The Role of Federal Regulations in Truck Accident Lawsuits

When a truck accident happens, the consequences can be devastating. Due to their massive weight and size, commercial trucks often cause serious injuries or even fatalities in a crash. But determining who is at fault isn’t always easy, especially when federal trucking regulations come into play. 

In the United States, the trucking industry is heavily regulated by federal laws designed to keep our roads safe. When a truck accident happens, these regulations often play an important role in uncovering what went wrong and who should be held responsible. 

If you or a loved one has been injured in a truck accident, understanding how federal trucking laws affect your case is important. In this article, you will learn how these regulations work and how an experienced truck accident lawyer can help you use them to your advantage. To schedule a free consultation with a truck accident lawyer, call us today at (402) 241-5020.

What Are Federal Trucking Regulations?

Federal trucking regulations are a set of nationwide rules established primarily by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). These rules are enforced by the US Department of Transportation (DOT). These regulations are designed to promote safety on the roads and reduce accidents involving large trucks and buses. 

FMCSA regulations ensure that commercial motor vehicle operators and their employers adhere to a uniform standard of conduct. The following are some of the most important federal trucking regulations. 

Hours of Service (HOS) rules

One of the most litigated issues in truck accident cases is truck driver fatigue. The FMCSA’s Hours of Service rules are designed to prevent fatigue-related accidents by limiting how long drivers can be behind the wheel.

The following are some of the HOS rules:

• 11-hour driving limit after 10 consecutive hours off duty
• 14-hour on-duty limit, including breaks and non-driving work
• Mandatory 30-minute breaks after 8 cumulative hours of driving
• No driving after 60/70 hours on duty in 7/8 consecutive days

Driver qualifications

Commercial drivers operate vehicles that weigh up to 80,000 pounds. If the vehicle is improperly operated, the result could be catastrophic. The FMCSA outlines strict requirements to ensure that only qualified individuals operate commercial vehicles. 

Some of those requirements include:

• Commercial driver’s license (CDL): Drivers must obtain and maintain a valid CDL, which includes passing knowledge and skill tests
• Medical certification: Drivers must undergo physical exams to verify that they are physically fit to drive
• Drug and alcohol testing: Federal regulations require pre-employment, random, post-accident, and reasonable suspicion testing for drug and alcohol use

Vehicle maintenance and inspection

Large commercial trucks must be meticulously maintained to remain safe. Mechanical failures, like brake malfunctions, can lead to deadly collisions. That’s why the FMCSA mandates a detailed system of inspections, repairs, and maintenance.

Required maintenance practices:

• Daily inspections: Drivers are required to conduct and document pre-trip and post-trip inspections
• Systematic maintenance: Companies must have a maintenance program in place to address wear and tear proactively
• Annual inspections: Trucks must undergo a comprehensive inspection at least once a year by a qualified inspector
• Recordkeeping: All maintenance, inspection, and repair records must be maintained for a specified period and made available upon request

Weight limits

Federal law sets weight limits for commercial vehicles to prevent road damage and minimize the risk of truck accidents. These limits include 80,000 pounds total gross vehicle weight (GVW) for most interstate commercial vehicles, 20,000 pounds per single axle, and 34,000 pounds on tandem axles. 

Trucks that exceed these limits can become dangerously difficult to maneuver, brake, or stop. 

Overweight trucks are more likely to cause the following problems:

• Tire blowouts
• Brake failure
• Jackknifing
• Rollover accidents
• Increased collision force during an accident

Cargo securement rule

Improperly loaded or unsecured cargo is another leading cause of truck accidents. Federal cargo securement regulations are designed to ensure loads are properly distributed and firmly secured to prevent shifting during transit.

These requirements include:

• Use of adequate tie-downs and securement devices
• Compliance with weight distribution guidelines
• Special securement rules for hazardous materials, logs, concrete pipes, and other specific cargo types
• Periodic re-inspection of cargo during transit

A violation of these securement rules can lead to cargo falling onto the roadway or other catastrophic accidents. 

How Federal Regulations Could Impact Your Truck Accident Case

Federal regulations play a pivotal role in how truck accident lawsuits are evaluated and litigated. When the parties involved in the accident ignored applicable regulations, then proving these violations could maximize your compensation.

Establishing negligence

One of the key elements in any personal injury case is proving negligence. When a truck driver or trucking company violates FMCSA regulations, this can serve as strong evidence of negligence.

