Commercial vehicles frequently contribute to traffic collisions, which sometimes add new complications to any accident case. This is because commercial vehicles are generally huge, heavy and long such as buses and semi-trucks and therefore, commercial drivers are subject to more significant safety regulations than regular motorists. Suppose a commercial vehicle’s negligence caused your injuries in a traffic collision. In that case, you need a knowledgeable Commercial Vehicle Accident Attorney to recognize the numerous unique factors that will be relevant, from the significant damages to the debilitating aftereffects.
The experienced attorneys at Car Wreck Houston, and Injury Accident Lawyers, who have expertise with commercial vehicles, are committed to successfully defending your claim. Our extensive, committed legal team, which has 20 years of experience, has the abilities, know-how, and resilience to fight for the settlement to which you are entitled.
Commercial drivers and collisions
Commercial drivers are subject to stringent safety norms and regulations since they are experienced drivers who frequently operate huge trucks. The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) and the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) enforce stringent laws controlling truckers and other commercial drivers. Each state also enforces additional safety regulations.
Because semi-truck accidents are so incredibly deadly, the government closely controls truck drivers. When you go behind the wheel of your automobile, you assume the enormous duty of driving correctly and assisting in maintaining everyone’s safety on the roadways. Truck drivers have much stricter obligations in terms of security.
Commercial trucker errors
The trucking sector is driven by consumer demand, and when that demand rises sharply, so do the stringent requirements placed on truckers and transportation firms. This constantly increasing demand and related scheduling challenges hurt businesses that employ truckers and drivers. As a result, it occasionally happens that following safety laws and guidelines should be noticed. However, it does not reduce the obligation of drivers, and trucking firms must promote safe trucking.
Even though trucker negligence can take many different forms, the following kinds are most frequently linked to collisions involving commercial vehicles on our roads:
Fatigue
Due to the nature of their jobs, truck drivers and other commercial drivers must deal with severe scheduling difficulties. However, they must sufficiently handle this problem to guarantee that it is safe for them to operate their rigs. Truck accidents often include fatigue. Regulations on service hours at the federal and state levels address this issue.
The maximum number of driving sessions that may be completed within a certain period, necessary rest intervals, the number of consecutive hours that may be driven, and other factors are all subject to stringent limits under these regulations. Fatigued commercial drivers are more likely to have functional deficits, such as decreased attentiveness, slower response times, less concentration, and a higher propensity to make risky choices. Drowsy truck drivers are dangerous drivers.
Distraction
When commercial drivers sit behind the wheel of their trucks, they must focus only on the task at hand—driving safely. The FMCSA defines distraction as any activity that diverts a driver’s attention away from essential duties for safe driving. These alarming facts show that distracted truckers are unsafe drivers who are far more prone to cause commercial vehicle and commercial trucks accidents:
- Approximately 71% of large-truck accidents included drivers doing something other than driving a truck.
- The leading cause of traffic accidents and near accidents is driver inattention.
- A driver’s chance of a safety-critical vehicle accident increases by 23 times when they are texting.
- I was driving 55 miles for five seconds while texting is equivalent to driving a football field while blindfolded.
The FMCSA concludes that texting is among the most dangerous distractions available. This is because it requires the trucker’s hands, eyes, and mind, which they should be trained to control safely while driving. In reality, texting while operating a commercial motor vehicle is against the law.
Unhealthy lifestyles
Truckers frequently lead isolated, inactive lives that don’t support healthy lifestyles. Truck drivers and many other commercial drivers spend extended periods on the road with little access to wholesome food, little chance for exercise, and a great deal of boredom. Commercial drivers may also become addicted to drugs and alcohol due to these factors, which heightens the event of an accident. A trucker’s unhealthy lifestyle may factor in an uptick in accidents.
Other Factors of Trucking Accidents
Driver error is a significant factor in many commercial vehicle collisions, but that’s far from the only factor.
