make sure truck drivers are qualified for their job. Drivers should know how to maintain, operate, and safely drive their trucks. There are also rules requiring proper insurance, and drivers must report all accidents they are involved in to the FMCS Administration. These FMCSA regulations for truck drivers are designed to prevent truck accidents. When a driver violates rules laid out by these regulations, they are legally liable for any damage caused.

Hours of Service

Another important piece of the FMCSA is that it regulates the hours a driver can work. A major cause of accidents is driver fatigue, and therefore the FMCSA limits the total number of hours a driver can work in a day and in a week.

If you or someone you love has been injured in a truck accident, it is important to consult with an attorney that is familiar with the rules of the FMCSA. Proving that regulations were broken, and that this was the cause of an accident, can require an intensive investigation. If you would like more information about this issue, or if you would like to discuss your case, please contact us.