Why Federal Trucking Rules Matter in Texas Injury Claims
You’re driving down I-35 when a semi-truck swerves and slams into your car. The aftermath is chaos—twisted metal, sirens, hospital lights. But behind many of these devastating crashes lies a paper trail of preventable violations.
Federal trucking regulations, especially those enforced by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), exist to keep Texas roads safe. When trucking companies or drivers break these rules, they can be held liable—and that can change everything about your personal injury claim.
Key FMCSA Regulations That Affect Liability in Texas Truck Accidents
When a truck wreck happens, one of the first questions an experienced attorney asks is: Did someone break the rules?
Hours-of-Service (HOS) Rules
Truck drivers can’t drive endlessly. FMCSA’s Hours-of-Service (HOS) rules limit how long a driver can be on the road:
- 11-hour driving limit after 10 consecutive hours off-duty
- 14-hour window in which driving must occur
- 30-minute break after 8 hours on the road
Violations often show up in electronic logging devices (ELDs). If the driver skipped required rest or falsified logs, that can become powerful evidence of fatigue—and negligence per se.
Vehicle Maintenance Requirements
These rules require regular inspections and repairs on every commercial vehicle. When trucks aren’t properly maintained, lives are put at risk:
- Bald tires that can blow out on I-635
- Brake systems that fail near Loop 12
- Broken lights making big rigs invisible on rural Texas roads at night
If maintenance logs are missing or falsified, it may show systemic negligence by the company—not just one bad driver.
Commercial Driver Qualification Standards
Operating an 80,000-pound vehicle isn’t for amateurs. FMCSA requires that drivers:
- Hold a valid Commercial Driver’s License (CDL)
- Pass a DOT medical exam
- Undergo background checks and training
If a trucking company hires someone with a history of DUIs or health issues that impair driving, negligent hiring becomes a major legal angle.
Drug & Alcohol Testing Regulations
Drivers must undergo:
- Pre-employment testing
- Random drug/alcohol tests
- Post-crash testing if there’s serious injury or death
When these tests are skipped—or worse, falsified—it raises serious red flags. In wrongful death or high-damage injury claims, this can support gross negligence findings.
How FMCSA Violations Help Prove Negligence in Texas Personal Injury Lawsuits
In Texas, proving negligence typically requires showing the defendant owed a duty, breached it, and caused harm. FMCSA violations streamline this process.
Establishing Negligence or Negligence Per Se
When a trucker breaks a federal rule designed to protect public safety, courts often consider that negligence per se—meaning the breach is assumed.
That’s especially helpful for injured Texans who might otherwise struggle to prove what happened on a dark stretch of US-75.
Simplifying the Burden of Proof
With FMCSA as your measuring stick, you’re no longer debating opinions. You’re pointing to black-and-white regulations that were broken—giving your claim weight and clarity.
How Texas State Law Intersects with Federal Trucking Regulations
FMCSA rules apply nationwide, but Texas courts still evaluate personal injury claims based on state tort law.
That means violations inform traditional negligence standards.
Legal Strategy: Using FMCSA Rules in Texas Courtrooms
Experienced Texas attorneys use these federal regulations to:
- Subpoena ELDs and maintenance logs
- Depose safety managers
- Introduce evidence of regulatory breaches to strengthen liability claims
What Evidence Matters Most in Texas Courts
To prove your case, lawyers will gather:
- Driver logbooks and ELDs
- Inspection and maintenance records
- Background check documentation
- Witness statements and police reports
What Victims Should Do After a Truck Accident Involving a Big Rig or 18-Wheeler
The steps you take after the crash can make or break your case—especially if FMCSA violations are involved.
Preserve Evidence of Possible FMCSA Violations
Here’s what to do after the crash:
- Request a police report immediately
- Photograph the scene, vehicles, and injuries
- Get medical care and document every symptom
- Collect contact info from witnesses
- Write down everything you remember
The sooner you act, the more evidence your legal team can preserve
Frequently Asked Questions
How do FMCSA violations affect truck accident lawsuits in Texas?
They provide objective evidence of negligence, often making it easier to prove fault and strengthen your case.
Can a trucking company be held liable for a driver’s hours-of-service violation?
Yes. If the company ignored or encouraged violations, they may face direct or vicarious liability.
What kind of maintenance failures lead to stronger claims?
Brake issues, bald tires, and missing lights are red flags that suggest systemic neglect—and help prove liability.
How can I tell if FMCSA violations played a role in my accident?
Your attorney can subpoena records and logs to identify signs of regulatory violations.
Do I need a lawyer familiar with federal trucking rules?
Absolutely. These regulations are complex, and the right legal team can use them to build a stronger, more successful case.
Final Thoughts: Get the Help You Need From Trusted Texas Truck Accident Attorneys
Truck crashes aren’t just accidents—they’re often the result of preventable violations. Whether it’s an exhausted driver, a poorly maintained rig, or a company that cut corners, you deserve to hold them accountable.
At Angel Reyes & Associates, we’ve spent over 30 years fighting for Texans injured in big rig collisions. We understand FMCSA rules inside and out—and we know how to use them to help our clients get justice.
