Truck Accident Attorney Longwood, FL
While truck drivers are the backbone to any country, a truck accident attorney in Longwood, FL at David & Philpot, P.L. is aware that they also cause some of the most devastating accidents. Respectively, they do serve to transport all the necessities of life from fuel and other chemicals, food, building materials, everything you ordered on Amazon last week, and many other commodities and supplies used to keep the economy moving.
However, driving such large, heavy equipment can be a dangerous and difficult job, so there are many rules and regulations in place to ensure drivers are trained properly and follow certain protocols. This keeps other drivers on the road safe and allows the truck driver to safely transport their goods every time.
Commercial Driver’s License and Special Training
To drive a commercial motor vehicle (which is rated to weigh more than 10,000 lbs), drivers must meet certain requirements, such as:
- Hold a regular driver’s license with a good driving record
- Pass the CDL driving and knowledge tests
- Be in decent physical condition and pass a physical exam every two years
- Pass a medical verification
As a truck accident attorney in Longwood may tell you, to transport hazardous materials, additional training is required to obtain further licensing. Drivers must also do some continuing education to maintain their license and knowledge base of current laws and new regulations. If you were part of an accident that involved a commercial truck, we highly encourage you to contact us quickly about seeking financial compensation.
Maximum Working Hours
Hours-of-Service regulations were created and are enforced by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) to give truck drivers a maximum legal driving time limit before having a required amount of resting time. This helps to ensure truckers are alert and reduces the number of fatigued drivers on the road.
For example, there is a 14-hour driving window which allows a driving period of no more than 11 hours and being on duty for no more than 14 hours. To drive beyond eight hours however, there is a required 30-minute break. Then, the driver must be off duty for at least 10 hours before driving again.
Drivers are required to keep a daily log of their hours and miles driven, either by hand or electronically. There may be new systems available which record driving time automatically. These logs may be checked by government inspectors at any time. Unfortunately, as a FL truck accident attorney has seen in cases before, many truckers falsify their log books as a way to get ahead of schedule by skipping breaks and much needed rest time, increasing the chances of causing a fatal accident.
Drugs and Alcohol
As a truck driver, the laws are stricter than for regular drivers. They may not have alcohol with them unless it is cargo, and they may not have alcohol or drugs in their system for at least eight hours before they begin their next shift. If you believe the trucker who hit you was drunk, your truck accident attorney in Florida at David & Philpot, P.L. must be notified immediately.
Securing Cargo
Drivers must have knowledge of the most up-to-date laws regarding loading and securing their cargo. This includes the safest strategies for tying goods down and using specific types of securing devices. Trucks must also be marked in the correct way before transporting cargo, such as their USDOT number and hazardous materials markings.
Know Your Rights
While truck drivers are trained to do their job safely, the road can be dangerous and unpredictable. Contact a Longwood truck accident attorney in FL at David & Philpot, P.L. to learn more about truck driving laws and your right to safety on the road, especially if you’ve been in an accident.