“Large trucks are involved in 5,149 fatal crashes on U.S. roads.” — Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, 2021
A semi-truck slamming into a car is not just a serious crash. It is often life-changing. When 80,000 pounds of steel and cargo hit a 4,000-pound passenger vehicle, the force is overwhelming.
Truck accident laws are designed to prevent these situations from occurring. But when those rules are ignored or bent, innocent people get hurt. You may end up with serious injuries, a totaled car, and a long list of questions about what happens next.
That is where federal trucking laws and safety standards come into play. If you were injured in a crash involving a commercial truck, those laws could determine how your case plays out, who is held accountable, and what compensation you may receive. Below, we break down the core safety laws that apply to big rigs and what they mean for your rights.
Overview of Federal Trucking Regulations
Trucking companies that operate across state lines must comply with rules established by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). These rules exist to promote safety in one of the most high-risk industries in the country.
Commercial trucks are heavier, more challenging to stop, and more hazardous in crashes. So the regulations they follow are much stricter than those that apply to a regular driver.
Key areas that federal trucking regulations cover include:
- Driver work limits (hours-of-service)
- Routine vehicle maintenance
- Drug and alcohol testing
- Commercial driver licensing
- Insurance coverage requirements
- Logbook and inspection documentation
State laws also apply, but they often mirror federal rules. In most cases, both state and federal agencies can investigate violations. This can matter significantly after a crash because violations of these laws can directly support an injury claim.
When a truck driver or company fails to follow federal safety rules and someone gets hurt, that failure can be used as evidence of negligence.
Truck accident laws encompass more than just regulations. They are often the roadmap to proving fault after a collision.
Hours-of-Service Rules Explained
Driving a truck for too long without rest leads to slower reaction times and poor decision-making. That is why hours-of-service rules were created. These laws establish clear limits on the duration a driver can be behind the wheel and the frequency of required breaks.
Under current FMCSA guidelines:
- A driver can drive up to 11 hours after 10 consecutive hours off duty.
- The total work shift, including breaks and loading, cannot exceed 14 hours.
- After 8 hours of driving, a 30-minute break is required.
- Drivers cannot be on duty for more than 60 hours in 7 days or 70 hours in 8 days.
Drivers are required to track their hours electronically using devices called ELDs, which create a digital log of driving activity.
This is particularly important after a crash, as fatigue is a common contributing factor. If the driver exceeded their time limit, skipped breaks, or falsified logbooks, that constitutes a serious violation. It can shift liability onto the driver and their employer, mainly if the crash was caused by delayed braking or poor judgment.
Stat: The FMCSA reports that fatigue is a contributing factor in 13% of large truck crashes.
Hours-of-service violations are one of the first things a truck accident lawyer investigates because they are often linked to preventable wrecks.
Truck Maintenance Laws
Every commercial truck must be kept in a safe working condition. Failing brakes, bald tires, or broken lights are not just violations of common sense; they are also a serious safety concern. They are violations of federal trucking law.
FMCSA rules require:
- Drivers are to inspect their vehicles at the beginning and end of each day.
- Carriers are to schedule regular inspections and perform timely repairs.
- Every commercial vehicle is required to undergo an annual inspection by a qualified mechanic.
- Carriers are required to maintain documentation of all maintenance activities for at least 12 months.
These rules cover all critical systems, including brakes, steering, suspension, tires, and lights. If any of these components fail and cause a crash, investigators will look closely at whether the truck was properly maintained.
Stat: According to FMCSA data, brake-related violations are the most frequently cited mechanical issue in inspections, often resulting in out-of-service orders.
If maintenance records show skipped inspections or delayed repairs, the trucking company can be held liable for negligence. In some cases, the repair shop or contractor may also be responsible if they performed faulty work.
Driver Licensing and Training Standards
Not everyone is legally authorized to operate a commercial truck. Drivers must meet strict licensing and training standards to protect public safety. Employers must also verify a driver’s qualifications before putting them on the road.
Truck accident laws require the following:
- All commercial truck drivers must have a valid Commercial Driver’s License (CDL).
- Drivers must pass both written knowledge exams and road tests.
- Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) is mandatory and must be completed through a certified program.
- Drivers must undergo regular physical exams to confirm fitness for duty.
- Carriers must conduct thorough background checks and regularly monitor for license suspensions or drug-related violations.
If a driver causes a crash and was not properly licensed or trained, the trucking company can be sued for negligent hiring or supervision. That includes situations where a driver had a history of violations or failed a drug test that the employer ignored.
Stat: In 2022, the FMCSA reported that over 72,00 commercial drivers were removed from service due to positive drug or alcohol tests.
In any truck accident case, one of the first steps is to confirm whether the driver had the proper training and qualifications to be on the road.
What These Laws Mean for Accident Liability
Federal truck safety laws are more than just rules. They help establish fault after a crash. If a trucking company or driver violates any of the regulations above and that violation contributed to your injuries, they can be held legally and financially responsible.
After a crash, your attorney will look for:
- Violations of hours-of-service limits
- Missing or incomplete maintenance logs
- Poor hiring practices or a lack of driver qualifications
- Drug or alcohol test failures
- Black box and logbook data that contradict company statements
Truck accidents often involve multiple parties. This could include the driver, their employer, a maintenance company, a cargo loading service, or even the manufacturer of a defective truck part. These laws help identify where safety failures occurred and who should be held accountable.
When handled properly, a legal claim based on truck accident laws can help victims recover compensation for medical bills, lost income, long-term disability, pain and suffering, and in some cases, punitive damages.
Contact Lowe Law Group for Help After a Truck Crash
Truck accident laws are detailed and complex, but they exist to protect people like you. If you or a loved one has been injured in a crash involving a semi-truck or commercial vehicle, do not try to handle it alone.
You have the right to legal representation. You have the right to seek compensation. And you have the right to hold negligent parties accountable under federal and state trucking regulations.
Lowe Law Group has experience handling high-stakes truck accident cases. We understand the rules, how to investigate violations, and how to take on powerful trucking companies and insurers.
We offer free consultations and do not receive payment unless we successfully win your case.
Contact us today to speak with an attorney about your truck accident. We will listen to your story, explain your legal options, and take action to protect your rights.
