Washington State Regulations for Commercial Truck Drivers

Commercial truck drivers are responsible for transporting goods across vast distances, often navigating through dense traffic and challenging road conditions. Because of the potential dangers posed by these large vehicles, both Washington State and federal authorities enforce stringent regulations to promote road safety. These rules, including hours-of-service limits, cargo securement requirements, and mandatory drug and alcohol testing, help prevent accidents. However, when violations occur, they can serve as evidence of negligence in truck accident claims.

For truck accident victims in Kent, WA, working with an experienced truck accident lawyer like Jeffrey S. Floyd & Associates, PLLC is essential. Their knowledge of Washington State’s commercial trucking regulations can help prove negligence and secure compensation for injuries and damages.

Driver fatigue is a leading cause of commercial truck accidents. Truck drivers often face tight deadlines, which may tempt them to drive longer than is legally permitted. To prevent accidents related to fatigue, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) imposes strict hours-of-service (HOS) limits, which are also enforced in Washington State. These rules are designed to ensure drivers are well-rested and alert while on the road.

Key hours-of-service regulations include:

• 11-Hour Driving Limit: Drivers are limited to a maximum of 11 hours of driving after 10 consecutive hours off-duty.
• 14-Hour Workday Limit: Drivers cannot be on duty for more than 14 consecutive hours. This includes non-driving activities like loading and unloading cargo.
• 30-Minute Break Requirement: Drivers must take a 30-minute break after driving for 8 cumulative hours without at least a 30-minute interruption.
• 60/70-Hour Limit: Drivers are limited to 60 hours of driving in 7 consecutive days, or 70 hours in 8 consecutive days.

Despite these regulations, some drivers may violate hours-of-service rules to meet delivery deadlines, putting others at risk. When a truck driver exceeds these limits and causes an accident, evidence of HOS violations can strengthen a claim of negligence.

A knowledgeable truck accident attorney will review driver log books, trip data, and electronic logging devices (ELDs) to determine whether the driver was in violation of hours-of-service regulations at the time of the accident. Such violations demonstrate that the driver or their employer acted negligently, increasing the likelihood of securing compensation for the victim.

Properly securing cargo is essential for maintaining vehicle stability and preventing accidents. Improperly secured loads can shift during transit, causing the truck to become unbalanced or leading to cargo spilling onto the road, endangering other drivers. Washington State follows the FMCSA’s cargo securement standards, which set clear guidelines for ensuring that cargo is safely loaded and tied down.

Key cargo securement rules include:

• Proper Tie Downs: Cargo must be secured using appropriate devices such as straps, chains, or ropes. The strength and quantity of these securement devices depend on the weight and size of the cargo.
• Even Distribution: Cargo must be evenly distributed and properly balanced to prevent the truck from tipping over or becoming difficult to control.
• Regular Inspections: Drivers are required to inspect cargo before the start of a trip and periodically throughout the journey to ensure nothing has come loose.

When cargo is improperly secured, accidents can happen in several ways. The truck may jackknife or roll over due to a load shift, or debris may fall off the vehicle and cause accidents behind it. In such cases, proving that the driver or trucking company violated cargo securement regulations can provide strong evidence of negligence.

An experienced truck injury lawyer can investigate whether improper cargo securement played a role in the accident by examining inspection records, interviewing witnesses, and consulting with accident reconstruction experts. If a violation is discovered, it can greatly enhance the injured party’s case.

Due to the size and weight of commercial trucks, impaired driving can have devastating consequences. To prevent drug and alcohol use among commercial drivers, Washington State and the FMCSA enforce strict testing requirements. These include:

• Pre-Employment Testing: Drivers must pass a drug test before being hired to operate a commercial vehicle.
• Random Testing: Trucking companies are required to conduct random drug and alcohol tests to ensure drivers remain compliant throughout their employment.
• Post-Accident Testing: Following a serious accident, drivers must undergo drug and alcohol testing if the crash involves a fatality or if the driver is cited for a moving violation that caused injury or significant damage.

Federal regulations set the blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit for commercial drivers at 0.04%, which is stricter than the 0.08% limit for non-commercial drivers. Drivers who exceed this limit or test positive for controlled substances face serious penalties, including the suspension of their commercial driver’s license (CDL).

When a truck driver causes an accident while impaired, the results of their drug or alcohol tests can serve as compelling evidence of negligence. A truck accident attorney can use these test results to hold both the driver and their employer accountable for damages. Furthermore, if a trucking company failed to comply with random testing requirements or knowingly hired a driver with a history of substance abuse, the company can also be held liable for negligence.

In truck accident cases, proving negligence is crucial to securing compensation for the victims. Violations of the above regulations offer a clear pathway to establishing that the truck driver or their employer acted irresponsibly. A truck accident attorney can gather evidence of these violations through:



• Logbooks showing hours-of-service violations.
• Inspection reports documenting improper cargo securement.
• Test results indicating drug or alcohol use.

When regulations are violated, it strengthens the case that the driver or trucking company breached their duty of care, leading to the accident and resulting injuries. For victims in Kent, WA, having a skilled truck injury lawyer on their side is essential to proving this negligence and securing rightful compensation.

Washington State’s regulations for commercial truck drivers are designed to protect the public and reduce the risks associated with operating large, heavy vehicles. However, when these rules are violated, it can result in serious accidents, causing devastating injuries and even fatalities. Victims of truck accidents in Kent, WA, can rely on a knowledgeable truck accident lawyer from Jeffrey S. Floyd & Associates, PLLC to help them prove negligence and secure compensation for their losses.

Understanding these regulations is crucial for building a strong case. If you or a loved one has been injured in a truck accident, consulting with an experienced truck injury lawyer will ensure that the trucking company or driver is held accountable for their actions.

If you've been injured in a truck accident, don't wait to seek legal assistance. Contact Jeffrey S. Floyd & Associates, PLLC, your trusted truck accident attorney in Kent, WA, and get the compensation you deserve.

References:

Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). Hours of Service (HOS) Regulations. Available at FMCSA.

Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). Cargo Securement Rules. Available at FMCSA Cargo Securement.

Washington State Department of Transportation. Commercial Vehicle Safety and Compliance. Available at WSDOT.

Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). Drug and Alcohol Testing. Available at FMCSA Drug and Alcohol Testing.