5 Federal Trucking Regulations Companies Break Most Often

Federal trucking regulations are designed to prevent truck accidents, yet violations of Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) rules remain widespread throughout the industry.

In 2024 alone, FMCSA recorded over 5.15 million federal trucking regulation violations during roadside inspections, despite conducting fewer checks than the previous year. These numbers reflect a troubling pattern of companies that continue to prioritize speed and cost savings over compliance with safety standards.

The following five regulations are those most frequently violated by trucking companies nationwide, according to data from the FMCSA.

1. Hours of Service Violations

The Hours of Service rules under 49 CFR Part 395 limit the amount of time truck drivers can operate without rest. These regulations require an 11-hour driving limit within a 14-hour on-duty window, mandatory rest breaks, and weekly limits of 60 or 70 hours. Despite the 2017 mandate requiring the use of electronic logging devices, […]

What to Do If a Truck Leaves the Scene of a Crash?

Becoming a victim of a hit and run crash with a truck is a traumatic experience. Truck crashes are increasing in frequency, and truck drivers who are “at fault” are more often guilty of leaving the scene of an accident than in the past.

Leaving the scene of an accident isn’t a wise decision. It is a crime that usually results in a more serious penalty than those usually imposed for causing an accident. A driver who flees an accident scene may lose his or her license and/or receive a prison sentence.

Yet, many drivers, in the heat of the moment, flee for various reasons. Sometimes, they may leave an accident site unintentionally, unaware that they have caused damage or injury.

Victims of hit-and-run truck accidents often suffer serious, even fatal injuries, especially if they were hit while walking or riding a bicycle. […]

Why Board Certification Matters in Truck Accident Cases

Why Board Certification Matters in Truck Accident Cases

Truck accidents can be multifaceted cases, involving multiple parties, intricate federal regulations, and insurance companies that spare no expense defending their clients. To succeed, a lawyer must have more than general experience. They must possess extensive knowledge of trucking law and the skill to uncover the truth behind catastrophic crashes.

That is why board certification matters in truck accident cases. At Munley Law, our nation’s top-rated truck accident lawyers hold the distinction of being among the few in the country certified with the National Board of Trial Advocacy. This certification represents a higher level of skill, preparation, and commitment to victims of trucking collisions in Pennsylvania and nationwide.

What Does Board Certification Mean and Why Does It Matter?

Board certification is not an ordinary credential. It is a rigorous, peer-reviewed process that recognizes attorneys who have demonstrated advanced knowledge, […]

How to Choose a Truck Accident Lawyer

Thousands of truck accidents happen across the United States every year, resulting in catastrophic injuries and fatalities. If you’re injured in a truck accident, you may need to seek compensation from the at-fault party. This could be just against a driver, but also could include multi-party liability cases and trucking company liability with massive transportation companies, typically protected by a team of lawyers with the sole purpose of protecting their best interests. You need to know how to choose a truck accident lawyer who will stand beside you throughout the process and defend your legal rights.

At Munley Law, our team of truck accident lawyers has represented injury victims nationwide for the past 65 years. We understand how trucking regulations and requirements affect accidents like yours and how to strategically position your claim so you receive the maximum possible settlement.

What Criteria Can You Use To Choose a Truck Accident Lawyer? […]

Missouri Truck Accident Lawyer

A truck accident can forever alter your life in one moment. You and your family may face numerous challenges on the road to recovery. The good news is that a Missouri truck accident lawyer can help you pursue compensation to offset the losses you have sustained. 

For more than 65 years, Munley Law has been fighting to secure justice for our clients. We don’t back down from a fight. We are committed to protecting you and your rights. When you hire the Nation’s top rated truck accident lawyer, you can trust that you will be getting the service and representation you deserve. 

How Does Munley Law Stand Up to the Trucking Industry On Your Behalf?

Munley Law is a team of skilled, experienced, and compassionate attorneys who fight for the results you deserve. We provide support and advocacy for your truck accident case. […]

What Is Non-Trucking Liability Insurance and Does It Affect Accident Claims?

If you drive a commercial truck, chances are you’ve heard about non-trucking liability insurance. But what exactly does it cover — and how does it affect your accident claim if something goes wrong when you’re not on the job?

