The trucking industry remains a significant economic force throughout the country. With most products traveling on commercial vehicles before reaching store shelves and factories, it is understandable that the federal government would want to keep truckers and other travelers as safe as possible. A collection of federal laws regulates the actions of truck drivers and their employers. These dictate the maximum weights of vehicles as well as how long a trucker may remain on the road during any given day or week. Sadly, violations of these laws are common.
If you believe that you have information about violations of federal trucking laws, you have the ability to come forward as a whistleblower. Not only will you enjoy protection against potential retaliation, but you may also be able to demand a reward for your information. A Columbia trucking safety whistleblower lawyer could provide more information about being a whistleblower and help you seek out fair rewards for your service.
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) is the government agency that regulates the activities of truckers and their employers. This agency can enforce its rules through the issuance of fines to parties that violate federal trucking laws.
Perhaps the most common example of these laws are those that control the maximum drive times of long-haul truckers. For instance, Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration rules say that truckers must take a ten-hour break after every 11 hours spent on the road. Similarly, truckers cannot be on the road for more than 60 hours during a seven-day period.
Other rules determine the types of cargo truckers may carry on certain roads and the maximum allowable weights of different types of vehicles. A Columbia trucking safety whistleblower attorney could provide more information about federal trucking laws and the role that the FMCSA plays in enforcement.
The FMCSA depends on whistleblowers to obtain new information about apparent violations of federal trucking laws. The agency simply does not have the time or resources to identify every example of illegal activity.
A pair of federal laws encourage people to serve in this role. One of these is the Qui Tam program. This program allows people to come forward as whistleblowers with new information about violations of the law. If this information leads to a conviction that results in the recovery of money, the whistleblower may be able to claim a reward of up to 30 percent of these funds.
Additionally, people who serve as whistleblowers enjoy protection against potential retaliation. It is illegal for any employer to take adverse action against whistleblowers who provide information to the government. Retaliation may take the form of termination, demotion, or harassment. A trucking safety whistleblower attorney could help people come forward with new information and pursue lawsuits against employers who retaliate against them.
Federal trucking regulations exist to protect the safety of everyone on the road. Sadly, trucking companies and independent drivers violate these laws every day in the name of profits. Remaining on the road for too long, carrying illegal cargo, or operating heavy vehicles are all examples of violations of the law.
If you have information about a company’s violations of federal trucking laws, you have the ability to serve as a whistleblower. Coming forward may entitle you to a reward, and you should feel free to do so without fear of retaliation. A Columbia trucking safety whistleblower lawyer could help you provide information about legal violations and protect your rights every step of the way. Contact our team now to begin reviewing the details of your claim with an attorney who has decades of experience in whistleblower law.
