The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) is the entity responsible for promoting the safe operation of commercial motor vehicles (CMV’s) and reducing the number and severity of crashes. In 2009 the FMCSA released crash data that showed that 4808 highway fatalities involved large trucks. These numbers, although lower than previous years, remain high due to the factor of distracted driving among CMV drivers. Restrictions were introduced jointly by the FMCSA and the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) in 2010. The new set of rules was designed specifically to prohibit the use of hand held mobile devices for talking and texting by interstate truck [...]

There are many reasons that truck accidents happen. Truckers are often fatigued and inattentive from working long hours. Trucks require much longer braking distances than other vehicles and are not as maneuverable. Due to their high center of gravity they can turnover easily. When a large truck is involved in an accident the likelihood of injuries and extensive damage is much greater than with a passenger vehicle. Due to the potential for causing fatalities, injuries and extensive property damage, federal law requires interstate trucks to carry large amounts of insurance to shield the drivers and trucking companies from paying large claims while guaranteeing payment to innocent [...]

We have all been behind a truck on the highway with a big sticker plastered on the back asking “How is my driving?” While it is comforting to know that the trucking company is concerned regarding the safe operation of its vehicle, even the most alert and cautious truck driver on the road may be in imminent danger of a crash if the equipment is improperly maintained. Lack of proper maintenance is a prevalent cause of serious truck crashes in California and across the nation. Federal Safety Maintenance Regulations for Truckers The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSR) can be of significant help in proving negligence [...]