The network of commercial trucks that cross our highways is the essence of our economy. These mammoth vehicles transport goods and materials to every corner of the nation, including Missouri, but they also contribute to severe accidents involving large trucks due to their size and weight. However, the sheer size and power of commercial vehicles also present unique challenges and potential dangers on the road. To ensure the safety of all motorists and maintain ethical practices within the industry, federal and state governments put in place regulations and legal limitations that govern the operation of commercial trucks. These limitations cover everything from the number of hours a driver can spend at the wheel to weight limits and load securement standards.
If you suffered injuries as a result of a truck driver or company negligence, the lawyers of Goza & Honnold are prepared to fight for you. We have decades of experience and focused knowledge of Missouri commercial truck regulations, enabling us to build a strong case on your behalf while you focus on recovery.
Definition and Types of Commercial Vehicles
Commercial vehicles are defined as self-propelled or towed motor vehicles used on highways in interstate commerce to transport passengers or property. According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), a vehicle qualifies as a commercial motor vehicle (CMV) if it meets specific criteria. These include having a weight rating of 10,001 pounds or more, transporting eight or more passengers for compensation, or carrying over 15 people without compensation. Understanding these definitions is crucial for anyone involved in the trucking industry, as it helps ensure compliance with federal regulations and promotes road safety.
Commercial Motor Vehicles and Their Classifications
Commercial motor vehicles can be classified into several types, each serving a unique purpose in the transportation sector:
- Large Commercial Trucks: These are the most common type of commercial vehicle, used for transporting goods over long distances. They include semi trucks and other large freight carriers.
- Buses: Used for transporting passengers, buses can range from small shuttle buses to large tour buses, each designed to accommodate different passenger capacities.
- Tanker Trucks: These vehicles are specialized for transporting hazardous materials such as liquids and gases, requiring specific safety measures and handling protocols.
- Flatbed Trucks: Ideal for transporting oversized or irregular loads that cannot fit in enclosed spaces, flatbed trucks are versatile and commonly used in construction and heavy industry.
- Box Trucks: Often seen in urban areas, box trucks are used for local deliveries and are designed to navigate city streets efficiently.
Understanding the various types of commercial vehicles is essential for legal cases, as each type has distinct characteristics that can influence a truck’s maneuverability, stopping distance, and overall safety.
Importance of Understanding Commercial Vehicle Types in Legal Cases
In legal cases involving commercial vehicles, knowing the specific type of vehicle involved is crucial. Different commercial vehicles have unique characteristics regarding axles, cargo capacity, and gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR). These factors can significantly impact a truck’s maneuverability and stopping distance, which are critical in determining the cause and liability of truck accidents. Evaluating aspects such as the truck’s maintenance records, the truck driver’s adherence to safety protocols, and the proper use of the truck as per its design is vital in building a strong legal case. This detailed understanding can help ensure that all relevant factors are considered, leading to a fair and just outcome.
Missouri Laws and Regulations for Commercial Trucks
The legal limitations surrounding commercial trucks in Missouri are subject to both federal regulations and state-specific laws. Truck drivers must obtain a valid commercial driver’s license (CDL) to operate commercial vehicles legally in Missouri. The following may apply to your specific truck accident claim:
Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations
Commercial trucks operating in Missouri are subject to the same federal regulations that apply nationwide. These regulations cover many aspects of trucking operations, including driver qualifications, hours of service, vehicle maintenance, and cargo securement.
Understanding truck accident law is crucial for navigating the complexities of federal regulations and ensuring proper legal recourse in the event of an accident.
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Limits
Missouri enforces weight limits for commercial trucks to prevent excessive wear and tear on roadways, which includes the following:
- 20,000 pounds per axle at most on the interstate, 22,000 pounds on highways, or 34,000 pounds on a tandem axle on interstates, and 36,000 pounds on highways.
- The total gross vehicle weight hinges on the number of axles on the vehicle and the distance between the center of the front-most and rear-most axle. The total weight permitted is 80,000 pounds, with heavier vehicles mandated to obtain oversized weight permits from the Missouri Department of Transportation
Overweight trucks may face fines and be required to offload excess weight before continuing transportation.
Hours of Service
Commercial truck drivers in Missouri must adhere to federal HOS rules, which include the following:
- Drivers are restricted to 14 hours work days and 11 hours of driving before taking a 10-hour break prior to the next duty shift.
- Drivers are restricted to 60 hours of workweeks in a seven-day period or 70 hours on duty in any eight-day period. A driver can renew these periods by taking a 34 consecutive hours break.
- Drivers may not drive over eight hours since their last off-duty or rest period of at least 30 minutes.
Hours of service rules are designed to prevent driver fatigue and improve road safety. Driver fatigue is a leading cause of truck accidents, often resulting in serious injuries that can have long-term consequences for victims.
Inspection Requirements
Commercial truck drivers and companies must regularly inspect, maintain, and repair all trucks in their fleet. Truck drivers must also write a post-trip inspection report at the end of each driving day. Before the truck can be operated again, the truck company must certify that any defects noted in a driver’s post-trip inspection report were either fixed or that the condition does not require immediate correction. Tow trucks play a crucial role in ensuring that commercial trucks comply with inspection requirements, especially during breakdowns or accidents.
Speed Requirements
Missouri has laws and regulations controlling the speed limits for commercial trucks. According to the Missouri Department of Transportation, truck drivers must observe the following speed limits:
- 70 MPH on rural interstates and freeways
- 60 MPH on urban interstates and freeways
- 60 MPH on highways unless otherwise posted
Speed limits apply to all commercial trucks with a vehicle weight rating of over 26,000 pounds or towing a trailer or vehicle.
Insurance Requirements for Commercial Trucks
To operate on public roads, commercial trucks must meet specific insurance requirements. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) sets minimum liability insurance limits to ensure that trucking companies have adequate coverage to compensate victims in the event of an accident. These insurance requirements vary depending on the weight of the vehicle and the type of cargo being transported, reflecting the potential risks associated with different types of commercial trucking operations.
Minimum Liability Insurance Limits for Commercial Trucks
The FMCSA mandates the following minimum liability insurance limits for commercial trucks:
- $750,000 for vehicles with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of 10,001 pounds or more.
- $1,000,000 for vehicles with a GVWR of 26,001 pounds or more.
These insurance limits are designed to ensure that victims of commercial truck accidents receive adequate compensation for their injuries and damages. However, in some cases, these limits may not be sufficient to cover the full extent of the damages. Victims may need to seek additional compensation through other legal avenues, such as pursuing claims against multiple parties or seeking punitive damages. Understanding these insurance requirements is essential for anyone involved in the trucking industry, as it helps ensure compliance with federal regulations and promotes financial responsibility.
Speak With the Truck Accident Lawyer of Goza & Honnold
Missouri and federal regulations and limitations are vital for the safety of truck drivers and other motorists sharing the road. If you were injured in a truck accident caused by driver or company negligence, speak with the lawyers of Goza & Honnold for an assessment of your case. We will begin a detailed investigation into the accident to determine the causation of the accident and build a case to prove liability.
Schedule a no-cost case consultation with our truck accident lawyers, call our office at ,(913) 451-3433, or fill out a contact form.
Goza & Honnold, a trusted personal injury law firm serving Missouri and Kansas, is known for our dedication to client advocacy and trial excellence. With a strong focus on auto accidents, medical negligence, and product liability cases, our experienced attorneys work diligently to secure fair outcomes while being fully prepared to take cases to trial when necessary. We work closely with our clients to build strong cases that reflect their unique experiences.