How Can CDL Violations Cause a Truck Accident in Illinois?

 Posted on December 00,0000 in Truck Accidents

The trucking industry is an integral part of the United States economy. Trucks across the country transport essential products that consumers need, such as food, clothing, medicine, building materials, electronics, and more. In Illinois, a commercial driver's license (CDL) is required to operate these types of vehicles. This specialized license is obtained through education and training necessary for handling such a large vehicle. Drivers of commercial motor vehicles (CMV) must follow certain regulations governing their driving, which are issued by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). If a trucker does not adhere to proper procedures or protocol, these CDL violations can cause accidents with serious to life-threatening injuries.

What Constitutes a Violation?

Advancements in technology, such as computers, global positioning systems (GPS), satellites, and wireless/BlueTooth communication have been major contributions to the trucking industry. These improvements have significantly enhanced productivity, saving time for drivers and money for trucking companies, since cargo can often be delivered sooner rather than later. Despite the latest technological gadgets to make driving easier, motorists are still obligated to follow the rules of the road as well as any additional guidelines they might have, such as for CDL drivers. A few of the typical actions that can lead to a traffic violation that may endanger others on the road include:

• Reckless driving (speeding, distracted, drowsy, or drunk driving)
• Improper or erratic lane changes
• Following too closely
• Driving a CMV without a CDL
• Operating a CMV with the wrong CDL class or endorsement
• Overweight or unsecured cargo

Any type of reckless or negligent driving behavior can increase the chances of a crash. A truck needs more time to slow down and come to a complete stop than an automobile, so actions such as speeding or drunk driving are dangerous because the truck driver’s reaction time is greatly reduced. Also, cargo that is loose and falls off the truck bed can strike a vehicle behind it or next to it, causing a driver to lose control and collide with other cars or careen off the roadway.

What Are Common Types of Injuries?

According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), large trucks and buses accounted for 13 percent of traffic fatalities in 2017. The sheer size and weight of semi-trucks and tractor-trailers mean they can cause serious damage to a smaller vehicle, such as a car or a motorcycle. Occupants in those vehicles can suffer severe injuries due to the force of impact when struck by a big rig. A few of the typical injuries that passengers of cars suffer after being hit by a truck include:

• Whiplash
• Traumatic brain injury (TBI)
• Broken/fractured bones
• Skin abrasions/laceration/bruising
• Spinal cord damage

Contact an Orland Park, IL Personal Injury Lawyer

A lapse in judgment for a driver of any vehicle can have devastating consequences. In some cases, a violation involving a commercial truck can lead to a collision. If you are hurt after being involved in a trucking crash, seek immediate medical attention if necessary. Your next step should be to consult with an experienced Orland Park, IL truck accident attorney to understand your options for seeking compensation. Issa Law, LLC has more than 10 years of legal experience. He will fight for your rights if you have suffered due to the negligence of another party. To schedule your free consultation, call our office today at 708-966-2408.

Sources: http://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/ilcs3.asp?ActID=2375&ChapterID=67

http://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/fulltext.asp?DocName=073500050K2-2301

https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/safety/data-and-statistics/2016-commercial-motor-vehicle-traffic-safety-facts-sheet