Every day, millions of tons of cargo travel across the United States on 18-wheeler trucks. While these vehicles are indispensable to industry, their immense size and weight pose a significant risk of danger on the road. This risk often arises from violations of federal safety regulations established by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) to ensure the proper operation of commercial vehicles. 

Here's a rundown of key areas of FMCSA regulation which, if violated, can lead to truck accidents:

• Hours of service (HOS) — FMCSA regulations dictate how long truck drivers can be behind the wheel and the mandatory rest periods they must take. Driving while fatigued significantly impairs reaction time and judgment. Exhausted drivers may miss crucial traffic signals, drift out of lanes or overreact to situations, leading to accidents.

• Medical certification/drug and alcohol testing — The FMCSA mandates pre-employment and regular medical evaluations to ensure that drivers are physically and mentally fit to manage the demands of the road. Failure to comply can mean drivers are on the road with drug or alcohol problems or with medical conditions like sleep apnea, uncorrected vision or untreated diabetes. 

• Vehicle maintenance — Regular inspections and proper upkeep of brakes, tires, steering systems and other vital vehicle components are mandatory. Neglecting essential maintenance can result in brake failures and other mechanical breakdowns, with horrific consequences.

• Weight and cargo securement rules — Overloaded trucks have a higher center of gravity, increasing the risk of rollovers and jackknifes. Improper cargo securement creates another set of dangers. Loose cargo can shift, causing weight imbalances that can lead to tip-overs or spillage. 

• Mandatory monitoring — The FMCSA requires use of systems like electronic logging devices (ELDs) to track driver activity and prevent HOS violations. If drivers bypass or tamper with these systems, it can mask dangerous driving habits and increase the risk of accidents. 

When a violation of a safety regulation leads to a crash, several parties may be responsible, including:

• Truck driver — Drivers who violate HOS regulations, drive under the influence, or disregard safety protocols are directly liable for their actions.

• Trucking company — Companies that pressure drivers to meet unrealistic deadlines, fail to provide proper training, or turn a blind eye to maintenance issues can be held accountable.

• Cargo shippers and loaders — Improperly loaded or overweight cargo can cause accidents. Shippers and loaders are responsible for ensuring cargo is secured and meets weight limitations. 

• Service and maintenance providers — Mechanics and service shops that fail to identify and address critical issues can be liable for accidents caused by those failures.

If you’re hurt in a crash involving a large commercial vehicle, an experienced trucking accident attorney can investigate the facts, gather vital evidence and effectively negotiate an award that reflects the full extent of your damages — taking the case to trial if necessary.

Pikrallidas & Probasco pursues compensation for individuals harmed in truck accidents in Virginia and Washington, D.C. Please call 703-267-2600 or contact us online for free initial consultation.