Causes & Effects Of Commercial Motor Vehicle Accidents

Commercial motor vehicles (CMVs) are a particular class of vehicle used exclusively in interstate commerce (or, if used exclusively within one state, in intrastate commerce). They must be of a particular weight and have a particular usage – but apart from these criteria, they behave much like other, smaller vehicles, and are just as likely to be involved in road accidents as non-CMVs. There are several different causes of CMV crashes, resulting in similar types of injuries, any of which may be potentially debilitating.

Most Common Causes 

In the story of every CMV accident, there are several points at which the crash might have been averted. For example, a transportation company might have assessed the driver as unfit to operate such a large truck, and declined to hire them instead of placing them behind the wheel of a commercial vehicle; a maintainer might have spotted an inherent defect in a part of the truck and repaired it; or a driver could have abided by their Hours of Service regulations and stopped driving when they felt fatigued. However, if these accidents are not averted, some direct causes are more common than others.

Some of the most often seen are attributable to driver error: speeding, driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, ignoring stop signs or traffic lights, or failing to check one’s blind spots can lead directly to a crash. A driver on Florida roads has an inherent duty to exercise reasonable care toward every other road user – and these actions all directly contribute to a breach of that duty. If an injured plaintiff can show that the driver’s breach of duty was the direct cause of the injuries they suffered, both the driver and, in some cases, their employer, will be liable for damages.

Injuries (Physical & Otherwise)

Regardless of how a plaintiff’s injuries occurred specifically, they can be extensive, and if a CMV driver is held liable, they and their employer may have to cover medical bills. Data from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) reports that between 2002 and 2009, injury-related crashes involving large trucks declined by roughly 40 percent, but between 2009 and 2021, the numbers increased approximately 68 percent.

Some of the most common injuries in CMV accidents include whiplash and other neck and shoulder-related injuries, spine and brain injuries. Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) occur disproportionately in this type of crash, simply because of the sheer size and weight of the vehicles involved, particularly if the victim is not wearing a seatbelt at the time of the crash. Keep in mind that while pain and suffering damages can be sought in a lawsuit, they are not generally recoverable unless they can be linked to a physical injury.

Call A Tampa CMV Accident Attorney

Commercial motor vehicles fulfill a vitally important role in the U.S. economy, but if they are not operated properly, they are capable of causing serious injuries and death on the roads. If you have been involved in a crash with a CMV, a Tampa CMV accident attorney from the Rinaldo Law Group may be able to assist you in determining how best to proceed in the legal process. We are ready to try and assist – call our office today to schedule a free consultation.

Source:

fmcsa.dot.gov/regulations/hours-service/summary-hours-service-regulations