Both the federal and state governments take some responsibility for regulating the semi truck and trucking industry in general to prevent truck accidents in Texas and across the US. Their efforts usually fall under the head of 4 main categories. Let us consider these in this blog.
One of the main concerns of regulators is the issue of the number of hours a driver puts into service before being required to take a break. This is a particularly hot bed topic of late because the federal government has proposed restrictions on drivers that have heretofore not existed - and as one would suspect - the trucking industry is opposed to these new regulations.
While the U.S. Department of Transportation is ready to impose stricter guidelines on the number of hours that a driver can put in over a twenty-four hour period - the trucking industry is poised to ask for more as the call for transported goods is expected to increase in the next decade.
A second area that falls under regulation is standards for the safety of the equipment. This includes regular safety check-ups of brakes, lighting, etc.
A third concern for regulators is the amount of insurance that a trucking industry and/or trucker must carry in case of an accident (that could result in catastrophic and life altering injuries or wrongful death lawsuits).
Finally, regulators continue to oversee commercial driver's license standards. I am of the opinion that regulators perform a valuable service for the American public - and may actually be the only thing that stands between you and that semi truck.
Greg Baumgartner is a Houston 18 wheeler wreck lawyer and the founder of the Baumgartner law firm, which is dedicated to helping personal injury victims seek civil justice. If you would like to speak with a Houston semi truck accident lawyer call the Baumgartner firm.
