How new trucking rules could shift legal responsibility after a wreck
In May 2025, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) introduced a sweeping set of proposed changes to federal trucking regulations.
Aimed at modernizing and streamlining the industry, these 18 rule revisions are poised to reshape how accidents involving commercial trucks are recorded, reported, and potentially litigated. While many of these changes seek to reduce paperwork and improve efficiency, they may also have implications for liability in truck accident cases, especially here in Connecticut.
What are the proposed FMCSA changes?
Several key changes could directly affect how trucking companies and drivers handle regulatory compliance:
- Redefined “medical treatment” in accident reporting: Only treatment for diagnosed injuries will count as "medical treatment" under accident reporting standards. Diagnostic imaging, like X-rays or CT scans, will no longer make an accident “reportable.”
- No more self-reporting of violations: CDL holders will no longer need to self-report traffic violations to their home states, as states now share this data electronically.
- CDL exemptions for military technicians: Dual-status military technicians may be exempted from standard CDL requirements, similar to active-duty personnel.
- Reduced paperwork for vehicle inspections: Carriers may no longer be required to return signed roadside inspection reports, unless specifically mandated by a state.
- ELD manual no longer required in cabs: Physical operator manuals for electronic logging devices (ELDs) are no longer required to be kept in the cab. Digital copies will suffice.
What is the impact on truck accident liability?
While these rule changes might sound technical or administrative, they could significantly influence how liability is assessed in truck accident lawsuits:
- Impact on evidence gathering: If fewer accidents are formally reported due to a narrower definition of "medical treatment," victims may face challenges when attempting to prove that an incident was serious. This could limit access to FMCSA records and official data that might otherwise support a personal injury claim.
- Reduced paper trail may obscure accountability: Removing requirements for self-reporting and signed inspection forms could make it harder to track driver violations and vehicle maintenance issues. For injured parties, these documents often play a critical role in demonstrating negligence or regulatory noncompliance.
- More complexity in driver qualification cases: Changes in CDL exemption rules for military personnel could lead to disputes over whether a driver was properly licensed or trained. This is especially important when an accident involves a driver operating under one of these new exemptions.
- Increased burden on victims’ attorneys: With fewer mandatory reports and records, attorneys representing accident victims may need to work harder to uncover evidence through discovery, expert witnesses, or accident reconstruction specialists. Defense attorneys may argue that the absence of formal documentation means the incident was minor or not caused by the carrier.
What Connecticut injury victims need to know
If you or a loved one has been injured in a Connecticut truck accident, don’t assume that a lack of paperwork means your case isn’t valid. Trucking companies and drivers are still required to operate safely and maintain up-to-date compliance with federal and state laws. Our attorneys at the Law Offices of Mark E. Salomone & Morelli will thoroughly investigate your case, regardless of changes to FMCSA reporting standards.
We have the experience and resources to uncover hidden records, question company practices, and hold negligent drivers and carriers accountable.
Truck accidents can be devastating, and navigating regulatory changes shouldn’t be your burden. If you’ve been hurt in a collision involving a commercial vehicle, contact the Law Offices of Mark E. Salomone & Morelli today. We fight for the compensation you deserve, no matter how the rules change.
"I was hit and then completely run over by a van driving at about 40 mph. Within that first week, Mr. Morelli came to see me at the hospital. I literally didn't have to do anything. Three months later, they already had a settlement for me. These guys are awesome." — M.M., ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