Trucking Laws That Affect Your Mississippi Accident Case
If you’ve been injured in a truck accident in Mississippi, your case isn’t like a typical fender-bender. Trucking regulations in Mississippi—along with federal laws—determine how liability is assessed and what evidence can support your claim.
Below, we break down the most important Mississippi truck accident laws and regulations that can impact your ability to recover compensation.
1. Hours-of-Service Rules Under Mississippi Trucking Regulations
Truck drivers are subject to federal Hours-of-Service (HOS) rules designed to prevent fatigue-related crashes. These laws are a central part of Mississippi truck accident regulations because violating them can prove driver negligence.
Key limits include:
- Maximum 11 driving hours after 10 hours off-duty
- No driving beyond 14 hours in a work shift
- Mandatory 30-minute rest breaks after 8 hours
2. CDL Licensing Laws for Mississippi Commercial Truck Drivers
One of the foundational trucking laws in Mississippi is the requirement that all commercial drivers hold a valid Commercial Driver’s License (CDL). If the driver lacked a CDL or was driving outside the scope of their certification, this can shift liability.
Mississippi CDL rules also require:
- Periodic medical exams
- Hazardous material endorsements
- Regular renewals and training updates
3. Truck Weight and Load Limits Under Mississippi DOT Regulations
Mississippi Department of Transportation (MDOT) enforces strict truck weight and size limits as part of its commercial vehicle regulations.
Common limits include:
- 20,000 lbs for single axles
- 80,000 lbs maximum gross weight
- Permits required for oversized/overweight trucks
Violating these Mississippi trucking regulations can make a truck harder to control, increasing crash risk.
4. Vehicle Maintenance and Inspection Rules in Mississippi Trucking Cases
Another area where Mississippi trucking accident laws come into play is vehicle inspection and maintenance. Federal and state laws require:
- Daily inspection logs
- Regular brake, tire, and light checks
- Annual full-vehicle inspections
Failure to follow these trucking safety regulations can be a major factor in proving negligence.
5. Drug and Alcohol Testing Requirements Under Trucking Laws in Mississippi
Both FMCSA and Mississippi truck driving laws mandate drug and alcohol testing at key points:
- Before employment
- Random screening during employment
- Immediately after a serious crash
- When there’s reasonable suspicion of impairment
If a driver was impaired—or if the company skipped required tests—your case becomes much stronger.
6. Cargo Securement Rules Under Mississippi Trucking Laws
Cargo loading laws are a vital but often overlooked part of trucking regulations in Mississippi. Improperly loaded trucks can jackknife, tip, or spill cargo on the road, all of which lead to serious injuries.
Common violations:
- Shifting loads from poor tie-downs
- Overweight cargo
- Violations of axle weight distribution laws
Why Understanding Mississippi Trucking Regulations Strengthens Your Case
Violating any of these Mississippi truck accident laws may establish fault, increase your potential compensation, or uncover additional liable parties (such as trucking companies, freight brokers, or manufacturers).
However, these violations are often buried in paperwork or deleted quickly after a crash. A lawyer familiar with Mississippi trucking regulations can help secure critical evidence fast.
Trusted Jackson & Madison, MS Truck Accident Lawyers
If you’ve been injured in a truck accident in Jackson or Madison, MS, due to a reckless driver or negligent trucking company, the Diaz Law Firm is here to fight for you. Our experienced truck accident lawyers understand complex trucking regulations, from FMCSA violations to black box data, and we build strong cases against big trucking companies and their insurers to secure the compensation you deserve.
Call (800) 459-2222 for a free case evaluation or fill out our online case review form to get answers and explore your options. There’s no fee unless we win your case. Contact us today!
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