Semi-truck drivers across the U.S. are legally required to follow state and federal laws that keep themselves and other drivers safe on the road. The “hours of service” rule limits the number of hours they can operate before taking a break. We understand how difficult it can be to deliver on deadline among traffic or inclement weather but avoiding this policy can lead to severe consequences, including a lawsuit.

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) established the hours-of-service rule for semi-truck drivers to follow during a single shift. Several regulations must be adhered to, such as:

  • Hours in a week – Truckers are limited to working 60 hours within seven days or 70 hours within eight days.
  • Hours driven in a day – Drivers transporting property can drive a maximum of 11 hours after 10 hours off duty. Similarly, drivers transporting passengers are limited to 10 hours after 8 hours off the clock.
  • Required breaks are contractually bound, meaning drivers need to take 30-minutes after driving for eight hours uninterrupted.

Is The Service Rule Important?
Yes! Some drivers spend an unsafe amount of time on the road. It is imperative to follow this service rule to limit the number of truck accidents caused by fatigue.

What Happens When the Rule Gets Violated?
Truck drivers that violate the service rule risk a lawsuit and suspension, as follows:

  • Truckers cannot operate a commercial vehicle until breaking for the “full amount of time” specified by the service rule.
  • Companies that allow drivers to violate the policy will face federal penalties.
  • Fines associated range between $1,200 and $14,700 per violation and severity of the offense, like multiple crashes on the highway
  • Each trucking company has a safety rating. It will get reduced for patterns of negligence.

Let Us Establish Liability in an Injury Lawsuit
If you get into an accident with a truck driver, our personal injury lawyer in Los Angeles will investigate for negligence. Several parties may be held accountable for violating the rule, including the truck driver, company, and third-party business.

The accident attorney in LA will also review the trucker’s behavior and assess their driving at the time of the collision before checking the log. All semi-truck operators are required to record the number of hours worked, including break times. Once obtained, a case can get established with this in mind. Unfortunately, companies avoid taking responsibility. That is why you should entrust our legal team. We will aggressively fight on your behalf to recover for loss of income, pain, suffering, and medical expenses. Call us today to schedule your free consultation!