Missouri Trucking Laws Every Crash Victim Should Know

Collisions with commercial trucks are among the most devastating accidents on Missouri roads. The size and weight of these vehicles mean that even low-speed crashes can cause life-altering injuries. If you’ve been hit by a semi-truck, dump truck, or delivery vehicle, you’re not just dealing with a bigger vehicle—you’re dealing with a more complex set of legal rules. Trucking laws in Missouri and under federal regulation create a web of responsibilities that can directly affect your claim.

Understanding how trucking regulations apply to your situation can be the key to recovering full compensation. From hours-of-service violations to maintenance failures and employer liability, these laws govern everything from how long a driver can stay on the road to what kind of training they need. The attorneys at the Drafahl Law Firm have extensive experience in dealing with these regulations and can help you uncover every angle of liability to strengthen your case.

Missouri Adheres to Federal Motor Carrier Safety Rules

Trucking companies operating in Missouri are bound by both state regulations and the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSRs), which set national safety standards for commercial vehicles. These rules govern nearly every aspect of trucking—from how long a driver can be on the road to how vehicles are inspected and maintained.

If a trucker or company involved in your accident violated these rules, that violation can be used to establish fault. Your legal team will evaluate driver logs, inspection records, and training protocols to determine if noncompliance played a role. Holding trucking companies to these standards is one of the most effective ways to build a strong case.

Hours-of-Service Laws Limit How Long Truckers Can Drive

Driver fatigue is a serious concern in commercial trucking, and Missouri follows federal hours-of-service laws to combat it. These regulations limit truckers to 11 hours of driving after 10 consecutive hours off duty and cap total work hours to 60–70 over a 7–8 day period.

When a fatigued driver causes a crash, electronic logbooks and dispatch records can help prove they exceeded those legal limits. Fatigue doesn’t leave skid marks, but it often shows up in digital footprints. If you were injured by a driver who shouldn’t have been behind the wheel, that violation may be central to your case.

Truck Maintenance and Inspection Requirements Are Strict

Every commercial truck on Missouri roads is required to undergo routine maintenance and safety inspections. This includes daily checks by the driver and more thorough periodic inspections to catch issues like brake failure, worn tires, or faulty lights.

Failure to keep a vehicle in safe working condition is a major breach of the law—and a significant contributor to many truck crashes. Your attorney can investigate service records, mechanic reports, and roadside inspection history to determine whether neglect or cost-cutting contributed to your injuries.

Commercial Driver License (CDL) Standards Must Be Met

Not everyone can drive an 80,000-pound truck. In Missouri, commercial drivers must hold a valid Commercial Driver License (CDL), which requires passing tests, obtaining endorsements, and meeting medical clearances. Federal law imposes additional requirements for drivers who handle hazardous materials or operate specialized equipment.

If a truck driver lacks the proper licensing or isn’t qualified for the vehicle or cargo they are transporting, the employer may be held liable for negligent hiring. These failures indicate that the risk began long before the crash and often highlight systemic issues within the company’s operations.

Weight Limits and Cargo Securement Laws Are Crucial

Trucks are subject to weight restrictions to protect both road safety and infrastructure. In Missouri, exceeding gross vehicle weight limits or failing to secure cargo properly can result in dangerous load shifts, rollovers, or flying debris—all of which can cause serious accidents.

In a crash involving cargo or suspected overloading, attorneys often investigate weigh station logs, manifests, and tie-down protocols. If it turns out that the truck was illegally loaded or improperly secured, that fact could shift liability not just to the driver but also to the shipper or cargo handler.

Black Boxes and Electronic Logs Can Reveal the Truth

Modern commercial trucks often include onboard data recorders—also known as black boxes—that capture valuable information about speed, braking, and steering during the moments leading up to a crash. These digital records can provide objective, time-stamped evidence of what actually happened.

In the aftermath of a truck accident, it’s critical that this data be preserved quickly. Trucking companies may only keep it for a short time. A skilled legal team will send a spoliation letter to ensure vital evidence isn’t deleted, helping you establish the facts and avoid relying solely on conflicting eyewitness accounts.

Multiple Parties May Share Legal Responsibility

Unlike a simple fender bender between two cars, a trucking accident can involve several responsible entities. The driver, the company that employs them, the company that owns the truck, the cargo loader, or even third-party maintenance providers may each bear part of the blame.

Identifying all liable parties is essential to recovering full damages, especially in high-cost cases involving hospitalization, surgery, or long-term care. With so many moving parts, these claims require detailed investigation and legal experience to ensure no stone is left unturned.

Legal Representation Is Critical After a Truck Crash

Missouri truck accident claims are complex and often aggressively defended by large trucking companies and their insurers. These entities have legal teams on standby and are quick to minimize or deny valid claims. Without your representation, you risk being outmaneuvered or undercompensated.

An experienced truck accident attorney knows how to gather evidence, interpret trucking laws, and build a case that stands up to corporate scrutiny. If you’ve been injured in a trucking accident in Missouri, having a trusted firm ensures you’re not just another file on someone’s desk—you’re a person whose rights and future matter.