HOS Violation Trucking Accidents
Representing Victims of Commercial Trucking Accidents throughout Illinois
Commercial truck drivers and their employers are required to obey certain hours-of-service (HOS) regulations in order to prevent truck driver fatigue. Truck drivers who violate the HOS regulations may be subject to fines, civil penalties, and even criminal penalties.
If you have been injured by a truck driver who violated the hours-of-service laws, you may be able to hold the truck driver and his or her trucking company liable for any resulting injuries, medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages.
The Chicago trucking attorneys at Cogan & Power, P.C. focus on representing the victims of commercial trucking accidents, including those caused as a result of HOS violations or truck driver fatigue. Our unique legal team of Chicago trucking attorneys includes a nationally recognized member of the prestigious Association of Plaintiff Interstate Trucking Lawyers of America and two former defense attorneys. Because we take a collaborative approach to legal representation, our clients receive the legal skill and knowledge of all our trucking attorneys and not just one attorney.
If you or a loved one has been involved in a commercial trucking accident caused by hour of service violation, schedule a free consultation with one of our dedicated trucking accident attorneys.
Hours-of-Service Regulations
Federal regulations require that interstate property-carrying commercial truck drivers and their employing trucking companies obey the following HOS regulations:
- Truck drivers may drive a maximum of 11 hours after 10 consecutive hours off duty.
- Truck drivers may not drive beyond the 14th consecutive hour after coming on duty, following 10 consecutive hours off duty. Off duty time does not extend the 14 hour limit.
- May not drive after 60/70 hours on duty in 7/8 consecutive days. A driver may restart a 7/8 consecutive day period after taking 34 or more consecutive hours off duty.
- Drivers using the sleeper berth provision must take at least 8 consecutive hours in the sleeper berth, plus a separate 2 consecutive hours either in the sleeper berth, off duty, or a combination of the two.
Drivers or carriers who violate the HOS regulations face serious penalties, including the following:
- Drivers may be placed out-of-service roadside until the driver has accumulated enough off-duty time to be back in compliance.
- State and local enforcement officials may assess fines.
- FMCSA may levy civil penalties on driver or carrier, ranging from $1,000 to $11,000 per violation depending on severity.
- The carrier’s safety rating can be downgraded for a pattern of violations.
- Federal criminal penalties can be brought against carriers who knowingly and willfully allow or require HOS violations, or drivers who knowingly and willfully violate the HOS regulations.
Act Quickly to Protect Your Rights
At Cogan & Power, our Chicago trucking attorneys take great pride in our record of successful verdicts and settlements, including a $13 million verdict in a trucking accident case, as well as the enduring relationships we have developed with our clients.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a trucking accident caused by an hour of service violation, contact the skilled Chicago trucking accident attorneys at Cogan & Power for a free consultation to discuss your legal rights following a commercial trucking accident. If you cannot come to our offices in downtown Chicago, we will come to you. And because we take cases on a contingency basis, you will not pay any fee unless we get you compensation.
Hear From Our Happy Clients
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"Beyond thankful for what your firm has done for us"My family is so thankful for all of the hard work that attorneys John Power, Tom Murphy and James Edwards, who along with the support of Greg Marshall and Nancy O’Donnell have done for us.- Mark
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"Excellent Attorneys and even better Humans!"John Power and Tom Murphy are excellent attorneys and even better human beings. Both were there every step of the way guiding us through a very difficult and traumatic process. The hard work and dedication of John, Tom, and the entire Cogan and Power team, make it easier for us to heal and hope for better days. We are forever grateful for the outcome.- Anita Davis
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"The outcome of my case has forever changed my life. Sara is a smiling face that has a lioness’s toughness that works hard for her clients!"Sara Davis truly made my traumatic experience so much easier to deal with. She communicated with me throughout my case to ensure I was up to speed and provided me the next steps to come. Sara was extremely personable, informative and well prepared! She never made me feel as if she was too busy to answer my calls. The outcome of my case has forever changed my life. Sara is a smiling face that has a lioness’s toughness that works hard for her clients! Thanks Sara and team for enhancing my life with the outcome of my case!- Lakitsha L.
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"Great communication, quick responses, informed every step of the way. 10/10."
Great communication, quick responses, informed every step of the way. 10/10.
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"I had highly recommend Sara Davis and Cogan and Power. Sara goes over and beyond for her clients."I had highly recommend Sara Davis and Cogan and Power. Sara goes over and beyond for her clients.- Adrian P.
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"Best lawyers. They really look out for you and your family."Best lawyers. They really look out for you and your family.- Marty J.
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"I cannot recommend Cogan and Power highly enough."Cogan and Power is without parallel. I cannot recommend Cogan and Power highly enough.- Laura T.
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"I can not speak highly enough"
I can not speak highly enough for the experience I have received from Cogan & Power Attorneys at Law. I was introduced to John Power through a mural friend. I was impressed from the very first phone call with John Power to us meeting through the pandemic. His professionalism and his medical knowledge is unbelievable… I have to say from that day moving forward John Power, Sara Davis and Kim Stefanek all put me at ease. My cases lasted just about 3 years and I was notified every step of the way on what was going forward and keeping me in the loop. John and Sara made sure that I was ready and comfortable for my Deposition, they made sure every stone was unturned! Kim Stefanek is one of their paralegals and she is awesome. I can go and I highly recommend Cogan & Power for your legal issues. John Power & Sara Davis are amazing attorneys and exceptional, caring, compassionate people!!
- Beatrice H.
What Sets Us Apart From The Rest?
Cogan & Power is here to help you get the results you need with a team you can trust.
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Collaborative Approach to Legal Representation
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Invested in Your Overall Well-Being
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If You Can't Come to Us, We Will Come To You
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You'll Communicate Directly With Our Partners
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Record-Setting Achievements Recovering Millions for Our Clients
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Nearly 200 Years of Combined Experience