Top 7 FMCSA Violations in Texas That Supercharge 18-Wheeler Claims

Every day on Texas highways, lives are upended by catastrophic 18‑wheeler crashes. We at Bandas Law Firm have seen the aftermath, the physical trauma, financial ruin, and emotional toll on families. 

When negligence is involved, the path to justice can be a lifeline. That is why understanding the top FMCSA (Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration) violations empowers accident victims to build stronger claims. 

As your reliable truck accident lawyer in Corpus Christi, we guide you through this critical information because when insurance companies fight back, we fight harder for you.

Who we are and why this matters

We are Bandas Law Firm, based in Corpus Christi, TX. Led by Managing Partner Christopher Bandas, a native Texan with extensive experience in both defending and litigating claims, we understand how big corporations and insurance carriers operate. We have fought for the “little guy”—those hurt by negligent 18‑wheelers, oil‑field mistakes, or deceptive insurance tactics. 

With our firm, you never pay until we win or settle your case. We speak your language, offering services in both English and Spanish. When your world has been shattered by a crash, we stand ready 24/7, with caring hands and trusted counsel. We also have a proven record of securing multimillion-dollar recoveries, including settlements of over $2 million and $1.5 million in truck accident cases.

Now, let us break down the Top 7 FMCSA Violations in Texas that make 18‑wheeler claims powerful and how we channel them to deliver justice.

1. Hours‑of‑Service (HOS) Violations

Texas drivers pushing beyond allowed HOS limits create a recipe for disaster. Fatigue dulls reaction time, and even a brief moment of drowsiness behind the wheel can cause devastation. 

If a trucker drove more hours than permitted, failed to log rest breaks, or falsified records, that is a golden line of evidence we exploit. As your truck accident lawyer in Corpus Christi, we dig deep, seeking electronic logs, internal dispatch records, and testimony to prove HOS violations and bolster liability.

2. Driving with a Non‑Functioning or Missing ELD (Electronic Logging Device)

ELDs are more than gadgets. They are silent guardians ensuring compliance with HOS rules. When a trucker disables or fails to use an ELD, vital hours remain untracked and may be considered potentially illegal. 

Our team locates the truck’s event data, examines the maintenance logs, and determines whether an ELD has been tampered with. That kind of evidence amplifies credibility and liability in your claim.

3. Overweight or Improperly Loaded Cargo

Each 18‑wheeler must meet weight limits and secure its load to protect everyone on the road. Overweight rigs or improper loading (such as shifting cargo, unbalanced weight, or unsecured freight) can cause rollovers, jackknifing, or loss of control. 

We work with accident reconstruction experts to measure loads, review weigh-in records, and prove violations, turning that oversight into powerful evidence.

4. Failure to Conduct or Document Proper Inspection/Maintenance

The FMCSA requires routine inspection and maintenance of brake systems, tires, steering, and other components. When carriers skip these protocols or keep poor documentation, that is negligence in plain sight. 

By scrutinizing inspection logs, repair orders, and driver interview records, we identify gaps that highlight a broken maintenance regime and incorporate them into your claim.

5. Operating Without a Valid CDL or Required Endorsements

The driver behind the wheel matters. In Texas, not having a valid CDL for the vehicle type or lacking endorsements for hazardous loads is a red flag. We verify license credentials, certifications, and training compliance to ensure accuracy and adherence to standards. If invalid, that strengthens your case and hammers down legal responsibility.

6. DUI or Impairment Violations (Alcohol or Drugs)

Impaired driving behind the wheel of an 18‑wheeler is unforgivable. Whether it is alcohol, prescription medication, or illicit drugs, DUI or impairment gives us not just a strong liability case, but also immeasurable emotional resonance. 

We obtain toxicology reports, arrest records, and use those violations to underscore both moral and legal responsibility.

7. Logbook or Records Violations (False Entries or Missing Logs)

FMCSA requires accurate logbooks. When carriers alter entries or omit days, that is not just a violation; it is a form of deception. Through subpoenas, witnesses, and expert testimony, we reveal inconsistencies and crafted stories that insurance companies rely upon. Exposing a logbook violation often fractures their defense entirely.

How we make these violations work for you

When you partner with us, your personal injury advocates in Corpus Christi, TX, we transform violations into compelling legal narratives:

• We conduct meticulous investigations, collecting ELD logs, weigh‑station data, accident reports, inspection records, and driver files.
• We connect violations to the crash: fatigue from HOS, impaired judgment from DUI, and instability from overweight loads.
• We craft audio‑visual storytelling with reconstruction experts, diagrams, and X-ray evidence, bringing the crash and violations to life.
• We counteract insurance company obfuscation by promoting transparency and advocating for accountability, leveraging our firm’s experience in defense litigation strategies to outmaneuver their tactics.

The emotional core: you are not just statistics

We remember that behind every FMCSA violation is a devastating human story—loss of mobility, mounting hospital bills, shattered families, dreams cut short. When we stand with you, we are both your voice and your shield.

We recently helped a family devastated by an 18-wheeler rollover that was overweight. By proving cargo violations and faulty maintenance, we secured a life‑changing settlement that ensured their child’s future. 

That is what we do. As your law firm, we leverage FMCSA violations not just for justice, but for healing.

Why choosing us matters

• We are your trustworthy advocates in Corpus Christi, TX—always available, always returning your call, offering car or home visits if needed.
• You benefit from zero out‑of‑pocket legal expenses—we advance the costs, and you pay nothing unless we win.
• You gain experience and insight—with Chris Bandas’s background in defending against powerful corporations, we know their playbook and how to beat it.
• You gain compassionate counsel—we treat your case like family, listen to you, and guide you through every step.

We Help Protect Your Rights

If an 18‑wheeler crash has changed your life, FMCSA violations may be the key to unlocking the full justice and compensation you deserve. We are more than a truck accident lawyer in Corpus Christi—we are your personal injury attorney, your support system, and your fierce protector. At Bandas Law Firm, we turn violations into vindication, pain into power, and tragedy into transformation.

Reach out for a free consultation. Let us help you turn the weight of injustice into the victory that brings real healing to your life.