How is the trucking company responsible for the injuries that I sustained in a South Texas 18-wheeler crash?

Most trucking companies are subject to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration regulations that are enforced by the U.S. Department of Transportation. These federal regulations apply to any trucking company that does business in more than one state. Big rig trucking companies that do business only in Texas must follow Texas Department of Transportation regulations.

The FMCSA regulations set rules for the hiring of drivers, the loading of trucks, safety features that must be on trucks, maintenance schedules, how often a driver must take breaks, how much sleep a driver must get, and even how many hours the driver may work. All these rules exist to keep the driver and others on the road safe.

It is the 18-wheeler company’s responsibility to make sure these rules are followed.

Screening of drivers

Semi –truck companies must check the background of all drivers. Drivers must have clean driving records and must not have criminal backgrounds. It is a trucking company’s responsibility to check employer references and to screen all drivers for drug and alcohol use.

Maintenance

Large commercial trucks must be well-maintained and properly loaded. Brakes and tires must be in good shape as tractor-trailer tire blowouts and 18-wheeler brake failure are common causes of serious 18-wheeler crashes. Improper loading of a tractor-trailer can cause brake failure or shifting that leads to an accident. The trailer must always be securely attached to the tractor. The trucking company is responsible for training drivers to maintain their trucks and make sure that they are correctly loaded.

Driver behavior

Semi-truck drivers must keep “driver’s logs”. In order to avoid driver fatigue and sleepy driving, drivers are required to take breaks and not drive more than a set maximum number of hours specified by transportation regulations. Driver’s logs record the time the driver was driving while on-duty, on-duty but not driving, and off duty. Tractor-trailer companies must monitor these logs and must verify them using computers installed in truck cabs.

Hurt in an 18 wheeler crash?

If an 18-wheeler is involved in a Texas highway accident, and the accident is caused by driver fatigue, improper maintenance or irresponsible and reckless driving, the trucking company may share liability. If you have questions about a South Texas trucking accident, contact the Brownsville 18-wheeler crash injury attorneys at The Cowen Law Group. Call 1-877-385-1282 to schedule a free consultation and learn about our 30 day no obligation guarantee.