Albuquerque Truck Accident Attorney

Hours of Service Regulations

There are laws that govern when a truck driver can operate his or her vehicle, these laws are put in place in order to reduce fatigued truck drivers and thereby reduce the risk of trucking accidents. These laws include that a driver may drive for a maximum of 11 hours after 10 consecutive hours off duty if they are only carrying cargo, and if they are carrying passengers they may only drive a maximum of 10 hours after eight consecutive hours off duty, as well as several other regulations. These laws can be strict and sometimes hard to follow, but must be followed for the safety of others on the road.

When these laws are not followed, the drivers may be overly tired and fatigued. Fatigue clouds judgment and the senses which can make for a very dangerous driving experience. Tired truckers are less likely to look carefully before changing lanes or making a turn, and at night they are more susceptible to hit something that they did not see. When the hours of service regulations are not followed, there is a greater chance for serious injury to occur.

Personal Injury Lawyer Serving Albuquerque

If you have sustained an injury due to a trucking accident, then you will benefit from the legal aid of an Albuquerque personal injury attorney from the Law Office of James H. Wood. There is the possibility that the truck driver was operating his vehicle outside of the permitted time by the hours of service regulations. If this is the case then you may be able to collect monetary compensation for your medical bills and therapy bills incurred by your injuries, as well as for any emotional trauma you may have sustained. Our firm is dedicated to helping those who have sustained a personal injury; we offer a free case evaluation as well as contingent fee agreements.

Contact an Albuquerque truck accident lawyer from the Law Office of James H. Wood to further discuss the laws regarding hours of service.