Because of the danger that large commercial vehicles such as a tractor trailer, tank truck, or garbage truck poses to other vehicles on the road, the commercial truck industry is high regulated. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that each year there are over 350,000 accidents involving large commercial trucks such as semis. Of that amount, over 4000 involve fatalities and nearly 100,000 involve injuries. While there are a variety of factors that can contribute to a truck accident, some truck accidents are caused because the driver is unqualified. While a car accident can result in serious injury or death, because of the size and weight of large commercial trucks such as tractor trailers, 18-wheelers, and semis, when they are involved collisions, it is more likely that the result would be a serious personal injury or death. Thousands more suffer serious injuries such as broken bones, internal injuries, contusions, a brain injury, amputations, paralysis, or spinal cord injury. If you were injured in a truck accident, it is important that you immediately contact a Bronx Commercial Driving Standards Accident Lawyer as you may be entitled to compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. You will also be entitled to compensation for any medical malpractice claim that arises based on treatment you received for the truck accident injuries.
Types of Commercial LicensesBefore a driver is legally allowed to operate a commercial truck, he or she must complete extensive training and obtain a commercial license. The three major classes of federal commercial driver’s licenses are as follows:
In addition, in order to perform certain activities, the driver’s license must have an endorsement. For example, in order to transport double or triple trailers, the license must have a “T” endorsement, and in order to transport hazardous materials, the license must have an “H” endorsement.
In order to get a commercial driver’s license, the driver must past the appropriate written test as well as the road test.
Common Causes for Truck AccidentsFederal law requires truck drivers to have a commercial driver’s license and to follow the strict federal regulations related to maintaining, inspecting and operating the commercial truck. Failure to do so would be negligent. Some of the common reasons for truck accidents that are related to training include:
Truck accidents can be devastating to a victim as well as to the victim’s family. Because of the size and weight of large trucks, even low-impact, low-speed accidents can have catastrophic results. Through a personal injury lawsuit, New York law allows you to hold the negligent party responsible for the losses you suffered. Victims who suffer serious injuries in truck accidents have significant medical bills. In addition, because victims of serious injuries often have to miss a great deal of work or are unable to return to work at all, victims have the right to sue for lost wages and loss of earning capacity. If a family member was killed in a truck accident, you may be able to pursue damages in a wrongful death lawsuit.
Beware that New York law has a specific time limit for filing a personal injury or wrongful death claim. If you do not file your claim within the time period, you will be forever barred from collecting damages even if your case has merit.
Bronx Commercial Driving Standards Accident LawyerBeing involved in an accident involving a large commercial truck can be devastating. You may have to face not only physical pain and a long recovery process, you may also face financial distress. A proper investigation into the accident will determine whether the truck driver or trucking company violated guidelines imposed by the federal government and by New York State. The staff at Stephen Bilkis & Associates, PLLC has years of experience in helping injured victims and their families through the complex process of accident investigation in New York. Contact us at 800.696.9529 to schedule a free, no obligation consultation regarding your case.