Commercial trucks create a variety of risks in Portland, Oregon, simply due to their size and weight. That is why there are many federal and state regulations regarding commercial truck inspections that require truck drivers and trucking companies to maintain the vehicles.
If you have been involved in a truck accident in Portland, Oregon, you need to hire a truck accident attorney who can advocate on your behalf. At Henderson Taylor Law Firm, our team of auto accident lawyers has handled hundreds of truck accident cases and can help you every step of the way when filing a claim.
Keep reading to find out why commercial truck inspections are essential and the federal and state regulations that are in place.
Why Are Commercial Truck Inspections Important?
It can be easy to overlook commercial truck inspections as something that is not always necessary. However, inspecting commercial trucks to ensure safety and compliance is essential for trucking companies and individual truck drivers. Here are some examples of why these truck inspections are so necessary:
- Accident prevention: The main purpose of commercial truck inspections is to check for issues with the truck components that could lead to an accident. Examples of this include a defective steering system that could make it difficult for the truck driver to control a vehicle. Another example is worn-down brakes, which can result in the truck not being able to stop quickly.
- Efficiency: Inspecting and providing maintenance for commercial trucks will ultimately help the truck last much longer. Defective or damaged parts can be replaced, and issues can be addressed before they spread to other components and result in extensive damage and higher costs.
- Compliance: There are strict state and federal regulations for trucks, which truck drivers and trucking companies have to follow. Failure to comply with these inspection requirements can result in legal repercussions that could have been avoided.
- Legal repercussions: If a truck gets in an accident, one of the first things that will be examined is its inspection and maintenance records. Failure to comply with federal and state regulations can give those involved in a truck accident the proof they need to prove that the truck driver or trucking company was at fault.
If you have been involved in a truck accident, you need to hire a truck accident lawyer in Portland, Oregon. An attorney can help you file a claim, gather evidence and documentation, and negotiate with the involved parties.
Commercial Truck Inspection Requirements
Because commercial truck inspections are so essential for the safety of everybody on the road, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, or FMCSA, has specific regulations in place. These regulations are slightly different depending on the cargo the truck is transporting, mileage, usage, and whether or not the truck is operated by an intermodal equipment provider.
Aside from the federal regulations, each state also has its own regulations in place to protect its drivers. Truck drivers and trucking companies have to follow both types of regulations regarding inspections and other types of truck upkeep.
Federal
When it comes to federal regulations, the FMCSA mandates that commercial motor vehicles go through regular inspections. These inspections can be conducted through a variety of methods, including periodic inspections, annual inspections, regular roadside inspections, and biennial inspections.
These inspections need to check vital components of the commercial truck, such as the brakes, lights, steering systems, and tires. Annual inspections need to be conducted by a certified inspector who checks to ensure the truck is in compliance with federal safety standards. Other types of inspections will need to be performed by individuals who have experience with those inspections as they will look at different components of the vehicle.
It’s also recommended that trucking companies have their own commercial truck inspection requirements for each truck driver to perform pre-trip and post-trip.
State
It is crucial that commercial trucks follow the commercial truck state inspection regulations in order to operate legally. Oregon has authorized weighing and inspecting commercial trucks of 10,000 pounds or more and there are two levels of truck inspections that must be followed: level I and level II.
A level I inspection is very extensive and involves two inspectors, and takes anywhere between 20 to 60 minutes to complete. This inspection consists of checking different components of the truck, such as the following:
- Brakes
- Cargo securement
- Tires
- Windshield wipers
- Wheels, rims, and hubs
- Steering mechanism
- Suspensions
- Fuel systems
- Exhaust systems
- Coupling devices
- Lights
- Frames
- Driveline or driveshaft
A level II inspection involves many of the same aspects of a level I inspection, except it does not involve inspecting anything that requires the inspector to go underneath the vehicle.
What Happens If You Don’t Follow Federal and State Regulations?
Trucking companies and truck drivers must follow all of the federal and state regulations in place for commercial truck maintenance and inspections. The FMCSA specifically outlines the consequences of non-compliance for individuals who failed to follow these regulations to keep the vehicle safe and operational. The main consequences include fines and the potential for suspension of their operating authority.
Failure to follow the specific statewide regulations can also include fines as well as violations that could impact the truck driver’s commercial driver’s license and motor vehicle record. If the truck gets into an accident, the victims of the accident could file a lawsuit against a truck driver or trucking company if the inspection regulations were not adhered to.
Hire an Experienced Truck Accident Attorney at Henderson Taylor Law Firm
If you have been involved in a truck accident, this can come with significant implications, especially if the accident was caused by not following trucking regulations. Commercial truck rules and regulations are there for a reason and can significantly help to reduce the risk of truck-related accidents due to defects and system failures.
At Henderson Taylor Law Firm, our truck accident lawyers are committed to defending the downtrodden and advocating for truck accident victims in Portland, OR. For expert legal representation from one of our attorneys, contact us today at 360-737-1478 or fill out our online form.
