When a commercial truck is involved in a crash, the legal landscape is very different from a typical car accident. That’s because trucking companies and drivers must follow strict federal rules set by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). These regulations are designed to prevent accidents—but when they’re violated, they can become powerful evidence in court.Let’s break down the most important FMCSA rules and how a truck accident attorney uses violations to build a winning case.
Key FMCSA Regulations That Affect Truck Accident Claims
1. Hours-of-Service (HOS) Rules
Purpose: Prevent driver fatigue by limiting how long truckers can drive.Core Requirements:
11-Hour Driving Limit: Drivers can drive up to 11 hours after 10 consecutive hours off-duty.
14-Hour On-Duty Window: Drivers must stop driving after 14 hours on duty, even if they haven’t driven the full 11 hours.
30-Minute Break Rule: After 8 hours of driving, a 30-minute break is required.
Weekly Limits: No more than 60 hours in 7 days or 70 hours in 8 days.
Violation Impact: If a driver exceeds these limits, it can be used to prove negligence. Attorneys often subpoena electronic logging device (ELD) records to show fatigue or falsified logs.
2. Maintenance Logs & Inspection Records
Purpose: Ensure trucks are safe and roadworthy.Core Requirements:
Drivers must inspect vehicles daily and report defects.
Carriers must keep maintenance records for at least 12 months.
Repairs must be documented and verified before the truck returns to service.
Violation Impact: If a truck was poorly maintained or had unresolved mechanical issues (e.g., faulty brakes, worn tires), attorneys can argue that the carrier failed its duty of care. Maintenance logs are critical evidence in these cases.
3. Weight Limits & Load Securement
Purpose: Prevent accidents caused by overloaded or improperly secured cargo.Core Requirements:
Trucks must comply with federal weight limits (typically 80,000 lbs gross vehicle weight).
Cargo must be secured using approved methods (straps, chains, etc.).
Drivers must inspect loads and securement devices regularly.
Violation Impact: Overloaded trucks are harder to stop and more likely to cause severe damage. If a crash involves shifting cargo or tipping, attorneys investigate whether FMCSA load rules were violated.
How Attorneys Use FMCSA Violations to Win Cases
Truck accident lawyers don’t just rely on eyewitness accounts—they dig deep into compliance records. Here’s how violations help:
FMCSA Rule Violated
Legal Strategy Used by Attorneys
Impact on Case
Hours-of-Service
Subpoena ELD logs to show fatigue or falsified records
Proves negligence and unsafe driving
Maintenance Requirements
Review inspection reports and repair history
Shows failure to maintain safe equipment
Weight/Cargo Regulations
Analyze load manifests and securement methods
Demonstrates reckless or illegal loading
Driver Qualification Files
Check licensing, training, and drug testing compliance
Reveals unqualified or impaired drivers
Safety Ratings & Violations
Use FMCSA audit history and prior citations
Establishes pattern of non-compliance
Final Takeaway
FMCSA regulations aren’t just bureaucratic red tape—they’re the backbone of safety in the trucking industry. When these rules are broken, it opens the door for attorneys to prove fault, negligence, and liability. If you’ve been injured in a truck accident, a skilled lawyer will know how to uncover these violations and use them to fight for maximum compensation.
