Commercial trucks are complex pieces of heavy machinery that can become dangerous when not handled properly. In an effort to make trucking as safe as possible, federal and Nevada trucking laws cover everything from vehicle weight limits to special driver licensing to loading and maintenance rules.
At Sam & Ash Injury Law, we understand the complexities of trucking rules and regulations. We also know how complicated truck accident claims can be. After a truck accident, insurance companies will try to minimize their payout rather than focusing on what’s best for you. With Sam & Ash Injury Law on your side, you’ll have the support of a cutting-edge firm with experienced truck accident attorneys in Las Vegas who care about your needs.
Reach out to us for a free case review. You will never pay any out-of-pocket fees. We only get paid if we recover money for you.
Overview of Nevada Trucking Laws and Federal Regulations
In every truck accident, state and federal regulations will be a piece of the investigation into your case. You need an attorney who has in-depth knowledge of the regulations set forth by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). This includes:
Driver Qualifications
One important qualification for truck drivers is age. In Nevada, you must be at least 18 to get a commercial license that allows you to operate a truck carrying standard loads within the state. To get a license that allows you to cross state borders, you must be at least 21. Furthermore, if you want to haul hazardous materials or carry passengers within Nevada, you must be at least 21 years old.
Nevada truck drivers must also demonstrate that they are physically up to the challenge. Applicants for a truck license must bear a Medical Examiner’s Certificate (MEC). This certificate shows applicants meet the sight, hearing, and health requirements to operate a heavy truck.
To qualify for a Nevada Commercial Driver’s License (CDL), applicants must also provide full information about their prior driving record. As part of the licensing process, the state will check to see whether the driver has had tickets, accidents, or any other problems that could impair an applicant’s ability to drive a truck. Prior driving is a powerful sign of how someone could drive in the future. An applicant with past driving problems may not be able to get a commercial driver’s license.
Trucking companies have a responsibility to make sure their drivers are properly qualified and trained to be on the road.
Truck Safety Inspections and Maintenance
Under Nevada’s trucking regulations, truck drivers and trucking companies must regularly inspect the truck and its cargo. Before and during every trip, the driver must check the truck and its equipment. The driver must also monitor the cargo during travel. In addition to the drivers’ work, truck owners and operators must regularly inspect the trucks, perform adequate maintenance, and keep records showing that the truck is safe to operate on Nevada’s roads and highways.
Hours of Service Regulations
Driver fatigue is one of the leading causes of truck accidents, and hours of service regulations exist to prevent those accidents. Under federal rules, drivers for most trucks generally aren’t allowed to operate a vehicle more than 14 consecutive hours after starting duty. During that 14-hour period, drivers are only allowed to drive a total of 11 hours. Beyond these requirements, drivers must also take mandatory breaks and cannot drive more than 60 hours within a seven-day period, or 70 hours within an eight-day period.
Insurance Coverage Requirements
Insurance coverage is an important aspect of any trucking operation. Under Nevada and federal law, truck drivers must carry multiple
insurance coverages. These coverages cover a truck’s general operation, special liability policies for hazardous materials, cargo insurance, and other insurance needs. Trucking companies and other parties involved in the truck’s operation must meet insurance requirements as well. After an accident, you may need to deal with multiple insurance companies that will each try to minimize their liability.
Understanding Federal and Nevada Trucking Regulations
Depending on the specific facts of your case, common truck regulations that may apply include:
- CFR Part 391 (Qualifications of Drivers and Longer Combination Vehicle Driver Instructors)
- CFR Part 396 (Inspection, Repair, and Maintenance)
- CFR Part 395 (Hours of Service for Drivers)
- Nevada Administrative Code 706 (Regulation of Motor Carriers Generally)
- Nevada Administrative Code 706.191 (Insurance)
- Nevada Administrative Code 706.2471 (Adoption and Enforcement of Federal Regulations for Motor Carrier Safety by Department of Motor Vehicles)
Our Attorneys Know Nevada’s Trucking Laws
After an accident, many different trucking laws and regulations may come into play. Driver error, mechanical malfunctions, cargo shifts, and many other problems could result in a truck accident. The skilled Las Vegas truck accident lawyers at Sam & Ash Injury Law can launch an immediate investigation into your crash to determine who is liable under the law and what sources of compensation are available.
After an accident, our attorneys could help by:
- Working with truck accident experts to understand what happened
- Determining what parties may be liable and which insurance policies could apply
- Fully documenting the losses you suffer after the crash
- Standing up to insurance companies to demand the fair compensation you deserve
- Filing a truck accident lawsuit, if needed, and fighting for What’s Right for you
After an accident, reach out to Sam & Ash Injury Law for a free case review. Truck companies and their insurers are only interested in doing what’s best for their bottom line. The attorneys at Sam & Ash Injury Law are focused on What’s Right for you.
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