After a serious truck accident, you'll likely face a host of challenges—physical pain, emotional trauma, mounting medical bills, and missed work. When a truck driver’s or a trucking company's negligence caused the crash, you may have grounds for a legal claim. However, truck accident cases differ from typical car accident claims in many ways.
One key difference is the role of federal trucking regulations in establishing liability. The seasoned St. Louis truck accident lawyers at Finney Injury Law help crash victims understand how these rules affect their case. Learn about some of the most important Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations and how they could impact your Missouri truck accident claim.
5 FMCSA Regulations That May Strengthen Your Truck Accident Claim
The FMCSA, an agency within the U.S. Department of Transportation, creates and enforces safety rules for commercial vehicle operators. These regulations establish minimum standards for truck driver qualifications, vehicle maintenance, cargo securement, and more. When trucking companies or drivers violate these rules, they put everyone on the road at risk.
Here are five key FMCSA regulations that commonly play a role in truck accident claims:
Hours of Service Rules
To combat fatigued driving, the FMCSA sets strict limits on how long truck drivers can stay behind the wheel without rest. Generally, drivers carrying property can drive a maximum of 11 hours after 10 consecutive off-duty hours. They cannot drive beyond the 14th consecutive hour after coming on duty.
Vehicle Maintenance Requirements
Trucking companies must systematically inspect, maintain, and repair all vehicles under their control. Failure to keep trucks in safe operating condition can lead to catastrophic accidents. Improper maintenance of critical components like brakes, tires, and steering systems causes thousands of crashes each year.
Drug and Alcohol Testing Mandates
Motor carriers must conduct thorough background checks on prospective drivers, including mandatory drug and alcohol testing. Random drug and alcohol testing must continue throughout employment. Employers cannot allow a driver who tests positive to operate a commercial motor vehicle.
Cargo Securement Standards
Improperly loaded or secured cargo leads to hundreds of deaths and injuries annually. The FMCSA requires drivers to ensure cargo cannot shift, fall, leak, or otherwise become dislodged from the vehicle during transport. Specific tie-down requirements vary based on cargo type.
Driver Qualification Rules
The FMCSA mandates extensive driver qualifications, including commercial licensing, endorsements for specialized vehicles, and medical certification of fitness for duty. Trucking companies must thoroughly vet driver applicants and cannot allow unqualified individuals to operate commercial trucks.
How an Experienced St. Louis Truck Accident Lawyer Leverages FMCSA Regulations in Your Case
Proving that a truck driver or company violated FMCSA regulations can go a long way in establishing negligence and liability for a crash. However, identifying and documenting these violations requires an in-depth understanding of federal and state rules governing commercial trucking.
At Finney Injury Law, our experienced St. Louis truck accident lawyers know exactly what evidence to look for to support your claim:
- Hours of service logs. Can show that a driver exceeded the maximum allowable drive time or failed to take the required rest breaks
- Inspection and maintenance records. May reveal neglected repairs, skipped inspections, or failure to remedy known safety issues promptly
- Background check and personnel files. Can indicate the company hired a driver with a history of traffic violations or substance abuse issues
- Load manifests and cargo securement paperwork. May point to improper loading techniques, inadequate tie-downs, or other cargo-related negligence
- Medical certification documents. Can expose a driver's failure to meet physical qualification standards
We often work with industry experts who can analyze this evidence and provide compelling testimony about how specific FMCSA violations contributed to a crash. This insight proves invaluable in settlement negotiations and at trial.
Discuss Your Case With a Knowledgeable St. Louis Truck Accident Lawyer
If you or a loved one was seriously hurt in a Missouri semi-truck crash, you may be entitled to significant compensation for your medical bills, lost income, pain and suffering, and other damages. However, trucking companies and their insurers often fight these high-value claims aggressively. You need an experienced St. Louis truck accident lawyer to level the playing field.
At Finney Injury Law, we have the knowledge, resources, and tenacity to stand up to powerful trucking industry interests. We'll thoroughly investigate your crash, gather critical evidence, and craft a compelling case for maximum compensation.