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Federal Trucking Regulations in Georgia to Protect Innocent Motorists ,
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A large vehicle like a truck or tractor-trailer easily becomes a lethal weapon in the wrong hands. For this reason, the federal government establishes regulations for trucking companies and anyone driving a truck. Any reputable Georgia trucking accident lawyer will know about this and thoroughly understand each law to safeguard innocent drivers.

Essential Facts Regarding Federal Trucking Regulations

The set of laws regarding the operation of commercial trucks is known as the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSR). These laws include regulations regarding driving duration, vehicle upkeep, drug and alcohol testing and the transportation of dangerous goods. The attorneys at Burnside Law Firm know what legal action to take against a trucking company or truck driver that violates these regulations.

Driving Duration Regulations to Protect Innocent Motorists

The FMCSR includes “hours of service” rules because accidents are more likely when drivers are tired. Therefore, there is a limit to how many hours a truck driver can go without stopping for rest.

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCA), the primary federal agency responsible for providing commercial motor vehicle safety oversight and regulation, controls truck operators’ driving duration limits.

The 14-hour driving window rule is one of the FMCA’s most crucial requirements, prohibiting commercial drivers from logging more than 11 hours of driving time within 14 hours. In addition, the driver must take ten consecutive hours off once the 14 hours are up.

Other “service hours” rules include:

  • Drivers for companies that run trucks seven days a week can work a maximum of 60–70 hours per week; if less than seven days, a maximum of 60 hours.
  • Drivers must take a half-hour break within their shift’s first eight hours.

Other Regulations to Protect Motorists from Truck Drivers

All the other FMCA regulations also consist of several rules. For example, vehicle upkeep requires periodic motor vehicle inspections during which specific components must be examined and daily inspection reports from the driver at the end of every shift.

If you are a Georgia motorist who has been in an accident with a truck driver, contact Burnside Law Firm as soon as possible. Our lawyers can determine if the truck driver or trucking company is liable for your injuries due to a violation.

Posted on behalf of Burnside Law Firm LLP

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Thomas R. Burnside III Personal Injury Attorney

Thomas R Burnside III

Thomas R. Burnside III is a personal injury lawyer who focuses his law practice on the representation of individuals who have suffered injury as a result of automobile collisions, trucking accidents, medical malpractice, work related accidents or other causes. With over 20 years of experience in personal injury law at both the trial and appellate court levels, Attorney Burnside has represented people with brain and head trauma...

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Garon Muller Personal Injury Attorney

Garon Muller

Garon Muller is a trial lawyer who focuses his law practice on the representation of individuals who have been seriously injured or damaged through the negligence or recklessness of others, including automobile collisions, workplace injuries, premises injuries, or defective products. Before beginning his practice in the representation of injured individuals, Mr. Muller served the community as an Assistant District Attorney...

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Robert MacGregor

Robert MacGregor

Robert MacGregor is an experienced trial attorney licensed to practice law in Georgia and South Carolina. At the Burnside Law Firm, Robert devotes his practice to protecting the rights of individuals who have been injured because of someone else’s carelessness, negligence, or recklessness and represents those who have been injured in automobile collisions or tractor-trailer accidents; because of a slip and fall; and in other general negligence actions.

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In November 2017, I was in a car accident and I decided to seek out legal assistance. I chose to go with Burnside Law Firm, LLP because of their five star rating. My inital consultation was with attorney, Mr. Garon Muller. I knew immediately that I wanted Mr. Muller to take my case. His professionalism and expertise in personal injury made my decision easy. Mr. Muller maintained his professionalism throughout my case. He kept me updated on a regular basis via telephone or email. He was always available to me when I call. I did not have to wait 24 hours to get a call back from him. I would greatly recommend Mr. Muller and the Burnside Law Firm, LLP.

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    Augusta

    2919 Professional Pkwy

    Augusta, GA, 30907

    Phone: (706) 432-8320

    Athens

    325 North Milledge Avenue

    Athens, GA, 30601

    Phone: (706) 227-4264