Bend/Portland Trucking Accident Lawyers Share FMCSA Regulations and Liability on Oregon Trucking Accidents Caused by a Truck Driver Falling Asleep at the Wheel
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, or FMCSA, is a federal agency which promulgates regulations for truck drivers no matter what state the truck is in, going to, or from. These regulations are largely about safety. One of the most important sections of law is the hours of service regulations. This regulations, also known as HOS regulations, dictate how long a truck driver can operate a commercial vehicle. This is important for several reasons. First, driving a truck is physically exhausting and rest periods are needed. Second, driving a truck is all about making deliveries as fast as possible to get paid. Thus, truck drivers who drive more get paid more. But neglecting sleep can be downright dangerous for everyone. Falling asleep at the wheel could easily result in the wrongful death of innocent people. Learn more about the HOS regulations and liability for Oregon trucking accidents from our Bend/Portland trucking accident lawyers.
What are Hours of Service (HOS) Regulations?
The Hours of Service regulations may be the most important in the FMCSA. It may also be the most checked by law enforcement and the most convincing to a jury if there were violations. This is because the HOS regulations are meant to keep truck drivers well-rested and not fatigued. This keeps truck drivers from falling asleep at the wheel or having delayed reactions to crashes. Essentially, this is how the government can keep people safe.
The most important FMCSA regulations on HOS include the following:
- Maximum 14 hours on shift (working), immediately followed by a minimum of 10 hours off shift (resting);
- Maximum of 10 hours driving in the 14 hours on shift;
- Maximum of 8 hours of consecutive driving without taking a minimum 30 minute break;
- Maximum 60 hours per 7 days, or 70 hours per 8 days.
Types of Oregon Trucking Accidents Due to Falling Asleep at the Wheel
When a truck driver violates the FMCSA regulations on hours of service, it could lead to careless or negligent trucking accidents. This includes fatigued truck drivers causing serious accidents. The fatigue could result in deadly accidents such as when a truck driver falls asleep at the wheel. The most common types of Oregon trucking accidents caused by a truck driver falling asleep at the wheel or who is fatigued include the following:
- Rear end collisions;
- Side-swipe accidents;
- Crossing the center line;
- Going off the roadway;
- Head on impacts;
- Rollovers;
- Jackknifed trucks; and
- Many other types of crashes.
Falling Asleep at the Wheel is a Very Serious and Potential Deadly Mistake
If you or a loved one were seriously injured or wrongfully killed due to a truck driver falling asleep at the wheel, being fatigued, or otherwise being tried, you may be entitled to compensation under Oregon law. f you or a loved one have been seriously injured or killed as a result of a trucking accident or collision contact the Oregon Truck Accident Lawyers at Kuhlman Law at our number below or fill out the intake form. We offer a free initial case evaluation and handle cases on a contingency fee which means that you pay no money unless we recover.
Our law firm handles cases throughout the state including Bend and Portland Oregon, Redmond, Central Oregon, Sisters, Madras, Multnomah County, Deschutes County, Salem, Eugene, Corvallis, Lane County, Medford, Gresham, La Grande, Albany, Medford, Beaverton, Umatilla, Pendleton, Cottage Grove, Florence, Oregon City, Springfield, Keizer, Grants Pass, McMinnville, Tualatin, West Linn, Forest Grove, Wilsonville, Newberg, Roseburg, Lake Oswego, Klamath Falls, Happy Valley, Tigard, Ashland, Milwakie, Coos Bay, The Dalles, St. Helens, Sherwood, Central Point, Canby, Troutdale, Hermiston, Silverton, Hood River, Newport, Prineville, Astoria, Tillamook, Lincoln City, Hillsboro, and Vancouver, Washington.
We also have an office in Minneapolis, Minnesota and take Trucking accident cases throughout the Twin Cities, including St. Paul, Hennepin County, Ramsey County, Dakota County, Washington County, Anoka County, Scott County, Blaine, Stillwater, and Saint Paul Minnesota.
Please act quickly, there is a limited time (Statute of Limitations) in which you can bring a claim under the law.