Whether you’re an independent owner-operator or leased to a motor carrier, understanding non-trucking liability can make a big difference in how an insurance claim is handled. Below, we’ll break it down in plain language.

What Is Non-Trucking Liability Insurance?

Non-trucking liability insurance (sometimes called NTL insurance) covers a commercial truck when it’s being used for non-business purposes. This type of policy is for drivers who use their truck outside of work hours — such as driving to the store or heading home after a delivery.

It does not cover:

• Hauling cargo
• Driving under dispatch
• Any trip related to work for a carrier

In short, […]

Intrastate vs. Interstate Trucking: What Pennsylvania Drivers Need to Know

If you’ve been in a truck crash, knowing whether the truck was traveling intrastate or interstate matters. These two types of trucking may sound similar, but they’re treated very differently under the law. Whether you were hurt on a local road or a busy interstate, talk to a Scranton truck accident lawyer at Munley Law to understand your rights.

We’ve been representing victims of commercial truck crashes for more than 60 years. Our attorneys are nationally recognized for handling high-stakes trucking cases — including multi-million-dollar verdicts for clients in Pennsylvania and beyond.

Here’s how intrastate vs. interstate trucking can affect your case.

What’s the Difference Between Intrastate and Interstate Trucking?

Intrastate trucking refers to shipments that begin and end within the same state. The trucks and intrastate drivers involved in these deliveries never cross state lines, […]

What Was the Worst Truck Accident in History?

When a 40-ton commercial truck collides with another vehicle or structure, the consequences can be devastating. Throughout American history, truck accidents have claimed thousands of lives, caused billions in property damage, and forever changed safety regulations. For Pennsylvania residents who share highways with over 30,000 commercial vehicles daily, understanding these historical incidents offers more than just a sobering reminder of danger—it provides context for current safety measures and highlights the ongoing need for vigilance.

The term “worst” truck accident extends beyond simply counting casualties. While fatalities certainly factor into this classification, the environmental impact, property damage, long-term health effects, and regulatory changes that follow also contribute to an accident’s historical significance. Some crashes have led to wholesale revisions of commercial transportation laws, while others have spurred technological innovations that now protect countless lives.

Pennsylvania: A High-Risk Transportation Hub

Pennsylvania sits at a crossroads of major interstate highways, […]

Whose Insurance Pays in a Truck Accident In Carbondale, Pennsylvania?

When a truck accident occurs in Carbondale, Pennsylvania, determining whose insurance pays becomes significantly more complex than typical car accidents. The trucking company’s commercial insurance typically pays first, followed by the truck driver’s coverage, then your insurance policies if needed. This multi-layered insurance system exists because federal law requires commercial trucks to carry substantially higher insurance coverage than passenger vehicles, often ranging from $750,000 to $5 million, depending on the type of cargo transported.

Understanding who pays truck accident claims that Carbondale residents face is crucial because multiple insurance policies may apply to a single accident. The complexity increases when accidents occur on busy routes like Interstate 81, which runs through Carbondale and sees heavy commercial truck traffic daily. Pennsylvania truck accident insurance laws create a specific hierarchy of responsibility that determines which insurance carrier pays first, second, and potentially third for your injuries and damages. […]

What Are The Average Truck Accident Settlement Amounts in Carbondale, PA?

When you’re injured in a motor vehicle accident involving a truck in Carbondale, Pennsylvania, one of your first questions is likely about how much your truck accident case is worth. The answer is significantly more promising than car accident settlements, with most truck accident settlements in Pennsylvania ranging from $100,000 to over $1 million, compared to typical car accident settlements of $15,000 to $50,000.

Truck accident settlements are five to ten times higher than car accident settlements due to federal insurance requirements and the severity of injuries typically involved. While car drivers only need $25,000 in minimum insurance coverage in Pennsylvania, commercial trucks must carry between $750,000 and $5 million in insurance coverage, depending on the type of cargo they transport. This substantial insurance coverage exists because truck accidents often cause severe injuries requiring extensive medical treatment and significantly lost wages.

