Do Federal Regulations Impact Truck Accident Lawsuits?

Federal regulations have a powerful impact on truck accident lawsuits, shaping how attorneys establish liability, calculate damages, and build compelling cases. 

What are Federal Truck Regulations?

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and the Department of Transportation (DOT) establish strict rules that govern commercial truck drivers, trucking companies, and vehicles—for example, driver hours, vehicle maintenance, and cargo loading. When truck accidents occur, these regulations become a focal point in lawsuits, often affecting the outcome by providing a standard of care and highlighting potential negligence.

How Federal Regulations Influence Truck Accident Lawsuits

If an investigation reveals that a driver, trucking company, or maintenance provider violated a federal law, it can serve as evidence of negligence. Additionally, in cases where multiple parties share responsibility for an accident, federal regulations help clarify each party’s level of negligence. For example: 

Drugs and Alcohol

As another example, federal rules govern drug and alcohol testing, requiring trucking companies to regularly test their drivers and enforce strict no-tolerance policies. If a driver fails a required test or tests positive for drugs or alcohol at the scene, it provides a strong basis for liability.

Hours of Service

The FMCSA limits the number of hours a driver can work each day and week, requiring rest breaks to reduce fatigue. If an accident investigation uncovers violations of these hours-of-service (HOS) regulations, the driver and possibly the trucking company may be liable for the crash due to negligent practices. 

Vehicle Inspections

For instance, the FMCSA mandates regular vehicle inspections and requires trucking companies to maintain thorough records of these checks. If a vehicle part failure, such as a tire blowout or brake failure, contributed to a crash, a review of maintenance logs may reveal whether the trucking company performed adequate checks. If they did not, this negligence may partially or fully shift liability to the trucking company or maintenance provider.

Cargo Loading

Similarly, cargo regulations require safe loading practices, as improper loading can lead to dangerous shifts in weight, causing rollovers or jackknife accidents. If an overloaded or improperly loaded truck contributes to a collision, cargo loaders or the trucking company may be liable under federal weight and balance regulations.

How Federal Violations Impact Compensation

Violations of federal regulations can directly affect settlement amounts in truck accident lawsuits. If evidence proves that a driver or company violated FMCSA standards, attorneys can use these violations to push for higher compensation for victims. Such violations often indicate gross negligence or willful disregard for public safety, which can justify greater punitive damages in addition to compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

How Federal Violations Impact Legal Strategies and Case Preparation

A truck accident attorney in Philadelphia will use federal regulations as a foundation for their legal strategy, often centering the lawsuit around demonstrating the trucking company’s or driver’s failure to uphold their duty of care. However, since federal regulations are highly technical, these cases often require expert testimony to interpret and explain how a violation occurred and why it matters in your case. Trucking experts can include former FMCSA inspectors, accident reconstruction specialists, and transportation safety professionals. Fortunately, an experienced lawyer will have the resources and connections to experts needed to build a strong case.