Morelli Law

Your SUPER-powered WP Engine Site

Morelli Law Logo
  • About
    • Scholarships
  • Our Attorneys
  • Results
  • Practice Areas
    • Car Accidents
    • Truck Accidents
    • Wrongful Death
    • Construction Accidents
    • Medical Malpractice
    • Nursing Home Abuse
    • Personal Injury Lawyer
    • Defective Drug
    • Employment Discrimination
    • Commercial Litigation
    • Sexual Harassment Lawyers
    • All Practice Areas
  • RESOURCES
    • FAQ Morelli Law
    • Press Morelli Law
    • Blog Morelli Law
    • Broadcast
  • Testimonials
  • Areas We Serve
    • New York Personal Injury Lawyer
    • Long Island Personal Injury Lawyer
    • Philadelphia Personal Injury Lawyer
    • Albany Personal Injury Lawyer
    • Buffalo Personal Injury Lawyer
    • Hempstead Personal Injury Lawyer
    • Huntington Personal Injury Lawyer
    • Long Beach NY Personal Injury Lawyer
    • White Plains Personal Injury Lawyer
    • View All Areas

877-751-9800

Request Case Evaluation

x
  • Morelli Law Logo
  • Request Case Evaluation
  • About
    • Scholarships
  • Our Attorneys
  • Results
  • Practice Areas
    • Car Accidents
    • Truck Accidents
    • Wrongful Death
    • Construction Accidents
    • Medical Malpractice
    • Nursing Home Abuse
    • Personal Injury Lawyer
    • Defective Drug
    • Employment Discrimination
    • Commercial Litigation
    • Sexual Harassment Lawyers
    • All Practice Areas
  • RESOURCES
    • FAQ Morelli Law
    • Press Morelli Law
    • Blog Morelli Law
    • Broadcast
  • Testimonials
  • Areas We Serve
    • New York Personal Injury Lawyer
    • Long Island Personal Injury Lawyer
    • Philadelphia Personal Injury Lawyer
    • Albany Personal Injury Lawyer
    • Buffalo Personal Injury Lawyer
    • Hempstead Personal Injury Lawyer
    • Huntington Personal Injury Lawyer
    • Long Beach NY Personal Injury Lawyer
    • White Plains Personal Injury Lawyer
    • View All Areas

Are There Special Laws and Regulations That Apply to Truck Drivers?

Home » FAQ Morelli Law » Truck Accidents » Are There Special Laws and Regulations That Apply to Truck Drivers?

There are many special laws and regulations that apply to truck drivers. A few of them include drug and alcohol testing, hours of service, inspection requirements, qualifications, and more. The Federal Motor Carrier Administration (FMCSA) is responsible for drafting, implementing, and enforcing regulations to prevent truck accidents and injuries.

Under these regulations, there are limitations regarding a truck driver’s hours on the road, as well as requirements for truck maintenance and inspections. The company and driver are also required to keep logbooks showing compliance regarding these federal regulations. If an accident occurs, company records and logbooks undergo an examination to ensure drivers and companies were following the law.

Crashes involving 18-wheelers, box trucks, tractor-trailers, and other commercial trucks can be devastating. Trucking companies act swiftly toward protecting themselves from the costs for damages and injuries.

About New York Truck Driver Regulations

Understanding the special laws and regulations that apply to truck drivers starts with looking at them individually. Some of the many rules and regulation that apply to truck drivers include, but are not limited to:

Hours of Service

The FMCSA’s regulations regarding hours of service vary depending on if the truck driver is carrying property or passengers.

Property Carrying Drivers

  • After 10 consecutive hours off-duty, you can drive up to 11 hours.
  • You can drive up to 14 consecutive hours after a 10-hour break.
  • Must take at least a 30-minute break between eight-hour drives.
  • Drivers can drive up to 60 hours in seven days or 70 hours in eight days.

Passenger Carrying Drivers

  • After eight consecutive hours off-duty, you can drive up to 10 hours.
  • Following eight consecutive hours off-duty, a driver may not drive after being on duty for 15 hours.
  • Drivers can drive up to 60 hours in seven days or 70 hours in eight days.

Inspection Requirements

According to 49 CFR § 396.11, all truck drivers must report inspections on the vehicles they drive at the end of their workday. Each report must identify any dangers of operating the truck again, including any broken parts, or other defects.

If a broken or defective part was not adequately reported, and an accident occurred as a result of the part, you could receive compensation.

