When a commercial truck is involved in an accident, the legal process looks very different from a standard car accident claim. One of the biggest reasons for that difference is the layer of federal regulations that governs the trucking industry. These rules exist to keep everyone on the road safer, and when trucking companies or drivers fail to follow them, those violations can become powerful evidence in your injury claim.
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration Sets the Rules
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, commonly known as the FMCSA, is the agency responsible for setting safety standards for commercial trucks operating across the country. Their regulations cover everything from how long a driver can be behind the wheel to how trucks must be inspected and maintained. When we look at a truck accident case, one of the first things we do is examine whether any of these rules were broken.
Hours of Service Violations Are a Leading Factor
Truck driver fatigue is one of the most common causes of serious accidents. To address this, the FMCSA limits the number of hours a driver may operate a truck without rest. Drivers are generally limited to 11 hours of driving within a 14-hour window, and they must take a 10-hour break before starting again. Trucking companies are required to keep detailed logs of driver hours, and when those logs show violations, it can directly support your claim that the driver was too fatigued to operate safely.
Maintenance and Inspection Requirements Matter
Federal regulations also require that commercial trucks be regularly inspected, repaired, and maintained. Brake failures, tire blowouts, and malfunctioning lights are not just mechanical issues. They can be signs that a carrier neglected its legal obligations. Pre-trip and post-trip inspection reports are documents that must be kept on file, and we use them to determine whether a known defect was ignored before the accident occurred.
Cargo Loading Rules Can Shift Liability
Improperly loaded or unsecured cargo is a significant hazard on the road. Federal standards dictate how cargo must be distributed and secured to prevent shifting during transport. When cargo comes loose and causes an accident, the party responsible for loading the truck may share in the liability. This is one reason why truck accident claims often involve multiple defendants, including the driver, the trucking company, and sometimes third party loading contractors.
Electronic Logging Devices Provide Critical Evidence
Since 2017, most commercial trucks have been required to use electronic logging devices to automatically track driving hours. These devices also record speed, braking patterns, and other data that can be invaluable in reconstructing what happened before a crash. However, this data can be altered or deleted, which is why it is important to act quickly after a truck accident. Sending a legal preservation notice to the trucking company early in the process can prevent critical evidence from disappearing.
We Know How to Use These Regulations in Your Favor
Truck accident claims are complex, and the trucking industry has legal teams working to minimize payouts from day one. At Jacobson Injury Firm, we dig into the regulatory record and build cases around the facts that matter most. If you or someone you love was seriously hurt in a collision involving a commercial truck, contact our Boynton Beach, FL truck accident lawyer today for a free consultation.