Intrastate vs. Interstate Truck Insurance Liability

A collision with a commercial truck can be devastating to a passenger vehicle. As a victim of an Alabama trucking accident, it’s important to know that there are different laws governing interstate and intrastate truck travel. Whether the truck was traveling interstate or intrastate will often play a role in identifying negligent and at-fault parties, which is why legal representation is essential if you are pursuing compensation for losses related to such a collision. An experienced truck accident attorney can help to determine intrastate vs. interstate truck insurance liability.

Trucking laws in Alabama can be complex depending on the commercial vehicle involved. If you or a loved one has been affected by a truck traveling interstate or intrastate, The Citrin Law Firm may be able to help you. If you have grounds for legal action, you may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, property damage, lost wages and more.

Contact us today to start your free case evaluation – simply fill out the Free Case Review form to your right to get started.

Basics of Interstate Trucking Laws

Driving across state lines constitutes interstate travel. Commercial vehicles that pass between any of the contiguous states are governed by the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) and follow regulations set forth by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Association (FMCSA). These factors influence insurance liability and may have an impact on a victim’s ability to seek damages.

Many different types of trucks fall under this category, and are commonly seen on U.S. roads, such as:

• Private charters such as Greyhound Buses
• UPS trucks
• FedEx trucks
• Logging trailers
• Department store vehicles
• U-Haul vehicles

Trucks that are insured for interstate traffic are heavily regulated by the FMCSA. There is an extensive body of legislation governing interstate truck travel, with codes covering categories such as:

• Drivers
• Vehicles
• Trucking Companies
• Hazmat Handling
• Regulatory Guidance

This body of laws plays an integral role in determining truck insurance liability in the event of a collision. If you have been involved in an accident with a truck traveling interstate, one of our experienced truck accident lawyers can help you determine whether you are eligible to seek compensation.

Differences in Intrastate Truck Laws

Intrastate refers to traffic that stays within a single state. Some commercial vehicles work and transport cargo within a single state’s lines, and are limited to traveling in the state where the truck is registered and insured. Laws regarding intrastate truck travel are set forth by that state. These factors come into play when determining insurance liability in a truck accident.

Several types of commercial vehicles are limited to intrastate travel. Some common types you may be familiar with include:

• Municipal Vehicles
  • Fire Trucks
  • Garbage Trucks
  • Ambulances
  • School Buses
  • Water Trucks
  • Gas Trucks
• Service Vehicles
  • Armored Vans
  • Public Buses
  • Public Vans
  • USPS Vans
• Work Vehicles
  • Dump Trucks
  • Cement Trucks
  • Landscaping Trucks

Trucks traveling intrastate are not governed by the DOT, but by the state in which they operate. Most states, however, have chosen to adopt the regulations set forth by the agency. Some states have exceptions to these laws, but maintain the core set of codes that make up FMCSA regulations.

If you have been injured in an accident with a truck traveling within the state of Alabama, our attorneys can help determine if you are eligible to receive compensation for damages you may have sustained. Contact Citrin Law Firm today to discuss the details of your case.

Alabama Intrastate Trucking Law

Alabama has adopted FMCSA and DOT regulations, with few exceptions, which mostly involve a specific type of commercial operation – farming. These exceptions include:

• Commercial vehicles with Gross Vehicle Weight Ratings (G.V.W.R.) or Gross Combination Weight Ratings (G.C.W.R.) of 26,000 lbs. or less are exempt from all Federal Regulations (except for passenger buses and vehicles carrying hazardous material)
• Intrastate farmers operating a vehicle (not carrying hazardous material) over the G.V.W.R. or G.C.W.R. of 26,000 lbs. will also be treated as exempt from all Federal Regulations, except when:
  • Traveling more than 150 miles from farm
  • Underage drivers (farm vehicle drivers must be 18 years of age)
  • Proper inspection, repair and maintenance has not been performed
  • A driver does not meet physical requirements to operate vehicle
• CDL, USDOT marking or registration will not be required for farm-owned equipment operating within 150 air miles
• Hours of service rules will not be applied to farm vehicle drivers anytime during the year for those transporting agricultural or farm supplies for agricultural purposes
• None of these exemptions apply if hazardous material is being transported

Pursuing compensation for a commercial truck collision can be complicated and difficult, especially when a farm vehicle is involved. An experienced attorney familiar with the intrastate trucking laws in Alabama can help victims seeking legal recourse.

Contact an Experienced Truck Accident Lawyer

Citrin Law Firm is proud of our “Attorneys Helping People”. If you have been affected by a crash with a commercial vehicle and are concerned about interstate truck insurance liability, one of our passionate lawyers may be able to help.

We offer free legal consultations to accident victims in Mobile and throughout Alabama. When you call us, a member of our team will review your circumstances and quickly connect you to the attorney best suited to your case, who can recommend the most appropriate course of legal action to pursue. We have tan office located conveniently in Mobile, and we are proud to serve the following communities:

• Daphne
• Neely
• Neshota
• Bridlewood
• Belvedere
• Farnell
• Chickasaw
• Forest Park
• Pine Grove
• …and surrounding cities and towns

Our legal professionals are dedicated to helping victims of trucking accidents to seek justice for their injuries. We operate on a contingency fee basis so victims like you can afford proper legal representation. When you hire Citrin Law Firm, there is no cost to you until we obtain a favorable outcome in your case. Call us today at 251-888-8888 to speak with one of our knowledgeable staff members and learn about your legal options.

For even faster service, fill out the Free Case Review form at the top of this page.