Understanding Federal Trucking Regulations and How They Impact Your Injury Claim

Every year, thousands of Californians are injured or killed in truck accidents involving large commercial vehicles. These crashes are not just tragic — they’re often preventable. Many occur because trucking companies or drivers ignore federal safety regulations designed to keep roads safe.

When truck drivers violate these rules, it doesn’t just prove negligence — it can dramatically strengthen a victim’s injury claim. Understanding these regulations and how they apply is essential to holding carriers accountable and securing fair compensation.

At BD&J, PC, Attorney Michael Madadi and his pre-litigation team specialize in truck accident cases where federal trucking law violations are a key factor. Their deep understanding of FMCSA (Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration) regulations allows them to uncover evidence that other firms might overlook — and use it to build powerful, winning cases for victims.

What Are Federal Trucking Regulations?

The FMCSA establishes nationwide standards that govern how commercial trucks operate in the United States. These rules are meant to reduce accidents caused by driver fatigue, poor maintenance, and unsafe practices.

Every trucking company and driver operating across state lines must follow FMCSA guidelines covering:

• Driver qualifications and training
• Hours of service (HOS) — how long drivers can work before resting
• Vehicle inspection and maintenance standards
• Cargo loading and weight limits
• Drug and alcohol testing requirements
• Recordkeeping and electronic logging device (ELD) mandates

When these rules are ignored, catastrophic accidents often follow. And in personal injury claims, proving a violation of FMCSA regulations can be one of the strongest forms of evidence of negligence.

Hours-of-Service (HOS) Regulations and Fatigued Driving

One of the most common causes of truck accidents is driver fatigue. Long hours behind the wheel impair reaction times, judgment, and focus — effects similar to alcohol impairment.

The FMCSA’s Hours-of-Service (HOS) regulations were created to prevent this. Under these rules:

• Truck drivers may drive a maximum of 11 hours after 10 consecutive hours off duty.
• Drivers cannot work more than 14 hours in a single shift, including non-driving tasks.
• They must take a 30-minute break after 8 hours of driving.
• They cannot drive more than 60 hours in 7 days or 70 hours in 8 days, depending on their schedule.
• After reaching these limits, drivers must take at least 34 consecutive hours off duty before starting a new cycle.

Despite these clear rules, violations are common. Drivers may falsify logs, skip rest periods, or be pressured by employers to stay on the road longer than allowed. When fatigue leads to a crash, these violations become key evidence in proving negligence.

Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs) and Data Evidence

To combat falsified logs, the FMCSA now requires most commercial trucks to use Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs) that automatically record driving hours. These devices track engine operation, movement, and location data in real time.

However, trucking companies sometimes tamper with or manipulate ELD data to conceal violations. A skilled lawyer can subpoena and analyze these records to show that a driver exceeded legal limits — providing clear, objective proof of negligence.

BD&J, PC’s truck accident team works with forensic experts to retrieve and interpret ELD data before it’s altered or deleted. This level of investigation often makes the difference between a low settlement and a full, fair recovery.

Maintenance and Inspection Requirements

Under federal law, trucking companies must ensure every commercial vehicle is regularly inspected and properly maintained. FMCSA regulations require:

• Pre-trip and post-trip inspections by drivers.
• Systematic maintenance schedules for brakes, tires, lights, and steering.
• Detailed maintenance records retained for at least one year.

When companies cut corners to save time or money, it can lead to brake failures, tire blowouts, or steering malfunctions — all of which cause devastating crashes.

In these cases, maintenance records (or the lack thereof) can serve as proof of negligence. If a company failed to perform or document required inspections, they can be held legally and financially responsible for resulting injuries.

Cargo Loading and Weight Limits

Improperly loaded or overweight trucks are another leading cause of accidents. FMCSA regulations set strict weight limits and cargo securement standards to prevent rollovers, jackknifes, and cargo spills.

When these rules are violated:

• Trucks become harder to control or stop.
• Cargo may shift suddenly, throwing the vehicle off balance.
• Other drivers face serious danger from falling debris.

Trucking companies and loading crews must follow these standards exactly. When they fail to do so, both can be held liable.

BD&J, PC investigates loading manifests, weigh station reports, and black box data to uncover evidence of overloading or improper cargo handling.

Drug and Alcohol Testing Violations

Federal law mandates strict drug and alcohol testing for all commercial truck drivers. Companies must conduct:

• Pre-employment testing
• Random testing during employment
• Post-accident testing for any crash involving injury, fatality, or citation

Unfortunately, some carriers fail to enforce these rules or ignore positive test results. When an impaired driver causes a crash, this failure can be used as evidence of gross negligence or reckless disregard for public safety — potentially supporting claims for punitive damages.

How Regulatory Violations Strengthen Your Injury Claim

In California, personal injury cases rely on proving negligence — that the defendant breached a duty of care and caused harm. When a trucking company violates FMCSA regulations, that breach becomes presumed evidence of negligence under the concept of “negligence per se.”

This means victims don’t need to prove the driver acted unreasonably — only that a safety rule was broken and that violation caused the crash.

For example:

• A driver exceeded HOS limits and fell asleep at the wheel.
• A company skipped brake inspections, leading to mechanical failure.
• A carrier ignored drug testing and hired a driver with a known history of substance abuse.

Each of these violations creates powerful evidence that supports full compensation for the victim’s injuries and losses.

How BD&J, PC Uncovers Federal Violations

Attorney Michael Madadi and his team at BD&J, PC have extensive experience investigating and litigating truck accident cases involving FMCSA violations. Their process includes:

Securing black box and ELD data before it’s lost or destroyed.

Analyzing driver logs and dispatch records for inconsistencies.

Reviewing maintenance files to confirm compliance with federal standards.

Subpoenaing corporate records and internal communications that show safety neglect.

Working with trucking and mechanical experts to interpret technical evidence.

By connecting each regulatory breach to the cause of the crash, BD&J’s attorneys build a compelling narrative that demonstrates negligence beyond doubt — forcing insurers and defense lawyers to settle fairly or face trial.

Compensation Available for Truck Accident Victims

Victims injured by negligent trucking companies may recover damages including:

• Medical expenses: Emergency care, surgeries, rehabilitation, and future treatment.
• Lost wages and earning capacity.
• Pain and suffering for physical and emotional trauma.
• Property damage for vehicles and personal belongings.
• Long-term care costs and adaptive equipment.
• Punitive damages in cases of willful safety violations.

BD&J, PC ensures every claim accounts for both immediate and lifelong needs, giving victims the resources to rebuild after tragedy.

Why Acting Quickly Is Crucial

Trucking companies are only required to retain key records — like driver logs and maintenance reports — for a limited time, often just six months. Once that window closes, vital evidence can disappear forever.

By contacting BD&J, PC immediately after a truck accident, victims ensure their attorney can preserve records, download ELD data, and interview witnesses before it’s too late. Acting fast is the single most effective way to strengthen your case.

Holding Negligent Trucking Companies Accountable

Truck accidents aren’t just random events — they’re often the result of companies that choose profit over safety. Every FMCSA rule exists to prevent tragedy, yet many carriers treat compliance as optional until someone gets hurt.

BD&J, PC believes in changing that. With over $1.5 billion recovered for injury victims, Attorney Michael Madadi and his department have the experience, resources, and determination to stand up to corporate trucking giants.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a truck accident in California, contact BD&J, PC today for a free consultation.
Their team will uncover every federal violation, expose corporate negligence, and fight to secure the justice and compensation you deserve.