FAQs

Being involved in a trucking accident is an incredibly overwhelming and stressful experience with which many are unfamiliar.  With 42 years of combined experience practicing personal injury law in Texas, the attorneys at The Mann Firm have the knowledge necessary to answer your questions and help you through the process of filing a truck crash lawsuit.  Some of the most frequently asked questions we hear are—

Time is of the essence... Contact The Mann Firm today

Located in Henderson, Texas, The Mann Firm represents clients injured in trucking accidents throughout Texas, East Texas to West Texas, and the metropolitan areas of Dallas, Houston, and San Antonio.  Contact our office via email or phone at 903 657-8540 to discuss the details of your accident with an experienced Texas trucking accident attorney.

Q. Do any federal regulations govern truck drivers?
A. Truck drivers must obey regulations set forth by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration regarding equipment and hours of service.  They are also required to maintain a driver's log and carry a set amount of insurance coverage in case there is an accident.

Back to Top

Q. What are Hours of Service regulations?
A. Hours of service (HOS) regulations detail the amount of time a commercial motor vehicle driver can be on the road before taking mandatory breaks.  There are three maximum duty limits: the 14-hour duty limit, the 11-hour driving limit, and the 60/70-hour duty limit. 

  • The 14-hour duty limit starts as soon as a driver does any form of work after being off duty for at least 10 hours.  The 14-hour duty limit includes time spent napping or taking lunch breaks.
  • The 11-hour driving limit is the total amount of time a driver is allowed to drive during his or her 14 hours on duty.  
  • The 60/70-hour duty limit is the number of hours drivers can be on duty during a seven or eight day period of time.  Drivers must comply with this weekly duty limit. 

Back to Top

Q. I was in a truck crash.  What do I do now?
A. After leaving the scene of the accident, your top priority is to seek medical attention.  You should then gather material evidence, write down everything you can remember about the collision itself and the events leading up to it, take photos of damaged property, get a copy of the police report, and call The Mann Firm to speak to one of our skilled trucking accident lawyers.

Back to Top

Q. What trucks are categorized as commercial trucks?
A. Commercial trucks weigh more than 10,001 pounds and are used for business purposes or to transport goods from manufacturers to stores.  Commercial trucks include the following types of motor vehicles—

  • Tractor-trailers
  • 18-wheelers
  • Semi trucks
  • Tanker trucks
  • Dump trucks
  • Delivery vehicles
  • Flatbed trucks
  • Panel trucks
  • Other large freight trucks

Back to Top

Q. Is investigation important in a trucking accident case?
A. Yes.  Investigating the details of a trucking accident as soon as possible ensures that your lawyer has the opportunity to build a strong case based on eyewitness reports of the accident, road conditions, and other factors that may impact a settlement.  Additionally, critical evidence in trucking accident lawsuits—such as the driver's log of work hours—may be discarded after a certain period of time.

Back to Top