Can Truck Drivers Stay on the Road for 20 Hours at a Time? | FAQ

Did the Truck Company Who Employed the Truck Driver Causing My Indiana Car Accident Break Any Laws by Having the Driver Stay on the Road for 20 Hours at a Time?

truck-driver-sleeping-regulations

The trucking company that employed the truck driver who caused your Indiana car accident may have broken laws if the company violated hours of service regulations. These hours of service regulations limit the amount of time a truck driver can be on the road.

If your Indiana car accident was caused by a truck driver’s negligence, an Indianapolis personal injury attorney may find there was a violation on the number of hours the truck driver had been operating the semi. If so, the trucking company could also be held liable for the injuries you sustained in your Indiana car accident.

Rules for Commercial Motor Vehicle Drivers

Here are some of the rules that apply to commercial motor vehicle drivers who are carrying property:

  • Can drive maximum of 11 hours after 10 consecutive hours off duty
  • Cannot drive after the 14th consecutive hour after being on duty, following 10 consecutive hours off duty
  • Cannot drive after 60/70 hours on duty in 7/8 consecutive days
  • Must have at least 8 consecutive hours in the sleeper berth, along with 2 consecutive hours either off duty, in the sleeper berth or a combination of the 2

Here are some of the rules that apply to commercial motor vehicle drivers who are carrying passengers:

  • Can drive maximum of 10 hours after 8 consecutive hours off duty
  • Cannot drive after being on duty for 15 hours, following 8 consecutive hours off duty
  • Cannot drive after 60/70 hours on duty in 7/8 consecutive days
  • Must have at least 8 consecutive hours in the sleeper berth or can split the time into 2 periods, as long as its not less than 2 hours

When you have been injured in an Indiana car accident you should speak with an Indianapolis car accident attorney to find out about your legal options.

A Helping Hand from an Indianapolis Personal Injury Attorney

When you have complications with your Indiana car accident claim, an Indianapolis personal injury attorney can help you to alleviate some of the stress and anxiety associated with filing an Indiana car accident claim. In order to get back on track with your Indiana car accident claim, download a copy of our eBook, Consumer’s Guide for Injured Victims at NO COST then contact an Indianapolis personal injury attorney at Hensley Legal Group for a no-cost consultation: (317) 472-3333.