Drug and Alcohol Testing

The FMCSA outlines the requirements for drug and alcohol testing under the Department of Transportation’s regulation 49 CFR Part 40. Noncompliance with these regulations could mean civil penalties for the trucking company. Tests are typically administered pre-employment, post-accident, and randomly throughout the year. Substances that are typically tested include:

  • Amphetamines and methamphetamines
  • Cocaine
  • Marijuana
  • Opiates
  • Phencyclidine

Driver Qualifications

The FMCSA also has general qualifications for truck drivers. They include the following:

  • They must be at least 21 years of age
  • Can sufficiently speak and read the English language
  • Can safely operate a commercial motor vehicle
  • Has a valid commercial driver’s license
  • Has completed the driver’s road test successfully

Morelli Law Firm Can Help You Recover the Compensation You Need

If you were in an accident with a truck driver who is not complying with the special laws and regulations, we are here to help. An attorney from our firm can:

  • Investigate the accident and examine all pertinent records
  • Handle all documentation from start to finish
  • Negotiate recoverable damages
  • Take your claim to court
  • Help to recover damages you are entitled to

Recoverable Damages for a Truck Accident

When a driver does not follow the special laws and regulations that apply to truck drivers, it could lead to devastating consequences. Every truck accident case is different, so attorneys must take steps toward proving who is at fault. After examining factors including the severity of your injuries and other facts of the case, attorneys might be able to recover the following damages on your behalf:

  • Burial and funeral costs for wrongful death cases
  • The current loss of income
  • Diminished quality of life
  • Disfigurement, disability, or paralysis
  • Future loss of income
  • Loss of companionship and support in wrongful death cases
  • Pain and suffering
  • Property damage
  • PTSD and other emotional distress

If you are a victim of a truck accident, we are available to help recover the compensation you might be entitled to. Call Morelli Law Firm today at (212) 751-9800, so we can review your case today.

    HOW CAN WE HELP?

    TELL US A LITTLE ABOUT YOUR CASE

    FAQ Categories

    • Brain Injury
    • Bus Accidents
    • Business Litigation
    • Car Accidents
      • DUI Crashes
    • Class Action Lawsuit
    • Commercial Litigation
    • Commercial Motor Vehicle Accidents
    • Construction Accidents
    • Defective Devices
    • Defective Drugs
    • Elder Abuse
    • Employment Discrimination
    • Hit-and-Run Accident
    • Medical Malpractice
    • Motorcycle Accidents
    • Nursing Home Abuse
    • Personal Injury
    • Railroad Accidents
    • Scooter Accidents
    • Sexual Harassments
    • Truck Accidents
    • Wrongful Death

    Find Yourself a Passionate Lawyer Now!

    • New York Personal Injury Lawyer
    • Yonkers Personal Injury Lawyer
    • Albany Personal Injury Lawyer
    • Marion Personal Injury Lawyer
    • Huntington Personal Injury Lawyer
    • Chesterfield Personal Injury Lawyer
    • O’Fallon Personal Injury Lawyer
    • Newark Personal Injury Lawyer
    • White Plains Personal Injury Lawyer
    • St. Charles Personal Injury Lawyer

    Request A Case Evaluation

      To Top
      Morelli Law Firm Call For Your Free Consultation

      877-751-9800

      Office Location

      777 3rd Ave 31st Floor,
      New York, NY 10017

      Navigation

      • Home
      • About
      • Attorneys
      • Areas We Serve
      • Practice Areas
      • Results
      • Testimonials
      • FAQs
      • News
      • Blog
      • Videos

      Practice Areas

      • Car Accident Lawyer
      • Truck Accident Lawyer
      • Construction Accident Lawyer
      • Wrongful Death Lawyer
      • Medical Malpractice Lawyer
      • Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer
      • Employment Discrimination Lawyer
      • Commercial Litigation Lawyer
      • Defective Drugs Lawyer
      • Sexual Harassment Lawyer
      • All Practice Areas

      Latest FAQ

      • How to File a Police Report in NYC
      • New York Scooter Laws
      • Average Settlement for a Herniated Disc From a Car Accident

      Latest News

      • Benedict Morelli Interviewed at Trial Lawyers University Conference
      • Brain Injury Association of New York Journey of Hope Gala
      • Jenna C. Awarded TBI Survivor Scholarship
      Terms & Conditions Privacy Policy Site Map
      © 2023 Morelli Law, All rights reserved.