Commercial trucking is essential to our state and national economy. However, due to their tremendous size and weight, big trucks can cause catastrophic injuries in an accident. To help keep motorists safe, the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) and the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) have established regulations for the trucking industry.
Commercial truck drivers must abide by both sets of regulations. When they do not, accidents are more likely to occur.
At Meyers & Flowers, our Chicago truck accident lawyers carefully investigate all accidents to help determine causation and liability. Evidence of state or federal violations can be used to build your strongest case and help you recover maximum compensation for your damages. Contact us today.
Federal Commercial Trucking Regulations
Federal regulations that help keep motorists safe include those governing the maximum number of hours a commercial truck driver can operate without taking a break, the minimum liability insurance they must carry, the methods for maintaining hours of service records, the weight and height of the truck, and many more.
Hours of Service (HOS) regulations limit the number of hours a driver can be behind the wheel of their truck without taking a break. Drivers are required to keep a logbook to record their driving times and rest breaks, including periods when they are on duty but not driving, and when they are off duty. In addition to the number of consecutive driving hours permitted, there are also weekly limits on the total number of hours worked over seven and eight days.
Truck drivers used to keep manual logbooks to track their hours of service. However, most commercial trucks now use an electronic logging device (ELD) that tracks driving time.
Truck drivers must also abide by specific size and weight regulations. This helps prevent accidents that occur due to overloaded trailers, which can lead to a truck’s instability and loss of control.
Commercial truck drivers are also required to carry liability insurance. The amount of mandated coverage is based on the type of material being hauled and the weight of the freight and may range from $300,000 to $5 million.
Illinois Commercial Trucking Regulations
Illinois also provides strict regulations for commercial trucking. State laws require any driver operating a commercial motor vehicle (CMV) to have a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL). In Illinois, a CMV is any vehicle that weighs over 10,000 pounds, is designed to transport 16 or more persons, or is required by federal regulations to be placarded while transporting hazardous materials.
You may apply for an Illinois CDL if you are at least 18 years old. However, until you are 21, you can only operate a CMV intrastate and only carry cargo, not passengers. After 21, you can travel interstate and transport passengers.
Liability in Illinois Trucking Accident Cases
Many trucking accidents are caused by failing to adhere to federal and state regulations. An experienced, skilled personal injury lawyer in Chicago can investigate your accident to determine whether any federal or state regulations were violated. Proving that a driver or the trucking company has violated these regulations can help you win your case and recover maximum compensation.
Contact Meyers & Flowers Trial Attorneys Today
At Meyers & Flowers, our Illinois trucking accident lawyers possess the experience, skills, and resources to thoroughly investigate all causes of your accident, including whether the driver or trucking company violated any applicable state or federal trucking regulations. We will work to uncover the evidence that proves causation and liability, and help you recover the compensation you are owed.
Call (630) 394-5189 or complete the short form on our contact page and schedule a free consultation to discuss your case.