Author Archives: Jay Butchko
Tesla Sued After Autopilot Led To Tractor-Trailer Crash
In 2019, a Delray Beach crash involving a tractor-trailer and a Tesla Model 3 occurred when the Tesla crashed into the side of the tractor-trailer, coming to a stop underneath. The widow of the Tesla driver filed suit against the car company, alleging that Tesla’s autopilot program played a role in the driver’s death…. Read More »
Can I Get Pain & Suffering Damages After A Tractor-Trailer Accident?
If a driver is so unlucky as to be involved in an accident with a tractor-trailer, and they manage to survive the impact, it is very likely that they will have sustained serious injuries. Filing suit against the tractor-trailer driver (and, in some cases, their employer) is the next step – but it can… Read More »
Do Company Cars Count As Commercial Motor Vehicles?
U.S. federal law and state law define commercial motor vehicles (CMVs) very specifically, usually in terms of weight and cargo type. However, many vehicles are often excluded from the CMV classification that still qualify as commercial vehicles in other respects. One of the most common is the company car – legally, it may not… Read More »
Comparative Negligence In Tractor-Trailer Cases
Road accidents involving tractor-trailers can be deadly, and those that survive often have severe injuries. Most of the time, it is possible to file suit against a tractor-trailer driver if their negligence allegedly caused harm – but injured plaintiffs also have to be aware of a concept known as comparative negligence, also referred to… Read More »
Do I Need A Police Report After A CMV Accident?
Not every road accident in Florida is reported to the relevant authorities. However, the state does require a police report in several instances, including any accident in which a commercial motor vehicle (CMV) is involved. This is generally a good thing for injured plaintiffs, as it can serve a variety of purposes. A police… Read More »
Fiery Tractor-Trailer Rollover Accident On Turnpike
In early February 2024, the driver of a tractor-trailer going south on Florida’s Turnpike lost control of their vehicle, hitting a total of seven vehicles before overturning and catching fire. Miraculously, only one person was hospitalized after the wreck, with others involved sustaining only minor injuries. All lanes of the Turnpike were closed at… Read More »
Contributory Fault In Commercial Motor Vehicle Accidents
Commercial motor vehicles (CMV) are involved in many different accidents on Florida roads, due to many different causes from gross negligence to bad luck. If you have been injured in an accident with a CMV, and you suspect negligence on the driver’s part (or the part of their employer), you have the right to… Read More »
Tractor-Trailer Accidents & Personal Injury Protection Insurance
As of this writing, there are 12 U.S. states that have no-fault auto insurance systems in place, including Florida. No-fault auto insurance means that after an auto accident, an injured person is required to seek compensation for their medical bills from their personal injury protection (PIP) insurance – which every Florida driver is required… Read More »
Comparing State & Federal Hours Of Service Laws
Commercial motor vehicles (CMVs) and their drivers are subject to rules known as Hours of Service (HoS) regulations. Both at the state and federal levels, HoS rules are designed to restrict commercial drivers from operating their vehicles in an unsafe manner. However, many states’ rules differ significantly from federal regulations. If you have been… Read More »
Commercial Motor Vehicles & DUI In Florida
In general, commercial motor vehicles (CMVs) are large vehicles, carrying quite a lot of weight. Because CMV drivers are entrusted with such difficult vehicles to operate, they are held to high standards in terms of their driving abilities. If a CMV driver operates their vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or drugs, they… Read More »
