Federal Trucking Laws in San Jose

Federal Trucking Laws in San Jose

It is common to see large commercial trucks on the road in and around the city. After all, with nearly a million residents, there is a high demand for products that are often transported in such vehicles. However, these trucks are subject to regulations implemented by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA).

Failing to follow federal trucking laws in San Jose can lead to catastrophic accidents, making the trucking company, owner, or operator liable for compensating any injuries caused by their negligence. A truck wreck attorney at Solution Now Law Firm could review your accident to determine if the truck driver violated any federal trucking laws.

Types of Federal Trucking Laws

Truck drivers in San Jose are required to follow all federal trucking regulations to ensure everyone’s safety on the road.

Hours of Service

These rules govern how long a driver can operate a truck before taking a mandatory break. Hours of service requirements are intended to prevent fatigued driving and reduce the risk of truck accidents.

Commercial Driver’s License (CDL)

In order to operate a commercial truck legally, a driver must obtain a commercial driver’s license by taking special training and meeting certain requirements.

Annual Physical Health Screenings

To ensure that truck drivers are in overall good health and able to meet the demands of the job, they must undergo annual physical health screenings.

Lower Blood Alcohol Concentration Limits

Under FMCSA regulations, the legal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit for commercial truck drivers is 0.04%, which is lower than the limit for standard drivers. This law is designed to prevent impaired driving.

Pre-Trip Inspections

Pre-trip inspections must be performed by the driver before each trip to ensure that the truck is in good working condition.

Insurance Coverage

Trucking companies and owner-operators must also carry a higher amount of insurance to cover liability in the event of an accident.

An attorney could explain the relevant trucking laws in a case to establish liability and pursue fair compensation.

The Role of Trucking Regulations

Commercial trucks are massive vehicles weighing up to 80,000 pounds and measuring around 72 feet in length. Drivers of these vehicles often spend long hours on the road, navigating traffic, hauling hazardous materials, and putting more wear and tear on their vehicles than other drivers. These factors increase the risks associated with commercial trucks, with most injuries and fatalities in truck-related accidents involving occupants of other vehicles.

While all drivers have a “duty of care” to take reasonable actions to avoid harming others, this responsibility is even greater for truck drivers and the companies that employ them. When an accident occurs in San Jose because a truck driver or trucking company failed to follow federal trucking laws, injured individuals can seek compensation through a personal injury claim. This claim is typically filed with the truck owner’s insurance company and may cover medical expenses, lost wages, loss of earning capacity, and psychological damage.

Speak With Our Lawyers in San Jose About Federal Trucking Laws Today

Commercial truck accidents are among the most serious types of collisions. If you have been injured due to a truck driver’s failure to follow federal trucking laws in San Jose, the legal team at Solution Now Law Firm is ready to answer any questions you may have and discuss potential legal options. Contact us today for a free case evaluation.