I-35 NAFTA Corridor Truck Crash Lawyer: HOS Violations Along the Shipping Route
Commercial motor vehicle (CMV) drivers and carriers must comply with safety standards enforced by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), including Hours of Service (HOS) rules outlined in 49 CFR Part 395. These rules are designed to reduce fatigue, improve road safety, and ensure responsible operations across the industry.
HOS rules have been developed by the federal government for a reason: To prevent devastating accidents involving trucks. These accidents often stem from negligence or poor judgment. These mistakes are exacerbated when a driver is tired or has driven too many hours. These preventable errors directly determine who can be held accountable for the resulting injuries and losses.
Stephens Law focuses extensively on trucking accident cases and has vast experience navigating these issues. Stephens Law obtained two of the Top 5 Trucking Settlements in all of Texas ($65.5M and $57.5M) while also securing the largest known truck accident settlement in Tarrant County history. This is in addition to all our other record-setting results – all of which are publicly verified and substantiated.
Jason Stephens at Stephens Law is recognized as an elite, national trial and truck accident lawyer:
- American College of Trial Lawyers (Fewer than 1% of Trial Lawyers in United States)
- Top 10 Trucking Trial Lawyer (2023—present)
- Top 100 Trial Lawyer, The National Trial Lawyers Association (2011—present)
- Top 100 Super Lawyer in Texas (2025—present)
- Top 100 Super Lawyer in Dallas/Fort Worth (2017, 2018, 2024—present)
- Texas Super Lawyer—23 Consecutive Years (2004—present)
Call Stephens Law, your Texas truck accident lawyer, at 817-420-7000 or contact us online for a 24/7 Free Case Review.
What are Hours of Service (HOS) Violations?
HOS regulations are designed to prevent driver fatigue and reduce the risk of accidents caused by overworked commercial drivers. These rules apply to most truck drivers. The federal HOS rules are complex. Some of the most important limitations include:
- 11-Hour Driving Limit – Drivers may drive a maximum of 11 hours after taking 10 consecutive hours off duty
- 14-Hour On-Duty Limit – Drivers cannot drive beyond the 14th hour after starting their duty shift, including breaks and non-driving time
- 30-Minute Break Rule – Drivers must take a break of at least 30 minutes after driving for 8 consecutive hours
- 60/70-Hour Limit – Drivers cannot exceed 60 hours on duty over seven consecutive days or 70 hours over eight consecutive days
HOS violations are a major FMCSA enforcement priority, especially on high‑traffic freight corridors like the I‑35 NAFTA shipping route, where long‑haul operations are common. These violations lead to driver fatigue, poor scheduling, or compliance gaps, and they carry significant safety and legal consequences.
What Are the Penalties for an HOS Violation?
HOS violations can lead to significant penalties. The current maximum penalty for an HOS violation is $19,246 per violation for trucking companies and $4,812 per violation for drivers, under Appendix B to 49 CFR 386. These amounts reflect the February 2026 inflation adjustment and represent the highest HOS civil penalties FMCSA has issued to date. Knowing falsification of HOS records carries a separate maximum of $15,846 per entry.
These penalties are not theoretical. FMCSA assesses penalties based on factors including the gravity of the violation, the violator’s prior history, and whether good-faith compliance was attempted. Each day a violation continues, and each separate instance of a violation can constitute a separate offense.
Why Are HOS Rules So Important on I-35?
Interstate 35 is one of the busiest and most dangerous freight corridors in the U.S., running from Laredo, Texas, to Duluth, Minnesota. It carries tens of thousands of trucks daily, making it a high‑risk environment for commercial vehicle accidents. I-35 is congested with a mix of commercial trucks and passenger vehicles. Navigating this heavy traffic safely requires patience and skill.
HOS violations and consequent trucking accidents often occur on I-35 due to:
- Long‑distance, high‑volume freight – The corridor moves large volumes of goods between the U.S. and Mexico, often requiring multi‑day drives with limited rest stops.
- Adverse driving conditions – Extended hours in hot, humid, or high‑traffic zones can accelerate fatigue, increasing the risk of overdriving.
- Intermodal and mixed cargo – Trucks may be delayed at ports or terminals, leading to extended on‑duty time without adequate rest.
How Do HOS Violations Cause Accidents?
