Trucking laws in Southern Illinois are laws and regulations that apply specifically to commercial truck drivers. Commercial drivers are required to have a special license for driving large trucks or vehicles that carry passengers. They are also required to comply with both federal and state rules that were passed to reduce the risk of accidents and make sure that motorists are safe.
When a truck driver violated any trucking laws in Southern Illinois, this failure to follow safety rules can result in the driver being presumed negligent. In most truck accident cases where an injured victim seeks compensation for injuries after a collision, the victim has to prove the driver was negligent. Since the violation of safety rules means that the driver likely was negligent, it is easier for a plaintiff to win his case when rules were violated. Instead of having to demonstrate that the driver was unreasonably careless, the plaintiff in a truck accident case just has to show that the safety rule was violated.
Since there are a lot of trucking laws, it is important for victims of truck accidents to consult with an experienced Southern Illinois truck accident lawyer. Your attorney will help you to determine if the driver violated any regulations in a manner that led to your accident. Carey, Danis & Lowe has extensive knowledge of truck accident laws throughout Missouri, so call us today for help with your case.
Examples of Trucking Laws in Southern Illinois
Individual states set laws for truck drivers and also require that truckers follow standard driving laws. This means that truckers have to obey state speed limits, rules on obeying red lights and other traffic signals, and all other laws that apply to motorists.
The federal government also sets rules and regulations for truck drivers. The federal laws that truckers have to follow come from an administrative agency called the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). The FMCSA has passed a huge body of regulations that apply to all aspects of the trucking industry. Some of the different rules that the FMCSA has include:
- Rules setting the maximum number of hours that drivers can operate their vehicles within a set period of time. For example, drivers are allowed to drive no more than 60 hours in a seven day period and no more than 70 hours in an eight day period. After driving for this many hours, drivers have to rest for at least 34 hours. This must include two overnight periods between the hours of 1:00 a.m. and 5:00 a.m.
- Rules requiring drivers to inspect their vehicles before each trip.
- Rules regarding the transport of hazardous materials.
- Rules related to load balancing
- Rules related to maximum weight limits and the maximum length of trucks.
- Rules for driver training and experience
These are just some of the many different things that the FMCSA rules. The agency regulates both individual drivers and trucking companies.
To determine if a driver violated any FMCSA regulations or state laws in your accident, contact Carey, Danis & Lowe today for a free case evaluation.
