The Dangers of Hours of Service Violations
According to federal law, truck drivers are required to follow the hours of service regulations established to protect the drivers themselves as well as other motorists from the hazards of an overworked 18-wheeler operator. Unfortunately, many truck drivers fail to obey these safety standards due to pressure from their employers, potentially leading to devastating truck accidents.
If you sustained an injury in a truck accident because the truck driver failed to adhere to the hours of service laws, you may be able to hold the truck driver’s employer responsible for the consequences of the collision. To discuss your legal options as an injured motorist, contact a Denver vehicle accident attorney of Hull & Zimmerman, P.C., today by calling (303) 423-1770.
Hours of Service Laws for Truck Drivers
A trucking company is required to follow the hours of service laws regarding their employees’ driving schedule and maximum number of hours behind the wheel. Failure to follow these laws can result in a significant safety risk for the driver and other motorists. Federal hours of service laws require the following:
- Truck drivers must take at least a 10-hour break between shifts
- No driving shift can last longer than 11 hours
- No working shift can last longer than 14 hours
- No trucker can drive more than 60 hours within 7 consecutive days
- No trucker can drive more than 70 hours within 8 consecutive days
Fatigued driving can be deadly, especially when the drowsy motorist is responsible for an 18-wheeler or semi truck weighing up to 80,000 pounds.
Contact Us
If you’ve been injured in a truck accident that was ultimately caused by a truck driver’s illegal driving schedule, the trucking company responsible for pushing that driver to the point of exhaustion may be held liable. To learn more about the financial compensation that may be available for you after these accidents, contact a Denver truck and 18-wheeler accident lawyer of Hull & Zimmerman, P.C., today at (303) 423-1770.
