Trucking Company Legal Responsibilities
Trucking companies have extensive legal duties to ensure safety on our roads. When they fail to meet these obligations, they can be held liable for the accidents that result.
Unlike regular drivers, commercial trucking companies are subject to extensive federal regulations from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). Violations of these regulations not only endanger the public—they can serve as powerful evidence of negligence in your accident claim.
Driver Hiring & Qualification
Trucking companies must thoroughly vet every driver they hire:
- • Verify valid CDL with proper endorsements for the cargo type
- • Check driving history going back at least 3 years
- • Conduct background checks for criminal history
- • Verify medical fitness through DOT physical examinations
- • Pre-employment drug testing for controlled substances
- • Road testing to verify driving competency
⚠️ Negligent Hiring
If a trucking company fails to properly screen a driver—and that driver causes an accident—the company can be held directly liable for "negligent hiring." This is separate from vicarious liability for the driver's actions.
Driver Training
Companies must ensure drivers are properly trained on:
- • Vehicle operation for the specific type of truck they'll drive
- • Cargo securement procedures and requirements
- • Hours of service regulations and ELD usage
- • Defensive driving techniques
- • Hazmat handling if applicable
- • Pre-trip inspection procedures
Vehicle Maintenance
Federal law requires trucking companies to maintain safe vehicles:
- • Systematic inspection programs at regular intervals
- • Prompt repair of defects before vehicles return to service
- • Written maintenance records kept for at least 1 year
- • Annual DOT inspections by qualified mechanics
- • Brake, tire, and lighting system checks
💡 Critical Evidence
Maintenance records are powerful evidence. If a tire blowout or brake failure caused your accident, records showing the company skipped inspections or ignored known defects can prove negligence.
Hours of Service Enforcement
Companies must ensure drivers don't exceed driving limits:
11-Hour Rule
Maximum 11 hours driving after 10 consecutive hours off duty
14-Hour Rule
No driving after 14 hours on duty (driving + work)
60/70-Hour Rule
Maximum 60/70 hours on duty in 7/8 consecutive days
30-Minute Break
Required 30-minute break after 8 hours of driving
Companies must use Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs) to track hours and review logs for violations. Pressuring drivers to falsify logs or drive beyond limits is a serious federal offense.
Cargo Loading & Securement
Improperly loaded cargo is a leading cause of truck accidents:
- • Weight limits must not exceed federal and state maximums (typically 80,000 lbs total)
- • Weight distribution must be balanced to prevent rollovers
- • Proper securement using appropriate tie-downs, chains, and blocking
- • Inspection during transport to ensure cargo remains secure
Drug & Alcohol Testing
Companies must implement comprehensive testing programs:
- • Pre-employment testing before any driver begins work
- • Random testing throughout employment
- • Post-accident testing after qualifying accidents
- • Reasonable suspicion testing when supervisors observe signs of impairment
- • Return-to-duty testing after violations
How This Helps Your Case
When trucking companies violate these duties, it creates multiple avenues for holding them accountable:
- Negligence per se: Violations of FMCSA regulations can be treated as automatic evidence of negligence
- Vicarious liability: Companies are liable for their drivers' negligent actions while on duty
- Direct negligence: Companies can be sued for negligent hiring, training, supervision, and maintenance
- Punitive damages: Willful violations may warrant punitive damages to punish egregious conduct
Was a Trucking Company's Negligence to Blame?
An experienced attorney can investigate whether the trucking company violated federal regulations and hold them accountable.
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