Ohio Truck Accident Help
A Division of Ohio Truck Accident
Ohio Trucking Regulations & Violations
Truck accidents are often the result of more than just driver error. They’re frequently caused by safety violations that push drivers beyond safe limits. Specific federal regulations, like those surrounding Hours of Service, exist to prevent fatigue – one of Ohio’s leading causes of truck crashes. When trucking companies or drivers ignore these rules, the consequences can be severe and deadly.
At Ohio Truck Accident Help, our dedicated and highly experienced Ohio truck accident lawyers understand how critical HOS violations can be in proving liability. If you or a loved one was injured in a commercial truck crash, we’ll review the electronic logs, driver behavior, and company practices to hold all negligent parties accountable.
Contact us today for a free, no-risk consultation.
Hours of Service (HOS) regulations are federal rules issued by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). These rules are designed to prevent truck driver fatigue by limiting how long drivers can be on the road and requiring rest breaks.
All commercial truck drivers operating in Ohio—especially those engaged in interstate commerce—must follow these federal HOS guidelines, regardless of whether they’re based in Columbus, Cleveland, or elsewhere in the state.
Truck drivers who haul cargo must follow specific time limits designed to keep roads safe and prevent driver fatigue.
Despite strict federal rules, Hours of Service (HOS) violations remain common in the trucking industry—especially in high-pressure environments where speed and delivery timelines are prioritized over safety. Some of the most frequent violations include:
The FMCSA imposes steep penalties for these violations, ranging from $1,100 to over $16,000 per offense, depending on the severity. More serious violations—like those involving hazardous materials or repeat offenses—can trigger even higher fines. In extreme cases, a driver or carrier may be placed out of service and unable to operate legally.
Hours of Service violations often occur due to various industry pressures, like flawed incentive structures and weak oversight.
Truck drivers may feel pushed to meet tight delivery deadlines or drive longer hours because they’re paid by the mile—making rest breaks feel like lost income. Some companies fail to monitor ELDs closely or ignore skipped breaks and manipulated logs, while others lack a strong safety culture or provide inadequate training on HOS compliance.
The result is dangerous fatigue that slows reaction time impairs decision-making, and increases the risk of microsleep, leading to catastrophic crashes. If you suspect driver fatigue played a role in your crash, Ohio Truck Accident Help is here. Contact us today for a free, no-risk consultation.
The legal process can become complex when a truck accident involves a possible HOS violation. These cases often involve the truck driver, the trucking company, safety managers, or other parties who may have contributed to the crash. Insurance companies representing the driver and company will review driver logs, black box data, and HOS records. But they may also try to control the narrative, deny fatigue played a role, or shift blame onto you. That’s why having an experienced truck accident attorney is crucial.
Your lawyer can secure vital records before they’re altered or lost, work with experts to prove fatigue, and pursue the full compensation you’re entitled to—whether through a settlement or by filing a lawsuit.
Victims may be entitled to significant compensation for their losses when a truck driver violates federal Hours of Service (HOS) rules and causes an accident. The type and amount of your damages will depend on the facts, severity of injuries, and level of negligence involved.
To hold a truck driver or company accountable for violating HOS rules, you must gather strong, time-sensitive evidence. This evidence can show how driver fatigue caused or contributed to the crash.
Building a case that alleges Hours of Service Violations may involve:
Hours of Service cases are complex, often involving large trucking companies, aggressive insurers, and multiple layers of liability. A lawyer with significant truck accident experience and trucking industry insight can:
Under federal HOS regulations, truck drivers may not drive beyond 14 consecutive hours after coming on duty—even if they haven’t driven the entire time. Once the 14-hour window expires, the driver must take a minimum of 10 consecutive hours off duty before driving again.
This rule limits how many hours a trucker can be on duty in a 7- or 8-day work period. Depending on the company’s schedule, drivers may not exceed 60 hours in 7 days or 70 hours in 8 days. Violating this rule increases the risk of fatigue and legal liability.
A truck accident attorney can review electronic logging device (ELD) data, driver trip logs, toll receipts, fuel purchases, and the truck’s black box data. These records help establish drive times and compare them to HOS limits to identify violations.
Yes. If a trucking company knowingly pressures or incentivizes drivers to exceed legal limits—or fails to prevent known violations—it can be held liable. This type of corporate misconduct may also support a claim for punitive damages.
Yes. Any commercial motor vehicle (CMV) driver operating in interstate commerce or driving a truck over 10,001 pounds must comply with FMCSA Hours of Service regulations. This includes drivers operating within and across Ohio state lines.
Yes, but the FMCSA allows for a limited exception. In adverse conditions like snow or fog, drivers may extend their 11-hour driving limit and 14-hour duty window by up to 2 hours. However, this exception must be used safely and appropriately documented.
If a HOS violation leads to a fatal crash, the responsible parties—whether the driver, company, or both—may face civil lawsuits for wrongful death. Surviving family members can pursue compensation for funeral expenses, lost income, emotional loss, and more.
Proving that a truck driver or company violated HOS rules can make or break your claim after a truck crash.
At Ohio Truck Accident Help, our experienced truck accident attorneys know how to investigate HOS violations, secure black box, and logbook data, and hold negligent drivers and companies accountable. If fatigue played a role in your crash, we’re here to help you pursue the full compensation you deserve.