When you’re involved in a vehicle collision with another driver, you expect the insurance companies (both yours and that of the other driver) to handle the claim properly. And, if the police were involved, you expect a police report to give the facts of the case and prove you weren’t at fault. But what happens if evidence (such as photos, video, or witness statements) or even the other person’s vehicle, suddenly disappears? Or, what if you or your lawyer believe that the at-fault driver, their lawyer, insurance company, [...]
When a large vehicle such as an 18-wheeler or other transport truck causes an accident, the results are often catastrophic for both the trucker and any other cars involved. When severe damage and injuries or even death occur as a result of the accident, we may wonder if the truck driver will have their commercial driver’s license (CDL) suspended or revoked or if no such penalty will happen. The quick answer is: it depends. Each truck crash is different, and CDL revocation depends on the details of the [...]
Attorney Kevin Coluccio recently drafted “Duties & Responsibilities of Route Planning.” The article was published in the latest edition of the Academy of Truck Accident Attorneys (ATAA) newsletter. It discusses the duties and responsibilities of route planning for motor carriers and commercial drivers in the context of truck accidents. “Before beginning any journey, the commercial driver must approach their trip with the primary goal of the safe operation of their equipment and public safety.” In the article, Kevin emphasizes the importance of pre-planning routes to ensure safety and [...]
In the bustling world of transportation, truck drivers play a pivotal role in keeping goods moving across our nation. However, there's a silent threat that can compromise the safety of our roads – sleep apnea. Accidents resulting from driver fatigue number more than 100,000 per year in the US alone. These accidents cause 71,000 injuries and 800 preventable deaths on average and cost up to $20 billion annually, with an average cost per accident of $91,000. (more…)
In the vast network of roads and highways that crisscross our nation, ensuring the safety of both truck drivers and other drivers is of paramount importance. The regulatory framework governing the trucking industry plays a crucial role in preventing accidents and maintaining road safety. (more…)
As you travel along interstates, state and U.S. routes, and highways, you're bound to encounter tractor-trailers en route carrying goods to and fro. While, in many cases, you'll find that truckers are traveling at or above the posted speed limit, that's not necessarily the case with some. Sometimes it’s not safe for truckers to drive fast, and you may feel the urge to pass them. For many, it can feel daunting the prospect of passing such a large and heavy vehicle. You may worry that a trucker won't [...]
You see them around your neighborhood, and you pass them driving to and from work every day. The big brown UPS trucks and the white ones of their competitors, FedEx. These drivers rush around in the biggest hurry, dropping off packages all over the city all day long. They have ridiculously tight schedules and are often overworked, which leads to a higher chance of accidents. Any accident can be devastating, but accidents involving delivery trucks are notoriously more deadly. (more…)
Fatigue among commercial vehicle (CMV) drivers is among the leading causes of large truck accidents, as reported by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). But what causes truck driver fatigue, and what can the industry do to foster a safer environment for everyone on the road? In This Blog, We’ll Answer Questions Like… Why is truck driver fatigue so dangerous? What are the main causes of fatigue among professional drivers? What actions can the industry take to limit exhaustion in its CDL drivers? (more…)
States in the U.S. are generally described as no-fault or at-fault states when it comes to auto collision insurance. Washington is the latter. Another aspect of this is that states can have contributory negligence, comparative negligence, or comparative fault systems in place. These dictate if and how much a motorist who contributes to causing a crash can recover if they suffer injuries in it. Our state is a pure comparative negligence state. We will go into greater depth about how that impacts any settlement you may be entitled [...]
When any employee is working, they expect to take breaks and expect fair pay. But, when companies like Amazon and their third-party contractors push their drivers to their limit, garnishing their pay and requiring high delivery quotas, their employees will be stressed, exhausted, and distracted. In instances like this, delivery truck drivers will have a higher chance of accidents. The last thing you want is to be on the road around large trucks whose drivers aren’t at the top of their game. So, what happens when Amazon truck [...]
