If you’ve been hurt in an accident with a big truck, you might be wondering what your next steps should be. When that truck was traveling across state lines, the case gets even more complicated. That’s because interstate trucking is regulated by a whole set of federal rules, and those rules can have a big impact on your injury claim.
At William W. Price P.A., we’ve handled many of these cases. We know how important it is to understand both the law and the trucking industry when it comes to getting the compensation you deserve.
What Does “Interstate Trucking” Mean?
When people hear the word “trucking,” they often think of big rigs or 18-wheelers traveling down the highway. But not all trucks are the same, and when it comes to legal claims after an accident, the difference matters.
Interstate trucking is a term used to describe commercial trucks that travel across state lines to deliver goods. This could mean hauling produce from Florida to Georgia, shipping electronics from Texas to California, or transporting construction materials from one coast to the other.
How Is Interstate Trucking Different From Local Trucking?
Local or in-state trucks (called intrastate trucking) operate only within one state. They may deliver products to stores or construction sites nearby. These trucks follow the laws of their home state.
But once a truck crosses state lines, even if it’s just by a mile, it becomes part of the interstate trucking system and must follow federal rules. These rules are set by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), a branch of the U.S. Department of Transportation.
Why Does This Matter for Your Case?
If you’re involved in an accident with an interstate truck, your legal case is not just a local issue. It brings federal safety rules into play, which could help prove who was at fault and how much compensation you may be entitled to.
Here’s how interstate trucking laws can make a difference:
- Driver fatigue regulations might show the driver broke the law by driving too long without rest.
- Vehicle maintenance records may reveal the truck wasn’t properly inspected before the trip.
- Electronic logs can show if the trucker was speeding, distracted, or driving outside legal hours.
These extra layers of regulation mean there are more opportunities to uncover what really caused the crash, and more ways for your attorney to hold the right people accountable.
How do I know if the truck that hit me was part of interstate trucking? Most commercial trucks have a company name and a USDOT number printed on the side. If the company operates in more than one state or is registered with the FMCSA, it’s likely involved in interstate trucking.
Do federal trucking laws apply if the accident happened in my state? Yes. As long as the truck is part of an interstate route or crosses state lines during its regular operations, federal laws apply, even if the accident happened locally.
Can I still file a claim if the truck company is based in another state? Absolutely. Interstate trucking companies are used to dealing with legal claims in different states. A qualified personal injury lawyer can help you file the claim in the right location and make sure it follows both state and federal law.
Federal Interstate Trucking Rules That Can Affect Your Case
When you’re injured in a crash involving a large truck, especially one traveling across state lines, your case isn’t just about who was at fault. It’s also about whether the trucking company and driver followed important federal safety rules. These rules are set by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and apply to all interstate trucking operations.
If these rules were broken, that could be strong evidence in your injury claim. Here’s a closer look at the federal regulations that matter most, and how they could impact your case.
1. Driving Hour Limits (Hours-of-Service Rules)
Truck drivers have demanding jobs, but they’re not allowed to drive whenever they want. To keep everyone on the road safe, the FMCSA created Hours-of-Service (HOS) regulations that set limits on how long truckers can drive before needing to rest.
Here’s what the rules say:
- A driver can be behind the wheel for up to 11 hours, but only after taking 10 full hours off.
- A driver can’t work more than 14 hours total in one day, even if they spend some of that time not driving.
- After driving 60 to 70 hours over 7 or 8 days, they must take a 34-hour break before starting again.
Why Does This Matter for Your Claim?
If the truck driver who caused your accident didn’t follow these rules, they may have been fatigued, which can be just as dangerous as drunk driving. Tired drivers react more slowly, make poor decisions, and are more likely to fall asleep at the wheel.
For example, let’s say a truck driver was working their 15th hour without a proper break and drifted into another lane, causing a crash. If they broke HOS rules, it could help prove that their fatigue directly contributed to the accident, and that’s something your lawyer can use to build a strong case for negligence.
2. Electronic Logs That Track Driving Time
Most interstate trucking companies are now required to install Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs) in their trucks. These are digital tools that record:
- How many hours a driver is on duty
- How long they’ve been driving
- When and where the truck was moving
How Can ELDs Help in an Injury Case?
