As many of these vehicles weigh much more than the average car, commercial motor vehicle accidents can cause devastating injuries to victims. In fact, in 2014 alone, the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) reported 11,848 large truck crashes. Of these accidents, 74 were fatal, and a further 3,760 resulted in non-fatal personal injuries. These trucks only account for a portion of commercial motor vehicle accidents, so these numbers are exponentially higher when accounting for all the different modes of commercial transit. As the state of New York is a hub for commercial distribution to locations all around the country, our roadways have the potential for numerous accidents with commercial vehicles.
If you have suffered injuries in an accident involving a commercial motor vehicle, a White Plains commercial motor vehicle accidents lawyer can be there to represent your case and fight to protect your right to compensation for your pain and suffering. These vehicles can even include taxicabs and city buses, a common culprit in accidents around our state. Here at Morelli Law Firm, our attorneys are here to help victims get back on their feet after negligent drivers put them in harm’s way. After reviewing the factors of your case, we will work to prove liability and assign a value to your case in the hopes that you can move past this unfortunate incident.
To learn more about what a commercial motor vehicle accidents lawyer does for their clients, contact Morelli Law Firm today at (212) 751-9800 for your free consultation with a representative.
Defining a Commercial Motor Vehicle
According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), a commercial motor vehicle is seen as any driven or towed motor vehicle used on a highway in interstate commerce to transport passengers or property. In order to qualify under this title vehicles must meet the following factors:
- Weighs a total of 10,001 pounds or more
- Carries more than 8 total passengers, counting the driver, in exchange for compensation
- Carries more than 15 passengers, counting the driver, but does not require compensation
- Transports material found by the Secretary of Transportation to be hazardous under federal guidelines
Examples of commercial motor vehicles can include, but may not be limited to:
- Semi-trucks, tanker trucks, pickup trucks, box trucks, and more
- Buses
- Taxis
- Coaches or tour buses
- And more
There are intricate laws that govern the qualities of a commercial motor vehicle, as virtually any larger vehicle used to transport goods may be one in the right circumstances. If you retain the services of a White Plains commercial motor vehicle accidents lawyer through Morelli Law Firm, we will carefully research all the qualifying factors to determine what your legal options may be after an accident like this.
To learn more about fighting for compensation in commercial motor vehicle accident cases, contact a member of the team at Morelli Law Firm today at (212) 751-9800 for your free consultation.
Common Causes Resulting in Commercial Motor Vehicle Accidents
A study by the FMCSA concluded that 87% of large truck crashes are caused by the driver. The most frequent cause was their decision making, followed by issues with recognition of road conditions, non-performance, and performance problems. Other common reasons these accidents can occur may include malfunctions with the vehicle itself and the environment in which the driver is operating.
Many of these same causes transfer to all drivers of commercial motor vehicles. Unless the driver is a hobbyist or part-time worker, this profession means that they are likely logging thousands of road miles every year. As such, they are more likely to be involved in accidents simply due to their sheer exposure to the roadways. Not to be ignored, the more consecutive miles you drive, the more likely you are to become fatigued, distracted, or disassociated with your surroundings. When these drivers continually work long hours without breaks, such as taxi drivers, victims can pay the price of their negligence.
Other frequent causes for these accidents that may be legally actionable can include, but may not be limited to:
- Brake problems (which account for 29% of all large truck accidents)
- Driving too fast for weather conditions
- Driver intoxication
- Fatigued driving or falling asleep at the wheel
- Stresses with the profession
- Distracted driving, including simply not paying attention due to zoning out
- Reckless driving
- Following too closely
- Failure to yield
- And more
White Plains Commercial Motor Vehicle Accident Lawyer Near Me 877-751-9800
Potentially Recoverable Damages for a Victim’s Pain and Suffering
Commercial motor vehicle accidents are different from regular car accidents. For example, the offender in question is likely an employee of someone else’s company. As such, if they were on the clock at the time of the accident, their employer and their respective insurance company may be found liable for your overall pain and suffering.
Damages awarded in these cases will generally split to address all the different areas of hardship you have had to face, including financial suffering, physical anguish, mental stresses, and more. In the event that the accident is very severe and life-altering, the court may award punitive damages to stop these aggravated behaviors from occurring in the future.
Commercial Motor Vehicle Accident Lawyers Serving White Plains Victims
Here at Morelli Law Firm, our attorneys will carefully investigate the causes of your case so we can attempt to definitively prove liability in front of a court. This includes calling upon industry professionals, if necessary, such as accident reconstruction experts and medical examiners. If you choose to retain a White Plains commercial motor vehicle accidents lawyer through our firm, you will get the peace of mind of knowing that we are on your case working to get you a brighter tomorrow.
To learn more, contact Morelli Law Firm today at (212) 751-9800 for your free consultation.