Truck accidents can result in devastating consequences for victims, often leading to severe injuries and long-term disabilities. Recent changes to federal trucking regulations aim to make the roads safer. When accident victims are seeking justice and compensation, these new rules can make it easier to prove liability for injuries. Recent changes to state trucking laws in Texas might also aid accident victims. Learn more about the current status of federal and state of Texas trucking regulations.
Federal Trucking Regulations: Recent Changes and Their Impact
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) have rolled out changes to rules and federal trucking regulations for commercial companies in recent years, all of which are designed to enhance safety.
Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) Systems
In 2023, the FMCSA and NHTSA proposed a joint rule mandating that all newly manufactured heavy trucks and buses be equipped with Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) systems. These systems use sensors to detect collision risks in real-time before applying the brakes to prevent or mitigate the impact.
The proposed rule aims to require AEB functionality at speeds ranging from low-speed (6 mph) to high-speed (approximately 50 mph) situations. The implementation of AEB systems could significantly reduce the severity of accidents and provide valuable evidence in injury lawsuits, as the systems’ recorded information helps to reconstruct common truck accident scenarios and establish liability.
Safety Fitness Determinations (SFDs)
In 2024, the FMCSA implemented changes to its Safety Fitness Determinations (SFDs), transitioning from a 3-tier rating system (satisfactory, conditional, or unfit) to a more comprehensive assessment. Under the new system, carriers that receive an “unfit” determination must follow a defined plan to improve and address areas of concern or cease operations. This change makes it easier to identify carriers with poor safety records, providing accident victims with stronger grounds for lawsuits.
Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs)
The FMCSA rule requiring the installation of Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs) in all trucks to track hours of service became fully effective in 2023. ELDs automatically record driving hours, ensuring compliance with federal regulations designed to prevent driver fatigue. In the event of an accident, ELD data can serve as crucial evidence that expert witnesses testifying in truck accident cases can use to determine whether a driver was operating within legal limits.
Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse
The FMCSA established a Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse, effective January 6, 2023, to centralize information regarding drivers’ drug and alcohol violations. Employers are now required to query the clearinghouse before hiring drivers and annually thereafter. This centralized database enhances transparency and accountability, enabling accident victims to identify whether a driver had a history of substance abuse violations, which can be pivotal in establishing negligence in lawsuits.
Recent Changes to State Trucking Laws in Texas: An Overview
Commercial drivers operating in the Lone Star State must adhere to both federal and state trucking laws in Texas. Drivers under 21 may operate within Texas (intrastate commerce) but are prohibited from interstate operations. The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) enforces these standards, ensuring drivers meet medical, age, and training prerequisites.
Vehicle Weight and Size Limits
Texas enforces weight limits consistent with federal standards, typically capping gross vehicle weight at 80,000 pounds. However, certain exemptions exist, such as for vehicles operating under specific permits or transporting certain commodities. Local jurisdictions may also impose additional restrictions, especially in areas with infrastructure constraints.
Hours of Service Regulations
Texas aligns with federal Hours of Service (HOS) regulations, which dictate the maximum driving hours and mandatory rest periods for commercial drivers. For instance, drivers are generally limited to 11 hours of driving within a 14-hour window, followed by a mandatory 10-hour rest period. These rules aim to combat truck driver fatigue and enhance road safety. If a truck driver violates these rules before causing an injury accident in Texas, the victim could use this violation to establish negligence.
House Bill 19 (HB 19): Bifurcated Trials in Trucking Accident Cases
Effective September 1, 2021, HB 19 introduced a bifurcated trial process for trucking accident lawsuits where a plaintiff alleges vicarious liability against a trucking company for its driver’s negligence. Under this law, trials are divided into two phases—the first phase determines the liability for and the amount of compensatory damages (and with a focus only on the driver’s negligence), and the second phase determines the liability for and the amount of exemplary (punitive) damages. Unfortunately, HB19 is thought to have prejudiced plaintiffs in commercial motor vehicle accident cases by making it harder for juries to award exemplary damages against trucking companies that were grossly negligent.
Enhanced Enforcement of Commercial Vehicle Safety
Recent legislative changes to state trucking laws in Texas have empowered local authorities to enforce commercial vehicle safety regulations more effectively. This includes conducting routine inspections and ensuring compliance with weight limits and other safety standards. Such measures aim to reduce accidents and enhance overall road safety.
Introduction of Autonomous Trucks in Texas
Texas has become a testing ground for autonomous trucking technology. Companies like Aurora Innovation have launched commercial self-driving trucking services between Dallas and Houston, operating without safety drivers. While this represents significant technological advancement, it also raises new regulatory and safety considerations. Lawmakers are actively discussing legislation to establish clearer regulations for driverless vehicles to ensure public safety.
Implications for Accident Victims of Changes to Federal and State Trucking Laws in Texas
Texas and federal trucking regulations are continually evolving to address enhanced safety. For accident victims, staying informed about these changes is crucial in navigating the legal process and ensuring fair compensation. Consulting with legal professionals experienced in Texas trucking laws can provide invaluable guidance in the aftermath of an accident. The evolving regulatory landscape in Texas has direct implications for accident victims in several areas.
Changes to Legal Procedures
Laws like HB 19 influence how accident cases are adjudicated, potentially affecting the strategies lawyers employ when pursuing justice for victims.
Liability Determination
Changes in regulations may impact the determination of liability, especially in cases involving autonomous vehicles or complex multi-party incidents.
Enhanced Evidence Availability
The implementation of technologies such as AEB systems and ELDs provides accident victims with access to critical data that can be used to reconstruct accidents and establish liability. This technological advancement strengthens the evidentiary basis for injury lawsuits.
Improved Carrier Accountability
Changes to the Safety Fitness Determinations system and the expansion of the Crash Preventability Determination Program enhance the ability to identify carriers with poor safety records. This increased accountability provides accident victims with stronger grounds for lawsuits.
Stronger Legal Frameworks
State-level regulatory changes, such as bans on handheld phone use and stricter towing laws, provide accident victims with clearer legal frameworks to establish negligence and protect evidence, thereby strengthening their positions in lawsuits.
Trust Terry Bryant Accident & Injury Law to Understand How Federal Trucking Regulations May Affect Your Injury Accident
Recent changes to federal and state trucking regulations have significantly impacted the landscape for truck accident victims seeking justice and compensation. The introduction of advanced technologies, enhanced carrier accountability measures, and stronger legal frameworks provide accident victims with better support in injury lawsuits.
Although many changes help victims, they don’t necessarily simplify the process of convincing an insurance company to treat you fairly. If you suffered injuries in a truck accident that wasn’t your fault, it is crucial to consult with our Houston truck accident attorneys. We are well-versed in the complexities of and changes to trucking regulations. Call Terry Bryant Accident & Injury Law now at (713) 973-8888 or toll-free 1 (800) 444-5000 for a free and confidential truck accident case review.
Attorney Terry Bryant
Terry Bryant is Board Certified in personal injury trial law, which means his extensive knowledge of the law has been recognized by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization, setting him apart from many other injury attorneys. The 22 years he spent as a Municipal Judge, Spring Valley Village, TX also provides him keen insight into the Texas court system. That experience also helps shape his perspective on personal injury cases and how they might resolve. This unique insight benefits his clients. [ Attorney Bio ]
