Truck driver liability
Truck drivers are the individuals directly operating commercial vehicles, and their actions are often the first factor examined when determining liability after a crash.
Trucking companies
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.
Improper loading or cargo securement
Safe cargo loading and securement are critical to preventing accidents. Even if a truck is mechanically sound, poorly loaded or unsecured cargo can create deadly hazards for both the driver and the public.
Drug and alcohol testing regulations
Because of the enormous risks posed by impaired driving, federal law requires strict drug and alcohol testing for commercial truck drivers. These rules are central to ensuring roadway safety and accountability in the trucking industry.
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.