Commercial truck accidents often happen because of trucking law violations—many of which are avoidable with proper safety practices. To shed light on these risks, Overdrive magazine recently published a list of last year’s worst trucking law violations, seeking to raise awareness about the importance of truck safety.
“Like many truckers themselves, some state and local roadside enforcement agencies aren't shy about blasting on social media the most shocking, dangerous and sometimes frankly baffling things they see in the course of their work,” the article states.
When trucking companies or drivers violate federal safety regulations, the consequences can be devastating for others on the road. If you’ve been injured in a crash involving a commercial truck, a truck accident lawyer can help you hold the at-fault party accountable and pursue the compensation you deserve.
Worst Truck Inspection Violations of 2024
In the article, Overdrive compiled a list of some of the most shocking truck inspection violations from across the country in 2024. Alongside photos and details of each incident, the article highlighted the alarming safety risks posed by these violations. Some of the worst included:
- Tire blowouts: In Iowa, a tractor-trailer was found driving with two tire blowouts simultaneously, putting the driver and everyone else on the road at significant risk.
- Trailer violations: Examples included a truck with a broken trailer frame and another driver continuing to operate a vehicle after a low-bridge strike left the trailer severely damaged.
- Speeding violations: Police documented a tractor-trailer traveling at 92 mph, a dangerous speed for any vehicle, let alone a massive commercial truck. Another driver in Iowa was caught at 11 a.m. with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 1.94 percent, far exceeding the legal limit.
- Cab violations: One tow truck featured in the article had a large hole in the truck cab floor, a violation that raises serious safety and structural concerns.
Violations like these not only endanger truck drivers but also put other road users at risk of severe injuries or fatalities.
What Laws Govern Commercial Truck Drivers?
Commercial truck drivers and trucking companies are subject to a wide range of state and federal regulations, with many of the rules established at the federal level. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) is the agency responsible for creating and enforcing regulations aimed at improving safety across the trucking industry.
Key federal trucking regulations can be found in Title 49 of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR). This comprehensive set of rules covers critical areas such as:
- Truck inspections: Guidelines to ensure commercial vehicles are roadworthy and meet safety standards before operating.
- Driver testing standards: Rules governing the licensing, training, and testing of commercial truck drivers to ensure competency and safety on the road.
- Hours of Service (HOS) regulations: Limitations on how long drivers can operate their vehicles to prevent fatigue-related accidents.
These laws are designed to protect all road users by reducing risks associated with unsafe vehicles and fatigued or unqualified drivers. However, when trucking companies or drivers violate these regulations, the consequences can be catastrophic.
What Are Common Truck Law Violations?
While the violations highlighted by Overdrive magazine may be extreme, many commercial truck drivers regularly break trucking laws in less dramatic but still dangerous ways. According to the FMCSA, the following are the most common roadside truck violations:
- False Driver Record of Duty Status (Title 49, Section 395.8(e))
This violation occurs when a truck driver falsifies their Hours of Service (HOS) log to appear compliant with mandatory rest breaks. Driving beyond the allowed hours increases the risk of fatigue-related crashes. - No Record of Duty Status (Title 49, Section 395.8(a))
In some cases, truck drivers fail to provide any HOS log, making it impossible to verify whether they’ve adhered to rest and driving time regulations. - Inoperable Required Lamp (Title 49, Section 393.9)
Non-functional headlights, taillights, or other required lamps on a commercial truck are a common violation. These issues can make trucks less visible, especially at night or in adverse weather, increasing the risk of accidents. - Operating a CMV Without a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) (Title 49, Section 383.23(a)(2))
All commercial truck drivers are required to have a valid CDL to operate a truck. Driving without this license is a serious safety concern, as CDL requirements include testing to ensure drivers are trained to handle large vehicles. - Operating a CMV Without Proof of a Periodic Inspection (Title 49, Section 396.17(c))
Federal regulations require regular truck inspections to ensure vehicles are safe for the road. Operating without proof of inspection puts other road users at risk, as uninspected trucks may have undetected mechanical issues.
Get the Legal Help You Need After a Fort Worth Truck Accident
Commercial truck accidents in Texas are rarely as straightforward as they might seem. Even if it’s clear that a truck driver broke the law, securing compensation for your injuries can be an uphill battle. Truck drivers may deny fault, trucking companies might try to shift the blame, and insurance companies often work aggressively to minimize or deny your claim.
At Coby L. Wooten, Attorney At Law, we know how to cut through the red tape and fight for the compensation you deserve. With years of experience handling complex truck accident cases, we understand the challenges victims face—and we know how to overcome them.
We’re proud of the results we’ve achieved for our clients, including a $1.25 million settlement in a truck accident case. When you choose our firm, you’ll have a dedicated legal team working tirelessly on your behalf, handling every detail so you can focus on recovering.
Don’t let the trucking company or their insurance provider dictate the outcome of your case. Contact Coby L. Wooten, Attorney At Law, today for a free case evaluation with an experienced Fort Worth truck accident attorney. We’re here to help you hold the responsible parties accountable and fight for the compensation you need to rebuild your life.
“I would highly recommend Coby for all legal matters. He represents his clients with due diligence and enthusiasm, and you truly feel that you have someone in your corner.” – Vince K., ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