Government entities responsible for road safety
While drivers and trucking companies are often the focus in accident cases, government agencies can also share responsibility when unsafe road conditions or negligent maintenance contribute to a crash.
Maintenance logs
Trucking company liability
While truck drivers are often the immediate cause of accidents, trucking companies themselves can also be held legally responsible. Their policies, oversight, and compliance with safety regulations play a central role in accident prevention.
Mechanical failures and poor maintenance
Commercial trucks are complex machines that require constant upkeep. Mechanical failures caused by poor maintenance are a major factor in many serious truck accidents, often making them preventable events.
Truck maintenance and inspection requirements
Proper maintenance and regular inspections are critical to ensuring that commercial trucks operate safely on U.S. highways. Federal and state regulations impose strict obligations on carriers and drivers to keep vehicles roadworthy.
Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) rules
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) is the central authority for trucking regulation in the United States. Its rules are designed to reduce crashes, injuries, and fatalities involving large commercial vehicles.
Key differences between truck and car accidents
Although both involve motor vehicles, truck accidents differ significantly from car accidents in terms of scale, complexity, and legal implications.