Truck Accidents in Pottsboro, TX

When a commercial truck is involved in an accident, the legal and regulatory issues are far more complex than in typical car crashes. In Pottsboro and throughout Texas, truck accident cases often involve both federal and state regulations that govern everything from driver qualifications to vehicle maintenance. Understanding how these rules apply and how violations can influence a personal injury claim is critical to pursuing fair compensation. 

At David K. Wilson & Associates, we have over 40 years of experience handling complex accident cases, including those involving 18-wheelers, delivery trucks, and other commercial vehicles. We know how to identify violations of trucking laws, hold negligent parties accountable, and build strong claims for our clients in North Texas. 

Areas of Federal Control: What the FMCSA Regulates 

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) sets and enforces safety standards for all commercial trucks that operate across state lines. These rules are designed to reduce the risk of accidents caused by driver fatigue, unsafe vehicles, or unqualified drivers. When trucking companies or drivers violate these regulations, they can be held liable in a personal injury or wrongful death case. 

Hours of Service (HOS) Regulations 

Truck drivers are legally limited in how long they can drive without resting. For example, under federal rules, drivers are generally limited to 11 hours of driving after 10 consecutive hours off duty. They also must take breaks and cannot exceed 60–70 hours of driving in a 7- or 8-day period. If a driver is fatigued or logs are falsified, it could directly contribute to a crash and strengthen your claim. 

Drug and Alcohol Testing 

FMCSA rules require mandatory drug and alcohol testing at several points: before hiring, randomly throughout the year, and after any serious accident. If a trucking company failed to test a driver or knowingly employed a driver with a failed test, it may be liable for gross negligence. 

Vehicle Weight and Load Limits 

Federal law sets strict weight limits for trucks traveling on interstate highways. A single-axle truck is limited to 20,000 pounds, while a tandem axle is limited to 34,000 pounds. Overweight vehicles are harder to control, take longer to stop, and can cause catastrophic injuries in the event of an accident. Improperly loaded or unsecured cargo can also shift in transit, causing rollovers or jackknifing accidents. 

Maintenance and Repairs 

Trucking companies are required to keep their vehicles in a safe working condition. This includes regular inspections and repairs of brakes, tires, steering components, lights, and coupling devices. If poor maintenance contributed to a crash, such as brake failure or tire blowout, the company may be held directly responsible. 

Areas of State Control in Texas 

While the FMCSA sets nationwide standards, individual states like Texas control other aspects of commercial trucking operations, mainly when trucks operate solely within state lines (called "intrastate commerce"). These areas of regulation can also influence your case. 

Commercial Driver’s Licenses (CDLs) 

Texas issues and regulates CDLs, which are required to operate most commercial vehicles. Drivers must meet medical, vision, and training standards. If the driver in your case was improperly licensed, or had a suspended CDL at the time of the crash, it may impact the outcome of your claim. 

Overweight and Oversized Permits 

The Texas Department of Motor Vehicles regulates overweight and oversize loads, which require special permits and may only operate on approved routes. Operating without the proper license or outside designated travel times is a violation that could show recklessness or negligence. 

Traffic Law Compliance 

Truck drivers are still subject to the same fundamental traffic laws as all drivers, including speed limits, right-of-way rules, and distracted driving laws. If the truck driver ran a red light, was texting behind the wheel, or was speeding, those violations could support your negligence claim. 

Investigating Violations of Trucking Regulations After a Crash 

After a trucking accident, a key part of the legal process is investigating whether any federal or state regulations were violated, and whether those violations contributed to the crash. At David K. Wilson & Associates, we know how to dig deep into these issues to uncover evidence that may not be immediately visible. 

We look for: 

• Driver logbooks and electronic logging device (ELD) data 
• Maintenance and inspection records 
• Drug and alcohol testing history 
• Weight tickets and load manifests 
• Employment and licensing records 
• Dashcam footage or surveillance video 
• Black box data from the truck itself 

Many of these records are held by the trucking company, and they are often reluctant to share them. That’s why it’s essential to act quickly. We use legal tools like subpoenas and spoliation letters to ensure that critical evidence is preserved and obtained before it disappears. 

When we find violations, whether it’s falsified driving hours, a history of failed inspections, or a pattern of negligent hiring, we use that information to build a robust liability case. Regulatory non-compliance can support claims of negligence, and in some cases, punitive damages may be available for especially reckless or willful conduct. 

Why This Matters for Your Truck Accident Claim 

Trucking cases are not just bigger in scale; they’re more complex in terms of liability. You may be dealing with: 

• A commercial driver   
• The trucking company 
• A third-party maintenance provider 
• A cargo loading crew 
• An equipment manufacturer 

Understanding and proving how trucking regulations were violated allows us to hold all responsible parties accountable, not just the driver behind the wheel. This can significantly increase the value of your claim and ensure you receive compensation for medical bills, lost income, pain and suffering, and other damages. 

Contact Us Today 

If you or a loved one has been injured in a truck accident in Pottsboro, Grayson County, or the surrounding areas, don’t trust the insurance company to tell you what your case is worth. Let our legal team investigate the full scope of liability, including violations of federal and state regulations, to make sure your rights are protected and your voice is heard. 

With more than 40 years of experience, David K. Wilson & Associates knows how to take on powerful trucking companies and their insurers, and win. 

Truck accident cases move fast, and critical evidence can be lost if you wait. Call David K. Wilson & Associates today for a free, confidential consultation. We’ll review your case, explain your legal options, and get to work protecting your future.