Downtown Houston Truck Accident Lawyer

Truck Accidents in Texas

Truck accidents are especially complex due to the fact that multiple parties may be at fault. This means you may have to identify those that caused or contributed to the accident and deal separately with each participant’s insurance company. Furthermore, large trucking companies generally have their own teams of attorneys who will work hard to limit their liability and protect their interests. They also may have first responders who are immediately deployed to an accident site to do whatever they can to deflect responsibility. All of these factors can put you at a significant disadvantage as a private person who knows little about the laws and the legal process. Our firm is here to give you the edge you need in fighting for a fair settlement.

Potential Defendants in Truck Accident Claims

• The driver
• The trucking company
• The shipper that loaded the cargo
• The company that was responsible for truck maintenance
• The truck or its parts manufacturer

Whether you have been injured in an accident involving a tractor-trailer, a dump truck, a tanker, a cement truck, or some other large commercial truck, Alex the Defender can help. We know how to investigate every aspect of the collision to provide supporting evidence in building your claim as well as how to negotiate with these companies. We work hard to help you seek compensation that covers injuries ranging from whiplash to permanent disability due to the loss of limbs or body parts, brain injuries, spinal injuries, or disfigurement.

Understanding Hours of Service Regulations for Truck Drivers

The Hours of Service (HOS) regulations are a set of federal rules in the United States that govern the working hours of commercial motor vehicle (CMV) drivers, particularly those engaged in interstate commerce. These regulations are designed to promote road safety by preventing driver fatigue and drowsy driving, which are significant contributors to accidents involving commercial vehicles. The HOS regulations apply to various types of CMV drivers, including long-haul truckers and bus drivers.

As of my last knowledge update in September 2021, the key provisions of the HOS regulations were as follows:

• 11-Hour Driving Limit: CMV drivers may drive a maximum of 11 hours after 10 consecutive hours off-duty.
• 14-Hour On-Duty Limit: CMV drivers may not drive beyond the 14th consecutive hour after coming on duty, following 10 consecutive hours off duty. This 14-hour window includes all driving time and other on-duty time (e.g., loading and unloading).
• Rest Breaks: A driver is required to take a 30-minute break after 8 cumulative hours of driving. This break can be taken in increments and must be completed before the 8th hour of driving time.
• 60/70-Hour Limit: CMV drivers are subject to a "60/70-hour" duty limit. A driver may not drive after 60/70 hours on duty in a 7/8 consecutive-day period. However, if the driver takes 34 or more consecutive hours off duty, the 60/70-hour clock can be reset.
• Sleeper Berth Provision: Drivers using the sleeper berth provision must take at least 8 consecutive hours in the sleeper berth, as well as a separate 2 consecutive hours either off-duty, in the sleeper berth, or any combination of both.
• Weekly Off-Duty Requirement: Drivers must take at least 34 consecutive hours off duty before starting a new 7/8-day period.
• Adverse Driving Conditions: In adverse conditions (e.g., bad weather), a driver may extend the driving time by up to 2 hours to reach a safe stopping place.
• Short-Haul Exception: Certain short-haul drivers (e.g., within a 100-air-mile radius) are exempt from some HOS requirements, but they must meet specific criteria.

Seek Justice with Downtown Houston's Trusted Truck Accident Lawyer Contact Alex the Defender Today at (713) 999-3655. Hablamos español.