Serving Clients Throughout The State of Louisiana
1-866-574-8005

The Berniard Law Firm often finds that state and federal trucking regulations were violated and caused an accident with a passenger vehicle.  The trucking industry is regulated by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) of the Department of Transportation (DOT).  The purpose of these regulations is to make the roads safer for all of us.  However, trucking companies and truck drivers often fail to follow these regulations.  As a result, drivers become fatigued or may even abuse alcohol and drugs while on the road.  In addition to driver problems, poorly maintained trucks and lack of training can be contributing factors in an accident. These types of negligence are to blame for many tractor trailer collisions, and victims of these accidents have legal rights. Contact the Berniard Law Firm today for a free consultation about your truck accident case. Call 1-866-574-8005 or fill out the case evaluation form at the right.

Federal Hours of Service Regulations

States also impose rules and restrictions on trucking companies and drivers, but these federal regulations are aimed at reducing fatigue among truck drivers.

• Truck drivers may drive a maximum of 11 hours after 10 consecutive hours off duty.
• Truck drivers may not drive beyond the 14th hour after coming on duty, following 10 consecutive hours off duty.
• Truck drivers may not drive after 60/70 hours on duty in 7/8 consecutive days. A driver may restart a 7/8 consecutive day period after taking 34 or more consecutive hours off duty.
• Commercial Motor Vehicle drivers using the sleeper berth provision must take at least 8 consecutive hours in the sleeper berth, plus 2 consecutive hours either in the sleeper berth, off duty, or any combination of the two.
• Drug & Alcohol Testing - Drug and alcohol testing are also required for truck drivers as pre-employment screening, random screening, and following a fatal accident. The FMCSA's alcohol and drug testing rules apply to people and employers who operate commercial motor vehicles in commerce in any state.

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