The most frequent cause of truck accidents is preventable human errors, including distraction, fatigue, speeding, impairment, and inadequate vehicle inspections. These occur even more often when a driver has not abided by HOS rules, and studies have shown that accidents dramatically increase when rules are broken.
How Are HOS Violations Detected After An Accident Has Occurred?
For years, drivers used paper logs, which were easy to alter. Now, most commercial trucks are equipped with Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs). These devices connect directly to the truck’s engine and automatically record driving time, providing an objective and reliable record of a driver’s activity. This data is invaluable in a personal injury claim, as it can definitively prove when a driver violated HOS regulations.
Evidence from the truck’s ELD or “black box” is crucial. It provides objective data on speed, braking, and hours of service that can directly contradict a driver’s story. While a driver’s actions may be the direct cause of a crash, the trucking company is often liable.
A thorough investigation is essential to uncover all contributing factors. A truck accident attorney can help preserve evidence, consult with experts, and build a case that identifies every party whose negligence led to the accident.
How Our Fort Worth Truck Accident Lawyers Can Help You After Your Crash
Proving a driver was distracted requires a prompt and thorough investigation. Evidence may come from various sources, including the driver’s own cell phone records, which can show call, text, or data usage at the moment of impact. Eyewitness testimony, dashcam footage, and data from in-cab monitoring systems can also be powerful tools for establishing negligence.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Hours of Service (HOS) rules and why are they important?
HOS rules are designed to prevent driver fatigue and reduce the risk of accidents caused by overworked commercial drivers. They limit the number of hours a driver can operate a truck, and violations of these rules can have serious consequences. They are important because it has been proven that drivers who operate a truck while fatigued are much more likely to cause an accident.
Why are HOS violations common on I‑35?
While there are a multitude of reasons that accidents occur, these are some common themes:
- Long‑haul distances and multi‑day schedules make it easy to approach or exceed HOS limits
- Delivery pressure and traffic delays can push drivers past the 11‑hour or 14‑hour limits
- ELD data gaps or log edits can mask violations during roadside checks
What are the penalties for HOS violations?
The most common penalties are:
- Civil money penalties up to approximately $19,000
- Out-of-service orders that can immobilize a truck until remediation is completed
- CSA score downgrades, which can affect a trucking company’s insurance rates and enforcement profile
What is the statute of limitations in Texas for a truck accident?
2 years is the truck accident statute of limitations in Texas – starting the day of the crash. Exceptions exist for minors, incapacitated individuals, and cases involving government vehicles.
What should I do if a trucking company offers a quick settlement after an accident?
Quick settlement offers are often designed to minimize the amount paid to victims. Accepting such an offer may prevent you from pursuing the full compensation you deserve. Stephens Law can review the offer, assess the true value of your claim, and negotiate on your behalf to ensure your family’s rights are protected.
How do you determine if the driver or the trucking company is at fault for an accident?
In many cases, both the driver and the company share responsibility. The driver is responsible for their direct actions, while the company may be liable for negligent hiring, inadequate training, or pressuring the driver to violate safety rules, such as HOS regulations. A thorough investigation is needed to identify all liable parties.
Can a truck driver be at fault even if they didn’t directly hit my car?
Yes. A truck driver can cause an accident without making physical contact. For example, if a driver makes an improper lane change and forces you off the road or into another vehicle to avoid a collision, they may still be held legally responsible for your injuries and damages. This is sometimes called a “no-contact” accident.
Why is it so important to contact an attorney quickly after a truck accident?
Acting quickly is crucial because evidence can disappear. Trucking companies may repair the truck, and electronic data showing HOS violations can be overwritten. An attorney can send a spoliation letter immediately to legally demand that the company preserve all relevant evidence, including the truck itself and all electronic data, for inspection and review.
How much does it cost to hire Stephens Law?
We handle personal injury cases on a contingency fee basis. This means you pay no upfront costs or attorney fees. We only get paid if we win your case and secure a financial recovery for you.
Get the Help Your Family Needs
When a truck driver’s carelessness causes serious harm, you have the right to seek answers and accountability. The legal process can be overwhelming, but you do not have to navigate it alone.
The team at Stephens Law understands the profound challenges you are facing and is here to provide the guidance and support you need. We are in Fort Worth and proudly serve clients throughout Texas.
Call us today at 817-420-7000 or contact us online to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation.