Truck Accidents and Federal Regulations: What Victims Need to Know Before Filing a Claim
If you've been involved in a truck accident in Washington, you may already know the injuries and damages can be severe. What you might not realize is that these cases are often far more complicated than a standard car accident.
That’s because commercial truck drivers and the companies that employ them are governed by a strict set of federal laws that directly affect how liability is determined and how your claim will be handled.
At Gierth-Eddy Law Offices PLLC, we have represented victims from all over Washington who have suffered due to negligent trucking practices. Our dedicated, knowledgeable, and driven legal team understands how to investigate these cases and use federal regulations to your advantage.
Here’s what every truck accident victim in Washington should know before filing a personal injury claim.
Why Truck Accidents Are Unique
Truck accidents aren't like regular car accidents. Commercial trucks can weigh 20 to 30 times more than a typical passenger vehicle. This weight, combined with speed and hazardous cargo, often results in catastrophic outcomes. But it’s not just the size and force that makes truck accidents unique—the laws governing them are different, too.
Commercial trucks are regulated by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), which imposes rules designed to keep everyone safe on the road. These regulations can play a pivotal role in determining fault and liability in your case.
What Is the FMCSA and Why Does It Matter?
The FMCSA is the federal agency responsible for regulating the trucking industry. It establishes guidelines and standards that every commercial truck driver and carrier must follow. When a truck accident occurs, one of the first steps an attorney will take is to examine whether any FMCSA rules were violated. A violation could strengthen your case and potentially increase the compensation you receive.
Understanding how the FMCSA works can empower you as you prepare to file a claim.
Key Federal Regulations That Could Affect Your Claim
There are numerous FMCSA rules that may come into play in a truck accident case. Let’s look at some of the most common and impactful regulations that can influence liability and damages.
Hours of Service (HOS) Regulations
Truck drivers are limited in how many hours they can be on the road. These Hours of Service rules exist to prevent driver fatigue, a major factor in many truck accidents.
Drivers are generally limited to 11 hours of driving after 10 consecutive hours off duty.
They may not drive beyond the 14th consecutive hour after coming on duty.
There is a 60/70-hour limit over 7 or 8 consecutive days, depending on the carrier’s schedule.
These limits are strictly enforced, and drivers must maintain accurate electronic logbooks. If an attorney finds that a driver violated HOS rules, it can point to fatigue and negligence, strengthening your case.
Driver Qualification and Licensing
Commercial drivers must hold a valid Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) and meet strict qualification requirements.
Drivers must pass a medical examination and maintain good health.
They must undergo regular drug and alcohol testing.
Carriers are responsible for making sure their drivers are properly trained and qualified.
If the driver in your accident lacked proper qualifications or had a known history of violations, your attorney may be able to hold the trucking company responsible for negligent hiring or supervision.
Vehicle Maintenance and Inspections
Trucking companies must adhere to rigorous maintenance and inspection standards. Poor vehicle maintenance is a contributing factor in many accidents.
Trucks must undergo regular inspections and preventative maintenance.
Carriers must maintain detailed service records.
Any known safety defects must be repaired promptly.
Failure to maintain the vehicle can lead to equipment failure—such as brake malfunction or tire blowouts—that endangers everyone on the road.
Cargo Securement Rules
Improperly loaded or secured cargo can shift during transport, causing a truck to jackknife or roll over.
Federal rules dictate how different types of cargo must be loaded and secured.
Specific tie-downs and weight distribution guidelines must be followed.
Carriers and loaders can be held liable if cargo securement is found to be negligent.
Your attorney will examine whether these rules were followed and whether a violation contributed to your accident.
Common Causes of Truck Accidents Related to Federal Violations
Understanding the root causes of truck accidents is key to proving negligence. While every case is different, many truck crashes stem from violations of FMCSA regulations.
Here are some examples of how federal rule-breaking can lead to disaster:
A driver exceeds HOS limits, falls asleep at the wheel, and causes a head-on collision.
A trucking company fails to repair faulty brakes, resulting in a rear-end crash.
Cargo shifts inside a trailer because it was improperly secured, causing the truck to tip over.
A driver is under the influence of drugs or alcohol due to failed screening procedures.
If any of these scenarios sound familiar, you may have a strong personal injury claim.
Why Proving FMCSA Violations Matters in a Personal Injury Case
If you’ve been injured in a truck accident, proving that the driver or carrier violated federal regulations can significantly impact the outcome of your case. Courts take these violations seriously, and they can serve as strong evidence of negligence or recklessness.
In fact, demonstrating a violation of a federal rule can: strengthen your legal argument for compensation, increase the potential settlement value of your case, help prove punitive damages in cases of gross misconduct, and hold multiple parties accountable, including trucking companies, maintenance providers, and loaders.
Having an experienced personal injury attorney on your side is essential for uncovering these violations and making sure they’re documented and presented properly.
What to Do After a Truck Accident in Washington
If you’ve been injured in a truck accident, your actions in the hours and days following the incident can be crucial. Taking the right steps can protect your legal rights and improve your chances of a successful claim.
Before filing a claim, victims should consider the following:
Seek immediate medical attention even if you don’t feel hurt right away.
Call law enforcement and confirm that an accident report is filed.
Take photos of the scene, vehicles, injuries, and road conditions if possible.
Get witness contact information and record any statements if you can.
Avoid speaking to the trucking company’s insurance adjusters without legal representation.
Contact a knowledgeable personal injury attorney familiar with Washington law and federal trucking regulations.
Taking these steps will allow your attorney to begin building a strong, evidence-based claim right from the start.
Who Can Be Held Liable in a Truck Accident?
Unlike a typical car crash, truck accidents often involve multiple liable parties. In addition to the driver, several other entities could share legal responsibility.
Your attorney may investigate potential liability for:
The trucking company may be held liable for negligent hiring, inadequate training, or improper supervision of its drivers.
Maintenance contractors could be responsible if they failed to properly inspect or repair the truck.
Cargo loaders may be liable if they did not follow federal securement rules, leading to shifting or unstable loads.
Truck or parts manufacturers can be held accountable if defective equipment contributed to the accident.
Other third parties, such as brokers or shippers involved in coordinating logistics, might also share responsibility depending on their role in the events leading up to the crash.
Determining liability requires a detailed investigation and an understanding of how each party’s actions intersected with FMCSA regulations.
How Gierth-Eddy Law Offices PLLC Can Help You With a Truck Accident Claim
At Gierth-Eddy Law Offices PLLC, we have the resources and legal knowledge necessary to investigate complicated truck accident cases. Our legal team works tirelessly to identify violations, obtain key documents, and consult with industry professionals to establish liability.
Here’s how we help victims build strong truck accident claims:
We obtain the truck’s electronic logging data and service records.
We review driver qualification files, training logs, and drug test results.
We analyze accident reports and black box data for inconsistencies.
We interview witnesses and consult with accident reconstruction professionals.
We negotiate aggressively with insurance companies and go to court when necessary.
Our dedicated, knowledgeable, and driven team is committed to helping injured victims throughout Washington get the compensation they deserve.
Types of Compensation Available in Truck Accident Claims
A successful personal injury claim can help you recover damages for a wide range of losses. Truck accident injuries are often severe and life-changing, which is why it’s so important to pursue full and fair compensation.
You may be entitled to compensation for, medical expenses (past, present, and future), lost income and diminished earning capacity, pain and suffering, emotional distress, property damage, disfigurement or permanent disability, loss of consortium (for spouses), or punitive damages (in cases of egregious violations).
Calculating these damages accurately requires careful documentation and legal guidance.
Time Limits: Don’t Wait to File Your Claim
In Washington, the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury lawsuit is generally three years from the date of the accident. However, it’s always best to consult a lawyer as soon as possible, as key evidence may be lost or destroyed with time.
By acting quickly, your attorney can:
Preserve driver logs, inspection reports, and black box data.
Interview witnesses while their memories are fresh.
Begin negotiations with insurers before they try to minimize your claim.
Don’t risk losing your right to fair compensation by waiting too long.
Let Gierth-Eddy Law Offices PLLC Fight for You
Truck accident cases are challenging, but with the right legal help on your side, you can pursue justice and protect your future. At Gierth-Eddy Law Offices PLLC, we’ve built a reputation throughout Washington for being relentless advocates for our clients.
Contact Us Today
If you or a loved one has been injured in a truck accident in Washington, Gierth-Eddy Law Offices PLLC can help. We have offices in Yakima and Kennewick, and we serve clients throughout the state, including Richland and Pasco. We’ll review your case, explain your rights, and help you make informed decisions every step of the way. If you’re ready to explore your legal options, reach out to us today to get started.