Like most drivers, you’ve probably had to share the road with semi-trucks and other large commercial vehicles. And you’ve probably also been intimidated by the sheer size of these vehicles, especially when they change lanes or swerve unexpectedly.
“One of the biggest differences between a semi-truck and a passenger vehicle is the size,” explained injury lawyer Michael Carr on Good Day Tulsa. “A regular car weighs around 4,000 pounds; a semi-truck is 80,000-plus pounds. The force you’d experience if you were in a crash with a semi is dramatically different…it certainly raises the likelihood of serious injury.”
Commercial vehicle drivers are required to pass certain requirements: a medical background screening, a drug and alcohol test, and several training certifications. Commercial drivers are also regulated by federal laws that, among other things, limit the number of hours they can drive in a single day.
Unfortunately, trucking companies have been known to hire unqualified drivers or have even pushed their drivers to ignore safety regulations.
“If a semi-truck driver did something wrong on the road and caused a crash, the semi-truck driver can be responsible for his or her own negligence…and the truck company can also be held responsible for its driver’s negligence. Both can be held liable,” concluded Carr.
If you’re ever involved in a semi-truck accident in Oklahoma, the personal injury lawyers at Carr & Carr can help!
