Matthew Mincone | December 2, 2025 | Truck Accidents
Truck drivers play a crucial role in keeping Florida’s economy moving, but long hours on the road can be extremely hazardous. To reduce the risk of drowsy driving truck accidents, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) enforces strict Hours of Service (HOS) rules that limit how long drivers can stay on duty.
Learn more about how these regulations work below, as well as when to contact an attorney for help after being involved in a crash.
What Are the FMCSA’s Hours of Service Rules?
The Hours of Service regulations from the FMCSA establish limits on how long commercial truck drivers can drive and remain on duty before resting. These federal regulations apply to nearly all long-haul truckers operating across state lines, including those driving in and through Florida.
Key HOS requirements include:
- 11-Hour Driving Limit: Drivers can drive up to 11 hours after taking 10 consecutive hours off duty.
- 14-Hour Limit: Drivers cannot drive beyond the 14th consecutive hour after starting their shift, even if they took breaks.
- 30-Minute Break Requirement: After 8 cumulative hours of driving, a driver must take a break of at least 30 minutes.
- 60/70-Hour Weekly Limit: A driver may not drive after being on duty for 60 hours in 7 days or 70 hours in 8 days, depending on the employer’s schedule.
These rules are designed to ensure that drivers are well-rested and alert while operating massive commercial vehicles.
Why Do HOS Violations Occur?
Truck driver fatigue can have effects similar to alcohol or drug impairment, making it an extremely risky behavior.
Common reasons for HOS violations include:
- Pressure from trucking companies to meet delivery deadlines
- Financial incentives for driving longer hours
- Poor scheduling or route management
- Falsifying electronic logging device (ELD) data to hide extra driving time
When drivers ignore these requirements, a few seconds of inattention can cause catastrophic injuries or wrongful death.
How Violations Affect Tampa Truck Accident Claims
If you were injured in a truck accident in Tampa, proving that the truck driver violated federal HOS regulations can strengthen your personal injury claim. More specifically, a violation could serve as evidence of negligence, which is required in most cases.
Your attorney can investigate by reviewing things like driver logbooks, ELD data, and other available forms of proof. If the evidence shows that the driver and/or their employer disobeyed the law, both could be held liable for your damages.
Steps to Take After a Truck Accident in Tampa
If you’ve been involved in a truck accident, it’s important to act quickly to protect your rights.
Here’s what you should do:
- Call 911 to report the crash and ensure a police report is filed.
- Seek medical attention immediately, regardless of whether you have an obvious injury.
- Gather evidence at the scene, if possible, including photographs, videos, and eyewitness accounts.
- Avoid speaking with any insurance adjusters until you’ve talked to a lawyer.
Scheduling a free consultation with an experienced attorney as soon as possible is one of the best steps you can take after a serious accident.
Contact a Tampa Truck Accident Attorney at Mincone Personal Injury Lawyers for a Free Consultation
Truck accident cases involving HOS violations can be complex and difficult to win, but they can also be worth a lot of money. A skilled personal injury lawyer can uncover the truth and hold the responsible parties liable for all of your economic and non-economic damages.
If you were injured in a crash with a commercial truck, contact a Tampa truck accident attorney at Mincone Personal Injury Lawyers today for a free consultation. As most lawyers in this area of the law work for a contingency fee, they only get paid if they win compensation for you.
Contact our skilled car accident lawyers at Mincone Personal Injury Lawyers today at (813) 800-0810 for a free consultation with a Tampa personal injury attorney. We’re here to explain your options, protect your rights, and help you pursue the justice you deserve.
We proudly serve Hillsborough County and its surrounding areas:
Mincone Personal Injury Lawyers
1925 E 6th Ave Ste 10
Tampa, FL 33605
(813) 800-0810
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About The Author
Attorney Matthew Mincone is the founder of Mincone Personal Injury Lawyers. He earned his law degree while attending night programs in New York and is licensed to practice in Florida. With over 15 years of legal experience, Matthew focuses on personal injury cases, including motor vehicle accidents involving cars, commercial trucks, and motorcycles. His commitment to personally handling each case ensures clients receive dedicated representation. Click here to view some of the remarkable case results that Matthew has successfully achieved.
Location: Tampa, FL
