Texas highways are filled with commercial trucks transporting goods across the state every day. These vehicles are essential to the economy, yet their size and weight make accidents far more dangerous than typical car crashes. When a collision involves a semi-truck or other large commercial vehicle, the injuries are often severe, and the legal issues become more complicated.
Truck accident claims are different from regular auto accident cases because trucking companies must follow strict federal and state regulations. If those rules are violated, the violation can play a major role in proving fault and increasing compensation. Understanding these regulations helps you see how they may directly affect your case.
Big Rigs, Bigger Rules: Why Texas Has Strict Trucking Laws
Texas has one of the highest levels of commercial truck traffic in the country. With major interstate highways crossing the state, large trucks travel through both rural and urban areas daily.
To reduce risks, trucking companies must follow regulations from:
- The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA)
- The Texas Department of Public Safety
- State traffic and safety laws
These rules are designed to protect everyone on the road. They control how long drivers can operate, how trucks are maintained, and how companies manage safety compliance. When a trucking company ignores these requirements and a crash happens, the violation can serve as strong evidence of negligence.
Courts often hold trucking companies to higher safety standards because of the potential harm their vehicles can cause. Legal teams such as Zinda Law Group regularly investigate trucking regulation violations and use those findings to strengthen injury claims.
Hours-of-Service Rules and Driver Fatigue
Driver fatigue is a leading cause of serious truck accidents. Long hours behind the wheel reduce concentration and slow reaction time. Hours-of-Service (HOS) regulations limit how long a commercial driver may operate without rest. In general, drivers are allowed:
- Up to 11 hours of driving after 10 consecutive hours off duty
- A maximum number of driving hours over a seven or eight-day period
- Required rest breaks during long shifts
Most commercial trucks use electronic logging devices (ELDs) to automatically track driving hours. After a crash, investigators review:
- Electronic log data
- GPS tracking information
- Dispatch schedules
- Fuel receipts
If records show a driver exceeded legal limits, that violation may significantly strengthen a claim. Fatigue-related violations often provide clear evidence of unsafe conduct.
Maintenance and Inspection Requirements
Commercial trucks must be inspected and maintained regularly to remain safe. Federal and Texas regulations require companies to ensure that critical systems are functioning properly.
Maintenance rules cover components such as:
- Braking systems
- Tires and wheels
- Steering mechanisms
- Lighting systems
- Coupling devices
Drivers are required to complete pre-trip and post-trip inspections and report mechanical defects. Companies must repair serious safety issues before returning the truck to service. When an accident involves brake failure or a tire blowout, maintenance records become critical evidence. If logs show skipped inspections or delayed repairs, it may demonstrate negligence. A consistent pattern of ignored maintenance problems can increase a company’s liability in court.
CDL Licensing, Hiring, and Training Standards
Commercial drivers must hold a valid Commercial Driver’s License (CDL). Obtaining a CDL requires passing written tests, road exams, and medical evaluations. Trucking companies must also carefully screen drivers before hiring. This process typically includes:
- Reviewing driving history
- Checking prior accidents or violations
- Verifying license status
- Conducting background screenings
In addition, companies must provide ongoing safety training and monitor driver performance. If a company hires a driver with a poor safety record without proper review, it may face a negligent hiring claim. Training records may also reveal whether the driver was properly instructed in defensive driving and safety procedures. Failure to properly screen or supervise drivers can significantly affect your case.
Cargo Securement and Weight Compliance
Improper cargo loading creates serious hazards on Texas roads. Regulations require freight to be properly secured and balanced to prevent shifting during transit.
Important cargo rules include:
- Using approved tie-down systems
- Distributing weight evenly
- Staying within legal weight limits
Overloaded trucks require longer stopping distances and place additional stress on brakes and tires. If cargo shifts during travel, it can cause jackknife accidents or rollovers. In some cases, third-party companies handle cargo loading. When improper loading contributes to a crash, liability may extend beyond the trucking company. Shipping documents, inspection reports, and weight station records often help identify violations.
Drug and Alcohol Testing Requirements
Commercial drivers are subject to strict drug and alcohol testing standards. These requirements are intended to prevent impaired driving.
Testing procedures include:
- Pre-employment drug testing
- Random testing during employment
- Post-accident testing under certain conditions
The legal blood alcohol limit for commercial drivers is lower than for standard drivers. If a driver tests positive after a crash, that evidence can strongly support a negligence claim. Companies must also remove drivers from safety-sensitive duties following a failed test. Failure to comply with testing regulations may increase corporate liability.
How Regulatory Violations Affect Compensation
When a trucking regulation is violated, it may support a legal theory known as negligence per se. This means that breaking a safety law designed to prevent harm can establish a breach of duty.
To recover compensation, you must show:
- A regulation was violated
- The violation caused the accident
- You suffered measurable damages
Truck accident compensation may include:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Reduced earning capacity
- Property damage
- Pain and suffering
In cases involving reckless conduct, punitive damages may also be available. Clear documentation of regulatory violations often increases pressure on insurance companies to offer fair settlements.
Building a Strong Truck Accident Claim
Truck accident cases are often complex because multiple parties may share responsibility. These can include:
- The truck driver
- The trucking company
- Maintenance contractors
- Cargo loading companies
Early investigation is essential. Important evidence that may need to be preserved includes:
- Electronic log data
- Black box recorder information
- Driver qualification files
- Maintenance and inspection records
Connecting regulatory violations directly to the cause of the crash is critical for a strong case.
Texas Deadlines and Shared Fault Rules
Texas law generally allows injured victims two years from the accident date to file a personal injury lawsuit. Missing this deadline may prevent recovery. Texas also follows a modified comparative fault system. Under this rule:
- You cannot recover damages if you are more than 50 percent responsible.
- Your compensation is reduced if you are partially at fault.
Understanding these legal timelines and fault rules helps protect your rights.
Texas trucking regulations exist to keep drivers and families safe. When companies or drivers ignore these safety requirements, the consequences can be life-changing. Identifying violations and understanding how they affect your case can help you pursue fair compensation and hold responsible parties accountable.