In the trucking industry, time is money, but safety must come first. That’s why both federal and Texas laws limit the number of horses commercial truck drivers can drive on the road. These Hours of Service (HOS) regulations are designed to prevent fatigue-related accidents, which are among the most dangerous on Texas highways.
At Orange Law Firm, we’ve seen too many cases where overworked drivers and negligent trucking companies caused life-changing accidents. If you or a loved one has been affected, a Truck Accident Lawyer in Houston like Attorney Karan Joshi can help you understand your rights and hold commercial carriers accountable when they break the rules.
What Are the Hours of Service (HOS) Rules?
The FMCSA mandates strict driving limits for commercial motor vehicle operators in interstate commerce, focusing on key safety regulations for drivers.
- 11-Hour Driving Limit: Drivers can be on the road for up to 11 hours, provided they rest for at least 10 consecutive hours off-duty first.
- 14-Hour Limit: Truck drivers are required to stop driving after completing their 14 hours of duty time, no matter how much they have driven.
- 30-Minute Break Requirement: After 8 hours of driving time, a driver must take a 30-minute break before continuing.
- 60/70-Hour Limit
- The driver does not have to drive
60 hours on duty for 7 consecutive days (if working 7 days/week)
70 hours on duty for 8 consecutive days (if working 8 days/week)
- Drivers can reset this cycle by taking 34 consecutive hours off duty.
Intrastate Rules in Texas
Drivers driving within Texas must follow guidelines from the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS). These are similar but slightly more flexible:
- Drivers may operate up to 12 hours after 8 hours off duty
- The 15-hour on-duty limit applies instead of the 14-hour federal rule
- A 70/7 or 80/8 hour workweek rule applies, depending on the schedule
These rules provide flexibility, but safety comes first, and companies must monitor driver logs and compliance.
What Happens When Drivers Exceed Legal Hours?
Violating hours-of-service rules puts everyone at risk. When a tired driver drives, his decision-making slows down, which can increase the risk of rear-end accidents and rollovers.
Violations may involve:
- Falsified driving logs
- Tampered electronic logging devices (ELDs)
- Pressure from dispatchers to drive longer
These violations are often discovered during accident investigation. A Truck Accident Lawyer in Houston can uncover these details and prove negligence.
The Role of Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs)
In 2017, the FMCSA made electronic logging devices mandatory for most CMV drivers engaged in interstate commerce. ELDs automatically track:
- Driving hours
- Off-duty time
- Location and mileage
- Rest breaks
These logs are crucial evidence in injury lawsuits involving overworked or drowsy truck drivers. At Orange Law Firm, Truck Accident Lawyer in Houston Karan Joshi often uses ELD data to prove HOS violations after a crash.
Fatigue-Related Trucking Accidents in Texas
Throughout the USA, Texas ranks highest in fatal commercial truck accidents, with driver fatigue being a common cause.
Common signs of fatigue-related crashes include:
- The truck veered off the road
- No attempt to brake before impact
- The crash happened late at night or early morning
- Driver admits to being tired or “zoning out”
Can Truck Drivers Break the Rules in Emergencies?
Yes, but only in specific situations.
The FMCSA allows temporary relief from HOS rules:
- During emergencies, such as hurricanes, snowstorms, or natural disasters
- When declared by a state or federal agency
- Only for certain types of freight, like medical supplies or fuel
Even then, companies must document the exemption and cannot use it as an excuse for routine violations.
How Trucking Companies Contribute to HOS Violations
At Orange Law Firm, we’ve uncovered disturbing patterns from trucking companies that:
- Ignore ELD reports
- Incentivize faster delivery times
- Fail to train dispatchers on HOS compliance
- Retaliate against drivers who report violations
When the company is at fault due to oversight or deliberate misconduct, then a Truck Accident Lawyer in Houston can take legal action against the company as well as the driver.
Your Rights After an Accident with a Fatigued Truck Driver
Are you hurt in a truck crash and the driver seems to have overdone it? You may be able to file a personal injury lawsuit. With the right legal team, you can demand:
- Compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering
- Punitive damages (if the company acted recklessly)
- Justice for any long-term disability or emotional trauma
How Orange Law Firm Can Help
Orange Law Firm Attorney Karan Joshi and his team have handled many truck accident cases involving HOS violations. We investigate every crash in detail, such as:
- ELD data
- Driver logbooks and schedules
- Witness testimony
- Company dispatch records
We work with accident reconstruction experts and industry insiders to build a rock-solid case on your behalf.
Contact Orange Law Firm Today
Fatigue is no excuse for reckless driving. If you feel that the truck driver violated the legal driving hours, then it is important to file your case with a Truck Accident Lawyer in Houston.
Call Orange Law Firm and Truck Accident Lawyer in Houston Karan Joshi today at 713-885-9787 for a free consultation. We’ll hold trucking companies and unsafe drivers accountable—and fight for the full compensation you deserve.
