Trucking Regulations in St. Louis: How They Affect Truck Accident Claims

Truck accidents are high-stakes events due to the significant size and weight of these vehicles, which can cause severe damage and injuries. Therefore, having robust trucking regulations in place to safeguard the public is crucial. Being located in the middle of the country, Missouri plays a vital role in the transportation of commercial goods. However, this also leads to a heightened risk of truck accidents. According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol (MSHP), there were 15,005 truck accidents in the state in 2022, a slight decrease from the previous year’s 15,792 accidents involving commercial vehicles and large trucks. Unfortunately, 119 fatalities occurred in Missouri due to truck accidents in 2022. 

If you or a loved one has suffered injuries, property damage, or other losses due to a commercial trucking accident in St. Louis, it is crucial to seek the assistance of a St. Louis truck accident lawyer. With their expertise and experience, they can help you pursue compensation for the damages you incurred. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the trucking regulations in St. Louis and how they affect truck accident claims. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulates the trucking industry at the federal level, but states like Missouri also have their own regulations. Let’s dive into some of the key regulations in St. Louis.

Hours of Service Regulations

One of the most important trucking regulations in St. Louis is the hours of service (HOS) regulation. These regulations limit how many hours a truck driver can be on the road in a day and a week. The purpose of these regulations is to prevent driver fatigue, which is a major cause of truck accidents.

According to the FMCSA, truck drivers are only allowed to drive for 11 hours in a 14-hour window. After they’ve been on duty for 14 hours, they must take a 10-hour break. They are also required to take a 30-minute break after driving for eight hours. Violations of these regulations can result in fines and penalties for the driver and the trucking company. Weight and Size Limits Overloaded vehicles can have disastrous consequences, as they accounted for 10% of all accidents, 12% of fatalities, and 27% of injuries. To prevent such accidents from happening, St. Louis has implemented regulations that restrict the weight and size of trucks. These regulations aim to prevent trucks from being overloaded or too large to operate safely on roads. In Missouri, the maximum weight limit for trucks is set at 80,000 pounds, with a maximum length of a single trailer at 53 feet. The maximum combined length of a tractor-trailer is 65 feet. These weight and size limits help to ensure that trucks on St. Louis roads are operating within safe limits, reducing the risk of accidents and protecting the public. Inspection and Maintenance Regulations Trucks are required to undergo regular inspections and maintenance to ensure that they are in safe working condition. The FMCSA requires that all trucks undergo an annual inspection by a qualified inspector. In addition, trucking companies are required to keep detailed maintenance records to prove that they have been properly maintaining their vehicles.

If a truck is involved in an accident and it is found that the trucking company failed to maintain the vehicle properly, they may be held liable for the accident.

How Trucking Regulations Affect Truck Accident Claims

When a truck is involved in an accident, the trucking regulations in St. Louis can have a significant impact on the outcome of a claim. For example, if it is found that a truck driver was violating the hours of service regulations at the time of the accident, it may be easier to prove that they were negligent. Similarly, if it is found that a truck was overloaded or not properly maintained, this may be used as evidence of negligence on the part of the trucking company. In some cases, violations of trucking regulations can even be used to establish a presumption of negligence, making it easier to prove liability in a truck accident claim.

Conclusion

Trucking regulations in St. Louis are in place to protect the public and prevent truck accidents. These regulations cover a wide range of aspects, such as hours of service, weight and size limits, and inspection and maintenance requirements. If you’re involved in a truck accident, it’s crucial to seek the assistance of a knowledgeable truck accident lawyer who comprehends these regulations and their impact on your case. A proficient lawyer can assist you in holding responsible truck drivers and companies liable for their negligence and obtaining fair compensation for your damages. With legal representation, you can receive the justice and compensation you deserve.