California Truck Inspection & Regulation Safety Lawyers

Many tragic accidents involving trucks of various sizes are precipitated by violations of Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations. These guidelines were designed to protect public safety – unfortunately many trucking companies disregard them due to a pervasive focus on maximizing business. Our team of experienced California truck inspection & regulation safety lawyers are well versed in these requirements and are determined to uphold justice.

Victims in accidents caused by, or otherwise relating to, trucks are encouraged to consult with experienced legal professionals who are familiar with federal safety regulations. A knowledgeable attorney can also investigate the circumstances of the accident and determine whether victims are eligible for compensation due to the negligence of trucking companies, truck drivers, or truck manufacturers.

Following is an overview of the stipulations by which individuals in the trucking industry are expected to abide:

• Companies must hire drivers that are over age 21, are able to read and speak English, and pass a physical exam deeming them capable of safely operating trucks and relevant equipment.
• Companies are required to educate drivers and other personnel about the guidelines imposed by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations.
• Prior to hiring drivers, companies must review candidates’ driving histories and document that all references have been consulted.
• Companies must review employee’s driving records annually.
• Drivers operating vehicles under the influence of drugs or alcohol must be terminated. They are also expected to refrain from alcohol consumption for 4 hours prior to driving.
• Companies cannot assist with or encourage violations of regulations by drivers. This may include paying drivers per mile, or not paying them to complete inspections or rest.
• Companies must monitor drivers’ logs documenting time spent in service, completing safety inspections, and resting. Companies must also respond appropriately upon receipt of information that drivers have falsified any information in the logs.
• Drivers should not be expected to operate vehicles if their ability to do so are impaired by illness, fatigue, or any other issue.
• Companies must provide drivers with schedules that allow for safe delivery and consider the possibilities of slow traffic, inclement weather, and drivers’ needs for rest.
• Prior to runs, inspections of these components must be conducted: brake connections, steering mechanisms, tires, windshield wipers, the parking brake, reflectors and lights, the horn, mirrors, coupling devices, fluids, and emergency equipment.
• Emergency and warning devices must be put in place within 10 minutes of the vehicle becoming disabled.
• Unless the trailers are sealed, drivers must inspect them prior to departure, after the first 25 miles of travel, and approximately every 150 miles or 3 hours thereafter.
• The use of radar detectors is prohibited.

Should accidents occur, investigations may be launched to determine if any of these – or other – guidelines have been violated. Careful scrutiny must be exercised, however, lest documents be tailored or falsified to protect company or driver liability.

Reputable truck inspection & regulation safety attorneys respect and uphold their duties to carefully research and investigate incidents involving personal injuries, meticulously strategize and prepare their cases, and aggressively pursue them in court. This includes practicing the utmost diligence with regard to truck inspection & regulation safety.

Legal Advice: Truck Inspection & Regulation Safety

Injuries that result from violations of these guidelines are emotionally and physically traumatizing. Victims in these cases deserve the utmost care, sensitivity, and compensation. For assistance throughout this ordeal, contact Panish | Shea | Ravipudi LLP on 877.800.1700 today.