Long Beach Truck Regulation Violation Accident Attorney
Did a Trucker Violate Regulations and Cause Your Long Beach Big Rig Accident?
Long Beach is an essential locale in the national supply chain because it is one of the busiest international ports in the United States. The city also experiences dense tourism traffic—as the home of attractions such as The Queen Mary and the Aquarium of the Pacific—further straining its roadways. Heavy commercial transport and high tourist volumes significantly increase the risk of traffic collisions. Managing this complex dynamic is a pivotal aspect of maintaining the efficiency and safety of both local and national transportation networks.
Seeking justice for your truck regulations violation injury? The Law Firm of Joseph H. Low IV is nationally known and is a successful firm that currently serves the residents of 14 states. The firm offers exceptional representation for those injured in truck accidents caused by regulatory violations. Trust the firm that delivers results.
Call (562) 901-0840 for a free consultation with our experienced Long Beach truck accident lawyer today.
Understanding HOS Violations in Long Beach and Throughout California
Hours of Service (HOS) regulations, governed by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and state authorities, set the maximum number of hours commercial drivers can operate and mandate rest periods to ensure safety. Federal regulations typically limit driving to 11 hours within a 14-hour workday, followed by a mandatory 10-hour rest period. State regulations may have additional requirements.
Common HOS violations include:
- Exceeding Driving Hours: Drivers are restricted to 11 hours of driving after 10 consecutive hours off-duty. Exceeding this limit is a violation, often resulting from pressures to meet tight delivery schedules.
- Falsifying Logs: Drivers and companies may falsify logbooks to appear compliant with HOS regulations. This includes altering records to hide excess driving hours or lack of required breaks. Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs) have reduced this issue, but it still occurs.
- Failure to Take Mandatory Breaks: HOS rules require drivers to take a 30-minute break after eight hours of driving. Skipping this break to save time or meet deadlines is a common violation, contributing to driver fatigue.
- Exceeding Weekly Hour Limits: Drivers must adhere to limits on total weekly driving hours. For instance, they cannot drive more than 60 hours in seven consecutive days or 70 hours in eight consecutive days. Violating these limits can lead to severe fatigue and increased accident risks.
- Improper Use of Personal Conveyance: Drivers may misuse the personal conveyance exception, which allows off-duty driving for personal use. Using this exception to extend driving hours or avoid HOS restrictions is a violation and compromises road safety.
HOS violations significantly contribute to fatigue-related accidents. When drivers exceed their legal hours, their reaction times, decision-making abilities, and overall alertness diminish, increasing the likelihood of collisions. Fatigue impairs a driver’s ability to operate a vehicle safely, posing severe risks to the driver and others on the road.
Drug and Alcohol Testing Violations
Under federal regulations, commercial drivers are subject to stringent drug and alcohol testing requirements, including pre-employment, random, post-accident, and reasonable suspicion testing. A positive test or refusal to comply can lead to immediate suspension, mandatory participation in a return-to-duty process, and possible termination. The consequences extend to fines and loss of commercial driving privileges.
Accidents caused by impaired driving due to drug or alcohol violations can be catastrophic. Examples include collisions with fatalities or severe injuries, highlighting the severe risks impaired drivers pose to public safety. It is vital to ensure compliance to maintain commercial transportation safety and integrity.
Medical Examination Violations
Regular medical examinations for commercial drivers are crucial to ensuring they are physically and mentally fit to operate large vehicles safely. Medical conditions such as sleep apnea, heart disease, or vision impairments can significantly impact a driver’s ability to react and make sound decisions on the road.
Undisclosed or untreated medical issues increase the risk of accidents, as these conditions can lead to sudden incapacitation or impaired driving. Accidents caused by drivers with hidden medical problems often result in severe injuries or fatalities, underscoring the need for stringent adherence to medical examination requirements to maintain road safety.
Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) Violations
Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) requirements ensure drivers have the necessary skills and knowledge to operate commercial vehicles safely. Drivers must pass written and road tests and obtain specific endorsements for vehicles like tankers or hazardous materials.
Operating without a valid or appropriate CDL can lead to severe penalties, including fines, license suspension, and disqualification from driving. Improper licensing contributes to accidents as unqualified drivers may lack the expertise to handle complex vehicles, react appropriately in emergencies, or comply with safety regulations. This jeopardizes not only their safety but also that of other road users.
Cargo Loading and Securement Violations
Cargo loading and securement regulations mandate proper weight distribution, balance, and securement to prevent shifting during transit. The FMCSA enforces these rules to ensure safety. Improperly loaded or unsecured cargo can lead to accidents, such as rollovers, jackknifing, or cargo spills, causing severe road hazards.
Trucking companies and drivers are liable for cargo violations, facing fines, penalties, and increased insurance premiums. They may also be held responsible for damages and injuries resulting from such accidents. Ensuring compliance with cargo regulations is important to maintain safety and avoid legal and financial repercussions.
Consequences of Violating Truck Regulations in Long Beach
Violations of trucking regulations can lead to legal penalties such as fines, license suspensions, or even criminal charges for severe offenses. Trucking companies and drivers can also face civil liability for accidents caused by regulatory violations, with potential claims for compensation by victims.
Legal recourse allows victims to seek damages for injuries, medical expenses, lost wages, and other losses resulting from accidents. If you want to tackle complex liability issues and secure fair compensation, seeking legal advice promptly after a commercial vehicle accident is indispensable.
Consult Our Long Beach Truck Regulation Violation Lawyer for Help
Victims of truck regulation violation accidents should seek legal assistance at The Law Firm of Joseph H. Low IV. Our experienced firm can help you with sophisticated legal challenges and pursue rightful compensation for your injuries.
Contact our truck accident lawyer in Long Beach today for a consultation to discuss your case: (562) 901-0840.