What are the compliance rules for commercial trucks in Indiana? Commercial trucking companies must obey federal and state regulations on many subjects, including insurance coverage, training, licensing, and time spent driving.
Companies and truckers who violate these rules can endanger others on the road, leading to accidents. The trucker or trucking company could be liable for the resulting damages in these situations.
You can learn more about this situation with an Indiana truck accident lawyer from Vaughan & Vaughan. Call or fill out our online contact form to get more information.
What Are Insurance Compliance Rules for Commercial Trucks?
Indiana requires trucking companies to carry specific amounts of liability insurance on their vehicles. The exact requirements vary. Some companies must carry up to $5,000,000 on their insurance policy if they transport hazardous material.
Companies that carry nonhazardous materials with trucks with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of under 10,001 pounds may only have to carry a minimum of $750,000 in insurance coverage.
You can learn more about specific coverage amounts with an Indiana semi-truck accident lawyer.
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What Are Commercial Driver’s License Rules in Indiana?
Truckers also have to adhere to compliance rules when getting their commercial driver’s license (CDLs). Drivers meet compliance requirements by:
- Presenting a valid driver’s license (non-commercial)
- Getting at least one to two years of experience driving
- Presenting a valid certificate from a medical examiner
Commercial drivers must be at least 21 to carry hazardous materials or operate across state lines in most cases. Depending on the kind of cargo hauled by the company, drivers may need a Class A, B, or C commercial license.
Companies that hire drivers without the proper licensing may be liable if those drivers cause truck wrecks in Indiana. You can learn more about this form of liability with an Indiana commercial vehicle accident lawyer.
What Are Compliance Rules for Hours of Service?
Commercial truckers can only work so many hours during the course of seven consecutive days to comply with hours of service guidelines in Indiana. Generally, drivers can only operate a vehicle for 60 hours within seven days.
Truckers must keep a log of their time behind the wheel and may have to use an electronic logging device to prove they take required breaks. Drivers who ignore these regulations can easily cause accidents due to their fatigue.
What Are Compliance Rules for Truck Maintenance?
Trucking companies have a responsibility to keep their vehicles in good condition and working order. The firm must set up vehicle inspections and schedule regular maintenance to keep all truck systems functioning safely.
Drivers may also need to complete spot checks before driving. These checks may involve assessing the following:
- Braking systems
- Steering systems
- Tires
- Wipers
- Mirrors
- Horn
- Emergency equipment
- Coupling devices
Failure to follow these steps could result in an accident if a defective part malfunctions while the truck is driving. An Indiana lawyer focused on investigating trucking companies could take on your claim in this situation.
What Are Compliance Rules for Hiring a Commercial Trucker?
Trucking companies also have to follow hiring rules issued by the Federal government. These rules may require the truck company to:
- Run a background check for each potential driver
- Perform employment checks on new drivers
- Carry out criminal record checks
Additionally, these companies generally have to order drivers to perform periodic drug screenings during their period of employment. Companies that fail to perform proper testing may be liable after a truck accident in Indiana.
What Are the Compliance Rules for Registering Trucks?
Many states around the country require truckers to obtain a U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) number before they drive on the roads. Indiana allows drivers to use a U.S. DOT number or an Indiana I.D. number.
Trucking companies that fail to comply with these regulations may face penalties and fines. While refusing to get a U.S. DOT number may not directly contribute to a truck wreck, it can demonstrate the trucking company’s failure to adhere to safety regulations.
Who Tracks Violations of Commercial Truck Compliance Rules?
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) maintains information about trucking companies and their actions. The agency uses the Safety Measurement System (SMS) to record information about safety violations, including their severity and when they occurred.
The agency has identified seven behaviors contributing to truck accidents, including unsafe speed and improper lane changes. SMS slots commercial truck carriers into groups based on their violations, prioritizing those with more issues for intervention.
What Happens If Truckers Break Compliance Rules and Cause a Wreck?
Suppose a trucker or a trucking company breaks any compliance rules in Indiana, and their actions result in an accident. In that case, the injured party may have a chance to seek compensation for their losses.
An Indiana truck accident lawyer can immediately step in to help in this situation, providing the injured party with information about their legal options, gathering evidence to show the compliance violation, and tracking the losses associated with the accident.
Working with a lawyer may allow individuals to secure funds to cover all their losses, including the costs of healthcare and property repairs. Trucking companies may also have to cover the expenses for pain and suffering caused by a truck wreck.
Speak to Us About Compliance Rules for Commercial Trucks
What are the compliance rules for commercial trucks? These rules cover many different issues, including trucker training, maintenance requirements, and even hours worked by truckers. Breaking these rules can result in fines and increase the odds of a truck accident.
You can work with our team at Vaughan & Vaughan if you believe failure to comply with rules for commercial trucks led to your accident in Indiana. We can investigate and build your claim. Find out more by completing our online contact form or calling us.
