LAW OF TEXAS CAMIONES

Large commercial vehicles, especially trucks, semi-trailers and 18-wheel trucks, often present serious dangers on Texas roads. For this reason, they are highly regulated by state and federal laws. These vehicles tend to cause some of the most devastating collisions because time is money on road transport. Drivers are often under pressure to meet deadlines, as well as with long and exhausting working hours.
What does the Texas Act consider a Big Vehicle?

Larger vehicles are subject to strict safety standards enacted by the U.S. government. The U.S. and the individual states. These regulations protect the public against negligent and untrained truck drivers.

Federal Transportation Safety Regulations (FMCSR) apply to vehicles that:

• Participate in interstate trade
• Weighing over 10,000 pounds
• Transporting hazardous materials
• Carry at least eight people.

However, the Texas Department of Public Safety and Texas Autoport Security Regulations apply to commercial vehicles that:

• Participate in intra-state trade
• Deliver goods within the state.
• Weigh 26,000 pounds or more
• Involve an agricultural vehicle weighing 48,000 pounds or more
• Bringing more than 15 people.
• Carrying fluids or hazardous materials

What transport documents are required?
Commercial Truck Companies in Texas

The Texas Department of Transportation and the Federal Transportation Safety Administration (FMCSA) require commercial truck companies in Texas to have:

minimum liability insurance coverage for each registered vehicle, as well as
insurance coverage for bodily injury, property damage and environmental restoration.

Truckers in Texas

In addition to vehicle protection, drivers must also be insured in the event of an accident.

If the driver is an employee, ideally it should be covered by the truck company’s insurance policy.

Independent contractors must have a primary liability policy, along with commercial liability insurance coverage.
Truck companies in Texas

Depending on the insurance policy, a trucking company should also cover areas such as untrustable liability, cargo insurance, uninsured motorist coverage, physical damage, accident coverage, rent refund and more.
What Documents Need a Truck Driver?

Truckers are responsible for transporting more than 70 percent of the merchandise in the United States. To become a commercial driver, the first requirement is to obtain a Commercial Learning Permit (CLP), followed by a Commercial Driver License (CDL). In addition, the following requirements must be met:

• Having at least 18 years to drive within the state and 21 years to cross state limits.
• A clean handling record
• State residence test
• A Social Security Number
• Proof of insurance coverage
• Passing regular drug tests and medical examinations.
• Passing a background check

There are three kinds of commercial driver’s licenses: class A, B or C. The type of license you choose will depend to a large extent on the type of work you plan to do as a commercial vehicle operator.

Class A: Class A gives you access to many types of commercial trucks, including trucks with trailers and platforms. This type of license is considered the most complete option.
Class B: Class B operators drive school buses and public transport vehicles.
Class C: any individual vehicle weighing less than 26,001 pounds is included in Group C, or any vehicle that trailers another vehicle not exceeding 10,000 pounds.

Federal Truck Laws
Truck drivers are governed by the Federal Transportation Safety Regulations (FMCSR), which set the standard of care for drivers in the state of Texas.

The FMCSR was written specifically to regulate the national standard of care for truck companies and the operation of commercial trucks. These regulations are implemented by the Federal Automobile Safety Administration, as well as for the application of state law. Their mission is to reduce the crashes, injuries and fatalities involving large trucks and buses.

Regulations may be quite specific, but many set general guidelines for the safe and professional operation of commercial trucks. Some of the guidelines in the FMCSR include the following topics:

• Avoid fatigue of the truck driver
• Driving defensive
• Avoid rear collisions
• Make right left turns
• Avoiding the cargo moving in transit

Texas Truck Laws

Texas regulations apply to aspects of road transportation, such as the registration of commercial fleets, size and weight limits on Texas roads, permits for large loads and weight, and restrictions on moving large or heavy loads within the state. Texas has also incorporated nearly all of the FMCSA’s regulations for commercial truck operations within the state.

Texas also sets traffic rules and regulations on how vehicles can operate on the state’s roads and highways. In addition, it is responsible for issuing commercial driver’s licenses to truckers residing or working in the state.

If you’re injured in a truck accident, consult a lawyer with experience in David Sanchez’s truck crashes. At David Sanchez’s legal offices, truck accident lawyers will help him with his claim. Call us for a free consultation today.