When a massive commercial truck collides with your vehicle, you expect the trucking company to be properly licensed and insured but what happens when they’re not? Unauthorized truck carriers operate outside the law, skirting federal safety requirements and leaving victims without the protections they deserve. Contact our Milwaukee truck accident lawyers today if you need legal help. If you’ve been injured by an illegal operator, here’s what you need to know.
How Are Truck Carriers Authorized in the United States?
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) establishes strict requirements for trucking companies that transport goods or passengers for payment. To operate legally as a for-hire carrier, a trucking company must first register with the FMCSA and obtain a USDOT number, which identifies the company and its commercial vehicles. Next, the business must secure an MC number, or the permit that allows interstate transportation of cargo or passengers.
The FMCSA recognizes several types of operating authority for authorized carriers, such as:
- Motor Carrier Property (Except for Household Goods), which transports all items except personal household belongings
- Motor Carrier of Household Goods, which handles moveable personal items intended for home use
- Broker of Property (Except for Household Goods), which coordinates the transport of non-household property
- Broker of Household Goods, which arranges household item transportation
Without proper authorization, a company operates as a private carrier. They are legally permitted only to transport their own property and personnel, but never goods or passengers for hire. There are some exemptions, but they are specific and limited.
Unauthorized Truck Carriers Endanger Everyone on the Road
Authorized carriers must meet federal safety standards, maintain proper insurance coverage, conduct regular vehicle inspections, and ensure their drivers are qualified and properly trained. Unauthorized carriers bypass these critical safeguards entirely.
These illegal operators often:
- Cut corners on vehicle maintenance
- Employ unqualified drivers
- Skip mandatory safety inspections
- Carry inadequate or no insurance coverage
Drivers working for unauthorized carriers lack the training, knowledge, and experience necessary to operate these massive vehicles safely. When an accident occurs, victims often discover there’s no legitimate insurance policy to cover their damages. The company may lack proper vehicle records, making it impossible to prove maintenance or inspection failures.
What to Do If You Are Hurt by an Unauthorized Truck Carrier in Wisconsin
Discovering that an unauthorized carrier caused your accident adds complications to your injury claim. However, there are steps you can take to protect your rights:
- Document everything from the accident scene, including photos, witness statements, and the truck’s identification numbers.
- Report the unauthorized carrier to the FMCSA through the National Consumer Complaint Database.
- Seek immediate medical attention and keep detailed records of all treatments and expenses.
- Consult with an attorney experienced in complex trucking cases who can investigate the company and identify potential sources of compensation.
Start Fighting Back with Cannon & Dunphy S.C. Wisconsin Truck Accident Attorneys
When you discover that the truck involved in your accident was operating illegally, you face another layer of complexity to an already complex claim. These cases require attorneys who can trace corporate structures, identify all available sources of recovery, and pursue compensation even when traditional avenues seem blocked.
Cannon & Dunphy S.C. has successfully handled cases involving unauthorized carriers and companies that cut corners on safety to maximize profits. Our attorneys will investigate every angle, explore all legal options, and fight tirelessly for the compensation you need to rebuild your life. Contact us at (262) 400-3573 today to discuss your case during a free consultation.