Semi-truck driving can be dangerous, which is why federal and state governments have strict regulations that truck drivers and their employers must follow. If truckers or the companies they work for break these laws and cause an accident, they can be held liable.

One of the critically important regulations is Hours of Service, which regulates how many hours a truck driver can work before taking a break. Unfortunately, it’s not uncommon for truckers to drive long hours, which can result in drowsy driving. 

Drowsy driving is especially dangerous for semi-truck drivers because of the size and weight of the trucks they operate. If a truck driver causes an accident because they are tired and have been driving too long, it can put the lives of other drivers on the road at risk. 

How many hours can a truck driver drive legally? Let’s find out. 

If you have further questions after reading this article and need help filing a claim for a semi-truck accident, we are here to help. At Poynter & Bucheri, our Indianapolis semi-truck accident attorneys have been helping victims of truck accidents for years. Contact us today to set up a FREE case review. 

Indiana Trucking Safety Laws

Before we dive into the Hours of Service regulations, it’s important to note that there are many other laws that truck drivers must follow to keep the roads safe. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration lists the following as the key regulations that truck drivers and truck companies must abide by:

• Before hiring a CDL driver, the FMCSA requires a pre-employment background check.
• Motor carriers are required to conduct drug and alcohol testing before hiring and then once again each year.
• Truck drivers are required to complete inspections of their vehicles every morning and at the end of every day. 
• If shipping hazardous materials, the materials must be classified, described, and packaged by FMCSA hazmat regulations.
• All cargo must be properly secured per FMCSA securement regulations.
• Records must be kept to stay compliant with DOT and FMCSA regulations, which include:
  • Proof of insurance
  • Drug testing reports
  • Motor vehicle reports
  • Driver rosters
  • Driver qualification files
  • Service provider contracts
  • Vehicle inspection and maintenance reports
  • Hours of service records
  • Employee training records
  • Incident reports

How Many Hours Can a Trucker Legally Drive?

Hours of Service (HOS) regulations prevent truck drivers from experiencing fatigue and causing accidents. These regulations are enforced by the Indiana State Police and by the FMCSA and are as follows:

• 11-Hour Driving Limit: Truck drivers may drive a maximum of 11 hours after having 10 consecutive hours off duty. 
• 14-Hour Limit: After 10 consecutive hours off duty, drivers may not drive more than 14 straight hours after coming on duty. *Off-duty time does not allow the 14-hour period to be extended. 
• 30-Minute Break: Drivers must take a 30-minute break after having driven 8 cumulative hours in a period. The break can be satisfied by any non-driving period (i.e., off-duty time, on-duty but not driving, sleeper berth, or any combination of these).
• 60/70-Hour Limit: Truck drivers may not drive more than 60/70 hours on duty in a 7/8 consecutive day period. Drivers may restart their 7/8 day period after taking 34 or more consecutive hours off duty. 

Filing an Accident Claim When a Truck Driver Breaks the HOS Regulations

Though commercial truck drivers and the companies they work for have strict regulations to follow, it is not uncommon for these regulations to be disobeyed. For example, truck drivers may sometimes be pressured by their employers to complete a delivery, which can lead to them driving more hours consecutively than they are allowed to. 

Unfortunately, holding truck drivers or trucking companies accountable for disobeying FMCSA regulations can be challenging. To prove that a truck driver caused an accident because they were drowsy and were on the road for too many hours, you will need to obtain copies of HOS reports and other data logged in the truck’s Electronic Logging Device (ELD). However, obtaining access to this information on your own is not easy.

In these cases, it is best to work with a truck accident lawyer who can obtain this information from the trucking company for you. Additionally, a lawyer can help you gather other evidence to help you build a strong case against the truck driver or their employer, such as police reports, surveillance footage, eyewitness statements, employee records, and any other relevant documents from the trucking or shipping company. 

Without sufficient evidence, it may be challenging to prove that the truck driver caused the accident because they disobeyed the HOS regulations. And if you cannot prove liability, you could lose your case entirely or be awarded much less money for your injuries and other damages than you deserve. 

Consult With an Indianapolis Semi Truck Accident Attorney 

If you or a loved one have been injured in a semi-truck accident, the team at Poynter & Bucheri can help. We know what it takes to obtain evidence from the trucking company and any other important information to ensure the right party is held accountable and that the insurance company awards you the high-value settlement you deserve. 

Don’t hesitate — an experienced Indiana Semi-Truck accident attorney can assist you right away. Call 1-800-265-9881 for a free case review.