In January 2016 alone, there were 12,250 vehicles involved in US truck crashes. According to the Federal Motor Carriers Association, these accidents resulted in 256 fatalities and 5,299 injuries.
An immense number of state and federal laws regulating the trucking industry attempt to ensure safety on the road for all. This includes truck drivers, who may be unrealistically pushed by their employers and forced to work long hours or drive fatigued. Unfortunately, these vital safety measures are often ignored and accidents result.
Keeping Track of Trucks
Many of these mandates require record keeping, but some of this data can be destroyed after only a few weeks! In the event of an accident, in-depth and timely research is needed to determine if any of these rules have been ignored and if negligence was the cause.
Major Federal Trucking Regulations
All regulations must be followed to the letter along with any Salt Lake City, Utah trucking laws:
- Alcohol and Drug Testing – 49 CFR 382
- Commercial Drivers License (CDL) – 49 CFR 383
- Safety and Fitness – 49 CFR 385
- Financial Responsibility – 49 CFR 387
- Motor Carrier Safety Regulations – 49 CFR 390.5
- Driver Qualification – 49 CFR 391
- Driving of Commercial Motor Vehicles – 49 CFR 392
- Parts – 49 CFR 393
- Number of Hours a Trucker Can Drive – 49 CFR 395
- Inspection, Repair, and Maintenance – 49 CFR 396
Legal Logbooks
Drivers and companies must record data in driving logs , which should show that drivers have not exceeded legal driving limits.
For example, driving time must not exceed a certain amount of continuous time:
- Eleven hours total without ten continuous hours off
- Fourteen hours total before having to take ten continuous hours off (including drive time and other work responsibilities)
- Either sixty hours over seven days or seventy hours over eight days
After an accident with an 18-wheeler, the information contained in these logbooks could be essential to proving the trucker’s negligence. However, this information can be destroyed after only six months, making it important to act as soon as possible and contact Craig Swapp & Associates immediately.
Accident Register
The details of any accidents involving 18-wheelers must be documented. Trucking companies must keep the following data available for three years post-crash:
- Driver’s name
- Date and hour of crash
- Injuries and fatalities
- Presence of hazardous materials
Specific Salt Lake City, Utah Trucking Laws
The laws that govern trucking are incredibly specific and cover a wide range of topics. All of the regulations in effect have the aim of ensuring the safety of both the trucker and the other drivers on the road:
- Minimum insurance requirements
- Rig weight and length
- Hazardous materials
- Driver-led vehicle inspections
- Driver physical exams
- Mudflaps
Has a Trucking Accident Affected You?
Should legal action be necessary, it’s vital to know what records to look for and where to find them before valuable legal evidence is destroyed.
Play it safe. Get an attorney well-versed in both federal and Salt Lake City, Utah trucking laws.
Craig Swapp and Associates has handled many such cases and would be happy to speak with you about your concerns. We can guide you through the confusing legal process pertaining to large-truck crashes. Get started today by calling us at 1-800-404-9000.
Schedule a Free Consultation
or call: 800-404-9000
Client Reviews
“I was concerned with all the paperwork”
Before calling your firm I had 2 big worries. One was I didn’t want to do more paper work, and that fear was resolved when I had to do very little, but Craig Swapp and Assoc. did most of it, and when I did have to come in to sign papers they worked around the times I could do it. Worry 2 was I didn’t want people to think I was “sue happy” and that I was just out to get money. I just wanted my bills to be paid for that were from the accident, and that was resolved I think by Mr. Wes Mortenson and Theresa because they listened to what I had to say.
Amber W.,
Spokane, WA
"I would hire them in a second"
My biggest fear was not having all the expenses caused by the accident paid for in full. I was assured they would be taken care of but I admit I was skeptical. When we wrapped everything up (which happened quicker than I was originally told) I had extra money in my pocket. I honestly thought there was a catch but my attorney explained everything to me in detail. If I am ever in that position again I’ll be giving Craig Swapp a call.
Robert N.,
Spokane, WA
"I was afraid of the fees"
I was afraid of the fees I would have to pay a lawyer. I waited over a year before hiring your law firm. I finally reached out to your online help where they were able to help me understand the process and what would happen. In all honesty I absolutely loved working with the individuals that were involved in my case. They were genuine & heartfelt about my case. It felt as though they really cared and were concerned about me, not just as a client but as a person.
Lacey B.,
Salt Lake City, UT
"I was afraid that my issue was too small"
I was afraid that my issue was too small to be handled, and that it would just be rejected. Or that I’d end up having to pay for my medical expenses and any of your teams expenses. I would definitely answer yes, it was resolved! I wasn’t ever made out to feel like my little issue didn’t matter, and my expenses were paid for- just what I wanted/needed.
J. Rohas,
Caldwell, ID
"I am very pleased with the results"
My biggest fear was that it would be pointless to pursue legal action in my case. I felt like maybe I didn’t have much of a case. After speaking with Paul, I realize it was not of my own fault and that others can be held responsible for the pain and suffering I went through.
Dollie J.,
West Jordan, UT