When it comes to truck accidents, the aftermath can be overwhelming. The size and weight of commercial trucks often result in devastating collisions, leading to severe injuries and significant financial losses for victims. If you’ve been involved in a truck accident in Massachusetts or New Hampshire, understanding the laws that govern the trucking industry can play a crucial role in your case. Both Massachusetts and New Hampshire enforce trucking regulations, in combination with federal laws, to keep the roads safer. When these laws are violated, they can serve as powerful evidence in your claim for compensation.
Hours of Service (HOS) Regulations
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) enforces strict hours-of-service (HOS) regulations to prevent driver fatigue, one of the leading causes of truck accidents. Under HOS rules:
- Maximum driving time: Truck drivers are limited to 11 hours of driving after 10 consecutive hours off duty.
- Mandatory breaks: Drivers must take a 30-minute break after 8 hours of driving.
- Weekly limits: Drivers cannot exceed 60 hours of work in 7 days or 70 hours in 8 days.
How HOS Violations Impact Your Case
If the truck driver involved in your accident exceeded their allowable hours, fatigue may have been a significant factor in the crash. Your attorney can request driving logs, electronic logging device (ELD) records, and rest stop receipts to prove non-compliance, strengthening your case for negligence.
Truck Weight and Size Restrictions
Massachusetts and New Hampshire enforce weight and size restrictions to ensure that trucks don’t cause undue damage to roadways or become difficult to control. The legal limits for most commercial trucks include:
- 80,000 pounds gross vehicle weight (including cargo and fuel)
- Axle weight limits: No more than 20,000 pounds per single axle
How Weight Violations Can Cause Accidents
Overloaded trucks can experience longer braking distances, tire blowouts, and rollovers. If the truck involved in your accident was over its legal weight, the trucking company may be held liable for negligent loading practices. Your lawyer can obtain weigh station records to determine if the truck was overloaded.
Inspection and Maintenance Requirements
Both federal and state laws require trucking companies to maintain their vehicles to avoid mechanical failures. Regulations mandate:
- Daily inspections by drivers: Drivers must inspect their truck’s brakes, tires, lights, and other critical systems before each trip.
- Annual inspections: Trucks must undergo comprehensive inspections at least once a year.
- Prompt repairs: Any reported mechanical issue must be repaired before the truck is placed back on the road.
How Maintenance Violations Affect Your Claim
When mechanical failures such as faulty brakes or worn tires contribute to an accident, your attorney can examine maintenance logs and inspection reports to determine if the trucking company neglected their legal maintenance obligations.
Drug and Alcohol Testing Regulations
Truck drivers must undergo regular drug and alcohol testing, including:
- Pre-employment testing
- Random testing throughout the year
- Post-accident testing if the crash resulted in fatalities or serious injuries
The legal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit for truck drivers is 0.04%, half the limit for regular drivers.
Why This Matters in Your Case
If the truck driver failed a post-accident drug or alcohol test, it’s strong evidence of negligence. A skilled attorney will obtain test results and look for any signs that the trucking company overlooked substance abuse during the hiring process or allowed unsafe drivers on the road.
Cargo Securement Rules
To prevent shifting or falling cargo, FMCSA regulations specify how cargo must be secured:
- Tie-downs: Trucks must use the appropriate number of straps, chains, or tensioners based on the weight of the cargo.
- Height limits: Cargo must be evenly distributed and properly stacked to avoid shifting.
Cargo Violations and Your Case
Improperly secured cargo can cause jackknife accidents, rollovers, or debris falling onto the road. If shifting cargo was a factor in your accident, your attorney can review loading records and cargo inspection reports to establish negligence.
Driver Qualification Requirements
Truck drivers must meet strict qualifications before they’re allowed to operate commercial vehicles, including:
- Holding a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL)
- Passing a physical examination to ensure they’re fit to drive
- Completing ongoing safety training
Massachusetts-Specific Trucking Regulations
In addition to federal regulations, Massachusetts enforces its own trucking laws, including:
- Restrictions on truck routes: Trucks over 2.5 tons are prohibited on certain residential streets.
- Seasonal road restrictions: Limits on truck access during winter months to protect roadways.
- State-specific permits for oversized loads: Trucking companies must obtain permits for carrying loads exceeding state size or weight limits.
How Massachusetts State Regulations Strengthen Your Case
Violations of state-specific regulations by the driver or trucking company can bolster your claim. For instance, if a truck operates illegally on restricted roads, it demonstrates negligence and strengthens your case.
New Hampshire-Specific Trucking Regulations
New Hampshire also enforces additional state-level trucking laws to ensure road safety, including:
- Bridge weight restrictions: Trucks must adhere to strict weight limits on smaller bridges throughout the state.
- Road bans during spring thaw: Heavy trucks are prohibited from using certain roads during the spring thaw period to prevent damage to road surfaces.
- Height and length limits on rural roads: Restrictions on larger trucks operating in rural and mountainous areas.
How New Hampshire State Regulations Strengthen Your Case
If a truck violates New Hampshire’s unique regulations, such as exceeding bridge weight limits or operating on restricted roads during the spring thaw, it can serve as additional evidence of negligence. Your attorney can use state records, permits, and other documentation to prove non-compliance.
The Importance of Legal Representation in Trucking Cases
Understanding and applying trucking regulations requires legal expertise. Trucking companies often have powerful legal teams and insurance adjusters working to minimize their liability. Without an experienced truck accident lawyer, crucial evidence—such as electronic logging device (ELD) data, maintenance records, and witness statements—may be lost or withheld. Kiley Law Group has decades of experience in handling truck accident cases and navigating complex federal and state regulations. Our team works tirelessly to investigate every angle of your case and hold the responsible parties accountable.
What to Do After a Truck Accident
If you’ve been involved in a truck accident:
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- Seek medical attention immediately.
- Document the scene by taking photos and collecting witness contact information.
- Avoid speaking to insurance adjusters until you’ve consulted a lawyer.
- Contact a trusted truck accident lawyer who understands Massachusetts and New Hampshire regulations.
Why Kiley Law Group Is the Right Choice for Your Truck Accident Case
At Kiley Law Group, we understand the devastating impact a truck accident can have on your life. With over 50 years of experience and a proven track record of multi-million-dollar settlements, we are committed to securing the compensation you deserve. If you or a loved one has been injured in a truck accident, contact Kiley Law Group for a free consultation today. Let our expert team fight for you so you can focus on your recovery. By understanding trucking regulations and partnering with a law firm that knows how to leverage them effectively, you can build a strong case and pursue the justice you deserve.
