Were you hurt in a truck accident in Las Vegas, Nevada? Your case may involve complex state and federal trucking laws. These regulations are meant to prevent these devastating accidents. Despite penalties for drivers and companies, violations are common.
Multiple parties may be liable when safety regulations are violated and someone is hurt. Call De Castroverde Accident & Injury Lawyers today at (702) 222-9999 to protect your rights. Our legal team has over a century of combined experience handling complex accident cases. We understand the trucking industry’s rules and how to prove when a company or driver breaks them.
Call our law office to schedule your free case evaluation with a Las Vegas truck accident lawyer. We’ll answer your questions and help you explore your options.
Why Choose De Castroverde Accident & Injury Lawyers to Help You After a Truck Accident in Las Vegas, NV?
After a serious accident, you need an experienced legal team that understands what’s at stake. At De Castroverde Accident & Injury Lawyers, we’ve been standing up for crash victims for decades. We have over 100 years of combined experience with hundreds of millions recovered.
We have earned a reputation for our results and client-focused approach. Our firm has been named Las Vegas Review-Journal’s Best of Las Vegas. Our attorneys have been honored with the Platinum Client Champion Award and Nevada Business Magazine’s Legal Elite.
Our firm has the resources and experience to take on powerful trucking and insurance companies. We don’t back down. We’ll investigate your crash to gather evidence and negotiate aggressively for every dollar you are owed.
Truck accidents are complicated, but getting legal help shouldn’t be. Get in touch today to set up your free case evaluation with a Las Vegas personal injury lawyer at our law firm.
State of Nevada and Federal Trucking Regulations
Trucking companies in Nevada must follow both state and federal safety regulations. Most Nevada trucking regulations closely mirror federal rules set by the FMCSA. These laws cover driver qualifications, hours of service, vehicle maintenance, and more, all designed to prevent crashes and protect the public.
Understanding these regulations is key to proving fault after a truck accident.
Registration and Operating Authority
Commercial truck operators in Nevada must follow strict rules about registration and operating authority. These requirements depend on the type of motor carrier, what they are transporting, and whether they operate within Nevada or across state lines.
Interstate carriers operate across state lines. They are subject to the most extensive regulations.
Interstate carriers must:
- Register with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA)
- Enroll in the Unified Carrier Registration (UCR) program
- Obtain an MC number (or FF number for freight forwarders)
- Obtain a USDOT number if a vehicle has a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) or gross combination weight rating (GCWR) of 10,001 pounds or more
For intrastate moves within Nevada, regulatory oversight depends on the type of service provided.
- Nevada DMV’s Motor Carrier Division regulates interstate motor carriers and intrastate common goods carriers
- Nevada Transportation Authority (NTA) regulates household goods movers and intrastate motor carriers
A USDOT number is required for intrastate carriers transporting hazardous materials that need a safety permit. Nevada also requires a USDOT number for intrastate carriers operating vehicles rated at 26,001 pounds or more.
Commercial Driver License (CDL) Rules
Truck drivers in Nevada must hold a valid Commercial Driver License (CDL) to operate large or specialized vehicles. The CDL system is designed to ensure drivers meet strict safety, training, and testing requirements.
To qualify, drivers must pass knowledge and skills tests. Certain endorsements, like those for hazardous materials or double trailers, require additional testing and background checks. Drivers must also meet age, medical, and driving record standards to receive or keep their CDL.
Alcohol and Drug Testing and Regulations
The trucking industry has zero tolerance for impaired driving.
Federal law requires commercial drivers to undergo drug and alcohol testing at several key points:
- Before employment
- Randomly during employment
- After an accident
- When there is reasonable suspicion of substance use
The FMCSA sets strict thresholds, and any driver who fails or refuses a test must be removed from duty immediately. CDL holders have a lower BAC limit of 0.04% for a DUI. Drivers cannot use alcohol within four hours of driving a commercial vehicle or going on duty.
Drug or alcohol use impairs judgment and reaction time, making large trucks even more dangerous in a crash.
Size and Weight Limits
Both federal and state laws set maximum size and weight limits for commercial trucks. These limits help prevent roadway damage and reduce the risk of serious crashes. In general, trucks can weigh up to 80,000 pounds gross vehicle weight without special permits. Width is usually limited to 102 inches, height to 14 feet, and length varies by vehicle type.
Nevada follows federal standards but may issue permits for oversized or overweight loads. These loads must meet additional safety requirements and may be restricted to certain routes or times of day.
Hours of Service Rules
Nevada follows the FMCSA’s Hours of Service (HOS) regulations, which are designed to limit how long truck drivers can stay behind the wheel.
Key HOS rules include:
- Up to 11 hours of driving after 10 straight hours off duty
- No driving past the 14th hour on duty
- A 30-minute break is required after eight cumulative hours of driving
- No driving beyond 60 hours on duty in seven consecutive days
- No driving after 70 hours on duty in eight consecutive days
- A driver’s weekly hours are reset after a consecutive 34-hour period off duty
These rules are critical to preventing truck driver fatigue, a common factor in truck crashes.
Maintenance and Inspection Rules
Trucking companies and drivers must regularly inspect, maintain, and repair their vehicles. These rules cover everything from brakes and tires to lights, steering systems, and cargo equipment. Daily pre-trip and post-trip inspections are mandatory, and all repairs must be documented.
Regular inspections are essential to spotting problems early and keeping trucks safe on the road.
Cargo Loading Rules
Improperly loaded or unsecured cargo is a serious safety hazard. The FMCSA has specific rules for how cargo must be secured during transport. This includes requirements for tie-downs, weight distribution, and special procedures for hazardous materials. These rules are meant to prevent shifting loads, spills, and instability.
Violations can increase the risk of rollover and jackknife accidents, especially when cargo moves unexpectedly.
Contact Our Las Vegas Truck Accident Lawyers for a Free Consultation
Were you hurt in a truck accident in Las Vegas, Nevada? If your crash was caused by trucking violations or a careless driver, you may be entitled to money for your losses. De Castroverde Accident & Injury Lawyers is ready to help you fight for the money you deserve.
We have more than 100 years of combined experience and deep familiarity with state and federal trucking regulations. We are prepared to hold negligent drivers and companies accountable.
Call us today for a free consultation with a Las Vegas truck accident attorney to discuss your case and what we can do to help you.
