Common FMCSA Violations in Truck Accidents‍

Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) rules exist to protect public safety, but violations often lead to catastrophic crashes. Key issues include:

- Negligent Maintenance: Skipping mandatory inspections (e.g., brake systems) increases mechanical failure risks.

- Hours-of-Service (HOS) Breaches: Drivers exceeding hourly limits risk fatigue-related collisions.

- Improper Cargo Securement: Unsecured loads can trigger chain-reaction crashes.

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How FMCSA Violations Establish Liability

Negligence Per Se‍

Violating FMCSA regulations can automatically establish negligence in court. For example:

- A driver working beyond HOS limits is deemed negligent if fatigue caused the crash.

- Carriers that skip brake inspections violate FMCSA §396.3, making them liable for resulting accidents.

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Critical Evidence to Uncover Violations

- Black Box Data: Reveals speed, braking patterns, and ignored maintenance alerts.

- Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs): Federally mandated to track driving hours; discrepancies expose HOS violations.

- Maintenance Records: Missing or incomplete repair logs signal negligence.

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Steps to Protect Your Rights After an Accident

1. Document the Scene: Photograph vehicle damage, skid marks, and cargo placement. Collect witness contacts.

2. Request FMCSA Records: Secure driver logs, training history, and inspection reports.

3. Seek Immediate Medical Care: Document injuries to counter claims of “exaggerated” harm.

4. Consult a Specialized Attorney: Truck accident experts preserve critical evidence (e.g., black box data) and identify regulatory violations.

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Legal Strategies to Maximize Compensation

- Comparative Negligence: Even if partially at fault, you may recover damages proportional to the trucking company’s liability.

- Vicarious Liability: Courts hold carriers accountable for contractor actions if they control routes, schedules, or driver monitoring.

- Punitive Damages: Awarded in cases of gross negligence, such as hiring drivers with suspended licenses or ignoring safety recalls.

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Compensation You May Pursue

- Medical Expenses: Emergency care, surgeries, and long-term rehabilitation.

- Lost Wages: Income disruption and reduced earning capacity.

- Pain and Suffering: Chronic pain, PTSD, or disfigurement.

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Why Timing Is Critical

- Evidence like black box data and driver logs can be deleted within weeks.

- Statutes of limitations vary by state—act promptly to preserve your claim.

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Conclusion: Turn Regulations Into Results

New Jersey’s roads shouldn’t be a corporate gamble. If a semi-truck has upended your life:

• Act fast: Evidence like black box data vanishes within days.
• FMCSA rules are your shield: Violations = automatic negligence.

Don’t wait: New Jersey’s two-year statute of limitations leaves no room for delay.

Contact Our Team for a free, no-pressure consultation. Together, we’ll transform federal regulations into the justice you deserve.

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Questions? We’re Here to Help

Federal regulations governing semi-trucks—like hours of service, cargo securement, and maintenance standards—are critical to proving negligence in your case. Violations of these rules can mean the difference between a denied claim and a six-figure settlement, but untangling them demands legal expertise.

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If you’ve been injured in a semi-truck accident, contact Sarofiem & Antoun today. We investigate driver logs, inspection histories, and company compliance to expose violations and secure the compensation you deserve. Free consultations—no fees unless we win.

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