In the trucking world, drivers and trucking companies must abide by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration's regulations. One of the most important of these rules is the hours of service (HOS). These regulations are designed to prevent driver fatigue and reduce accidents due to overworked and exhausted drivers. However, not all drivers are covered under these regulations. For short-haul drivers, they have a short-haul exception that gives them more flexibility with these hours. So, what are short-haul exceptions? In this article, let's look at the basics of [...]
Over 3 million trucks are on the road 24/7, making pick-ups and deliveries. Those trucks are operated by the 3.5 million drivers who carry a commercial driver's license (CDL), according to information from the Federal Mother Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and the U.S. Census Bureau, respectively. However, there are different types of trucks. Your Amazon delivery person drives a different type of truck than the long-haul trucker who brought those goods to the Amazon warehouse. Do delivery drivers need a CDL? It depends on how big their delivery [...]
The trucking industry is a 24-hour operation. At any given time of the day or night, trucks are being loaded, unloaded, and crisscrossing the country. It is how we get everything we buy in a store or order online. All of that trucking traffic requires regulation to ensure that commercial vehicles follow the correct driving practices to keep everyone on the road safe. One way to maintain trucking traffic is with truck weigh stations. According to the Department of Transportation (DOT), 608 weight stations are in operation across [...]
Trucking keeps the economy running by transporting goods across long distances. However, many truckers choose to drive their vehicles during certain times to avoid traffic and other issues. So, what is the peak time of day for truckers to be on the road? Traffic patterns, delivery schedules, rest breaks, and legal driving limits all influence when truckers are most active. At the Trucking Injury Law Group, we always make sure everyone stays safe on the road. We will explore the peak times for truckers, the factors that contribute [...]
Do you ever tense up when you have to change lanes in front of a semi-truck? Do you feel anxious when they approach at fast speeds in your rearview mirror? You’re right to feel apprehensive and be on extra alert. A minor “tap” from an 80,000-pound fully loaded 18-wheeler will cause the average car to spin out and end up in a severe wreck. If you find yourself in this scenario, you need to speak with a skilled attorney to determine how to maximize your compensation for a [...]
While truckers are on the road, they need to make sure that the cargo is secured. Improperly loaded or shifted cargo can lead to serious consequences for everyone. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) does have strict rules about how truckers should secure cargo, and the responsibility of load checks falls on the drivers. Truckers must perform regular inspections and make sure that their cargo remains secure throughout the trip. When the driver fails to uphold their responsibilities, it can lead to accidents. At the Trucking Injury [...]
If you’ve ever been in traffic near a tractor-trailer, as most of us have, you’ve probably seen trucks bearing sharp, pointed spikes sticking out of the truck’s wheel hubs. These may be made of metal or sometimes plastic attachments, and can often seem intimidating. They’ve also stirred up quite a lot of curiosity and concern among other drivers. But appearances can be deceiving which leaves many to wonder: Are truck spikes actually dangerous, or are they simply a flashy accessory? To answer that question, let’s dive into the [...]
Trucks making wide turns pose hazards to other drivers, but making wide turns is also a safety measure. We look at why large trucks make wide turns. Reasons for Wide Turns Large trucks are vital to the economy as they maneuver through the highways and byways. Trucks aren’t like smaller vehicles in how they move and interact with traffic. Large trucks make wide turns especially if their rigs are semi-tractor trucks with attached trailers or flatbeds. There are many reasons large trucks make wide turns. The most common [...]
Speed loss in large trucks leads to hazardous conditions for truck drivers and other drivers. Causes of Large Trucks Losing Speed Loss of speed for large trucks has several reasons. Some reasons are because of the roads and areas trucks navigate. Other reasons are driver-related actions, weather, and mechanical issues. Some common reasons for large trucks losing speed are: Terrain Among the reasons for speed loss is driving up or down hills and mountains. The weight and limited engine power of some large trucks makes quicker driving harder [...]
When you are in a trucking accident, you may have injuries and need to pay for your medical bills, lost wages when you can’t do your job, and other expenses. But how do you know if you are legally entitled to file a lawsuit? We look at the role of the plaintiff. What is a Plaintiff? To understand if you are legally entitled to file a lawsuit, you need to understand the roles in a lawsuit. The roles in a lawsuit are: Parties A legal party is one [...]
