What Is an Interstate Carrier?

There are a lot of trucks on the road. The American Trucking Associations reported that 10.93 billion tons of primary shipments were transported by trucks in 2021, 72% of total domestic shipping.

With so many large commercial vehicles traveling around smaller passenger vehicles, the possibility of accidents increases. Crashes involving trucks can be complicated, especially since the truck should follow federal or state regulations. It’s easy to confuse the issue, especially if you don’t have experience dealing with truck issues.

Interstate Versus Intrastate Carriers

There are two types of commercial carriers: interstate and intrastate. Although their functions are generally the same, you should know their fundamental differences.

Interstate carriers operate across state and country lines. These trucks can operate within a state but conduct interstate business if their cargo crosses state lines or is leaving the country. These carriers must follow federal regulations.

Intrastate carriers operate within state lines. They must follow state regulations, sometimes like federal regulations but can vary state by state.

Examples of Interstate Trucks

Interstate carriers are generally larger commercial vehicles designed to carry heavier loads. Common examples include tractor-trailers, 18-wheelers, semi-trailers or semi-trucks, refrigerated trucks, large flatbed trucks, dry vans, and tanker trucks.

Intrastate vehicles, like garbage or tow trucks, tend to be smaller and locally operated.

What Are Federal Regulations for Interstate Carriers?

Interstate carriers must comply with federal regulations. They fall under the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Association’s laws, an agency designed to reduce the danger surrounding large commercial vehicles. Because these are federal laws, it’s easier for interstate drivers to follow them instead of each state’s laws.

Interstate drivers need to:

• Have a Commercial Driver’s License — a CDL certifies that a driver has been trained to operate a large commercial vehicle. There are three classes of CDL, each rated for different categories of vehicles. Interstate drivers must be 21.
• Have the Proper Insurance Coverage — insurance policies for interstate carriers vary depending on the cargo and class of vehicle. A vehicle carrying non-hazardous freight weighing 10,000 pounds or less will need a minimum policy limit of $300,000. A vehicle weighing more than 10,000 pounds and carrying non-hazardous material needs a limit of $750,000. Other cargo requires higher minimums.
• Pass Drug and Alcohol Testing — drivers are expected to submit to testing and adhere to a zero-tolerance policy while driving, which means no alcohol or stimulants. The laws governing a driver’s safe operating limit can become confusing quickly. The FMCSA laws state drivers can’t exceed a Blood Alcohol Content of 0.04.
• Follow All Hazardous Material Laws — federal laws dictate safe conduct around hazardous materials for anyone shipping dangerous chemicals or payloads by rail car, aircraft, motor vehicle, or vessel. Drivers must have the proper training and must be registered.

What Should I Do After a Crash with an Interstate Carrier?

The aftermath of a truck crash will likely be chaotic. Although you might not know it at the time of the collision, an interstate carrier may not be based in your state, so getting as much information as possible before considering a lawsuit is essential.

You should seek medical treatment, not just to address injuries but also to document any medical expenses. Once you’ve received treatment, speak with a truck accident lawyer.

You should also get photos or evidence from the scene if you can. Photographs of the damage to your vehicle, your injuries, any street signs, weather conditions — anything that can help you prove the truck driver is responsible for your crash, get a record of it.

Collect eyewitness statements. If witnesses won’t stay at the scene to talk, get their contact information so you can follow up with them later. Request a police report of the incident.

How Can a Truck Accident Lawyer Help?

Interstate truck drivers could be based out of Ohio or working for a company based in another state. That could complicate your claim because you might need to file a lawsuit in another state.

Finding a truck accident lawyer with experience in these crashes and understanding their difficulty is essential to securing your compensation.

Your attorney can review your situation and determine if you have a claim. You can pursue a claim if the truck driver was negligent and caused your injuries. They can also help you determine who to file a claim against after your crash.

Determining liability in a truck crash can be difficult. It might not be limited to the driver: anyone who loaded the vehicle, the driver’s employer, or a technician could share some blame for your injuries.

Your attorney can help you keep track of vital records, like crash reports, medical expenses, or witness statements.

A truck accident attorney can also represent you to the trucker’s insurance company and help you determine if any offers are too low before you accept a bad deal.

Ohio Truck Accident Help Is Here For You

If you’ve been injured in a crash because of a negligent interstate carrier, your best chance at securing maximum compensation is by working with a knowledgeable truck accident lawyer. Ohio Truck Accident Help is prepared to work with you. Our attorneys have previously worked for trucking companies, and now we’re using our experience to support truck crash victims.

You can schedule a free, no-risk consultation by calling (855) 721-2737.