Because there are more likely to be several defendants involved in commercial truck accidents than in normal auto accidents, these events are frequently more difficult. In a standard auto collision, the at-fault motorist is often held accountable, and the claim moves forward from this viewpoint. On the other hand, a truck collision may very well entail driver carelessness, but a knowledgeable truck accident lawyer will take into account other crucial factors:
The trucking company
The trucking firm is in charge of finding qualified candidates for the role by screening applicants for safety, experience, and physical fitness. The trucking firm may share some of the blame for an accident caused by a driver who lacks the necessary training or expertise. In addition, the trucking company must maintain its fleet’s safety, reliability, and roadworthiness.
It entails establishing a regular, detailed maintenance program and recruiting highly qualified, knowledgeable maintenance personnel to carry it out. The trucking firm must also ensure that its commercial drivers don’t exceed the limits of safe driving schedules and follow all applicable federal, state, and local laws. The trucking business is held heavily accountable for commercial truck accidents.
The truck manufacturer
The initial provision of a specific vehicle to the trucking firm is the responsibility of the truck manufacturer. Commercial vehicles like buses and trucks are complex machinery demanding precise production procedures. However, in some instances, poor design, poor construction, or the use of faulty or risky parts can result in or contribute to commercial motor vehicle accidents.
The truck mechanics
The trucking firm is in charge of selecting a knowledgeable and skilled staff of technicians, but the mechanics are in the amount of work they perform. The mechanic in question may be held jointly liable for any truck accidents resulting from their negligent labor.
How can Commercial Vehicle Accident Attorney help you with your case?
If you or a loved one has been injured in a commercial truck accident, you may wonder if you need a truck accident lawyer. The answer is maybe. It depends on the facts of your case. If the other driver’s negligence caused the accident, you could file a personal injury claim against the driver’s insurance company.
A truck accident lawyer can help you navigate the legal process and ensure that you get the compensation you deserve. A lawyer can be invaluable if your case is complex or the insurance company needs to cooperate.
Contact a commercial truck accident lawyer to discuss your case if you have been in a commercial vehicle accident.
How to choose an experienced truck accident attorney
If you or a loved one has been involved in a commercial vehicle or severe truck accident, choosing an attorney with experience handling these types of cases is essential. Here are some tips on how to select a Commercial Vehicle Accident Attorney:
- Make sure the commercial truck attorney has experience handling commercial motor vehicle accidents. This type of accident differs from a regular car accident, so you want to ensure your attorney is experienced in this area.
- Ask the attorney about their track record. Have they successfully represented other clients’ truck accident cases in commercial motor vehicle crashes?
- Get referrals from other truck accident lawsuits or people who have used the attorney’s services.
- Meet with the attorney to get a feel for their personality and whether you will be comfortable working with them.
- Ask about their fees and how they will be paid. Some attorneys work on a contingency basis, which means they only get paid if you win your case.
What should I look for in truck accident attorneys?
Anyone involved in truck and commercial vehicle accidents knows how complicated these cases can be. Many parties are involved, including the driver, the trucking company, the truck owner, and insurance companies. But perhaps the most crucial party in a commercial vehicle accident case is the attorney.
A commercial vehicle or truck accident lawyer will have experience handling these cases and know how to navigate the complex legal landscape. They will also be able to aggressively represent your interests and fight for the compensation you deserve.
Consult a reputable Commercial Vehicle Attorney right away If hurt in a Truck Accident
Because of the size, weight, and usage of semi-trucks and other commercial vehicles, including passenger buses and tanker trucks that transport hazardous commodities, are among the most dangerous cars on our roads and are subject to stringent regulatory safety regulations. Accidents involving commercial vehicles can have terrible outcomes.
The committed legal team at Car Wreck Houston, Injury Accident Lawyers, is aware of the hardship and anguish that these mishaps may bring about. Our knowledgeable commercial vehicle lawyers are committed to fighting persistently for your just compensation. For more than 20 years, our outstanding team of personal injury attorneys has defended the rights of hurt truck accident victims. You need an expert Commercial Vehicle Accident Attorney to protect your requests if you or a family member was recently hurt in a vehicle accident.
To schedule a free consultation, call our office right away! You won’t owe us a dime until we win your case since all of our injury claims are accepted on a conditional fee basis. Every day of the week, we are available.