State Rules and Regulations for Intrastate Trucking

Trucking companies must ensure that their trucks and drivers comply with numerous state and federal regulations. Noncompliance can, in many cases, lead to accidents. Knoxville truck accident lawyer Mark C. Hartsoe can help you if you were injured in a collision involving a tractor trailer truck. Mr. Hartsoe has significant experience representing truck accident victims, and is prepared to help you seek compensation for your injuries. Call us today to discuss your case.

Commercial trucks and their drivers are subject to both federal and state regulations. These regulations are in place for the safety of all motorists on the road since truck accidents can be particularly devastating. In 2011, over 3,600 large trucks were involved in fatal truck accidents, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. With its many interstate and intrastate highways, Knoxville has its fair share of truck accidents. According to the Tennessee Department of Transportation, there were 618 large truck crashes in 2012.

Commercial trucking occurs in the course of either interstate or intrastate commerce, and trucking companies must comply with both state and federal regulations. These include regulations for the driver, such as federal rules to curb driver fatigue, and state laws geared toward the trucking company, such as the gross weight of trucks.

A truck accident can be the result of several state and federal law violations. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations apply to commercial trucks engaged in interstate commerce, but states are required to adopt certain parts of the regulations. Tennessee also has rules that apply to commercial trucks within the state. These rules include:

• Minimum requirements for obtaining a commercial driver’s license. Tennessee allows drivers as young as 18 to obtain certain classes of commercial drivers licenses for intrastate commerce within one hundred miles of the driver's place of employment.
• Record-keeping and retention of a driver’s history of convictions, disqualifications, and other licensing actions for at least three years.
• Maximum limits for length and weight of trucks and tractor trailers. This is particularly important to prevent overloading.
• Specifics on how to securely transport loose materials in an open truck bed.

To hold a party liable for injuries, a truck accident victim must show that he or she was owed a duty of care; there was a breach of that duty; and that the breach caused the victim’s injuries. In Tennessee, a victim may show that a violation of a statute amounts to a breach of duty by the defendant.

Truck accident cases can involve several parties, and the state and federal laws that apply can be complicated. A truck accident victim should seek counseling from an attorney with experience handling these kinds of accidents due to the complexity of applicable regulations and evidentiary considerations.

If you were injured in a truck accident, you should speak with an attorney who can help determine if the accident was caused by a violation of a state or federal rule. You may be able to recover from more than one party. You may be able to seek compensation for your medical bills, lost income and earning capacity, and pain and suffering. If your relative died in a truck accident, you can potentially file a wrongful death claim against the at-fault parties.

Knoxville personal injury attorney Mark C. Hartsoe is dedicated to fighting for and safeguarding the rights of truck accident victims. He will analyze the accident, investigate work and medical records, consult with experts, and discuss your legal options with you. For a free consultation, call us today at 865-804-1011 or contact us online.