Changes to Trucking Regulations Could Make Proving Negligence Harder
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) is considering 18 rule changes that could reshape how the commercial trucking industry operates — and how serious truck crashes are investigated. These proposed revisions could directly impact victims of truck accidents in Indiana, particularly along heavily traveled highways such as I-69, I-469, and US-30.
For people hurt in an accident with an 18-wheeler, these federal changes could make it harder to uncover negligence and prove fault. That, in turn, could make it more difficult to recover the compensation victims deserve after being injured or losing a loved one in a serious truck accident.
What are the federal rule changes the FMCSA is proposing?
In May 2024, the FMCSA announced plans to either eliminate or revise 18 separate federal trucking regulations. Last month, the federal agency published the proposed changes and gave the public 60 days to submit comments on them, according to Freight Waves.
Some of the proposed changes to the FMCSA rules governing the commercial trucking industry include:
- Removing the requirement for truckers to carry an ELD manual in the cab.
- Eliminating the need for CDL drivers to report traffic violations to their home state (states now share this data electronically).
- No longer requiring spare fuses for truck components.
- Ending certification label rules for rear underride guards, which often fade or wear off over time.
- Dropping rules that require older trailers (built before 1993) to have retroreflective tape.
- Removing mentions of outdated equipment, such as liquid-burning flares.
- Phasing out the “vision waiver” grandfather rule, now replaced by updated vision standards.
Other rule changes would affect how drivers complete vehicle inspection reports, how roadside inspection forms are submitted to state agencies, and how FMCSA defines “medical treatments” for crash reporting purposes. All of these proposals could affect how crash investigations are conducted after a serious truck wreck in Indiana.
What are the most common FMCSA violations linked to truck accidents in Indiana?
Even before any of these changes take effect, certain violations of FMCSA rules are already known to cause serious or fatal crashes on Indiana roads. These violations often indicate more significant safety issues within trucking companies. According to recent data from the FMCSA and the Indiana State Police’s Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Division, some of the most common violations that contribute to truck accidents include:
- Hours-of-Service (HOS) violations – Truckers who drive too long without breaks risk falling asleep behind the wheel. Fatigue is one of the most dangerous — and most common — factors in truck crashes.
- Faulty brakes and unsafe equipment – Poor maintenance can lead to bald tires, defective brake systems, and other hazardous equipment failures. According to FMCSA inspection data, brake system violations are the most frequently cited issue during roadside inspections.
- Unqualified or poorly trained drivers – Driving an 80,000-pound commercial vehicle safely takes skill and training. FMCSA regulations require specific licenses and training; however, violations still occur, especially when companies cut corners.
- Improper cargo securement – Loads that shift or spill can cause trucks to overturn or jackknife. This is particularly dangerous on Indiana’s busy highways and rural roads.
- Distracted or impaired driving – Despite strict drug testing rules and bans on phone use behind the wheel, distracted and impaired truck drivers continue to cause preventable tragedies.
Any of these violations could play a central role in an Indiana truck accident. Weakening the federal rules or making violations more difficult to document would only make it more challenging for crash victims to obtain justice.
How common are commercial truck accidents in Indiana?
Indiana experiences thousands of crashes involving commercial motor vehicles annually. According to the FMCSA, there were 5,036 collisions involving large trucks in Indiana in 2024. That’s nearly 14 truck accidents per day across the state.
As a result of those Indiana truck accidents, 131 people died and 1,690 were injured last year. Causes of serious or fatal truck accidents vary, but common contributing factors involve truck driver negligence, including:
- Truck driver fatigue.
- Unsafe lane changes.
- Mechanical truck failures.
Indiana is a hub for cross-country freight, but this also means residents face a high risk of being involved in a crash with a large commercial truck. When that happens, you need a legal team that understands the complexities of federal and state trucking laws.
How could these rule changes impact your truck accident in Fort Wayne?
If the FMCSA’s proposed rules are implemented, trucking companies may face fewer reporting requirements. Investigations could become less transparent, and critical evidence might become harder to obtain.
For example, if a regulation that once required roadside inspection records is eliminated, your attorney may have a harder time proving the trucking company failed to maintain the vehicle. That’s why it’s more important than ever to work with a lawyer who knows how to investigate truck crashes in Indiana.
At Boughter Sinak, LLC, our Indiana truck accident lawyers thoroughly investigate to uncover the truth, whether that involves requesting logbooks, black box data, maintenance records, or driver history reports.
We fight for Indiana truck accident victims
Boughter Sinak, LLC built its reputation based on going toe-to-toe with big trucking companies and their insurers. We understand how Indiana and federal trucking laws intersect, and we know how to hold negligent drivers and companies accountable for their actions. Our case results demonstrate this, including a $12 million settlement in one truck accident case.
From the moment you meet with us, we start preserving evidence, investigating your claim, and protecting your rights. Our goal is straightforward: to secure the maximum compensation you are entitled to under Indiana law.
We handle truck accident cases on a contingency fee basis, which means you don’t pay us unless we win your case. Contact Boughter Sinak, LLC today to schedule your free consultation and find out how we can help you rebuild your life after a truck crash.
“Not only did you do a fantastic job handling my case, you offered confidence and peace of mind in a year that has challenged both of these virtues. The whole process was very comfortable and personal.” – Aaron B., ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