Yes, the Federal Motor Carrier Administration (FMCA) is charged with the task of creating, implementing, and enforcing regulations on the trucking industry in the United States. The FMCA is an agency within the U.S. Department of Transportation. One of the reasons why the FMCA implements rules and regulations for commercial trucks is because they become dangerous weapons in a truck accident.
Thousands of people are injured and killed each year in commercial truck accidents. Over 80 percent of those individuals are occupants of other vehicles or non-occupants (i.e. pedestrians and bicyclists). According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 4,067 people died, and 116,000 people were injured in large truck accidents during 2015. Both figures represent an increase from the previous year. Over 433,000 large trucks were involved in police-reported accidents in 2015.
What are Some Restrictions Placed on Commercial Trucks?
Billions of tons of cargo are moved by commercial trucks in the United States each year. The trucking industry uses millions of large trucks and heavy-duty equipment to move the freight. Because there are so many trucks on our roads, there must be rules and regulations for those vehicles.
Many of the regulations and rules set by the FMCA are designed to reduce the risk of traffic accidents. These extremely large and heavy trucks don’t operate like other vehicles. They require special training, maintenance, and driving rules to ensure the safety of everyone on the road.
Examples of areas that the FMCA covers include:
- Monitoring the mental and medical health of drivers
- Setting limits on the number of hours an individual can drive without taking a break or rest period
- Maintenance of the truck and the trailer
- Alcohol and drug testing for drivers
- Hiring procedures and training for drivers
- Mandatory inspections of trucks
- Placing weight limits on loads
- Establishing HazMat regulations
- Noise levels
- Rules for securing cargos
- Markings required on trucks and trailers
- Setting annual fees
- Maintaining records by truck companies
Trucking companies and truck drivers who break the laws governing commercial vehicles can face stiff fines and other penalties.
Injuries in a New Orleans Large Truck Accident
The injuries sustained in a commercial truck accident are usually severe and life-altering. Because of the vast difference in weight and size, a passenger vehicle simply cannot withstand the impact with a semi-truck. The result is often devastating for the occupants of the passenger vehicle.
Common injuries sustained in truck accidents include:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) and other head injuries
- Broken bones and fractures
- Internal bleeding and damage to internal organs
- Severe burns
- Amputations
- Paralysis, spinal cord injuries, and back injuries
- Scarring and disfigurement
The injuries from a truck accident can result in millions of dollars in damages over the victim’s lifetime. Many victims require ongoing medical care and long-term personal care. This can be very costly. For that reason, you need an experienced New Orleans truck accident attorney to help you maximize the amount of compensation you receive for your injuries.
The money will never undo the damage caused by a careless driver or negligence trucking company. However, a monetary award can help pay for your medical and personal expenses and take care of your family if you are unable to return to work.
Call a New Orleans Truck Accident Attorney
Attorney Fred Olinde of The Olinde Firm has experience handling commercial truck accident cases. Contact our office by calling (504) 587-1440 or 1-800-587-1889 to request a free consultation with a New Orleans truck accident lawyer.