Commercial vehicle accidents are often different than passenger car and passenger truck accidents. Examples of these vehicles are:

• tractor-trailers/18-wheel trucks
• moving vans and trucks (e.g. Mayflower, United Van Lines, etc.)
• delivery vans and trucks (e.g. UPS, FedEx, DHL, etc.)
• buses

Large commercial vehicle and tractor-trailer accidents are often devastating. A fully loaded truck can weigh up to 80,000 pounds!

This fact, combined with the diminished handling and braking factors involved in maneuvering or suddenly stopping these vehicles, is a recipe for disaster if the truck driver and/or the company behaves carelessly or recklessly.

Due to the risks involved, and due to it's large impact on our economy, the trucking industry is heavily regulated by the federal government. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (an administration within the United States Department of Transportation) was established on January 1, 2000 to oversee and regulate the industry. The FMCSA promulgated a set of rules called the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSR).

The causes most commonly seen in a truck accident or other commercial vehicle accidents are:

• driver inattention- cell phone talking, texting, etc.
• traffic violations- Speeding, Following Too Closely, Improper Lane Change, etc.
• driver fatigue
• faulty equipment- bad tires, bad brakes, etc.

In order to combat these problems, the FMCSRs have specific rules for:

• commercial vehicle/truck driver training and driving conduct
• traffic violation reporting
• maximum driving hours
• frequent equipment inspection requirements.

If you or a loved one has been in an accident with a tractor-trailer, bus, or another type of commercial vehicle, you need an attorney well versed in these regulations and experienced in handling these types of cases. Contact the Injury Law Center tractor-trailer accident attorneys for a free case evaluation today.