However, it’s crucial to understand the financial reality of how much an average truck accident settlement is worth. […]

How to Choose the Best Truck Accident Lawyer in Hazleton, PA

The difference between hiring the best truck accident lawyer Hazleton, PA has to offer and settling for an inexperienced attorney can mean the difference between a $50,000 settlement and a $500,000 recovery for the same injuries. This stark reality becomes even more critical when considering that truck accidents in Hazleton often involve complex federal regulations, multiple insurance policies, and sophisticated defense strategies employed by major trucking companies.

It’s important to remember that time works against you from the moment your truck accident occurs. Electronic logging device data from commercial trucks automatically deletes after just 30 days, surveillance footage from businesses along Interstate 80 and Interstate 81 gets overwritten quickly, and witness memories fade rapidly. The lawyer you choose must have the experience, resources, and local knowledge necessary to preserve crucial evidence while building the strongest case for maximum compensation.

Understanding how to choose a truck accident lawyer Hazleton residents can trust with their financial future requires examining several critical factors that separate true truck accident specialists from attorneys who merely claim this expertise. […]

Most Common Truck Accident Injuries in Hazleton

When an 80,000-pound commercial truck collides with a 3,000-pound passenger vehicle on Interstate 81 near Hazleton, the resulting injuries are often catastrophic and life-changing. The sheer physics of these truck accidents creates devastating consequences that extend far beyond what most people experience in typical car crashes. Understanding the most common injuries sustained in a truck accident can help victims and their families prepare for the challenging road ahead and recognize the full scope of compensation they may need.

The most common injuries sustained when a truck accident occurs in Hazleton include traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, severe burns, multiple bone fractures, internal organ damage, and psychological trauma. These injuries often occur simultaneously, creating complex medical situations requiring immediate emergency care and specialized treatment. The mountainous terrain around Hazleton and the heavy volume of commercial traffic on Interstate 81 contribute to the severity of these accidents, […]

Most Common Truck Accident Causes in Hazleton, PA

Truck accidents in Hazleton, Pennsylvania, occur at an alarming rate. Recent PennDOT statistics show that Luzerne County experiences some of the state’s highest commercial vehicle accident rates. Hazleton sits at the crossroads of several major trucking routes, including Interstate 81, Route 309, and Route 924. It is a critical hub for commercial vehicle traffic moving goods throughout Pennsylvania and the Northeast. The city’s industrial landscape, featuring numerous distribution centers and the expansive CAN DO industrial parks, means heavy trucks are constantly navigating through highway and local road systems. This constant flow of commercial traffic, combined with challenging geographic conditions and weather patterns unique to northeastern Pennsylvania, has made understanding truck accident causes in Hazleton, PA, essential for drivers and accident victims seeking legal representation.

When these massive tractor-trailers weighing up to 80,000 pounds collide with smaller vehicles such as passenger cars, the results are often catastrophic. […]

Proving Negligence in A Hazleton Truck Accident

The aftermath can be overwhelming when a massive commercial truck collides with your vehicle on Interstate 81 or Route 309 in Hazleton. Beyond dealing with serious injuries and property damage, you face the complex legal challenge of proving negligence in your truck accident case. Understanding how to establish fault is crucial for securing the compensation you deserve under Pennsylvania law.

Proving negligence in a Hazleton truck accident requires more than showing that an accident occurred. You must demonstrate that the truck driver or trucking company failed to meet their legal obligations, causing injuries and damages. This process involves gathering specific evidence, understanding federal trucking regulations, and navigating Pennsylvania’s legal system with precision and expertise. That is why you need a Hazleton truck accident lawyer like the ones at Munley Law to help you recover compensation owed from injuries sustained in a tractor-trailer accident. […]

Jim Thorpe Truck Accident Lawyers

If you or a loved one was hurt in a truck crash in Jim Thorpe, you’re not alone. Truck accidents are serious. They often lead to life-changing injuries and lengthy recoveries. You deserve support, answers, and justice.

At Munley Law, our Jim Thorpe truck accident lawyers are here to guide you every step of the way. We’ve helped truck crash victims across Pennsylvania recover millions, including a record-setting $26 million truck accident settlement. Let us help you, too. Contact us for a free consultation. 

Do I Have a Truck Accident Case?

