National & Local Trucking Laws in Nevada

Understanding Federal and Nevada Trucking Laws

In Nevada and throughout the country, commercial trucks such as semi-trucks, tractor-trailers, and 18-wheelers that are used for interstate transportation of goods are governed by state and federal laws and regulations. State and federal trucking regulations establish specific requirements – and restrictions – regarding a host of issues, such as vehicle weight limits, driving hours, and driver qualifications. These regulations keep the trucking industry operating efficiently, and most importantly, they protect the safety of all motorists.

Whenever trucking rules and regulations are violated, accidents can occur. At THE702FIRM Injury Attorneys, we investigate these complex cases and demand full compensation for people who were harmed in truck accidents attributed to state and federal trucking violations. Our experienced truck accident lawyers represent clients throughout the greater Las Vegas area. We are committed to protecting the rights of those injured in truck accidents.

Contact us today to schedule a free consultation, and let us get to work on investigating your claim.

Federal Trucking Regulations

Because of the dangers commercial truck collisions pose, the federal government has strict rules and regulations to ensure trucking companies and their operators maintain and drive trucks safely. These regulations are referred to as the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations.

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulates the U.S. trucking industry. The FMCSA provides rules that truck drivers are required to follow. If you have been injured in a truck accident in Nevada, FMCSA regulations will most likely play a significant role in your claim.

FMCSA regulations govern:

• Driver Qualifications. The FMCSA requires that drivers be 21 years of age, have a valid commercial driver’s license (CDL), and be proficient English speakers.
• Safety Procedures. The FMCSA reviews the safety, or fitness, of trucks themselves. Following a review, a rating is given to the truck. If the truck is deemed safe, it is allowed to be on public roads. The FMCSA also lets truck drivers and trucking companies know how they can improve any less-than-satisfactory safety issues.
• Insurance Coverage. Trucking companies must maintain a high amount of insurance coverage due to their high level of liability. Higher coverage is required because accidents with trucks tend to cause more severe injuries – and are more frequently fatal. The actual insurance minimums for a given truck may vary greatly depending on certain factors. For instance, a truck may need more insurance coverage if it is going to be hauling flammable or hazardous materials.
• Repair, Maintenance, and Inspection. Inspections and repairs are required to be frequently performed on all trucks. Failure to do so can lead to catastrophic crashes.
• Hours of Service. Drivers are not allowed to drive more hours than regulations deem is safe given the driver’s schedule and the cargo load being carried. Truck drivers are also required to keep records of their driving hours.

The FMCSA provides numerous important regulations for truck drivers. If you have been involved in a truck accident in Las Vegas, your attorney must be well-versed in the federal and state regulations for truck drivers. Your lawyer also needs to have an understanding of how the court and the defense might interpret the regulations as applied to your unique case.

The Las Vegas truck accident lawyers at THE702FIRM Injury Attorneys have the skills needed to navigate the complex legal processes involved in cases where trucking regulations were violated. Our lawyers have helped countless clients achieve successful results in their truck accident claims when truck drivers, trucking companies, and others did not follow rules and regulations. Contact our experienced lawyers today to learn how we can help with your case.

Nevada Trucking Regulations

Trucking regulations in Nevada are established by the Nevada Department of Transportation (NDOT). This agency sets forth vehicle size and weight limits as well as regulations that apply to truck drivers and trucking companies. Key Nevada trucking regulations are as follows:

• Trucks must not exceed 14 feet in height, 8.5 feet in width, and 70 feet in length.
• The following weight limits apply: 20,000 pounds for single-axle vehicles, 34,000 pounds for tandem axle vehicles, and 42,000 pounds for triple-axle vehicles.
• Trucks may not have gross weights exceeding 80,000 pounds, unless the driver has a special permit.
• A truck driver must have a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) to operate a commercial vehicle. One must be at least 21 years to get a CDL for interstate driving and at least 25 to drive a truck that is longer than 70 feet.
• Licensed truck drivers must agree to blood alcohol testing if pulled over by law enforcement for driving under the influence.
• It’s against the law to operate a commercial truck with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.04 percent or greater – half the 0.08 percent limit that applies to other motorists.
• If a truck driver has any detectable amount of alcohol in his or her system while driving, the person will be restricted from driving for 24 hours.

Contact a Truck Accident Lawyer in Las Vegas Today

Have you been seriously injured in a truck accident in Las Vegas? If so, you need the help of a skilled and experienced truck accident lawyer in Nevada. If the accident was due to trucking regulation violations or other types of negligence, you could be eligible to file a lawsuit for damages.

Unfortunately, all too often, insurance companies will fight truck accident claims seeking payment for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages. Due to the potential number of liable parties and the detailed laws and regulations specific to the trucking industry, it is critical that you have an experienced truck accident attorney on your side from the very beginning. Our trusted truck accident lawyers at THE702FIRM Injury Attorneys will conduct a thorough investigation to determine the cause of your accident and identify all possible liable parties.

At THE702FIRM Injury Attorneys, we understand the difficulties that victims face after a truck accident, and we do everything we can to help. Call us today to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation with one of our skilled and compassionate truck accident attorneys in Las Vegas.