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The size and weight of commercial trucks make them dangerous when drivers or trucking companies fail to follow the rules. Federal and state regulations exist to prevent accidents, but violations happen more often than they should. When a trucker skips mandatory rest breaks, a company ignores maintenance requirements, or cargo is improperly loaded, the risk of a serious crash increases. If you were injured in a trucking accident, proving a broken regulation contributed to the crash can help strengthen your claim and improve your chances of recovering fair compensation.
Common Trucking Regulations That Affect Accident Claims
Federal and state regulations are in place to make commercial trucking safer, but violations are common. When truck drivers or companies ignore these rules, accidents can happen. Some of the most frequent trucking regulation violations that impact injury claims include:
- Hours of Service (HOS) violations – Truckers must take rest breaks to prevent fatigue, but some drive longer than allowed, increasing the risk of drowsy driving accidents.
- Overloaded or improperly loaded trucks – Exceeding weight limits or failing to secure cargo properly can cause rollovers, jackknifes, and cargo spills.
- Maintenance and inspection failures – Federal law requires regular inspections and repairs. Faulty brakes, worn tires, and broken lights can contribute to a crash.
- Drug and alcohol violations – Truck drivers must pass regular screenings, but some get behind the wheel under the influence, putting others at risk.
- Unqualified or poorly trained drivers – Trucking companies must ensure drivers are properly licensed and trained. Inexperienced drivers often make dangerous mistakes.
How a Broken Regulation Strengthens Your Injury Claim
When a trucking company or driver violates a regulation, it can be strong evidence of negligence in an injury claim. These rules exist to prevent accidents, so breaking them may indicate a failure to take reasonable precautions.
If a trucker skip, requires rest breaks, and cause a crash, their hours of service violation help show they were too fatigued to drive safely. If a trucking company neglects maintenance and a brake failure leads to an accident, inspection records can prove the vehicle was unsafe. These violations create a direct link between the trucking company’s actions and the crash.
Insurance companies often argue that accidents happen for unavoidable reasons. However, when a clear regulation was broken, it strengthens your case by demonstrating that the truck driver or company failed to follow safety laws. This can make it easier to hold them accountable and recover fair compensation for your injuries.
Gathering Evidence to Prove a Trucking Violation
Proving that a trucking regulation was broken requires strong evidence. Without proper documentation, trucking companies and their insurers may deny responsibility. Acting quickly is important since some records can be lost, destroyed, or altered after a truck accident. Key evidence includes:
- Electronic Logging Device (ELD) Data – Federal law requires most commercial trucks to have an ELD, which records driving hours. This can reveal if a driver exceeded legal limits.
- Truck inspection and maintenance records – Regular inspections are required, and these records can show if a mechanical issue was ignored before the crash.
- Black Box Data (Event Data Recorder) – This device tracks speed, braking, and steering, helping to determine whether the trucker was driving recklessly.
- Cargo and weight documentation – Overloaded or unbalanced cargo can make a truck harder to control. Shipping logs may confirm if weight restrictions were ignored.
- Drug and Alcohol Test Results – Truckers involved in certain accidents must undergo testing. These results can be critical in proving impairment.
We work to obtain and preserve this evidence before it disappears.
What Compensation Can You Recover?
When a trucking regulation violation contributes to an accident, you may be entitled to compensation for the financial, physical, and emotional toll it takes on your life. Medical expenses often make up a significant part of a claim. Lost wages and reduced earning capacity can also be recovered if your injuries prevent you from working.
Beyond financial losses, you may be compensated for pain and suffering, emotional distress, and the impact the accident has had on your daily life. Property damage, including vehicle repairs or replacement, is also included in a claim. In cases of extreme negligence, punitive damages may apply. Ardalan & Associates fights to secure the full compensation you deserve.
How We Can Help You Build a Strong Case
At Ardalan & Associates, we know how to hold trucking companies accountable when they violate safety regulations. Our team gathers key records, analyzes black box data, and works with industry professionals to prove negligence. Trucking companies and insurers focus on minimizing payouts, but we build strong cases that challenge their defenses. Whether through negotiation or trial, we pursue the compensation you deserve.
Contact Our Experienced Thousand Oaks Truck Accident Attorneys
Trucking regulations exist to keep the roads safe, but when they’re ignored, serious accidents happen. If a violation played a role in your crash, you may have a strong claim. Contact Ardalan & Associates today to discuss your legal options.