If you’ve been involved in a truck accident in Colorado, you likely already know its consequences. You’re left with severe injuries, a totaled car or bike, and unimaginable emotional stress. While your priority is to get medical attention quickly, you also need to recover damages for your pain and suffering.
But did you know that federal trucking regulations can affect your claim?
Truck accident claims are complicated and may involve multiple parties you can hold accountable for the crash. To recover damages, however, you’ll need to prove that the freight company and other parties violated the trucking regulations.
Let’s find out how this affects your claim.
What Are Federal Trucking Regulations?
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) sets trucking regulations for drivers and carriers. They cover everything from driver qualifications to vehicle inspections, hours of service, and maintenance requirements.
If any of these regulations are violated, the company or driver could be found negligent and held accountable in your truck accident claim. They may be asked to pay for your damages, both physical and emotional.
Some of the key federal trucking regulations include:
1. Driver Hours of Service:
Driver fatigue is one of the leading causes of truck accidents. When drivers are tired or sleepy, they’re more likely to run into another vehicle, change lanes without warning, or drive straight into dividers.
The new FMSCA trucking regulations allow drivers to work a maximum of 11 hours after having 10 consecutive hours off duty. Additionally, drivers can work for no more than 14 hours straight, which includes both driving and non-driving activities. They must take a 30-minute break after 8 hours of driving to help maintain focus and reduce fatigue.
2. Vehicle Inspections and Maintenance
The federal trucking regulations also require all commercial vehicles to undergo regular inspections and maintenance. They focus on critical components, like brakes, tires, and lights, and reduce the risk of accidents caused by mechanical failure.
3. Weight Limits
Trucking companies must comply with strict weight limits. Overloading a truck affects its stability and makes it harder to control, especially on sharp turns or when stopping. Weight limits keep the truck and other vehicles on the road safe.
4. Cargo Securement
Cargo must be properly loaded and secured to prevent it from shifting during transport. If cargo is not secured correctly, it can move while the truck is in motion, causing the driver to lose control or leading to fatal accidents.
How Violating Trucking Regulations Affects Your Claim
Road crashes involving a truck or car claimed 92 lives in Colorado in 2025 (Jan 1 to Apr 30). If your accident involved a heavy vehicle and the driver or the company violated the federal trucking regulations, it can directly affect your claim.
Here’s how:
1. Increased Liability
If you prove federal regulations were violated, the trucking company can be held liable for the damages. This increases your chances of getting the desired compensation.
2. Greater Compensation
If the trucking company’s negligence played a role in the accident, you might be entitled to more compensation. This includes not only medical expenses but also pain and suffering, lost wages, and future medical care. Talk to a Colorado truck accident attorney. They’ll explain what damages you’re eligible for and how to claim them.
3. More Parties Involved
Sometimes, truck accidents can involve multiple parties, including the driver, trucking company, maintenance companies, manufacturers, or cargo loaders. By proving that federal trucking regulations were violated, you can hold all responsible parties accountable for their actions. This could potentially lead to a larger settlement.
4. Punitive Damages
In some cases, the trucking company’s actions are considered egregiously negligent. For example, pushing drivers to work beyond legal limits, deliberately ignoring routine maintenance, or overloading the truck.
If you prove these trucking regulations were violated, a Colorado court may award punitive damages. These damages are designed to punish the company and deter future misconduct.
Consult A Truck Accident Attorney Immediately
Truck accidents are more complicated as they involve proving that federal trucking regulations are violated. Many trucking companies have a fleet of lawyers on retainer who will try to settle your claim for as low as possible. That’s where a skilled truck accident attorney in Colorado comes in.
1. Investigate The Cause
Your truck accident attorney will investigate the accident scene and gather evidence to prove that federal regulations were violated. They might hire an accident reconstruction expert to serve as an expert witness in your case if it goes to trial.
2. Negotiate with Insurance Companies
Most truck accident claims are settled, but this may involve several rounds of negotiations with the insurance companies. Insurance companies want to minimize payouts. However, your attorney will fight for fair compensation.
3. File the Paperwork
Truck accident claims require specific documentation, such as accident reports, medical records, and driver logs. Your lawyer will complete and submit everything on time.
Talk to Our Truck Accident Attorneys Now
If you’ve been injured in a truck accident, your case hinges on proving which federal trucking regulations were violated and by whom. Proving this will help you recover the best possible outcome for your personal injury claim.
At Manning Herington Accident & Injury Attorneys, we can help you deal with trucking companies and their insurers. We’ve worked with many truck accident victims in Colorado, helping them get the compensation they deserve.
Call 720-649-4747 or fill out our online form today to book a free consultation.