If you’re injured in a truck crash, your attorney can request the ELD data to find out:
- Was the driver speeding?
- Were they skipping required breaks?
- Had they been driving longer than allowed?
This electronic data provides hard proof that can back up your side of the story. It’s much more reliable than handwritten logs or verbal claims.
What if the ELD shows the driver followed the rules? Even then, it may show the truck was speeding, braking suddenly, or stopped in an unusual location, other clues that can help explain how the accident happened.
3. Driver Qualifications and Training
Driving a commercial truck is a huge responsibility. That’s why drivers must meet certain standards before they’re allowed to operate these vehicles across state lines.
Here’s what’s required by federal law:
- A valid Commercial Driver’s License (CDL)
- Medical exams proving they’re physically fit to drive
- A clean driving record and background check
- Ongoing training on safety and how to handle different types of cargo
What Happens If a Driver Isn’t Properly Qualified?
If the driver involved in your crash didn’t have the proper training, failed a recent medical exam, or had a bad driving history, the trucking company may be at fault for negligent hiring or supervision. In other words, they shouldn’t have let that person drive in the first place.
For example, a driver with multiple speeding tickets or past DUI charges shouldn’t be behind the wheel of a big rig. If the company ignored those red flags, they could be held accountable in your injury case.
4. Truck Maintenance Rules
Keeping trucks in good working condition is just as important as hiring safe drivers. Federal law requires interstate trucking companies to:
- Perform regular inspections of brakes, tires, steering systems, and lights
- Fix any mechanical problems before the truck gets back on the road
- Keep written records of all repairs and inspections
What If Poor Maintenance Caused the Crash?
Mechanical failure is a common cause of trucking accidents. If a truck had worn-out brakes, a tire blowout, or faulty lights, that could explain why the crash happened.
Your attorney can request maintenance records to see if the company skipped inspections or delayed repairs, another form of negligence.
Can a trucking company be sued for bad maintenance? Yes. If poor maintenance led to the crash, the company can be held responsible for failing to keep the truck safe.
5. Insurance Requirements for Interstate Trucking
Because truck accidents can cause serious injuries or even death, interstate trucking companies are legally required to carry larger insurance policies than regular drivers.
The minimum insurance coverage required is:
- $750,000 for general freight
- Up to $5 million for hazardous materials or certain passenger vehicles
Why Does This Matter?
This coverage is important because it ensures there’s enough money available to cover:
- Medical expenses
- Lost income
- Pain and suffering
- Property damage
In many car accident cases, the at-fault driver’s insurance is not enough to pay for all damages. But in truck accident cases, the trucking company’s insurance is usually more than enough, if your lawyer knows how to go after it properly.
What if my damages are higher than the company’s insurance limit? Your lawyer can explore other options, like suing third parties involved in maintenance or cargo handling, or filing a claim through your own uninsured/underinsured motorist policy.
Know the Rules, Protect Your Rights
If you were hurt in an accident involving interstate trucking, understanding these federal rules is key to getting the compensation you deserve. Whether it’s unsafe driving hours, bad truck maintenance, or an unqualified driver behind the wheel, violations of FMCSA regulations can help prove that the trucking company was negligent.
What If the Trucking Company Goes Bankrupt?
Understanding Trucking Company Bankruptcy
When you’ve been in an accident involving a commercial truck, one of the first things your attorney will do is look into the trucking company’s background, including whether it’s financially stable. In some cases, the company may have already filed for bankruptcy or might do so soon after the crash.
This is known as trucking company bankruptcy, and while it can make things more complicated, it doesn’t mean you’re out of options.
Here’s what you should know:
1. Insurance May Still Cover Your Claim
Even if the trucking company goes out of business, its insurance policy may still be active. Interstate trucking companies are required by law to carry large liability insurance policies, often between $750,000 and $5 million, depending on what they haul.
If the truck that caused your injuries was insured at the time of the accident, you may still be able to file a claim through that policy, even if the company has shut its doors.
