18 Wheeler Driver Law

In the state of Massachusetts, as in other states, hundreds are killed or injured each year in semi truck accidents. These semi truck crashes can leave victims with permanent injuries, or even death. They may suffer from loss time at work, huge medical bills, and even need constant care for months, years, or the rest of their lives. Truck accidents in the snow of New England can be even more devastating. Semi truck accident attorneys such as Boston Lawyers Neil Burns and Roshan Jain can help if you or your loved one has been injured or killed in a semi truck accident.

High Standards for Massachusetts Truck Drivers

The trucking business is a huge part of the economy for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Pretty much anything that we eat; wear, watch, play, or use in any way was transported at some point by a commercial truck driver. These drivers are held to a much higher standard of safety than automobile drivers when it comes to operating their huge semi trucks. Because of this, the Commonwealth has adopted most of the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Regulations as their own. Here are the sections of those federal regulations which the state of Massachusetts has used as state regulations as well:

Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Regulations Adopted by Massachusetts

1. Section 382 – Controlled Substances and Alcohol Use and Testing
2. Section 390 – General Applicability and Definitions, General Requirements and Information
3. Section 391 – Driver Qualification
4. Section 392 – Driving of Commercial Vehicles
5. Section 393 – Parts and Accessories Necessary for Safe Operation
6. Section 395 – Hours of Service of Drivers
7. Section 396 – Inspection, Repair, and Maintenance
8. Section 397 – Transportation of Hazardous Materials and Driving and Parking Rules

What the Law Considers a Commercial Vehicle

The following shows a list of what the state of Massachusetts Department of Transportation (Mass DOT) considers to be “commercial vehicles.”

● If a motor vehicle which is used for transportation of property has a gross weight rating of 10,001 pounds, or gross combination of the same weight, it is considered to be a commercial vehicle.
● If a motor vehicle is designed to carry over fifteen passengers, it is considered to be a commercial vehicle. The driver is to be included in that count.
● If a motor vehicle is used to transport hazardous materials in an amount which would require the driver to placard it under the Federal Hazardous Materials Transportation Act, it is a commercial vehicle.

These are just a few of the legal requirements for commercial drivers in the state of Massachusetts. There are also many insurance requirements for semi trucks, by the state and by private companies. Following a motor vehicle collision involving a commercial vehicle, you need an experienced truck accident attorney because litigating a claim against insurance companies can be complicated. You need someone used to being aggressive against these companies.

If you or someone you love has been injured or killed as a result of a semi truck accident, give Boston Truck Accident Attorney Neil Burns a call today.