For example, if a driver exceeded the HOS limits and caused an accident due to fatigue, that violation could support a negligence claim. Or, a trucking company failing to maintain brakes or tires, as required by law, could be found liable. 

Not every violation automatically proves negligence. However, courts often consider regulatory noncompliance as compelling evidence. 

Identifying liable parties

In truck accident lawsuits, multiple parties may share liability. Understanding each potential defendant’s role in the transportation chain is critical. 

Knowing who violated which regulation helps personal injury attorneys pursue full and fair compensation from all liable parties. 

The following are common liable parties in truck accident cases:

• Truck driver: The driver may be liable for impaired driving, distracted driving, traffic violations, or fatigue due to HOS violations. 
• Trucking company: Employers are often legally liable for their employees’ actions. This is especially true if an employer encouraged unrealistic delivery schedules, failed to monitor HOS compliance, or hired unqualified drivers. 
• Truck or component manufacturers: Did a mechanical defect, such as faulty brakes, cause or contribute to an accident? The manufacturer might be held accountable under product liability laws. 

Collecting evidence and discovery

Successful truck accident cases are based on strong evidence. Federal regulations require trucking companies to maintain detailed records that can be subpoenaed for evidence. 

Truck accident lawyers often seek the following in discovery:

• Driver logbooks can help determine compliance with HOS rules
• Vehicle maintenance records may show whether safety inspections were conducted as required
• Drug and alcohol testing results are required under federal law after certain types of crashes
• A truck’s black box (Event Data Recorder) can provide insight into vehicle speed, braking, and mechanical status impact
• A driver’s qualification file includes license verification, training, background checks, and medical certifications

Compliance audits

The FMCSA keeps a public database known as the Safety Measurement System. This tracks violations and crash data from commercial vehicles. 

Personal injury attorneys may analyze these compliance reviews because they could support a claim that the trucking company had a pattern of negligent behavior. 

Settlement and trial strategy

The presence of regulatory violations can have a major impact on both settlement negotiations and trial strategy. 

Insurance companies are more likely to settle when there is clear evidence that their client violated federal safety rules. In trials, juries are often more sympathetic to truck accident victims when shown that a defendant ignored federal safety mandates. This is especially true when it suggests a disregard for public safety. 

Why Legal Representation Matters in Truck Accident Cases

Given the complexity of federal trucking regulations, having an experienced personal injury lawyer on your side is essential. 

Consider some of the benefits of hiring a truck accident lawyer to handle your case:

• Thorough investigation: An experienced truck accident lawyer knows how to uncover regulatory violations through a comprehensive investigation. This includes obtaining FMCSA records, drivers’ logs, GPS data, inspection reports, and other evidence that may not be readily accessible to the public. 
• Skilled negotiation with insurance companies: Trucking companies and their insurers have legal representatives on their side. Their main goal is to limit liability and reduce payouts. Without an advocate on your side, you may be pressured into accepting a settlement far below what you deserve. 
• Maximized compensation: Legal professionals understand how to calculate the full extent of your damages. This could include medical expenses, lost income, future treatment needs, pain and suffering, and more. Your legal team will ensure no stone is left unturned when seeking the compensation you deserve. 
• Protecting your rights: Truck accident cases often have strict filing deadlines and requirements. A personal injury lawyer can ensure that all legal timelines are met and that your rights are protected from start to finish. 
• Litigation experience: Some truck accident cases go to trial. Working with an attorney who has courtroom experience and knowledge of federal regulations is essential. He or she can effectively argue the significance of violations and present a compelling case to the jury. 

Let Us Help You Get Maximum Compensation for Your Truck Accident Injuries

Federal regulations play a vital role in ensuring safety in the trucking industry. When a trucking company or driver violates these rules, it can serve as powerful evidence of negligence and liability. However, interpreting and applying these rules requires legal experience and a deep understanding of both state and federal law. 

At Hauptman, O’Brien, Wolf & Lathrop, LLC, we have many years of experience in successfully handling truck accident cases. Our personal injury attorneys are committed to holding negligent truck drivers, carriers, and other responsible parties liable for their actions. Our legal team has the knowledge, resources, and determination needed to get you maximum compensation for your losses. 

Have you or a loved one been injured in a truck accident? If so, contact us today to schedule a free consultation.