FMCSA

What Is the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA)?

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) is the leading federal government agency regulating commercial motor vehicles.

According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), the agency’s mission is “To reduce crashes, injuries, and fatalities involving large trucks and buses.” This mission statement underscores the FMCSA’s role in enhancing road safety through stringent regulations and oversight of the commercial transportation industry.

The benefits of the FMCSA’s regulations include improved road safety, reduced accident rates involving CMVs, and enhanced driver health and welfare. These regulations also promote fair competition among carriers by ensuring that all operators adhere to the same safety standards.

Examples of the FMCSA’s work include setting hours-of-service (HOS) regulations that limit the number of hours a commercial driver can operate to prevent fatigue-related accidents, conducting compliance reviews and safety audits of motor carriers, and maintaining the Commercial Driver’s License Information System (CDLIS) to ensure that drivers meet federal standards. Understanding the FMCSA’s role and regulations is crucial for commercial drivers and motor carriers to ensure compliance and contribute to safer roadways.

More information about FMCSA

Pittsburgh Fatal Truck Accident Lawyer

If you lost a loved one in a truck accident, our Pittsburgh fatal truck accident lawyers can help you pursue justice for your loss. Since 1959, we’ve helped the surviving family of those killed in truck accidents negotiate with insurance companies and fight trucking companies in court, obtaining settlements and verdicts such as an $8 million settlement for two motorists who were struck and killed by an out-of-control tractor-trailer.

At Munley Law Personal Injury Attorneys, our goal is to take on the legal challenges that come with fighting for justice, so that you and your family can focus on emotional recovery. Our truck accident lawyers in Pittsburgh, three of whom are board-certified in Truck Accident Law, have been recognized as the best in the country in truck accident litigation. As a result of our expertise in this field, we’ve been honored by the American Association for Justice, […]

What Are the Common Causes of Truck Accidents in Easton, PA?

The common causes of truck accidents in Easton can arise from many different situations, and it often takes a thorough investigation to uncover the true reason for a crash.

In Easton, commercial trucks travel busy highways and local roads every day, sharing space with passenger vehicles that are no match for their size and weight. When an 80,000-pound truck collides with another vehicle, the damage is usually catastrophic.

Understanding what causes truck accidents in Easton is critical if you or someone you love has been injured. Unlike typical car accidents, truck crashes often involve federal regulations, trucking companies, maintenance contractors, and large insurance carriers. Identifying the root cause of the accident is key to proving liability and building a strong claim.

At Munley Law, our Easton truck accident attorneys concentrate on complex truck accident litigation and have earned national recognition for their work in this area. […]

Pittsburgh Drowsy Driving Accident Lawyer

Our experienced team of Pittsburgh drowsy driver accident attorneys at Munley Law understands the devastating consequences of drowsy driving and is committed to fighting for your rights. Our team of personal injury lawyers has a proven track record of successfully handling drowsy driving cases, holding negligent drivers accountable, and fighting for compensation for our clients.

Falling asleep at the wheel can result in catastrophic accidents, leading to severe injuries or even fatalities. When someone is sleepy behind the wheel, their brain power, reflexes, and decision-making skills are impaired, just like when they’ve had a few too many drinks. With our knowledge of the Pittsburgh, PA, laws and regulations surrounding drowsy driving accidents, we are equipped to handle the complexities of your case. Your well-being is the priority, and we will provide personalized attention, guiding you through the legal process while ensuring your voice is heard. Our partners are some of Pennsylvania’s leading trial attorneys and have won millions of dollars for clients injured in Pittsburgh car accidents. […]

Philadelphia 18 Wheeler Accident Lawyer

Munley Law’s Philadelphia 18-wheeler accidents help victims take on powerful trucking companies after devastating crashes. We’ve spent nearly seven decades fighting for injury victims, securing multi-million-dollar verdicts and earning national recognition for excellence in truck accident litigation.

When a commercial truck crash changes your life, you need experienced trial lawyers who know how to work complex cases. Munley Law Personal Injury Attorneys is widely recognized as a prominent truck accident litigation firm because of our results, leadership, and client advocacy in high-stakes personal injury claims.

