Trucking Regulations that May Affect Your Accident Claim

June 5, 2024 Truck Accidents

When you’ve been involved in an accident with a commercial truck, the aftermath can be overwhelming. Not only are you dealing with the physical and emotional consequences of the crash, but if you are pursuing a claim against the truck driver or trucking company, you face a challenging road to justice.

In Nevada, truck drivers and their employers are subject to state and federal regulations. If the accident was caused by a violation of these regulations, you can use this evidence to prove your right to financial compensation.

Driver Qualification and Licensing Requirements

In Nevada, truck drivers must meet specific qualifications and licensing requirements to operate a commercial vehicle legally:

  • They must hold a commercial driver’s license.
  • They must be at least 21 years old to drive a truck interstate.
  • They must be at least 25 years old to operate a truck longer than 70 feet.

These regulations ensure that drivers have the necessary skills and knowledge to safely navigate the roads. If a driver involved in your accident lacked the proper qualifications or license, this may strengthen your claim against the trucking company for negligent hiring practices or failure to properly train their employees.

Hours of Service Regulations

Federal hours of service regulations are designed to prevent truck driver fatigue, which can be a significant contributing factor in accidents. These rules limit the number of hours a driver can spend behind the wheel and mandate rest breaks at specific intervals. If the driver involved in your accident violated these regulations, it may be evidence of negligence on the part of the driver and the trucking company.

Repair, Maintenance, and Inspection Requirements

Trucking companies are responsible for ensuring that their vehicles are properly maintained, repaired, and inspected to prevent mechanical failures that could lead to accidents. If a truck involved in your crash had not been adequately maintained or inspected, this may be evidence of negligence on the part of the trucking company. Your attorney can investigate the company’s maintenance records and inspection reports to determine if any violations contributed to your accident.

Trucking Company Insurance Coverage

Due to the heightened risk of severe injuries and fatalities in truck accidents, trucking companies are required to maintain higher levels of insurance coverage compared to standard vehicles. The amount of coverage required may vary depending on factors such as the type of cargo being transported. The trucking company’s insurance coverage will affect the resources available to compensate you for your losses.

Commercial Truck Weight and Size Limits 

Nevada imposes specific weight and size limits on commercial trucks to ensure the safety of all road users. They cannot exceed 14 feet in height, 8.5 feet in width, and 70 feet in length. Additionally, the following weight limits apply:

  • 20,000 pounds for single-axle vehicles
  • 34,000 pounds for tandem axle vehicles
  • 42,000 pounds for triple-axle vehicles
  • 80,000 pounds in gross weight

Overloaded or oversized trucks can be more difficult to control and more likely to cause accidents. If the truck involved in your crash exceeded these limits, it may also be evidence of negligence.

Speak to a Nevada Truck Accident Attorney Today

If you’ve been injured in an accident involving a commercial truck, you deserve justice, and a Las Vegas, Nevada truck accident attorney can help. Your lawyer can investigate the circumstances of your crash, identify any trucking regulations that may have been violated, and fight for the compensation you deserve. Schedule a free consultation as soon as possible and begin your journey to justice.