FMCSA Federal Trucking Regulations In Oklahoma

FMCSA Federal Trucking Regulations In Oklahoma

The trucking and freight industries are critical links in the nation’s supply chain, bringing goods and services into and out of Oklahoma. Because large, heavy commercial vehicles cross state lines and national borders, the federal government regulates them. Large trucks pose a significant danger to others who share the roadway in small passenger vehicles. The federal government regulates the trucking industry to support safer vehicles, secure loads, and well-qualified drivers behind the wheel. These regulations come from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and apply to all commercial carriers in Oklahoma and elsewhere in the United States. If you were injured in a truck accident, please contact a truck accident attorney in Oklahoma City.

What Vehicles Are Covered by FMCSA Regulations?

The FMCSA regulations apply to all large commercial carriers including the following vehicles:

  • Trucks weighing over 10,000 pounds
  • Buses that are designed to carry eight or more paying passengers
  • Buses that carry 15 or more non-paying passengers
  • Trucks used hazardous material transportation

All trucking companies and truck drivers must adhere to federal trucking regulations. Any failure to comply with these regulations leaves a trucking company, driver, or other entity involved in truck loading or maintenance liable for an injury victim’s damages in an accident. Common damages include property damage, past and future medical expenses, and compensation for pain and suffering.

Examples of Common Trucking Regulations

The FMCSA has many regulations and requirements in place to ensure a commercial carrier on the road is as safe as possible. Critical FMCSA truck regulations in Oklahoma and elsewhere include the following:

  • Trucks that travel on state and interstate highways may not exceed a weight limit of 80,000 pounds when fully loaded and must comply with weigh station monitoring on their routes
  • A truck’s cargo must comply with federal load regulations to ensure that freight is well-balanced and secured into place using approved equipment such as chocks, cradles, or wedges to prevent shifting or rolling during transport. Sudden cargo shifts can cause fishtailing, tire blowouts, and other dangerous impacts that can cause an accident
  • Truck drivers and trucking companies are responsible for keeping trucks, trailers, fifth wheels, and other hauling or towing equipment well-maintained and in good repair. All repairs and maintenance must be meticulously logged into the trucking company’s maintenance records
  • FMCSA imposes strict limits on driving hours for truckers, including a required 30-minute break for every 8 hours of driving, a limit of 11 driving hours after a 10-hour break, and no driving to exceed 14 hours during 24-hour periods
  • Driving is limited to no more than 60 hours per week or 70 hours per every 8 days
  • Truck and bus drivers must comply with random drug and alcohol tests as well as tests during the application and hiring process

All truck drivers in Oklahoma are obligated to comply with FMCSA regulations to minimize the risk of injuries to vulnerable motorists in smaller vehicles.

Liability In Oklahoma Truck Accident Claims

After a truck accident that causes damages to other motorists, the accident victims have a right to compensation from the truck driver, trucking company, or other at-fault party. An important aspect of the investigation includes determining if a violation of FMCSA regulations occurred. Not only do violations present safety hazards to others on the road, but also leave the responsible party liable for damages.

How Can a Truck Accident Attorney in Oklahoma Help?

Oklahoma truck accidents can have devastating consequences for others. A truck accident attorney has the experience and investigative resources to determine the cause of the accident, the liable party, and the appropriate insurance company. Investigating a trucking company’s compliance with FMCSA regulations is a critical part of the claim process. Contact Dan Davis Law for a results-oriented approach to your Oklahoma truck accident claim. A personal injury lawyer in Oklahoma City is here to help.