Can I still get compensation if the company doesn’t exist anymore? Yes, in many cases the company’s insurance remains active for a period after bankruptcy is filed. Your attorney can help you file directly with the insurer.
2. You May Need to File a Claim in Bankruptcy Court
If your damages (like medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering) go beyond what the insurance policy will pay, or if the insurance company denies your claim, you might have to file as a creditor in bankruptcy court.
This means submitting proof of your injuries and showing how much money you’re owed. It can be a long and complex process, but in some cases, you may recover some or all of the remaining damages through the bankruptcy process.
Will I get paid if I file a claim in bankruptcy court? It depends on how many creditors are involved and how much money is left. Injury claims may be treated as a priority, but there are no guarantees. A skilled attorney can help increase your chances of a successful recovery.
3. You Need a Lawyer Who Knows Both Injury Law and Bankruptcy
When bankruptcy is involved, you’re no longer just dealing with an insurance company, you’re also navigating federal bankruptcy laws, court filings, and deadlines. Not all personal injury lawyers are familiar with this territory.
That’s why it’s so important to work with a law firm that understands both personal injury law and the legal process around bankrupt companies.
At William W. Price P.A., we have the experience to handle tough cases like these. We don’t just look at the accident, we look at every legal pathway available to help you recover what you’re owed.
How These Rules Affect Your Claim
The federal rules around interstate trucking can make a huge difference in how your case plays out. These laws are designed to hold trucking companies and drivers to high safety standards, and if those standards were ignored, it can help your claim.
Here’s how:
1. Negligent Driving or Overworking the Driver
If the truck driver was on the road for too long, skipped required breaks, or was falling asleep behind the wheel, they were likely breaking the Hours-of-Service rules. This is considered driver fatigue, and it’s one of the top causes of trucking accidents.
If these rules were broken, your attorney can use that information to prove negligence and strengthen your case.
2. Poor Truck Maintenance
Every interstate trucking company is required to inspect and repair their vehicles regularly. If the truck that hit you had worn brakes, bad tires, or broken lights, the company may be at fault for failing to maintain the vehicle.
Your lawyer can request maintenance logs to look for skipped inspections or overdue repairs.
3. Unqualified or Untrained Driver
Drivers must hold a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL), pass medical exams, and have a clean driving record. If the company hired someone with a history of crashes, DUIs, or serious violations, that’s a sign of negligent hiring, and it can make the company responsible for the crash.
4. Insurance Problems or Bankruptcy
If the trucking company didn’t carry the right amount of insurance, or worse, filed for bankruptcy, your lawyer may need to get creative. That could mean:
- Filing claims against multiple parties (like a maintenance company or cargo loader)
- Filing in bankruptcy court to recover remaining damages
- Using your own insurance (like uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage) as a backup
Truck accidents aren’t like regular car crashes. There are more parties involved, more legal rules to follow, and often more money at stake.
Protecting Yourself After a Trucking Company Bankruptcy
Being involved in a truck accident is stressful enough, but finding out the company went bankrupt can feel overwhelming. Don’t panic. With the right legal team on your side, you still have a path forward.
Why You Need a Trucking Injury Lawyer
When you’re recovering from an accident, the last thing you should have to deal with is complicated legal paperwork and insurance company runarounds. That’s where we come in.
At William W. Price P.A., we:
- Work directly with you, you’ll always talk to a lawyer, not a paralegal
- Know how to request important records, like driver logs and maintenance reports
- Understand the ins and outs of interstate trucking laws
- Can handle tough situations, including trucking company bankruptcy
We’ve been helping injury victims across Boca Raton, West Palm Beach, Boynton Beach, and Jupiter since 1995. We combine modern legal strategies with old-school personal service.
Final Thoughts: Let Us Help You After an Interstate Trucking Crash
Getting hurt in a truck accident is scary, and the legal side can be overwhelming. But when interstate trucking laws and company problems like trucking company bankruptcy are involved, you shouldn’t go it alone.
Let William W. Price P.A. help you understand your rights, gather the proof you need, and fight for the compensation you deserve.
Click here to learn more about our injury claim services or contact us today for a free consultation.
