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Although there are state and federal regulations for trucks, these may not be properly adhered to and accidents may be the result. If you’ve been involved in a collision with a truck, contact our trucking accident lawyer Springfield Illinois today at 312-622-2900 for a consultation.
The trucking industry is a booming business. As the economy has grown, so too has commercial transportation. The Illinois trucking laws are designed to protect both drivers and other motorists from harm, but they also ensure that truckers can operate their vehicles safely and efficiently.
Illinois Trucking Laws
Illinois trucking laws regulate the trucking industry. They apply to commercial vehicles, which are defined as any motorized vehicle used to transport people or property over public roadways, including cars, trucks and buses.
The rules include weight limits for these vehicles and how they can use certain roads. For example, there are restrictions on how much weight an 18 wheeler can carry depending on its axle configuration, tire size, and overall height of the vehicle (known as its profile). Commercial drivers must also adhere to federal regulations regarding hours-of-service limits such as, how many hours a driver may be behind the wheel without a mandatory break from driving, as well as what constitutes unlawful drug use while operating their trucks. There are also required vehicle inspections and guidelines on safe operations in work zones.
State laws are meant to protect the truck drivers as well as other people on the road. If failure to adhere to state laws results in an accident, you should seek medical attention first. Then, you should hire a trucking accident lawyer Springfield Illinois to pursue a personal injury claim.
Federal Trucking Laws
Federal trucking laws apply to interstate and intrastate commerce. They are enforced by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). These rules include:
- Hours of Service Rules, which limit how long drivers can be behind the wheel each day, week, and month.
- Drug and alcohol testing requirements for drivers engaged in interstate commerce.
- Driver qualification standards that require drivers to pass physical exams before they get behind the wheel on any kind of commercial vehicle for hire.
Federal laws affect interstate trucks while state laws affect intrastate trucks. In addition to enforcing federal regulations, some states have additional rules on their own roads to increase safety and ensure compliance with local law enforcement agencies.
If you’ve been in an accident with an interstate truck, you need an attorney who understands federal trucking regulations. Our trucking accident lawyer Springfield Illinois has extensive knowledge of the law and the experience to ensure you receive a just settlement.
Additional Rules and Regulations
There are a number of laws that govern the trucking industry in Illinois. Here are some of the most important ones:
- Commercial vehicle rules and regulations. These include weight restrictions, hours-of-service rules, and other regulations related to driver safety and cargo safety. Drivers must be familiar with these so they can safely transport their cargo without endangering lives or property along the way.
- Insurance requirements for commercial vehicles in Illinois include workers’ compensation insurance required by state law (IC 2210/2211) as well as property damage liability coverage required by state law (IC 3413).
- A commercial driver’s license is required for anyone operating a vehicle subject to Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSR).
State and federal laws, along with the rules and regulations of the USDOT, govern trucking companies. The USDOT is a federal agency that regulates the trucking industry. It enforces state laws by regulating interstate and intrastate commerce.
Contact our trucking accident lawyer Springfield Illinois for a consultation
Illinois trucking laws regulate the trucking industry. Federal regulations are also in place to ensure that commercial vehicles meet certain standards before they can enter interstate commerce. The state also has its own set of rules and regulations for Illinois motorists who want to drive trucks with more than 10,000 pounds of gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR).
All of these regulations are in place to protect the truck drivers and others on the road. When these laws are not followed and an accident results, you may need a personal injury lawyer to pursue your claim. Our trucking accident lawyer Springfield Illinois is here to pursue justice for you. Contact us today for a consultation.
