Common Violations in the Trucking Industry That Lead to Accidents

Jul 02, 2025

Aurora, CO - Multi-Vehicle Crash Involving Two Semis on I-225 Near Alameda Ave

The trucking industry is heavily regulated, but violations still occur and often contribute to serious accidents on the road. Common violations in the trucking industry that lead to accidents include hours-of-service infractions, improper vehicle maintenance, overloaded cargo, and driver qualification issues. These factors not only put the truck drivers at risk but also threaten the safety of everyone on the highway.

Regulatory agencies regularly inspect trucks and drivers to catch unsafe practices, yet violations like falsified logbooks and skipped vehicle inspections remain widespread. Understanding these common issues can help companies and drivers take practical steps to reduce accidents and operate within the law.

Readers will find that a clear look at these trucking industry violations provides valuable insight into how simple lapses in compliance can have far-reaching consequences.

Overview of Trucking Industry Regulations

Trucking companies and drivers are required to operate under a strict set of rules. Regulatory compliance helps prevent accidents, protect public safety, and guide legal accountability in cases involving personal injury, such as those handled by Smith & Weidinger, PLLC.

Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) Standards

The FMCSA establishes the primary set of rules for trucks engaged in interstate commerce. These standards include requirements related to driver qualifications, hours-of-service limits, vehicle maintenance, and mandatory drug and alcohol testing. Key FMCSA regulations include:

Hours-of-Service: Drivers are limited to 11 hours of driving in a 14-hour period and must rest for specific durations to minimize fatigue.
Vehicle Inspections: Commercial vehicles must undergo regular inspections and maintenance to ensure road safety.
Driver Licensing: Commercial drivers must meet medical and licensing requirements, verified through the Commercial Driver’s License (CDL).

The FMCSA also enforces rules relating to hazardous materials and load securement. Non-compliance can result in fines, suspension of operating authority, or enhanced liability in personal injury cases.

State-Specific Trucking Laws

Each state has the authority to implement additional regulations that supplement or tighten federal standards. States may set lower speed limits for trucks, impose curated weight restrictions for particular highways, or require special permits for oversize or overweight loads.

For example, California’s Air Resources Board imposes strict emissions regulations on diesel trucks. In Texas, certain rural highways allow higher truck weight limits with a permit. Penalties for non-compliance can include fines, vehicle impoundment, and points on a driver’s CDL, increasing risks for both drivers and the companies that employ them.

Trucking firms and drivers must be aware of both interstate and intrastate rules. Smith & Weidinger, PLLC often examines state regulations when representing clients involved in truck accident litigation.

Compliance and Monitoring Requirements

Regulatory authorities use varied enforcement tools to monitor compliance. These include roadside inspections, weigh stations, mandatory electronic logging devices (ELDs) that track driving hours, and audits of carrier records.

Key compliance tools:

Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs): Require drivers to record hours electronically, reducing falsification risks.
Safety Audits: Newly authorized carriers are subject to audits by the FMCSA within 12 months.
Random Inspections: Unannounced inspections can result in out-of-service orders for safety violations.

Failing compliance checks can lead to suspension, fines, or lawsuits if a crash occurs. Smith & Weidinger, PLLC relies on these records and audits to substantiate legal claims and defenses in personal injury cases arising from trucking accidents.

Major Violations Leading to Trucking Accidents

Trucking accidents commonly result from specific regulatory and operational violations. These trucking accident causes often point to preventable patterns in driver conduct and vehicle maintenance.

Hours of Service Non-Compliance

Hours of Service (HOS) regulations restrict the number of consecutive hours a truck driver can operate a commercial vehicle. Violations occur when drivers exceed allowed driving hours or falsify logbooks to conceal overtime. This non-compliance is a frequent factor in collisions involving commercial trucks.

Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) rules generally permit 11 hours of driving in a 14-hour window, followed by at least 10 consecutive hours off duty. Failure to adhere increases the risk of exhaustion and delayed reaction times. Common violations include:

Driving past the allowed daily or weekly limit
Inaccurate electronic logging device (ELD) records
Skipping required breaks

Strict HOS compliance helps reduce the likelihood of fatigue-related incidents.

Driver Fatigue and Distracted Driving

Driver fatigue is a leading cause of trucking accidents, especially in long-haul segments. Extended schedules, pressure to meet tight deadlines, and long periods without adequate rest can all contribute.

