What happens if a truck company is found to have violated the FMCSA in a truck accident case?
Austin is a bustling city with heavy traffic and busy roads. Unfortunately, this can lead to truck accidents that often involve violations of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations. These violations can cause serious injuries or even death for those involved in an accident. In this blog post, we will look at some of the most common FMCSA violations seen in Austin truck accidents and discuss how they can be avoided. By understanding these common mistakes and taking steps to prevent them, we can help keep our roads safe for everyone who uses them. Our Austin truck accident lawyers can help you gather the evidence that you will need to prove an FMCSA violation in your case.
Overweight truck
In Texas truck accidents, overweight trucks are some of the most common FMCSA violations seen in Austin truck accident cases. Per the FMCSA commercial vehicles are required to carry only a certain amount of weight based on factors such as their size and axle configuration. Trucking companies often overload their vehicles in an effort to maximize profits, but this can lead to higher levels of instability and increase the chances of an accident occurring. In addition, if an overweight vehicle is involved in a crash, the resulting damage may be much more severe than it otherwise would have been.
In some cases, trucking companies can be held liable for damages caused by overloaded trucks. This might include payment for medical bills or other losses suffered by victims due to the accident. It’s important that trucking companies take steps to ensure their vehicles don’t exceed legal weight limits so that they can avoid these costly lawsuits.
There are strict regulations in place regarding how much weight can be loaded onto a commercial vehicle. If these regulations are not followed, then drivers and trucking companies could face fines and even criminal charges. At the same time, enforcing these rules can help keep everyone safe on the roads by preventing overweight trucks from causing additional accidents or injury due to instability or increased damage potential. Federal law requires trucks to be loaded within legal limits, to ensure safe operation. When a truck is overloaded, it can cause instability on the road that can lead to an accident or rollover. Truckers must pay attention to their load and make sure they are not exceeding any weight limits.
Failure to maintain brakes
Another common FMCSA violation seen in Austin truck accidents is failure to properly maintain brakes. Brakes need regular maintenance and repair in order for them to work properly and safely. If brakes fail during braking, there may not be enough time for the driver to react properly, resulting in an accident. Regular inspections and repairs are necessary to make sure brakes are working correctly at all times.
The consequences of failing to properly maintain brakes can be disastrous. According to the FMCSA standards, every commercial vehicle must have brakes capable of stopping the vehicle within a distance that is determined by its speed and overall weight. If brakes are not working as intended, this could cause an accident that results in serious injuries or even death.
Even when brakes are properly maintained, they may still fail due to wear and tear over time. This is why regular brake inspections are important to ensure safe operation and avoid any potential accidents caused by faulty brakes. Drivers should also be aware of how their braking system works and how their individual vehicle's braking performance may change due to different road conditions or weather conditions.
In addition, it’s important for trucking companies to make sure drivers understand the importance of proper maintenance and brake inspections as well as the consequences they face if they fail to do so. Companies should implement policies that require regular brake maintenance checks, especially for vehicles operating at higher speeds on busy highways and interstates. Drivers should also be educated on proper braking techniques and have a good understanding of how their own vehicle's brakes work in order to respond quickly and safely in emergency situations.
Improperly secured cargo
The FMCSA requires that truck drivers properly secure their cargo in order to prevent an accident. If the load is not properly secured it can shift around while driving, which can cause instability or rollovers on the road. Drivers must take the time to ensure that all of their cargo is safely secured before getting on the road.
When it comes to the safety of transporting cargo, proper security measures are essential. Drivers must take the time to properly secure any cargo they are carrying, using a variety of methods such as straps, chains, and tarps. The specific method used will depend on the type and size of the load. It’s important to note that improperly secured cargo can become loose during transit and cause an accident due to its instability or by blocking a driver’s view of the road. This is why it’s so important for drivers to ensure their loads are securely fastened before taking off.
In addition to securing the load itself, drivers should also make sure that any hazardous materials are marked and labeled according to relevant regulations. If a truck is carrying hazardous materials in unlabeled containers or unmarked tanks, this can lead to dangerous situations if an accident occurs and emergency personnel have no way of knowing what is being transported. Companies should also train drivers on how to safely handle hazardous materials so that they know how to respond in case of an emergency.
Securing truck load and weather conditions
Furthermore, drivers should be aware of other safety concerns such as weather conditions that may affect their cargo or vehicle stability. For example, wet roads can reduce traction which can cause trailers to sliding or fishtail when stopping suddenly; high winds can pull a trailer off course; and sudden temperature changes can cause metal frames or shipping containers to expand which may cause them to buckle under pressure. All these issues can be avoided by being proactive about safety checks before departure and monitoring conditions throughout the trip.
Following these safety regulations not only helps protect passengers on the road but also protects trucking companies from liability in case of an accident caused by overloaded trucks or improperly secured cargo. Strict adherence to federal laws and regulations regarding commercial vehicles helps ensure everyone’s safety while on the road, so it pays for truckers and companies alike to do their due diligence when it comes maintaining safe operation standards.
Speeding
Speeding is a frequent factor in Austin truck accidents, as it is often a violation of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations. In many cases, speeding trucks are unable to stop or maneuver quickly enough in the event of an emergency and can cause serious damage to other vehicles.
Due to the weight and size of commercial vehicles, they take longer to accelerate than cars, and their stopping distances are much greater too. Speeding only increases this time gap and increases the risk for other drivers on the road. This is why FMCSA holds strict regulations requiring Texas truckers to drive at safe speed limits on highways and interstates, even during low traffic periods when other drivers may be going faster.
The consequences for drivers who violate these rules can be severe for both drivers and their companies. Drivers may face fines, suspension or revocation of their license, or even imprisonment if convicted; while companies may suffer losses due to the liability they are faced with due to the truck accident damages.
Contact our firm for help with your Austin truck accident case
If you've been involved in an Austin truck accident that you believe was caused by a violation of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations, it is important to seek legal counsel as soon as possible. At Fletcher Law, we understand the complexity of how FMCSA rules may have contributed to your accident and can help build a strong case on behalf of those affected.
Our experienced Austin personal injury lawyers are well-versed in the laws and regulations governing commercial motor vehicles and can provide comprehensive representation throughout the legal process. We will work with you to determine if an FMCSA violation occurred, gather necessary evidence for your case, and ensure that those responsible for your injuries and losses are held accountable. Contact us today to explore your options and get the justice you deserve.