U.S. Transportation Secretary announced a rule specifically prohibiting interstate truck and bus drivers from using hand-held cell phones while operating their vehicle. This new rule is certainly news to me. I would have thought that this rule was in affect for some time. The joint rule from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) is the latest effort by the U.S. Department of Transportation to end distracted driving. Personally, the fact that the rule was not in affect until now is alarming. When drivers of large trucks, buses and hazardous materials take their eyes off the road for even a few seconds the consequences can be deadly. This rule will save lives by helping truckers stay focused on safety at all times.
Recently in Truck Accidents Category
When an automobile accident, truck accident or doctor's negligence results in a fatality there are two separate claims that can be made on behalf of the victim's family and estate. A Virginia wrongful death attorney can bring a wrongful death action. This type of claim is brought by the immediate relatives of the victim. In a wrongful death claim the family seeks to recover for their losses resulting from the accidental death of a loved one. A Virginia personal injury lawyer can bring what is called a survival action on behalf of the victim's estate. A survival action claims damages for the injuries suffered by the decedent including the pain and suffering and other damages and actual expenses incurred by the victim up until the time of death. In Virginia, one must choose between a survival action and a wrongful death action. Virginia does not allow both claims to be pursued.
On March 15, 2010, a single vehicle truck accident turned fatal for an Alexandria, Virginia man. The driver of the truck crashed into a tree in the center median of the northbound lanes and was pinned inside the vehicle for a period of time. He was rescued by the Arlington County Fire Department and was transported to Fairfax Hospital for injuries. The driver later died of those injuries. An accident re-constructionist was called to the scene to help determine the cause of the accident.
If skid measurements were taken by an expert, the speed at impact could have been determined. Proper measurements, done timely, with eye witness testimony, could assist in determining if the driver in this accident just lost control of his vehicle, if he was cut off by another driver, or even if his vehicle was not working properly.
If you, a family member, or someone you know has been involved has sustained bodily injuries as a result of a personal injury accident or if you would like more information on car accidents, please contact Portner & Shure.
Operators of commercial vehicles are required by law to carry a license specific to the size of the tractor trailer that is being driven. For example, a Class a license is required for operators of a vehicle with a weight in excess of 25,000 pounds. An operator of these larger vehicles has an obligation to use the appropriate standard of care when maneuvering such a vehicle. One must always be careful when sharing the road with these vehicles as the shear weight and size could make even the slightest of accidents deadly.
In January, a moving truck was traveling on Interstate 95 in Prince George County, Virginia when the driver reportedly feel asleep and went off the left side of the road. At some point the truck returned to the road before turning over on the passenger side. Another 18 wheeler did not see the vehicle obstructing the roadway until it was too late. The driver of the tractor trailer attempted to avoid colliding with the overturned truck without success and then smashed into the left shoulder guardrail.
The driver of the moving truck was pronounced dead at the scene while the passenger was flown to VCU Medical Center with critical injuries. The driver possessed a North Carolina drivers license. The driver of the tractor trailer was not injured. The police are investigating the collision further.
If you, a family member, or someone you know has been injured in an accident involving a tractor trailer or if you would like more information on car accidents please contact Portner & Shure.
