Miami Accident Lawyer Blog
Truck accidents in Miami, FL, often result in serious injuries, and one of the key factors in preventing these collisions is compliance with Federal Hours-of-Service (HOS) regulations. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) provides a summary, explaining that these rules were put in place to reduce driver fatigue – a common cause of accidents involving large commercial trucks.
Violations of HOS rules can affect your claim, and your Miami truck accident attorney will leverage these facts to ensure you receive full compensation for your losses. An overview of the regulations is also helpful.
What are the Basic HOS Rules?
HOS rules set strict limits on how long commercial truck drivers can be on the road before taking mandatory breaks. These rules are enforced by the FMCSA, but a violation might come from a traffic stop by any law enforcement officer.
Under the HOS regulations, drivers are limited to driving a maximum of 11 hours after 10 consecutive hours off duty. In addition, they cannot drive beyond the 14th hour after coming on duty. For long-haul truckers, compliance means they don’t push themselves beyond safe limits.
Violations Increase Potential for Truck Crashes
Fatigued drivers may have slower reaction times, poor judgment, and reduced focus, which can lead to serious collisions. In Florida, busy highways and interstates see heavy truck traffic, and violations of HOS regulations can create a dangerous environment for other motorists.
Specific violations of HOS regulations include:
· Driving beyond the allowable hours
· Skipping mandatory rest breaks
· Falsifying logbooks to avoid detection
If a truck driver in Miami is found to have violated these rules, they could be held liable for any accidents that occur as a result of their actions.
Other Federal Truck Regulations That Protect Motorists
In addition to HOS rules, several other federal regulations aim to protect drivers from dangerous trucking practices:
- Drug and Alcohol Testing Requirements: The FMCSA mandates that truck drivers undergo regular drug and alcohol testing to ensure they are fit to operate their vehicles. Driving under the influence is a serious issue in truck accidents and can exacerbate the risks already posed by fatigue.
- Vehicle Maintenance and Inspection Rules: Trucking companies must ensure their vehicles are properly maintained and regularly inspected for safety issues. Brake failures, tire blowouts, and other maintenance problems can lead to catastrophic accidents.
- Weight Limits and Securing Cargo: Overloading trucks or improperly securing cargo increases the likelihood of rollover accidents and cargo spills. Federal regulations dictate strict weight limits and guidelines for safely securing loads.
Following federal regulations minimizes the risk of truck-related accidents in Florida. However, when violations occur, victims deserve to seek compensation for their injuries and losses.
Set Up a Free Consultation with a Miami Truck Accidents Lawyer
Getting the basics on federal regulations like HOS rules is useful, but you can trust your attorney to handle complicated liability issues. To learn how Gerson & Schwartz, PA, can assist with your claim, please call (305) 371-6000 or go online. We can schedule a no-cost case assessment with a skilled truck accident lawyer.