Understanding Trucking Regulations and How They Impact Accident Claims

Unfortunately, accidents involving large trucks happen every day across the country, and Boston is no exception. Because trucks have the potential to cause such severe damage, strict trucking regulations aim to keep the roads safe for everyone. But what exactly are these regulations, and how do they affect your claim if you’re involved in a truck accident? Understanding these rules can be a game-changer for anyone involved in a truck accident, especially when seeking compensation.

Why trucking regulations exist

Trucking regulations are in place to reduce the risks associated with the commercial trucking industry. Because trucks weigh so much more than standard vehicles — up to 80,000 pounds when fully loaded —  accidents involving them are often more severe. These regulations are designed to keep both truck drivers and other road users safe by laying down rules on driver behavior, truck maintenance, and the number of hours a driver can be on the road.

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) sets the primary regulations for trucks that operate across state lines. Massachusetts also has its own set of trucking regulations, which apply to trucks that operate only within the state. These regulations cover everything from weight limits to how much sleep drivers must get.

A few trucking regulations that affect accident claims

When it comes to understanding how regulations affect Boston truck accident claims, it helps to focus on a few of the most important rules. Following are some of the main trucking regulations that play a role in determining fault and liability in truck accidents:

Hours of Service (HOS) rules

Hours of Service regulations limit the number of hours a truck driver can be on the road before taking a break. The FMCSA requires that drivers can’t drive more than 11 hours in a 14-hour workday and must rest for at least 10 hours before starting a new shift. Additionally, drivers must take a 30-minute break after eight consecutive hours of driving. These rules exist to prevent driver fatigue, which is a major factor in truck accidents. If an accident occurs and it’s found that the truck driver violated these HOS rules, it could significantly affect your claim, as fatigue might be considered the cause of the accident.

Truck maintenance and inspections

Federal regulations require trucking companies to perform routine inspections and maintenance on their vehicles, ensuring that brakes, tires, lights, and other parts are in good shape. If an accident is caused by something like faulty brakes or tire blowouts, and it’s discovered that the company neglected maintenance, they could be held liable. In such cases, proper maintenance records can be important evidence.

Driver qualifications

Not everyone can hop behind the wheel of a commercial truck. Drivers need a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) and must pass certain tests that prove they’re capable of safely handling a large vehicle. They also have to undergo regular drug and alcohol testing. If a driver is found to be unqualified or has a record of DUIs or substance abuse, it could affect liability in your accident case. A trucking company that hires an unqualified driver can be held responsible for negligence if that driver causes an accident.

Weight limits and cargo securement

Overloading trucks or failing to properly secure cargo is extremely dangerous. Federal regulations limit the weight trucks can carry, typically 80,000 pounds, and require that cargo be secured in a way that prevents it from shifting during transit. Unsecured cargo can lead to severe accidents, especially if it falls onto the road or causes the truck to lose balance. In cases where improperly loaded or overloaded cargo is a factor in an accident, the trucking company, cargo loaders, or even the driver may be held accountable.

Electronic logging devices (ELDs)

To ensure compliance with HOS rules, most trucks are required to have electronic logging devices, also called ELDs. An ELD automatically records the number of hours a driver spends on the road and can be checked during an investigation. If an accident occurs, the ELD can provide important evidence to show whether the driver was following the HOS regulations. Violations revealed by ELDs often strengthen accident claims against the trucking company or driver.

How trucking regulations affect accident claims

When you file a claim after a Boston truck accident, it’s important to show liability on the part of the truck driver. If a truck driver or trucking company has violated any of the above regulations, it might be easier to make a case that they were liable. Here’s what our Boston truck accident lawyers take into consideration:

• Establishing fault. Trucking regulations help establish who is at fault. For example, if a truck driver violated HOS rules and fell asleep at the wheel, that violation directly ties into the accident’s cause. In such cases, the driver (and often the trucking company) can be held accountable.
• Providing evidence. Regulations create records. Maintenance logs, ELD data, and driver qualification records can all serve as evidence in your case. These can be powerful tools in demonstrating that the driver or trucking company failed to follow regulations.
• Compensation amounts. Violating federal and state regulations often points to a high level of carelessness or negligence. In Massachusetts, accident victims may seek compensation for their medical bills, lost wages, and even pain and suffering. If the trucking company or driver violated safety regulations, you might be entitled to additional compensation due to the increased level of negligence.

Steps to take if you’re injured in a truck accident

If you’re injured in a truck accident, here are some important steps to follow:

• Get medical attention. Your health should be your top priority. Seek medical attention immediately, even if you feel fine. Injuries can surface later, and having a medical record is crucial for your claim.
• Document the scene. If possible and safe, take photos of the accident scene, the truck, your vehicle, and any visible injuries. This documentation can be vital evidence for your claim.
• Contact a Boston truck accident attorney. Truck accident cases are complex, and having an experienced attorney by your side can make a big difference. The knowledgeable Boston truck accident attorneys at Breakstone, White & Gluck can guide you through the legal process, help gather evidence, and work to hold the responsible parties accountable.
• Preserve evidence. Trucking companies may try to destroy or alter records that could be used against them. Your attorney can send a “spoliation letter” to prevent any evidence from being tampered with, including ELD data, maintenance logs, and driver records.
• File a claim. With your attorney’s help, you can file a claim with the truck driver’s or trucking company’s insurance company. We can assist in gathering all the necessary documentation and negotiating with insurance adjusters to secure the compensation you deserve.

Remember, trucking regulations exist to keep everyone on the road safe, but when they’re ignored, the results can be devastating. For anyone involved in a truck accident in Boston, having an understanding of these regulations can make a significant difference in building a strong claim. Trucking accident cases can be complicated, but with the right legal guidance, you can work through these challenges, gather the necessary evidence, and pursue the compensation you deserve. We can help.

If you or someone you know has been injured in a truck accident, don’t hesitate to reach out to the Boston truck accident attorneys at Breakstone, White & Gluck. Trucking regulations are there for a reason, and when they’re violated, and you suffer injury, you deserve justice and fair compensation. Complete our contact form or give us a call today to schedule a free consultation to discuss your case.