Key Takeaways from a Truck Accident Lawyer in Fort Worth
- Texas truckers must follow federal Hours of Service (HOS) rules.
- Drivers can only drive 11 hours after 10 consecutive off-duty hours.
- Fatigue is a significant cause of semi-truck crashes in Texas.
- Violations of HOS can lead to liability in truck accident claims.
- A Texas truck accident law firm can investigate logbooks and violations.
As truck accident attorneys, we constantly see devastating accidents involving large trucks. There are more than a few reasons for this.
Imagine driving for 11 straight hours, navigating heavy traffic, unpredictable weather, and massive blind spots—all while hauling 40 tons of cargo. Now imagine doing it day after day, with minimal rest and the pressure of strict delivery deadlines. This is the life of a commercial truck driver in Texas. While most truckers are skilled and careful, the laws limiting how long they can drive exist for a reason: safety.
Unfortunately, driver fatigue is one of the leading causes of serious and fatal truck crashes in Texas. If you’ve ever driven next to a swaying 18-wheeler on I-35 or I-20 and wondered, “How long has that driver been on the road?” — you’re not alone.
Understanding the rules around how many hours truckers can legally drive is key for anyone sharing the road—especially for anyone hurt in a crash involving a semi truck. If you’ve been injured, a truck accident lawyer in Fort Worth can help you dig deeper and determine if driver fatigue or violations of federal Hours of Service (HOS) rules played a role.
What Are the Hours of Service Rules for Truck Drivers in Texas?
Texas truck drivers, like those across the U.S., are subject to federal Hours of Service (HOS) regulations issued by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). These rules apply to drivers who operate commercial motor vehicles (CMVs) in interstate commerce— which covers most long-haul truckers in Texas.
Here’s a breakdown of the main federal HOS regulations:
- 11-Hour Driving Limit: A trucker may drive up to 11 hours after 10 consecutive hours off duty
- 14-Hour Limit: The driver cannot drive beyond the 14th hour after coming on duty, even if they took breaks
- 30-Minute Break Rule: A break of at least 30 minutes is required after 8 hours of driving time
- 60/70-Hour Limit: Truckers may not drive after 60 hours on duty in 7 consecutive days, or 70 hours in 8 consecutive days (depending on their schedule)
- 34-Hour Restart Rule: Drivers can reset their weekly hours limit by taking 34 consecutive hours off duty
For more information, visit the FMCSA Hours of Service page
Are There Different Rules for Intrastate Trucking in Texas?
Yes. Texas has its own intrastate HOS rules, which apply to drivers who only operate within the state of Texas. These rules are similar but slightly more lenient than the federal guidelines:
- 12-Hour Driving Limit: Drivers may drive up to 12 hours following 8 consecutive off-duty hours
- 15-Hour On-Duty Limit: Drivers cannot drive after having been on duty for 15 hours
- 70-Hour Weekly Limit: No driving after being on duty for 70 hours in 7 consecutive days
You can view the specific Texas rules in the Texas Administrative Code, Title 37, Part 1, Rule §4.12 (source)
Why Are These Limits So Important?
Commercial truck drivers often operate on tight deadlines. Unfortunately, this can lead to drivers pushing their limits—or being pressured by employers. When truckers exceed legal driving hours, the results can be deadly. According to the FMCSA, fatigue contributes to 13% of large truck crashes.
In Texas, the stakes are even higher. A report from the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) showed that in 2022, there were over 38,000 commercial vehicle crashes in the state, resulting in more than 700 fatalities. Fatigue, distraction, and lack of rest were major contributors.
When truckers exceed their allowed driving hours, they are not just breaking the rules but increasing the risk for everyone on the road. If you’re hurt in a wreck and suspect the driver was fatigued, a Fort Worth semi truck crash attorney can help investigate driver logs, black box data, and employer practices.
How Are Hours of Service Violations Discovered?
Proving that a truck driver exceeded legal driving hours can be complicated—but not impossible. A seasoned accident attorney in Fort Worth will look for evidence such as:
- Driver Logbooks (either paper or electronic)
- Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs)
- Black box data
- Fuel receipts, toll records, and GPS logs
- Surveillance or dash cam footage
- Driver interviews or witness statements
Violations of HOS laws may serve as proof of negligence, especially if they contributed to the crash. In some cases, employers may also be held accountable if they encouraged or failed to prevent violations.
Who Enforces HOS Rules in Texas?
The FMCSA enforces federal HOS rules, while the Texas Department of Public Safety (TxDPS) enforces state-level trucking laws. Officers may perform roadside inspections, and drivers can be placed out of service for HOS violations.
According to the FMCSA’s Large Truck Crash Causation Study, 1 in 7 truck crashes involved violations of federal safety regulations, including HOS rules.
What Happens if a Trucker Breaks the HOS Rules?
Drivers caught violating HOS rules can face penalties, including:
- Fines up to $16,000 per violation
- Driver disqualification
- Employer liability for negligent supervision
- Criminal charges if violations led to injury or death
If you’ve been injured in a crash with a fatigued trucker, a Texas truck accident law firm can investigate and use these violations to strengthen your claim for compensation.
Why Legal Help Matters After a Truck Crash
Truck accident cases are not like regular car crashes. Multiple parties are often involved—including the driver, the trucking company, maintenance providers, and even shippers. Insurance companies representing these parties will work hard to minimize your claim.
Working with a truck accident lawyer in Fort Worth is critical. They understand the complex web of federal and state laws that govern truckers and know how to uncover and use HOS violations to fight for the compensation you deserve.
FAQ: Truck Driving Hours and Legal Claims
What happens if a trucker causes a crash while driving beyond their legal hours?
If a truck driver exceeds their legal driving hours and causes a crash, they and their employer can be held legally liable for injuries, medical bills, lost wages, and more. HOS violations strengthen your compensation case.
Can the trucking company be held responsible, too?
Yes. They can be held liable if the employer encouraged the violation or failed to monitor the driver’s hours. A Fort Worth semi-truck crash attorney can gather evidence to prove employer negligence.
What is an Electronic Logging Device (ELD)?
An ELD is a device that automatically records a truck driver’s hours of service. It’s connected to the vehicle’s engine and helps ensure compliance with federal HOS rules. ELD data is often a key piece of evidence in crash cases.
Do all truckers in Texas have to use ELDs?
Most commercial truckers must use ELDs, but there are exceptions, such as for short-haul drivers or certain agricultural operations. Your accident attorney in Fort Worth can determine whether the driver in your case was required to use one.
Can I still file a claim if the trucker wasn’t cited for an HOS violation?
Yes. You may still have a valid claim even if no ticket was issued. A thorough investigation by a Texas truck accident law firm can uncover violations afterward.
What kind of compensation can I recover?
You may be entitled to compensation for medical bills, lost income, pain and suffering, rehabilitation costs, and more. If the trucker was grossly negligent, punitive damages may also be awarded.
Understanding Rules and Regulations for Trucks from a Truck Accident Lawyer in Fort Worth
The rules limiting how many hours truckers can drive are there to protect everyone on the road—but when those rules are broken, the consequences can be catastrophic. Whether you’re dealing with injuries, medical bills, or the loss of a loved one, you deserve to know what caused the crash—and whether a fatigued truck driver was to blame.
At Patterson Law Group, we understand the complexities of truck accident cases. As a trusted Texas truck accident law firm, we’ll fight to hold negligent drivers and trucking companies accountable. If you’ve been hurt, contact a truck accident lawyer in Fort Worth today for a free consultation. You focus on healing—we’ll handle the rest.
