Commercial Accidents: What You Should Know
Commercial Accident Causes
There are various reasons an accident with a commercial truck involved could occur. Some causes are driver-related, some are vehicle-related, and others are due to or involve other vehicles. The following are some of the driver and vehicle-related causes of commercial vehicle accidents:
- Driver fatigue
- Speeding
- Distracted driving
- Aggressive driving
- Alcohol/drug use
- Defective vehicle
- Inexperience
Truck drivers must be aware of the passenger vehicles around them so as not to cause an accident, but other vehicles also need to be aware. Accident causes involving other passenger vehicles include the following:
- Abrupt changing of lanes
- Driving in a blind spot
- Unsafe passing
- Driving in No Zones
Who’s Responsible?
If you’re involved in an accident with a commercial vehicle, you must figure out who was responsible. This is easier said than done because several parties are involved in these accidents, such as the driver, the trucking company, the manufacturer, and the owner of the truck. You should work with an experienced lawyer to do this. A lawyer’s goal will be to help you recover maximum damages. This includes medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, lost earning capacity, loss of companionship, and other special damages.
What does the Law Say?
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) govern the trucking industry. According to these parties, trucking companies are required to follow several laws, including the following:
- Commercial Driver Licenses: Drivers of large trucks must have a valid license.
- Rest for Driver: Drivers can work a specific number of hours to ensure they are not fatigued. They need to follow the “hours of service.”
- Maximum Weight Permitted: A truck’s maximum weight that can be hauled is determined based on its size.
- Quality Control of Trucks: To ensure quality control in trucks, manufacturing and repairs in commercial vehicles are regulated.
- Hazardous Waste: Trucks must follow the safety regulations laid down by the Office of Hazardous Materials Safety (OHMS) when transporting hazardous materials.
In the case of an accident, A skilled lawyer will evaluate whether or not the trucking company/truck driver followed the above laws and file a claim accordingly.
If you’ve been involved in an accident with a commercial truck, we encourage you to contact us at Reynolds & Reynolds to help you handle your case and claim. Our experts want to help you recover what we can and get you back on your feet after a stressful time, so contact us today to speak with a professional about your case.
