Louisiana and Federal Trucking Regulations

Out of concern for public safety, the Louisiana Department of Motor Vehicles and the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration regulate trucking companies operating in Louisiana. Both state and federal trucking regulations address issues of maintenance, driver fatigue, speed, and weight limits.

At Broussard & Hart, L.L.C., in Lake Charles, our personal injury attorneys see the devastation that results when, due to the negligence of a driver or a trucking company, regulations are ignored and 18 wheelers rolling down U.S. Highway 10 cause serious or fatal trucking accidents. In the course of investigating these cases and preparing them for trial, we work with specialists to determine when disregard for state and federal regulations contributed to our clients' losses. Below are some areas we have identified as problems.

Truck driver error

Driver error is the most common cause of 18-wheeler accidents. We find cases where truck drivers, in attempts to make up time and keep to a delivery schedule, kept illegal log books to conceal long hours that led to driver fatigue, "drowsy driving," and serious or fatal crashes.

Truck drivers are held to stricter standards than other motorists as far as driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs (DUI). In fact, after any truck accident the truck driver is required to report for a drug test to identify any violations of these standards.

A trucking company is required to perform thorough background checks and maintain records of required DOT physicals on every truck driver to ensure that drivers are qualified.

Maintenance violations

A trucking company is required to keep a record of maintenance, including required inspections. In addition to trucking company regulations regarding maintenance, the truck driver is required to perform a safety and equipment inspection before every trip. Commercial trucking violations of required maintenance result in mechanical failures, including blowouts and air brake failure that can lead to 18-wheeler wrecks.

Load limits and cargo

Oversized loads that violate cargo weight limits, unbalanced loads, hazardous material permit violations, improperly secured cargo, and other violations of cargo regulations result in unstable semi trucks or make it impossible for a truck to stop in a reasonable distance, both results that contribute to wrecks.

For more information on truck accidents, see the following:

• 18-wheeler truck accidents
• What to do if you are in a truck accident
• How to avoid a truck accident
• Car accidents

If you would like to discuss a potential case with one of our lawyers, or have any other question, please feel free to call 337-513-0288 (Toll Free: 888-391-5595) or e-mail our office to arrange a free and confidential consultation with an experienced accident attorney. We will respond quickly to your inquiry.