Texas Truck Accident Attorney

Driver Responsibilities – Texas Truck Accident Lawyer

A commercial vehicle driver’s main job is to ensure the safe transport of the loaded freight. The commercial vehicle driver has a number of duties besides the main job of guaranteeing that the freight arrives safely at its’ final destination. The driver must make sure that the truck is fit for usage according to Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMSCR) through pre and post inspection usage. Additionally, the driver must monitor the maintenance of the truck while driving and maintain control of the vehicle during operation.

Training, Qualification, and Experience – Texas Truck Accident Lawyer

All drivers must receive training in driver qualification requisites, hours of service, driver wellness, and whistle-blower protection. CDL holders are responsible for providing his employment, previous convictions and violations of law, accident history, drug and alcohol history, and medical history. The employing motor carrier to perform a road test with each driver. The road test must be performed on the vehicle type the driver is expected to operate and must be given by a competent employee of the motor carrier. The driver is charged with knowing the pertinent sections of the FMSCR.

Driving and Operation

Drivers are required to perform pre-trip and post-trip inspections and document issues and inspections according to FMSCR and company policies. A commercial motor vehicle that has been placed out of service cannot be operated until the condition is remedied. Drivers must also understand and comply with the applicable hours of service regulation requirements. Driving, whether off-duty and on-duty times must be accurately logged.
A driver is responsible for planning his route, taking into account weight and size limitations. He should plan his route with hours-of-service requirements in mind. His route plan should include time to stop for required breaks, cargo inspection, fueling, etc.
The driver is responsible for determining whether the cargo has been properly located and distributed on his CMV. The driver also has the right to refuse a load that has been improperly loaded or to requests, the cargo is properly placed. Securing the cargo for transport, however, is the responsibility of the driver. Drivers must ensure that their loads are secured to prevent the load from spilling, leaking, blowing, or falling from or within the vehicle. Drivers must not drive when in the possession of, or under the influence of alcohol, controlled drugs, or other substances.

Recordkeeping and Reporting

A driver is required to notify his employer regarding convictions for violations, driver’s license revocation, suspension or disqualification within the prescribed time limits. Drivers are also responsible for informing their employers of roadside inspections and out-of-service orders. The driver is required to maintain a record of their duty status (driver’s log), and to keep a record of their last seven says with them. When a commercial driver is involved in a truck wreck, the driver is responsible for reporting the accident to his employer, and to follow any and all company policies in emergency situations.

Understanding Houston, Texas Truck Equipment Involved in Accidents

Knowledge of the Equipment That A Truck Driver Must Possess

To obtain a CDL, the driver must pass a written and skill tests. Motor carriers are required to investigate driver history and perform road tests to assess a driver’s qualifications. A driver is not expected to know how every truck or tractor operates but must know how to drive his particular vehicle. A driver may need additional training on how to shift a particular transmission or the operation of specific controls and devices.

The Required Truck Driver Pre-Trip Inspection

This inspection is required by the federal regulations to ensure the vehicle is in a condition that his not likely to cause a breakdown or other hazard to the monitoring public and the load is safe to transport. A good pre-trip inspection should cover all of the vehicle’s systems, components, and cargo. These areas can include (when present), but not limited to:
– Engine compartment
– Driveline
– Steering
– Tires and wheels
– Brakes
– Lights and conspicuity devices
– Coupling devices
– Cargo securement
– Fuel, air, and oil and/or chemical tanks
– Emergency equipment

The driver should document the pre-trip inspection in his or her logbook as well as document any deficiencies found during the process.

Contact Texas Truck Accident Attorney RJ Alexander
If you or your loved one is injured in a Texas truck wreck, call the Texas Truck Accident Lawyer at (832) 458-1756 or contact the firm online.

Houston Truck Accident Attorney RJ Alexander Serves Victims of Overweight Trucks in Houston and Nationwide.

To speak with an attorney about your case, call Houston truck accident lawyer RJ Alexander at 832.458.1756 or contact the firm online. Attorney RJ Alexander offers evening and weekend appointments as well as home and hospital visits.

Houston Truck Accident Lawyer Causes of Accidents
Blind Spot
Construction Zone
Delivery Truck
Falling Cargo
Garbage Truck
Improper Maintenance
Loading Dock
Poor Weather
Tire Blowout
Driver Fatigue

Houston Truck Accident Lawyer Types of Accidents
Drowsy Driving
Drunk Driving
Head On Collision
Highway Construction
Intersection Accident
Interstate Accident
Jackknife Accident
Rear End Accident
Reckless Driving
Side Impact Accident
Speeding Accident
Texting While Driving
Underride Accident
Whiplash Accident

Houston Truck Accident Lawyer Types of Truck Accidents
Abdominal Injury
Amputation
Broken Bone
Cracked Ribs
Facial Disfigurement
Fractured Pelvis
Head Injury
Herniated Disc
Laceration
Whiplash
Paralysis
Burn
Spinal Cord Injury
Traumatic Brain Injury
Wrongful Death

Houston Truck Accident Lawyer Practice Areas
Texas Truck Accident Attorney
Houston Truck Accident Lawyer
Houston Truck Accident Attorney
Houston Truck Wreck Lawyer
Houston Truck Wreck Attorney
Houston Truck Death Lawyer
Houston Truck Death Attorney
Truck Accident Attorney Houston
Truck Wreck Lawyer Houston
Houston Truck Accident Death Attorney
Houston Truck Wreck Death Attorney
Houston Semi Truck Accident Lawyer
Houston Semi Truck Accident Attorney
Houston 18 Wheeler Accident Attorney
Houston 18 Wheeler Wreck Attorney
Truck Death Lawyer
Truck Death Attorney

Federal Truck Safety Regulations
Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations
Truck Accident Statistics
Houston Truck Accident Fatality
Firm
Attorney