Common Truck Crash Injuries

Accidents involving large trucks often result in more serious injuries than accidents involving passenger vehicles only.  With a standard four-door passenger vehicle weighing between 2,500 and 4,000 pounds, a large truck weighing a minimum of 10,000 pounds, and an 18-wheeler weighing nearly 80,000 pounds, it is easy to see why truck accidents can cause catastrophic injuries. Common truck accident injuries include the following:

Broken Bones

Due to the sheer force of impact in a truck accident, fractured or broken bones (especially in the legs, arms, or chest) are an extremely common injury in these cases.

Spine Injuries

Spinal cord injuries can be life-altering and are often devastating to accident victims. They typically result in prolonged hospital stays, surgery, rehabilitation, physical therapy, and severe limitations on a victim’s ability to work.  

Spine injuries can be complete, in which case the spinal cord is compressed or severed, resulting in a loss of sensation or movement below the point of the injury; or incomplete, in which case the spinal cord is partially compressed or severed, with the victim retaining some level of sensation or movement. Traffic accidents are responsible for approximately 35% of all new spinal cord injuries in the United States annually.   

Traumatic Brain Injuries

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) can occur when a person’s head is subjected to sudden trauma or force, such as when a truck accident victim strikes their head on the steering wheel, dashboard, or window. The resulting TBI can range in severity from mild to moderate or severe. TBI can cause short-term and long-term symptoms such as headaches, nausea or vomiting, problems with speech, memory issues, mood changes, depression, difficulty sleeping, comas, and more.

Abdominal Injuries

During a truck crash, victims can sustain two types of abdominal injuries: blunt force or penetrating. Blunt force abdominal injury results from an object impacting the abdomen, such as a seatbelt, steering wheel, or airbag. Blunt force trauma to the abdomen can damage internal organs. Penetrating abdominal injuries break the skin and can result in significant blood loss and organ damage.

What Are the Federal Trucking Regulations?

Federal trucking regulations are a set of rules established by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) to ensure the safety of commercial trucking operations in the United States. 

These regulations are designed to reduce accidents, injuries, and fatalities involving large trucks and to ensure that trucking companies and drivers operate within a framework that promotes public safety. Here’s a breakdown of some of the key federal trucking regulations:

Hours of Service (HOS) Regulations:

• Maximum Driving Limits: Drivers are limited to a maximum of 11 hours of driving within a 14-hour workday after 10 consecutive hours off duty. They are also subject to a 60/70-hour limit over 7/8 consecutive days.
• Rest Breaks: Drivers must take a 30-minute break after 8 hours of driving time.
• 34-Hour Restart: Drivers can reset their weekly driving limit by taking 34 consecutive hours off, which must include two periods between 1:00 a.m. and 5:00 a.m.

Driver Qualifications:

• Commercial Driver’s License (CDL): All truck drivers must possess a valid CDL appropriate for the type of vehicle they operate.
• Medical Certification: Drivers must undergo regular medical examinations to ensure they are physically qualified to operate a commercial vehicle.
• Background Checks: Certain trucking jobs, especially those involving hazardous materials, require additional background checks.

Vehicle Maintenance and Inspection:

• Pre-Trip Inspections: Drivers are required to inspect their vehicles before each trip, checking essential systems like brakes, lights, and tires.
• Annual Inspections: Commercial vehicles must undergo comprehensive inspections at least once a year by qualified inspectors.
• Maintenance Records: Trucking companies are required to keep detailed maintenance records for all vehicles, documenting repairs and inspections.

Drug and Alcohol Testing:

• Random Testing: Drivers are subject to random drug and alcohol testing.
• Post-Accident Testing: Testing is mandatory after certain types of accidents, particularly those involving injuries or fatalities.
• Pre-Employment Testing: Drivers must pass a drug test before they are hired.

Weight Limits and Cargo Securement:

• Maximum Weight: The federal gross weight limit for trucks is 80,000 pounds, including cargo.
• Axle Weight Limits: There are specific limits on the weight that can be carried on each axle of the truck.
• Cargo Securement: Regulations mandate that cargo must be properly secured to prevent shifting during transit, which could lead to accidents.

Hazardous Materials Regulations:

• Transportation of Hazardous Materials: Specific rules govern the transportation of hazardous materials, including proper labeling, packaging, and route planning to avoid populated areas when possible.
• Driver Training: Drivers transporting hazardous materials must undergo specialized training and certification.

Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs):

• ELD Mandate: Drivers must use electronic logging devices to record their driving hours. This regulation was implemented to replace paper logbooks and ensure compliance with HOS rules.

These regulations are enforced by both the FMCSA and state agencies, with violations leading to fines, penalties, and possible disqualification for drivers and companies. The primary goal of these regulations is to promote safety on the roads, ensuring that trucking operations do not pose undue risks to other motorists.

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