In three decades of litigating truck accident cases including many truck accidents on I10 out of Houston, I’m continuously amazed at how truck drivers and sometimes trucking companies can cover up abuses of the regulatory process by allowing or creating fake log books. Sometimes, the safety violation is inadvertent, and sometimes, the safety violations are […]
There are many causes of serious injury and wrongful death in truck accidents. One of the lesser-known causes of accidents is the dilemma of cargo that has been inadequately or poorly secured on a big rig. Poorly Secured Truck Cargo Truck drivers and motor carriers are paid to transport cargo from […]
There are many ways in which truckers can cause a truck accident, one of which is improper driving. While many might immediately think of alcohol and drug abuse or even speeding or other behaviors that can potentially cause trouble, research has also shown that texting while driving can also cause car accidents. As many may […]
Most individuals are aware that there have been many accidents and incidents involved with large trucks, such as minor infractions and violations to full scale crashes that have resulted in injury or even fatalities. Oftentimes, these incidents can also come as a result of safety violations, such as ignoring the overall maintenance that is needed […]
Load Accidents Can Be Severe While many individuals may understand that there is a great deal of consequence for truckers who take illicit drugs, drink and drive, drive erratically in inclement weather, or simply do not take stock of their own behavior, one additional issue that can be especially problematic is when it comes to […]
Although there are many hard-working truck drivers who do their best to drive safely and meet all governmental and state regulations, at times, there can be a potential problem that can endanger the lives of everyone on the roadway. These problems can be numerous, but when they occur, it is important to report the event […]
The trucking industry makes up for a large percentage of daily life as trucks work to transport goods across the nation. With this in mind, one prevalent problem that has equally plagued the trucking industry is drugs. The use of drugs can not only cost billions of dollars, but can also lead to accidents while […]
According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, there are approximately 5 million bus and truck drivers that share the road with an estimated 250 million motorists. With so many individuals on the road at any given time, and some vehicles carrying multiple passengers, it is essential to be aware of the measures being taken […]
For commercial drivers (CDL), there is a great deal of educational resources on how to drive large vehicles (which often weigh more than 10,000 lbs), as well as what to do while on the road; such as taking plenty of rest stops and obeying all traffic laws. Although, there is a great deal of benefit […]
Everyone should reduce their speed and allow more distance between the vehicle in front of them when the weather turns adverse. Common sense tells us that if the weather gets bad enough we should stay off the road or pull off in a safe area until we can drive safely. Whether it is a Houston […]
It is absolutely shocking new number of 18-wheeler accidents that happen because a big rig was stopped in the lane of traffic or parked inappropriately. The situation is particularly dangerous in that the majority of these types of accidents occur on major highways. That means that the other vehicles are traveling at highway speeds and […]
The federal government has designed their motor carrier safety website to better serve the public. The site now features content which is based upon who you are whether you are a consumer, motor carrier or professional truck driver. Additionally, the content is now organized based upon subject matter and is much more user-friendly. Consumers can […]
The Department of Transportation is set to require the use of speed limiters, which they call Electric Control Modules (ECM), on some 18-wheelers. In a March 2014 report regarding significant rulemaking, a new speed module rule may become applicable in October.
The recent announcement that the DOT is proposing new requirements for drug and alcohol testing to be disclosed of commercial truck drivers is a great step forward for highway safety. Under the new rule, a clearinghouse would be established that includes all commercial drivers license holders, making it much easier for motor carriers to learn […]
The federal government does not regulate oversize permits but relies upon each individual state to issue such permits for travel within their borders. Texas has a very liberal and accommodating DOT, which often allows up to 200,000 pounds for an oversize permit. TEXAS REGULATES OVERSIDE TRUCK LOADS Normal loads not requiring a special permit would […]
Recently, in the news was a story about a trucker who was intoxicated while driving a big rig and who endangered the community by getting behind the wheel of a big truck drunk. While the incidence of intoxicated truck drivers or truck drivers under the influence of drugs is not a very high percentage compared […]
Every trucking company and professional truck driver must be intimately familiar with Part 396 of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety regulations. Those regulations provide specific duties and obligations on the part of companies and drivers to make sure that the trucks and trailers are in safe operating condition when on the roadway. Section 396.3 provides […]
At those times when you may become frustrated with what you believe to be the cumbersome and lumbering manner in which government business is conducted – As a truck accident lawyer, I invite you to visit the U.S. Department of Transportation’s website. It is a veritable wealth of up-to-date information on all things ‘transportation-related’ – […]
With the vast number of commercial vehicles like 18-wheelers, big rigs, semi trucks, or tractor-trailers, many long-haul truckers need to pull off the road either to check their load, check out problems or park to sleep and rest. Unfortunately, truck drivers often do not comply with the rules that apply to parking a truck. Many […]
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations in section 392.14 deal with driving in hazardous conditions. The regulations state: “extreme caution in the operation of a commercial motor vehicle shall be exercised when hazardous conditions, such as those caused by snow, ice, sleet, fog, mist, rain, dust, or smoke, adversely affect visibility or traction.” The regulations […]
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations provide instruction to truck drivers and how to stop their vehicle whether on the highway or on the shoulder of the road. The relevant section is 392.22 entitled Emergency Signals, the regulations provide: “Whenever a commercial motor vehicle is stopped on the traveled portion of a highway or the […]
