Have you ever wondered why, at certain times of day, there are more trucks than at other times? We see big trucks around us wherever we drive, whether on city streets or major highways. Tractor-trailers follow schedules, and while most of us are all too familiar with “rush hour” traffic, these big rigs don’t appear to follow the same traffic flow. Are you curious as to what time are most trucks on the road? In this post, we’ll explain “truck hour” as well as which days have the [...]
Safety is paramount in the trucking industry. With long hours spent on the road, truck drivers face numerous challenges, including fatigue, stress, and the temptation to use substances to cope with the demands of their job. While strict regulations govern drug use among commercial drivers, some individuals still engage in substance misuse, posing risks not only to themselves but also to other road users. When these accidents happen, it’s vital to consult with a qualified truck accident lawyer to ensure that you get justice and your rights are [...]
If you think about all the factors that result in crashes, a motorist's inability to fully slow their vehicle to a halt in time to avoid running a red light or stop sign or colliding with the rear of another automobile is at the top of that list. Wrecks like these aren't unique to passenger cars, though. They commonly affect tractor-trailers, too. That's why it can be helpful for drivers to know the braking distance for large trucks. Continue reading as we'll go into the ins and outs [...]
If you've ever watched the news in the aftermath of a plane crash, then you've likely heard a lot of discussion about whether its "black box" has been recovered yet by investigators. These event data recorders (EDRs), as they're also called, are critical to investigations into what caused accidents like those and are also extremely important for determining what contributing factors to tractor-trailer wrecks were too. Below, we'll discuss what evidence a truck's black box collects in an accident and the importance of that data if you decide [...]
If you have a commercial driver's license (CDL), then you most likely already know what a pre-trip inspection is. However, those of us who only typically drive passenger cars might not be aware of this requirement and what exactly it obligates a tractor-trailer or operator of another commercial motor vehicle (CMV) to do. We'll answer all of those questions below. What Is the Federal Regulation That Mandates Pre-Trip Inspections? The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) rule 392.7 requires truckers to perform pre-trip inspections to confirm the commercial [...]
Actress Jayne Mansfield was at the height of her Hollywood career in the 1950s and early 1960s. However, her success came to an abrupt end in late June of 1967 when she was traveling between appearances, and the sedan she was in collided with the rear of a tractor-trailer. That collision resulted in Manfield's immediate death. However tragic the circumstances under which she died, the premature loss of such a well-known figure in Hollywood did spark change. Below, we'll go into detail about how the death of a [...]
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…)
