Commercial truck drivers and trucking companies must follow strict federal safety rules. These regulations, set by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), are designed to prevent truck accidents caused by things like driver fatigue and poor vehicle maintenance.
Unfortunately, when drivers or companies ignore these rules, the consequences can be catastrophic. Learning about how these federal violations can affect your legal rights is essential if you’ve been involved in a crash.
Common Federal Regulations Truck Drivers Must Follow
The FMCSA enforces a wide range of regulations meant to keep truckers and other motorists safe. These rules cover everything from driver behavior to vehicle maintenance and company operations.
Some of the most critical include:
- Hours of Service (HOS) rules: Drivers are limited to operating a truck for a specific number of hours before taking mandatory rest breaks. Violating these rules can lead to fatigue-related crashes.
- Drug and alcohol testing: Trucking companies must test drivers for drugs and alcohol.
- Vehicle inspection and maintenance: Trucks must undergo routine inspections, and any mechanical defects must be fixed immediately.
- Weight and cargo securement: This can make trucks unstable, increasing the risk of rollovers and jackknife accidents.
- Electronic logging devices (ELDs): These record how long a driver has been on the road to ensure compliance with federal hours-of-service limits.
Each of these rules is meant to protect both the truck driver and the public. When companies or drivers cut corners, they can be held accountable through a civil lawsuit under Missouri law.
How Federal Regulation Violations Can Impact Your Claim
If an investigation reveals that a truck driver or company violated FMCSA regulations, this evidence can play a major role in proving negligence. Negligence essentially means the same thing as carelessness, and violating a safety rule can serve as proof of fault.
For instance, let’s say a driver exceeded their legal driving hours and caused a crash while fatigued. That violation alone could make them (and potentially their employer) liable for your damages.
Your attorney can obtain key records such as black box data, internal company communications, and more to help build your case.
Missouri’s Comparative Fault System
Missouri follows a pure comparative fault statute. This means that even if you were partially responsible for a truck accident, you can still recover damages. However, your compensation may be reduced by your percentage of fault.
For example, if you were found 10% at fault and your damages totaled $500,000, you could still recover $450,000. Evidence of a federal regulation violation can help reduce your percentage of fault and also strengthen your claim.
What Kinds of Damages Can I Recover in a Truck Accident Case?
You may be entitled to compensation for both economic and non-economic damages after being involved in a truck accident involving federal regulations.
Examples include:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages/reduced earning ability
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Property damage
In cases involving extreme misconduct, punitive damages may also be available. These damages are intended to punish the responsible party and deter similar behavior in the future.
Contact the St. Louis Truck Accident Lawyers at Eason Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers for Help Today
Truck drivers and companies that ignore federal safety regulations put everyone on the road in danger. If you’ve been injured in a truck accident, Eason Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers is here to help. Our St. Louis truck accident attorneys will fight to get the compensation you deserve.
Contact us today for a free consultation. We work on contingency, so we only get paid if you do.
For more information, please contact Eason Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers to schedule a free consultation with a truck accident lawyer in St. Louis, MO, today. We have two convenient locations in Missouri, including St. Louis and Richmond Heights.
We proudly serve St. Louis County and its surrounding areas.
Eason Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers – St. Louis Office
10 S Broadway #560
St. Louis, MO 63102
(314) 932-1066
Eason Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers – Richmond Heights Office
1034 S Brentwood Blvd Penthouse 1-C
Richmond Heights, MO 63117
(314) 463-4173
