Safety Equipment Changes May Leave Truck Wreck Victims More Vulnerable

How changes to federal regulations could impact truck accident claims

The trucking industry moves fast. Regulations, however, often do not. But recently, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) shook things up with a slate of 18 proposed rule changes. Each was designed to ease paperwork, modernize outdated policies, and help the people behind the wheel and in the office keep up with the times.

These proposals are not law yet, but they’re on the table, and they could have serious implications, including leaving crash victims vulnerable in truck accidents. Here’s what you need to know.

What changes are coming to truck accident reporting?

One of the more significant proposed changes is how the FMCSA defines “medical treatment” after a truck accident. Currently, if a driver or passenger undergoes an X-ray or CT scan (even if it's just to rule out an injury), it’s considered “medical treatment.” That makes the crash reportable. But in many cases, these scans are purely precautionary. They don’t reflect an actual injury, yet they inflate a carrier’s safety record and possibly increase insurance costs or litigation exposure.

Under the new proposal, that changes. Medical imaging alone does not constitute “treatment.” Instead, a crash will only be reportable if there’s a diagnosed injury that actually receives treatment, such as stitches, surgery, or physical therapy.

Imagine a collision that sends a driver or passenger to the hospital for a CT scan. The scan comes back clear, so under the proposed rule, the incident isn’t considered “treatment” and doesn’t have to be reported. But that crash still happened. It may have involved distracted driving, poor braking, excessive speed, or a fatigued operator.

If it’s not documented, regulators and insurance companies have no record of it. That means there’s no red flag to watch for patterns of behavior that could lead to something worse. This change could effectively hide warning signs from view.

Self-reporting is going away

CDL holders have long been required to notify their state licensing agency of any traffic convictions, even if the violation occurred out of state. It’s a duplicative process. The courts already report convictions, but drivers were still required to self-report. This can create confusion and a compliance trap for even the most well-meaning professionals.

However, that’s about to change. The FMCSA now sees self-reporting as redundant. While electronic state databases are more efficient and consistent, they also concentrate control. If there is a technical delay or if a violation is entered incorrectly or not at all, a driver with a serious offense may continue driving without scrutiny. In that window of time, a driver who should be pulled off the road might still be hauling a full load down a crowded interstate.

CDL exemptions are expanding for military personnel

This is one of those changes that feels long overdue. Currently, active-duty military personnel are eligible for certain CDL exemptions. But dual-status military technicians are excluded, even if they perform the same driving duties.

The FMCSA’s proposed fix will extend those same exemptions to dual-status technicians. These individuals operate commercial vehicles for military purposes. Their roles blur the lines between civilian and military work, and their training and experience often match or exceed those of full-time soldiers.

Drivers no longer need to carry a physical ELD manual

Under current regulations, drivers are required to carry a printed ELD (Electronic Logging Device) user manual in their cab. Now, the FMCSA is proposing to allow electronic versions of the manual, stored on a phone, tablet, or online dashboard.

Drivers still need to understand how to use the ELD. But they won’t be penalized for a missing piece of paper if they can access the instructions electronically.

However, this proposal assumes a level of digital fluency and access that not every driver has, especially under stress. What happens if a driver is stopped during an inspection and can’t quickly access the digital manual? Or if there’s no signal? Or if the file is buried in an unfamiliar app? In the best-case scenario, it’s a minor delay. At worst, it’s a misunderstanding that puts a driver at odds with an inspector or leads to incorrect operation of a critical piece of equipment.

Hurt in a truck accident? Get a skilled East Texas lawyer who knows how to hold trucking companies accountable.

Regulatory changes may reshape the rules, but they don’t erase the damage done when someone gets hurt in a serious truck crash.

If you were hurt in a truck accident in Texas, don’t hesitate to speak with a lawyer who knows what’s at stake, what rules apply, and how to fight back. Attorney Jeff Weinstein of Weinstein Law has been advocating for injured Texans for over two decades.

As proposed, FMCSA changes threaten to make crash reporting less transparent and accountability harder to pin down; victims need a strong advocate more than ever. Jeff doesn’t back down from trucking companies or their insurance providers. He builds cases that get results, and he’s ready to stand by your side.

Based in Athens, we proudly serve Henderson County and surrounding communities across East Texas. If you’ve been injured in a truck wreck involving an 18-wheeler or commercial vehicle, contact us online or call our law office today to schedule a free consultation.

"Jeff is the best at what he does. From my initial call to help to the end result of my case, I couldn't have asked for a better experience. He is honest and trustworthy, and does what he says he is going to do. Simply the best." – Chris, ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