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Delayed Approval for Hours of Service Regulations

Wilmington truck accident lawyers fight for you when truckers violate service regulations and cause accidents.Accidents involving commercial tractor trailers have become much too common on the country’s highways. With driver fatigue among the main causes of commercial truck accidents, the federal government has instituted regulations limiting the number of service hours a commercial truck driver can operate their vehicle without taking a mandatory rest break. New proposed regulations aim to give commercial truck drivers more flexibility in adhering to the hours of service rules.

Proposed Federal Regulations

To make it easier for commercial truck drivers to adhere to the rules, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has drafted new hours of service regulations. Under the new rules, commercial truck drivers would be subject to extended limits for continuous driving hours permitted and the number of hours they can operate under adverse driving conditions. The current 100 air mile short haul exemption was expanded to 14 hours on-duty and the current 30-minute mandatory break for truck drivers after driving for eight continuous hours has been revised. Other changes to regulations involve splitting up rest breaks for drivers of trucks with sleeping berths.

Public Comment Period

A public comment period prior to the implementation of the proposed regulations allows citizens, safety advocacy organizations, and industry stake holder groups, such as the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association or TruckerNation.org to express their concerns about the new rules. During the public comment period, the FMCSA also will hold several public listening sessions.

Continued Delay

Supporters of the proposed legislation worry the new hours of service regulations will not go into effect any time soon. The original time frame allowing for public comment on the proposed rules has been delayed as the pending review of public comments continue. Safety experts warn the number of truck collision fatalities will continue to rise until more effective hours of service regulations become law.

Compensation for Truck Accident Injuries

Fatalities involving drivers, passengers, and pedestrians frequently result from truck collisions. Truck accidents can result in serious and life-changing physical injuries. Individuals involved in collisions with trucks often suffer broken bones, loss of limbs, concussions, traumatic brain injuries, internal bleeding, organ damage, back injuries, paralysis, and other medical complications that require years of medical treatment. Medical expenses, including the cost of hospital stays, prescription drugs, physical therapy, occupational therapy, and ongoing medical testing can be a financial nightmare.

By filing a civil lawsuit against those responsible for the trucking accident, injured individuals can obtain compensation for these medical costs, the cost of the physical damage to their vehicle, and damages for their pain and suffering.  Contacting an experienced Wilmington truck accident lawyer is the first step in moving forward after a truck accident.

Wilmington Truck Accident Lawyers at Jacobs & Crumplar, P.A. Assist Truck Accident Victims

If you or a loved one has suffered serious injuries in a collision with a truck, the experienced Wilmington truck accident lawyers at Jacobs & Crumplar, P.A. can help you obtain compensation for your injuries. Located in Wilmington and Georgetown, Delaware, we represent truck accident victims throughout the state, including those in Dover, New Castle County, and Sussex County. To schedule a free initial consultation today, call us at 302-656-5445 or submit an online inquiry form.