(845) 802-0047The most dangerous motor vehicles on a roadway are commercial vehicles. These vehicles are usually larger and almost always heavier than smaller, passenger vehicles or motorcycles. This means commercial vehicles generated significantly more force, particularly at high speed on highways, interstates, and thruways. A commercial vehicle also carries different risks and issues, including larger blind spots, slower stopping, longer turns, and cargo loads which could create additional hazards. It should be no surprise that New York trucking accidents caused by commercial vehicles are likely to lead to serious injuries or the wrongful death of an innocent person.
This is a known risk too. Drivers of commercial vehicles must pass both a practical and written test to obtain a CDL or commercial driver’s license. Companies employing CDL drivers are required to ensure that their employees obtain and maintain the proper licenses, as well as to keep abreast of new mechanical updates, training refreshers, and changes in the law or regulations which may apply to them. Commercial vehicle drivers are governed by New York law and federal regulations promulgated by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA).
Types of Commercial Vehicles Which Could Cause a New York Trucking Accident
There are several different types of commercial vehicles which could result in a serious or fatal New York trucking accident. Most of these vehicles require a CDL or some special permit or license. Other vehicles may be vehicles that are used commercially and have modified or upgraded a certain way for that business, such as pickup trucks with racks or vans with glass holding brackets on the side. These vehicles are still dangerous commercial vehicles because modifications add weight, increase stopping distance, and can add blind spots.
The most common types of commercial vehicles which may result in a New York trucking accident include the following:
- 18 Wheelers;
- Double trailers or tandem trailers;
- Buses;
- Cargo Trucks;
- Concrete trucks;
- Construction trucks and other construction vehicles;
- Delivery vans;
- Dump trucks;
- Garbage trucks;
- Tanker trucks or tankers;
- Emergency vehicles like fire engines or fire trucks, ambulances, police vehicles;
- Tow trucks;
- Pickup trucks modified for construction or contractor use;
- Flatbed trucks;
- Tractor trailers like semi-tractor trailers;
- Other dangerous vehicles.
There are many other types of commercial vehicles which may apply, but these are some of the most common. Even regular passenger vehicles could be modified for commercial purposes, which may increase risks of commercial vehicle accidents.
Risks of Commercial Vehicles in New York Trucking Accidents
There are many reasons why commercial vehicles may result in serious trucking accidents which cause personal injuries or the wrongful death of an individual. These errors may be due to driver error (negligence), or these vehicles may be due to mechanical defects and problems associated with commercial vehicles.
Some of the most common risks of commercial vehicles which may result in a New York trucking accident include the following:
- Heavier weight;
- More difficult to maneuver, including lane changes or turns;
- Longer stopping distance;
- Larger blind spots;
- Risks of cargo to fall off, fly off, or roll off a vehicle or out the back;
- Greater force in an impact;
- The learning curve for drivers;
- More brakes and tires to maintain and monitor for signs of damage; and
- Other common risks.
Injured by a Commercial Vehicle in New York? Ask our New York Trucking Accident Lawyer for Help
Commercial vehicle accidents do not follow the same rules as other motor vehicle accidents. Different regulations and experts are needed to prove violations and liability against a truck driver and trucking company. Unfortunately, many trucking companies may not follow the rules. Insurance carriers may try to mislead you or trick you into valuing your case much lower than it really is or ought to be. This is why victims of a commercial vehicle accident in New York should hire an experienced New York trucking accident lawyer. Our law firm fights to protect your rights to compensation by wielding state law, federal regulations, and numerous experts to prove your case.