If a truck driver, company, or another party acted carelessly, you may be owed money. You might have a case if:

• You were hurt in a crash involving a large truck
• The accident was not your fault or only partly your fault
• Your injuries led to medical bills, […]

Truck Safety Enforcement Has Dramatically Slowed Since January 2025

A recent article from the Washington Post revealed that the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration has dramatically slowed the pace of enforcement actions after President Trump took office in January.

According to the Post article, enforcement actions by the FMCSA dropped nearly 60 percent from January 20 until the end of February. Only 157 cases were adjudicated during this time, compared to the 382 cases during the same period in 2024. The Washington Post found a backlog of stalled cases, including almost 70 cases where investigators were looking to shut down allegedly dangerous trucking companies.

A document obtained by the Washington Post revealed that the U.S. Transportation Department’s legal office led to the pause in enforcement cases.

The article says that many in the trucking industry have complained for years that the FMCSA treats them unfairly and that the government agency uses “flawed methods” […]

How a Truck Driver’s Log Book Can Help Your Truck Accident Claim

A truck log book can be the most crucial evidence in your truck accident claim, often revealing the key factors that led to the collision. Commercial truck accidents are among the most devastating, frequently resulting in severe injuries, significant property damage, and even loss of life. Log books track a truck driver’s hours behind the wheel, rest periods, routes traveled, and vehicle maintenance records—all potential indicators of negligence or regulatory violations that may have contributed to your accident.

When a commercial truck weighing up to 80,000 pounds collides with a passenger vehicle, the consequences are rarely minor. Insurance companies representing trucking operations will immediately begin building their defense, which makes securing all available evidence essential for protecting your right to compensation. Log books often reveal patterns of behavior or specific violations that directly connect to the circumstances of your accident. Whether maintained in traditional paper format or through modern Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs), […]

What Are the DOT Requirements for Reflective Tape on a Truck?

Have you noticed red and white reflective tape on the trailers of large trucks? Commercial trailers must install reflective tape that conforms to Department of Transportation (DOT) regulations. Trucking companies can guard against rear-end collisions and other accidents by doing so.

Be aware that these requirements may be relevant to you even if you’re not a trucker or otherwise involved in the trucking industry. For example, perhaps you were injured in a truck accident. If the truck didn’t have the proper reflective tape installed, you could potentially highlight this fact when pursuing compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and other such losses. Discuss your case with our truck accident team at Munley Law for more information.

DOT Reflective Tape Regulations

DOT reflective tape consists of an alternate red-white pattern. You’ve likely noticed this red and white tape on the trailers of large trucks. […]

What Are the Tire Requirements for Commercial Trucks?

Truck tires play a vital role in a commercial vehicle’s safety, directly impacting braking, steering, and driving performance. However, over time, tires can wear down and become hazardous, putting everyone on the road at risk. Commercial truck drivers and owners must comply with strict tire regulations to ensure safety. If you’ve been involved in a truck accident where tire failure was a factor, it’s essential to understand how tire maintenance and safety standards may have been violated.

Federal Commercial Truck Tire Safety Standards

Federal Commercial Truck Tire Safety Standards are in place to prevent accidents caused by tire failures. These regulations include minimum tread depth requirements to ensure proper traction, tire pressure monitoring rules to avoid under-inflation, and specific regulations for steer axle tires to provide stability. 

Additionally, retread tires must meet strict safety guidelines to reduce the risk of blowouts. […]

Do You Need a CDL to Drive a Box Truck?

One of the most important questions when driving a box truck is whether you need a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL). This decision hinges on several factors, such as the truck’s weight, intended use, and cargo. Box trucks are commonly used for business and personal purposes, but knowing the exact requirements for each type of use can be complicated.

Understanding these rules is important, as they affect everything from legal compliance to insurance coverage and liability in the event of an accident. Whether you’re using a box truck for local deliveries or long-distance hauls, different classifications apply, and failing to adhere to these requirements may result in serious consequences.

Key differences in box truck operations include licensing requirements, vehicle classifications, and the consequences of driving without the proper CDL. Operating a box truck without the correct credentials can result in serious penalties and liabilities.

Commercial Driver’s License Requirements for Box Trucks

Driving a box truck requires a specific set of skills and qualifications, […]