Both federal and state laws govern commercial trucking throughout the state. With knowledge of federal trucking laws in Huntsville, you can strengthen your injury claim if you are hurt in an 18-wheeler crash. At Siniard Law, our legal team is committed to helping you recover maximum compensation for injuries caused by negligent truck drivers. Our truck accident attorneys have the requisite experience, skills, and knowledge to help you recover the compensation you deserve.
How Do Federal Trucking Regulations Affect Your Claim?
The Department of Transportation (DOT) enacted these laws, and the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) enforces them. These rules cover road safety and driver rest periods, aiming to ensure that all drivers operate safely regardless of their location.
Compliance with these requirements reduces crashes and protects both truck drivers and other road users. Key points of the federal trucking laws include:
- Weekly working hours for truck drivers must not exceed 70 hours
- Operators and trucking companies must conduct drug testing for employed drivers to minimize DUI incidents
- Companies or operators must carry out routine maintenance on vehicles to ensure they are in good working condition
- All carriers or operators must have adequate insurance coverage to handle any damages that occur during their trucks’ commutes
- Hours-of-service rules limit truck drivers to 11 hours of driving time within a 14-hour workday, including rest periods
- All truck drivers must have a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) and pass all licensing requirements to operate commercial trucks
- Trucking companies must properly load and secure all freight to prevent the truck from losing its cargo or toppling over on the roadway, endangering other road users
Interstate operators and companies must also join the Unified Carrier Registration program and keep their registration current by paying their annual dues and other related fees. Our legal team could help you understand these federal regulations to strengthen your claim after a Huntsville trucking wreck.
State Trucking Laws for Commercial Vehicles
The state enforces its own laws guiding operators through its Motor Carrier Safety Unit (MCSU), a division of the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA). Key points include:
- Drivers must have a valid CDL and their truck must have a valid USDOT number
- All trucks operating within the state must meet set load weights and truck dimension specifications
- Hours of service for in-state truckers are a maximum of 12 hours out of 15-hour days, and 70 hours weekly
- A newly signed SB242 law mandates that immigrant truck drivers with foreign CDLs must have valid U.S. work authorization and demonstrate English proficiency
- Providing a false foreign CDL during a traffic stop, commercial motor vehicle inspections, or enforcement exercise is grounds for criminal prosecution in the state
Both state and federal regulations provide the foundation for trucking carriers and drivers operating in Huntsville.
Contact a Huntsville Attorney to Understand Trucking Regulations
Understanding federal trucking laws in Huntsville can strengthen your injury claim after a truck accident. For instance, our lawyers at Siniard Law could determine if the at-fault driver failed to follow roadway signs or exceeded allowed hours of service, leading to fatigue. We could also investigate other factors that may have contributed to the crash. Contact our legal team today to gain a better understanding of the applicable regulations and explore your legal options.
