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Are there any legal limits for how much a truck driver can drive each day?

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A: There are legal limits for how long a truck driver can drive each day. These laws are designed to reduce driver fatigue and inattentiveness, which in turn reduce the odds of a Clarksburg truck accident taking place.

The U.S. government agency that regulates the trucking industry is known as the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). This body is responsible for preventing all types of truck accidents, establishing standards for the industry, and cracking down on trucking company negligence.

In November 2008, the FMCSA finalized its rules which spell out the number of hours of operation of a tractor-trailer by an individual within a given timeframe. Listed below is a synopsis of these rules:

Truck drivers must refrain from operating their vehicles for a minimum of 10 consecutive hours each day;
For 18-wheelers with sleeper berths, the truck driver must spend at least 8 of those "off-duty" hours inside the berths;
Throughout the 14 hours of a day during which a truck driver is "on-duty," the person is only allowed to actually drive a maximum of 11 hours each day;
The 14-hour "driving window" starts when a driver goes "on-duty" and ends exactly 14 hours later (i.e. there is no "starting and stopping the clock."); and
No truck driver is allowed to operate a tractor trailer for more than 60 hours in a consecutive 7-day period (unless the driver remains off-duty for a minimum of 34 consecutive hours in that timeframe).

Contacting a Clarksburg Truck Accident Lawyer

When trucks collide with passenger cars, the results will likely be life-changing. Although there will be a lot of questions and important decisions to make during this time, choosing the right legal representation can help you make the most informed decisions possible while you seek compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and other expenses. The Miley Legal Group in Clarksburg, West Virginia will work with you to fight for the compensation you deserve and help you to move on with your life. Contact us today for a FREE consultation - 304-326-1800.