Commercial trucks travel throughout Louisiana every day, but not all are regulated in the same way. One important distinction is whether a truck is engaged in interstate or intrastate commerce. That classification can affect which safety regulations apply and what records should be reviewed after a truck accident.
Keep reading to learn about the key differences between interstate and intrastate trucking and why they matter after a truck accident.
What Is Interstate Trucking?
Interstate trucking involves transporting goods or passengers across state lines. A truck may also be engaged in interstate commerce without leaving Louisiana if the goods it carries are part of a shipment moving between states.
Interstate motor carriers are generally subject to Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations that control many areas of commercial trucking safety, including:
- Hours-of-service limits
- Driver qualifications
- Vehicle inspection and maintenance
- Drug and alcohol testing
- Cargo securement
- Electronic logging devices (ELDs)
These requirements are designed to reduce the risk of crashes involving commercial vehicles. Violations of federal safety rules may become important evidence when evaluating the conduct of the driver or trucking company after an accident.
What Is Intrastate Trucking?
Intrastate trucking generally refers to transportation that occurs entirely within Louisiana and is not part of interstate commerce. For example, a truck transporting freight from Shreveport to Baton Rouge may be engaged in intrastate trucking if the shipment as a whole is not part of interstate commerce.
Intrastate trucking companies and drivers are still subject to safety requirements. Louisiana has its own motor carrier safety regulations, many of which work alongside federal safety standards. Different requirements or exemptions may apply depending on the trucking company, vehicle, or type of operation.
Why Does the Difference Matter After a Truck Accident?
The interstate or intrastate classification can help determine which regulations apply to the truck and company involved in a crash. It can also affect which government agencies oversee the trucking company and what records may be available during an investigation.
An investigation may include a review of:
- Driver qualification records
- Hours-of-service and electronic logging data
- Vehicle inspection and maintenance records
- Drug and alcohol testing records
- Cargo loading and securement information
- The trucking company’s compliance with applicable state and federal safety rules
A violation does not automatically establish liability for an accident. However, evidence that a driver or trucking company failed to follow an applicable safety rule may help show how the crash occurred and whether negligence contributed to it.
Who May Be Liable for A Truck Accident in Shreveport?
Truck accidents can involve more than the person behind the wheel. The facts of the crash may point to several individuals or companies whose actions contributed to the collision.
Potentially responsible parties may include:
- The truck driver
- The trucking company
- A cargo loading company
- A maintenance or repair company
- A truck or parts manufacturer
- Another negligent driver
Identifying the correct parties is important because each may have different responsibilities and insurance coverage. A thorough investigation can also help preserve records and other evidence before they are lost or destroyed.
How Can A Louisiana Truck Accident Lawyer Help?
Truck accident cases are often more complicated than ordinary car accident claims. They may involve state and federal regulations, large and experienced legal teams, multiple responsible parties, commercial insurance policies, and technical evidence.
A Louisiana truck accident lawyer can help by:
- Investigating how the crash occurred
- Determining which trucking regulations apply
- Obtaining driver and vehicle records
- Identifying potential safety violations
- Communicating with insurance companies
- Valuing your economic damages
- Pursuing compensation for injuries and other losses
Truck accident victims should consult with an attorney early to protect their right to compensation.
Contact a Shreveport Truck Accident Lawyer at Desiah Injury Lawyers for a Free Consultation
Whether a truck was engaged in interstate or intrastate commerce is only one part of a truck accident investigation. A Shreveport truck accident lawyer can determine which rules apply, identify potentially responsible parties, and help you pursue compensation for your injuries and other losses.
For more information, please contact an experienced truck accident lawyer at Desiah Injury Lawyers at the nearest location for a consultation.
Desiah Injury Lawyers – Shreveport Office
333 Texas St Suite Suite 1300, Shreveport, LA 71101
(318) 252-3034
Desiah Injury Lawyers – New Orleans Office
201 St Charles Ave #2500, New Orleans, LA 70170
(504) 553 3047