US FederalCan a trucking company be held liable if its driver causes an accident due to fatigue?
Yes, a trucking company can be held liable if its driver causes an accident due to fatigue, because federal law holds carriers responsible for ensuring drivers comply with hours-of-service rules designed to prevent fatigue-related crashes.
What the Law Says
Federal law establishes that motor carriers have a non-delegable duty to ensure their drivers operate safely — including preventing fatigue. While 49 U.S.C. § 31101 itself is a definitions section, it anchors the broader regulatory framework enforced by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), which implements binding hours-of-service (HOS) rules under 49 U.S.C. Chapter 311. These rules are directly tied to the statutory purpose of 'reducing commercial motor vehicle accidents caused by driver fatigue.'
Although 49 U.S.C. § 31101 does not set operational rules itself, it defines key terms like 'commercial motor vehicle,' 'motor carrier,' and 'driver' — forming the legal foundation for all FMCSA safety regulations, including those governing fatigue. The statute states: 'The term “commercial motor vehicle” means a motor vehicle or combination of motor vehicles used in commerce to transport passengers or property if the vehicle— (A) has a gross vehicle weight rating or gross combination weight rating, or gross vehicle weight or gross combination weight, of 10,001 pounds or more; (B) is designed or used to transport more than 8 passengers (including the driver) for compensation; (C) is designed or used to transport more than 15 passengers (including the driver) and is not used to transport passengers for compensation; or (D) is used in transporting hazardous materials in a quantity requiring placarding under regulations prescribed by the Secretary.'
Crucially, courts and agencies treat the carrier’s duty to monitor and enforce compliance with HOS rules as inherent in the statutory scheme. Violations — such as allowing a driver to exceed the 11-hour daily driving limit or fail to take required 10-hour off-duty periods — may support negligence per se or vicarious liability claims against the company.
Statutory TextThe term “commercial motor vehicle” means a motor vehicle or combination of motor vehicles used in commerce to transport passengers or property if the vehicle— (A) has a gross vehicle weight rating or gross combination weight rating, or gross vehicle weight or gross combination weight, of 10,001 pounds or more; (B) is designed or used to transport more than 8 passengers (including the driver) for compensation; (C) is designed or used to transport more than 15 passengers (including the driver) and is not used to transport passengers for compensation; or (D) is used in transporting hazardous materials in a quantity requiring placarding under regulations prescribed by the Secretary.
— 49 U.S.C. § 31101 — Definitions
What to Do
Review the driver’s electronic logging device (ELD) records for HOS violations before and during the trip.
Preserve all dispatch logs, training records, and communications showing carrier knowledge or control over scheduling.
Determine whether the carrier pressured the driver to violate rest requirements or ignored prior fatigue complaints.
Consult an attorney experienced in trucking liability to assess negligence per se, negligent hiring, or retention claims.
File a claim promptly — most states impose strict statutes of limitations (often 2–3 years) for personal injury lawsuits.
Sources
Not legal advice. This article is general information based on publicly available sources, written for educational purposes. Laws change and individual situations vary. Consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction before acting on anything you read here. Last reviewed: 2026-06-08.