Munley Law’s Philadelphia truck accident lawyers understand how overwhelming these cases can be, from severe injuries to aggressive insurance tactics. We step in immediately to protect your rights and build a strong claim.

From identifying liable parties to pursuing maximum compensation, our 18-wheeler accident attorneys are ready to guide you forward with clarity and confidence.

Call today to schedule a free consultation. […]

Indiana Truck Accident Lawyer

A truck accident can change your life in an instant. If you or someone you love has been injured in a collision with a commercial vehicle, you need an experienced Indiana truck accident lawyer who understands both the impact of your injuries and the unique challenges these cases present. You’re likely facing overwhelming medical bills, lost income, and uncertainty about the future during this difficult time.

Truck accident cases are far more complicated than typical car crashes. When a commercial vehicle collides with a passenger car, the injuries are often severe, and the legal issues are anything but straightforward. These cases involve federal regulations, multiple insurance companies, and sophisticated evidence that requires specialized knowledge to handle effectively.

At Munley Law, our Indiana truck accident attorneys have dedicated their careers to helping victims like you recover from devastating truck crashes. We understand the physical, emotional, and financial hardships you’re experiencing, […]

Kentucky Truck Accident Lawyer

A collision with a commercial truck can change your life in an instant. Whether it happened on I-75 near Atlanta, I-95 outside Savannah, or a rural highway in southern Georgia, truck accidents often leave victims with serious injuries, costly medical bills, and overwhelming uncertainty about what to do next. If you or a loved one has been injured in a truck accident anywhere in Georgia, you need experienced legal representation on your side.

At Munley Law, our nationally recognized truck accident attorneys have decades of experience standing up to trucking companies and their insurers. We know the complex regulations that govern the trucking industry, and we know how to hold negligent drivers and companies accountable. From Macon to Augusta, Columbus to Alpharetta, we represent truck accident victims across the state of Georgia.

Our team of truck accident attorneys are leaders in the field of trucking litigation. […]

What Percentage of Work Zone Related Accidents Involve Large Trucks?

When you drive by a work zone on a main road or highway, you’ll likely see several large trucks on your route: dump trucks, garbage What percentage of work zone related accidents involve large trucks? trucks, heavy trucks, oversized trucks, tractor trailers, and more. Construction workers use these large vehicles to pave roads, fix potholes, and even build new parts of the highway. While these massive motor vehicles are essential to construction work, they are inherently dangerous and can cause devastating harm to passenger vehicle drivers on the road.

We’re going to talk about the statistics on large trucks, work zone accidents, fatal crashes, how to avoid an accident, and what to do if you’ve been in an accident with a large commercial truck in a work zone.

If you have more questions, the Munley Law truck accident lawyers are standing by. We offer a free consultation where we will discuss your story, offer expert legal advice, […]

Wyoming Truck Accident Lawyer

Commercial trucks often travel on Wyoming’s highways, especially Interstate 80, a major route for moving goods across the country. These trucks cover long distances daily, enabling businesses to receive supplies and ship products efficiently, supporting local and national economies. However, the high volume of truck traffic increases the likelihood of crashes and the need for a Wyoming truck accident lawyer.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a Wyoming truck accident, consider contacting our top-rated truck accident lawyers from Munley Law.

Why Hire an Experienced Wyoming Truck Crash Lawyer from Our Firm

At Munley Law, our attorneys are here for you. We become the trusted partner you need in these challenging matters, providing you with insight into your claim value and fighting tirelessly to recover fair compensation. You need an advocate who is dedicated to your best possible outcome. […]

Personal Injury Glossary Terms

This glossary provides a quick-access resource for looking up definitions of terms you will likely encounter while seeking compensation.

A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | J | K | L | M | N | O | P | Q | R | S | T | U | V | W

A

Accident Report — A detailed official record of an incident created on-site by an authority figure such as a police officer or hospital staff member.

Act of God — An unforeseen event caused by natural forces without human involvement that couldn’t have been prevented with reasonable care, […]

What Are the Unique Challenges in Truck Accident Litigation?

Truck accidents are often catastrophic, resulting in severe injuries and significant property damage. When such accidents occur, victims may pursue legal action to seek compensation for their losses. However, truck accident litigation presents unique challenges compared to other motor vehicle accident cases. There are complex regulations, multiple parties involved, and even the need for specialized expertise.

The truck accident lawyers at Munley Law understand the different twists and turns of truck accident claims. We have over six decades of experience with the trucking industry and trucking regulations. We have won millions for our clients.

We offer a free consultation with a compassionate truck accident lawyer who will listen to your story and give you a reasonable assessment of your case. Call today the process started.

How is a Truck Accident Different Than a Car Accident?

Trucking accidents are fundamentally different from car accidents in several ways. […]

How Much Is Your Rear-End Truck Accident Worth?

What to Do After a Rear End Truck Accident

Rear-end truck accidents can be devastating for you and your family, causing you to become injured, lose out on work, and have trouble paying your bills. You may be wondering, “How Much Is My Rear-End Truck Accident Worth?”

Only an experienced truck accident lawyer can tell you how much a possible settlement or trial verdict will be in your rear-end truck accident lawsuit. You need truck wreck experts who will evaluate your case and fight to help you win. The rear-end truck accident lawyers at Munley Law Personal Injury Attorneys can help you receive the compensation you need to recover after an accident.

Munley Law Personal Injury Attorneys has been the go-to firm for victims of rear end accidents and their families for more than five decades. Our truck accident lawyers are recognized nationwide as leaders in truck accident law. […]

What Percentage of Truck Accidents are Caused by Cars?

What Happens When a Car Driver is Responsible for a Truck Accident?

Truck drivers are the heart of America’s infrastructure. In 2020, 10.23 billion tons of freight was transported by trucks in the United States. Food, construction materials, raw materials for U.S. manufacturers, and every vital retail goods sold and shipped in the U.S. relies on big rigs. More than 72 percent of transported items in this country are moved by trucks. The U.S. economy is driven by large trucks. But what happens if you are a truck driver involved in a large truck crash and you are not at fault?

At Munley Law Personal Injury Attorneys, we know picking up the pieces after a truck accident can feel like an insurmountable task. If you or a loved one becomes a victim of a truck accident caused by a passenger vehicle or other motorist, our highly experienced and dedicated truck accident lawyers are ready to help you. […]

Covid and Easing of Truck Safety Regulations

According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), the incidents of truck crashes in the state of PA are among the highest in the nation. The FMCSA, an arm of the US Department of Transportation, is tasked not only with tracking the safety records of commercial motor vehicles, but also with regulating the industry. They are focused on reducing large truck and bus crashes, injuries and fatalities. They perform roadside inspections, investigate truck crashes and develop and enforce safety regulations.

In 2013, the FMCSA Hours of Service regulations to limit truck driver fatigue went into effect in an attempt to reduce the number of truck crashes. The rules specify the maximum number of consecutive hours that commercial truckers can drive, the frequency and length of their rest breaks and number of hours of required off duty time. Most drivers are limited to 11 hours of driving over a 14 hour workday. […]

Feds abandon driver fatigue test, put “millions of lives at risk”

Feds drop another transportation safety rule, scrap sleep disorder testing

In the latest slash to federal regulations, many of which concern public safety, federal transportation agencies have dropped efforts to improve detection of sleep apnea, a breathing disorder linked to driver fatigue and deadly train and truck accidents.

The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) and Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) have moved to leave testing to individual transport and rail companies.

New York’s MTA and some private transportation companies made moves in the last year to test their drivers and engineers for sleep apnea, a sleep disorder linked to deadly crashes. Metro North in New York found that more than 11% of their drivers tested had sleep apnea.

What is sleep apnea? Why should drivers and engineers be tested?

Allentown Personal Injury Attorneys Obstructive sleep apnea is a disorder that causes the throat muscles to relax and close the wind pipe during sleep. […]

Trucking companies to increase testing for deadly sleep apnea

Truck drivers face high risk for sleep apnea

Trucking companies may more frequently screen their drivers for sleep apnea in an effort to combat drowsy driving accidents.

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a disorder that causes breathing to start and stop during sleep, leading to less restful sleep and increased drowsiness. For drivers, especially truckers, bus drivers, or train engineers, drowsiness can become deadly.

Why test truck drivers for sleep apnea?

Truck drivers’ concern with sleep apnea is twofold. Their profession makes them both more likely to develop sleep apnea, and more at risk of death from its effects.

Driving a truck involves sitting for long periods of time, eating at truck stops along the road, and irregular sleeping schedules. Factors that can contribute to sleep apnea include obesity, smoking, bad diet, and poor sleep habits. […]

Safety group files suit for tougher trucker training laws

Several groups, including the Advocates for Highway and Auto Safety, Citizens for Reliable and Safe Highways (CRASH), and the International Brotherhood of Teamsters filed suit against the DOT and the U.S. Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), seeking stiffer rules for training entry-level truck drivers.

Bloomberg reported that regulators have missed deadlines set by two laws passed by Congress since 1991. According to the article, the FMSCA issued a rule in 2004 that only requires 10 hours of classroom work on such topics as driver wellness and hours of service. The watchdog groups say that rule is inadequate, because it doesn’t require any training for entry-level drivers on how to operate commercial vehicles, according to the complaint.

In 2012, Congress passed a second law (the “Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century Act” also known as MAP-21) requiring the DOT to issue the entry-level training rule, […]

Are Stricter Penalties Needed to Keep Truck Drivers Focused on the Road? A Pennsylvania Personal Injury Lawyer Weighs In.

An investigation by an ABC news station in New York over a three-week period found that truck drivers on some of New York’s busiest highways are texting or talking on their cell phones while driving.

The investigative reporter said that the hidden camera investigation caught “truck drivers routinely, illegally and dangerously texting and talking on phones.” One camera caught a truck driver and his co-workers, all in the front seat, with all with eyes, including the drivers, focused on a cell phone. On another highway, a truck driver was filmed using two phones simultaneously while driving.

According to Eyewitness News 7 in New York, the Department of Transportation says that last year nearly 16,000 truckers were ticketed for using their cell phone, but only 4 of those were suspended and taken out of service. Eyewitness news referred to this as an epidemic and deadly problem. […]

Pennsylvania Receives Truck Safety Award from U.S. DOT

The Pennsylvania State Police announced this month they received the prestigious 2012 Safety Enforcement Improvement Award from the U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA).

The award, presented at the FMCSA’s annual leadership conference, is presented to the one state “that demonstrates the greatest improvement to its truck safety enforcement program in terms of cost efficiency and traffic enforcement.”

“This achievement is truly a great honor for the Pennsylvania State Police and our motor carrier enforcement partners,” said State Police Commissioner Frank Noonan when announcing receipt of the award.

More than 100,000 trucks were inspected in PA in 2011, representing a 35 percent increase over the number of inspections performed just three years ago, according to the press release.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports in 2010, the most current year of data, 164 people died in crashes involving a large truck in Pennsylvania. […]

Preliminary Truck Crash Data For 2009 Released

Preliminary statistics on 2009 tractor trailer crashes have just been released. The Large Truck and Bus Crash Facts: Early Release is based on crash data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), as well as preliminary total vehicle miles traveled (VMT) data from the Federal Highway Administration.

Among the highlights:

Of the 286,000 police-reported crashes involving large trucks in 2009, 2,987 (1 percent) resulted in at least one fatality, and 51,000 (18 percent) resulted in at least one nonfatal injury.

Single-vehicle crashes made up 20 percent of all fatal crashes, 16 percent of all injury crashes, and 35 percent of all property damage only crashes involving large trucks.

Almost two-thirds (64 percent) of all fatal crashes involving large trucks occurred on rural roads, and just over one-fourth (26 percent) occurred on rural and urban Interstate highways. […]