Key Takeaways
- The FMCSA is a U.S. Department of Transportation agency that creates and enforces safety regulations for commercial trucking.
- Violations of FMCSA rules are considered negligence per se in Missouri courts, helping establish liability.
- ELDs, maintenance logs, and drug testing records provide critical evidence of regulatory violations.
- FMCSA regulations apply to both interstate and local Missouri truck drivers.
The FMCSA or Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration is a U.S. Department of Transportation agency that creates and enforces safety regulations for the commercial trucking industry. In Missouri, violations of these rules can be used as evidence in truck accident cases to prove negligence and liability, allowing you to leverage compensation in your case.
How FMCSA Regulations Help Your Truck Accident Case
The rules set by the FMCSA are there for a reason -- to keep the roads safer. With such a large size and weight, any commercial vehicle can potentially exert deadly force on other vehicles in an accident.
Regulations set by the FMCSA can help your case as they establish the foundation of negligence. When a truck driver or the trucking company violates these rules, Missouri courts consider it negligence per se, or that the breach of the safety rule itself helps establish their liability. Understanding federal trucking regulations and how they affect your case is essential for any truck accident victim in Missouri.
Using FMCSA Evidence in Missouri Courts
Our attorneys at The Bruning Law Firm can use records from the FMCSA to collect critical evidence to support your truck accident case. Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs), maintenance logs, and drug and alcohol test records can give Missouri courts indisputable evidence of violations, making it harder for these entities to deny your compensation.
Additionally, these strict rules by the FMCSA allow injured victims in truck accidents to hold all liable parties responsible for these violations. This includes violations of hours of service rules for truckers and other safety mandates. When companies fail to comply, they face significant liability -- learn more about whether can a trucking company be liable for violating regulations. At The Bruning Law Firm, our St. Louis 18-wheeler accident lawyer team helps truck accident victims understand their rights and legal options while obtaining critical FMCSA evidence needed to command compensation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are common FMCSA violations that cause truck accidents in Missouri?
Common violations include breaking the FMCSA hours of service rules for commercial truckers, failing to perform required maintenance on integral systems like brakes or tires, and improper cargo loading. St. Louis trucking corridors like I-70 and I-44 are plagued by truck accidents and knowing how federal trucking regulations strengthen your case is the key to proving liability.
How do I prove a trucking company broke FMCSA regulations?
Our attorneys can help by sending a spoliation letter to the trucking company. This formal notice requires them to preserve the evidence. Once obtained, we can analyze the ELDs, driver logs, personnel files, and maintenance records to look for any discrepancies that are a violation of the safety standards.
Does the FMCSA apply to local Missouri truck drivers?
Yes, the FMCSA's regulations apply to local Missouri truck drivers. Missouri trucking company liability for FMCSA violations is also common when inspections and maintenance have not been conducted, or when drivers have not been properly vetted or trained.
Contact The Bruning Law Firm
The Bruning Law Firm helps injured victims get the legal support and advocacy they need in Missouri truck accident cases. Our St. Louis truck accident FMCSA violation lawyers work for no fee unless we win, and we are committed to fighting for your maximum compensation to help you recover. Call us today at (314) 735-8100 to schedule a free consultation with our legal team.