Signs of fatigue include slower reaction times and poor decision-making. Distractions, such as mobile phone use, eating, and in-cab technology, further compound the risk. Even a brief lapse in attention can have severe consequences when driving a multi-ton vehicle at high speeds.

The FMCSA estimates that driver inattention—including fatigue and distractions—plays a role in a major share of crashes involving large trucks. Critical distractions can include:

Texting or talking on the phone
Adjusting navigation systems
Reaching for items in the cab

Maintenance and Mechanical Failures

Failure to maintain trucks according to federal and state regulations is a recurrent cause of accidents. Defective brakes, worn tires, and malfunctioning lights are among the most frequently cited violations during roadside inspections.

Routine inspection and preventive maintenance are mandatory. Neglect can lead to mechanical breakdowns on highways, delayed stopping distances, or sudden part failures. Common maintenance violations contributing to trucking accidents:

Violation Type	Example Component
Brake system failures	Air brakes, hydraulic brakes
Tire issues	Tread depth, blowouts
Lighting malfunctions	Headlights, brake lights

Prompt repairs and regularly scheduled checks are essential for safe truck operation.

Improper Cargo Handling and Loading Practices

Improper loading practices pose serious risks in commercial trucking. Violations such as exceeding cargo limits or not properly securing loads can directly contribute to roadway accidents and regulatory fines.

Overloading Trucks

Overloading is a frequent violation where the truck’s weight exceeds legal or manufacturer limits. This puts excessive stress on brakes, tires, and the suspension system, increasing the likelihood of mechanical failure.

Heavier vehicles require longer stopping distances, raising the risk of rear-end collisions. Overloaded trucks can also make sharp turns more hazardous due to a higher chance of rollover.

Regulatory bodies such as the FMCSA specify weight restrictions, and routine roadside inspections use portable scales or weigh stations to enforce these regulations. Failure to comply often results in citations, out-of-service orders, or substantial fines.

Consistent overloading may void insurance coverage in case of an accident, making such violations costly for all parties involved.

Securing Cargo Incorrectly

Incorrectly secured cargo can shift or fall during transit, creating hazards for both the truck occupants and other road users. Examples include using worn-out straps, failing to use tie-downs, or misapplying load locks.

Common trucking violations in this area involve not following the cargo securement standards set by the FMCSA. These regulations require specific types and numbers of restraining devices based on the cargo’s size and weight.

Unsecured loads lead to accidents involving spilled goods, jackknifing, or loss of control. Many accidents that involve cargo loss result from failing to inspect tie-downs or improper stacking, not just equipment failure.

Regular inspection and training are essential to ensure all cargo is loaded and secured according to legal standards.

Addressing Violations and Legal Support for Accident Victims

When violations occur in the trucking industry, victims often face complex legal issues. Skilled legal professionals help navigate these challenges and work to secure the compensation victims are entitled to after an accident.

Role of Legal Professionals in Trucking Accident Cases

Smith & Weidinger, PLLC plays a crucial role following trucking accidents. We investigate the specific cause, such as regulatory violations or driver negligence, by reviewing accident reports, logbooks, and safety records.

Attorneys specializing in trucking accidents identify all potentially liable parties, including carriers, drivers, and maintenance providers. This is essential because trucking companies and their insurers often have significant resources and may contest liability.

Legal support often includes handling communications with insurance adjusters and assembling expert testimony if needed. This ensures that evidence is preserved and presented effectively to support the victim’s claim.

Ensuring Fair Compensation for Victims

Victims of trucking accidents may face medical expenses, loss of income, and long-term physical or emotional challenges. Legal professionals advocate for compensation covering medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

Smith & Weidinger, PLLC employs systematic processes to assess the total damages a client has suffered. We utilize documentation, expert evaluations, and negotiation to ensure fair outcomes.Our legal team handles settlement discussions and, if necessary, litigation. Our experience in trucking accident law helps victims receive compensation that reflects the full scope of their losses, ensuring justice is pursued diligently.

Note: The information provided in this blog post has been compiled from publicly available and secondary sources. While we strive for accuracy, some details may become outdated or contain inadvertent errors. If you believe any information is incorrect or requires updating, please contact Smith & Weidinger so that we may review and make the appropriate corrections.

Disclaimer: This blog post is for informational purposes only and is not intended as a solicitation for business. The photo used is not from the scene of the incident described. Viewing this content does not create an attorney-client relationship with Smith & Weidinger. If you have been injured in an accident, please seek immediate medical attention and then consult with a qualified attorney to discuss your legal rights and options.