csm@lawrank.com | May 26, 2025 | Truck Accidents near McAllen, TX
Understanding interstate vs. intrastate trucking matters for drivers, companies, and accident victims. These distinctions impact how trucks work and which laws apply in accidents. Interstate vs. intrastate trucking can affect your legal rights and the claims process.
What Is Interstate Trucking?
Interstate trucking is when goods or passengers are moved across state lines or into other countries. This trucking must follow federal rules. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) mainly oversees these regulations.
Common characteristics of interstate trucking include:
- Crossing state boundaries during the delivery route
- Hauling loads that originate from or are destined for another state or country
- Operating under the authority of the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT)
Interstate carriers operate across state lines, so they must follow federal laws. These include hours-of-service rules, driver qualification standards, and vehicle maintenance requirements. These laws are designed to promote safety on a national scale.
What Is Intrastate Trucking?
Intrastate trucking means moving goods or people within one state only. In Texas, intrastate carriers do not cross state lines during their routes.
Some key features of intrastate trucking include:
- Operating solely within Texas borders
- Transporting goods that both originate and are delivered within the state
- Following Texas-specific regulations set by the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (TxDMV)
Intrastate carriers don’t have to follow some federal rules. However, they must still obey state laws about insurance, licensing, and safety standards. The regulations for intrastate trucking are generally less strict than those for interstate carriers.
Why Does the Difference Matter in Accident Cases?
When a truck accident happens, it’s key to know if the truck was in interstate or intrastate commerce. This choice affects which laws apply to the case.
This distinction can influence:
- Insurance requirements: Interstate carriers need to meet higher federal insurance minimums. Intrastate carriers follow state insurance rules.
- Safety regulations: Interstate carriers must follow FMCSA safety rules. Intrastate carriers stick to Texas-specific standards.
- Liability issues: Federal laws can add obligations for interstate carriers. These rules don’t apply to intrastate carriers. This impacts claims for negligence or liability.
The type of trucking operation affects your case’s strength and the compensation you could get.
How to Determine if a Truck Was Interstate or Intrastate
If you’re not sure if the truck in your accident was driving interstate or intrastate, you can look into it in a few ways:
- Check shipping documents: Bills of lading and freight invoices show if goods crossed state lines.
- Check DOT numbers: Interstate carriers need a USDOT number. Intrastate carriers might show a Texas DOT number or no federal number.
- Check company records: Websites or business filings can show how trucking companies operate.
Accident victims and their lawyers often team up with experts or investigators. They gather information to build a strong case.
Common Causes of Truck Accidents in McAllen, TX
Whether a truck operates interstate or intrastate, many of the common causes of accidents remain the same.
In McAllen and throughout Texas, frequent causes include:
- Driver fatigue due to long hours on the road
- Speeding or reckless driving, especially on rural or congested roads
- Improper vehicle maintenance, including brake failures or tire blowouts
- Overloaded or improperly secured cargo, leading to rollovers or spills
- Distracted driving, such as texting or using a phone while operating the vehicle
No matter the type of trucking, these factors can cause serious crashes. They may result in catastrophic injuries or even fatalities.
Legal Options for Victims of Truck Accidents
If you or a loved one has been injured in a truck accident in McAllen, you may have the right to pursue compensation through a personal injury claim. Your case may involve state courts, federal courts, or both. This depends on whether the truck was in interstate or intrastate commerce.
Victims may be entitled to recover damages such as:
- Medical expenses for emergency care, surgeries, and rehabilitation
- Lost wages and diminished earning capacity
- Pain and suffering caused by physical and emotional trauma
- Property damage for vehicle repairs or replacement
An experienced truck accident lawyer can protect your rights. They help you get the maximum compensation allowed by law.
A Personal Injury Lawyer Can Help With an Interstate or Intrastate Truck Accident Claim
Knowing the rules of interstate and intrastate trucking is key to filing claims after a truck accident in McAllen, Texas. This distinction impacts liability, insurance coverage, and the legal process. If you’ve been hurt in a trucking accident, reach out to a skilled personal injury attorney. They can explain your choices and safeguard your rights under Texas and federal law.
Contact Truck Accident Law Firm of The Law Office of Lino H. Ochoa in McAllen, TX
For more information, contact the McAllen, TX truck accident law firm of The Law Office of Lino H. Ochoa to schedule a free initial consultation.
We serve Hidalgo County and its surrounding areas:
The Law Office of Lino H. Ochoa
6316 N 10th St Building D, Suite 102
McAllen, Texas, 78504
(956) 815-0055
Hours: Monday to Friday,
from 8 am – 5 pm