Modern commercial trucks are equipped with electronic systems that record vital operational data. Known as 'black boxes' or Event Data Recorders (EDRs), along with GPS trackers, these devices provide crucial insights into what happened before and during a crash.
Truck drivers are the individuals directly operating commercial vehicles, and their actions are often the first factor examined when determining liability after a crash.
Because of the catastrophic damage a commercial truck can cause, driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is one of the most serious violations in the trucking industry. Federal rules set stricter standards for truck drivers than for regular motorists.
Truck accident cases in the United States operate within a dual legal framework shaped by both federal and state laws. Understanding how these layers interact is essential for determining liability and compliance.