Commercial vehicles as this article will refer to it are those that are used in the course and scope of a business. For example, construction vehicles, FedEx, and DHL express delivery trucks, or Metrolink passenger trains would be considered commercial vehicles. Buses and other mass transportation vehicles are also considered commercial vehicles and are often referred to as common carriers.
Commercial vehicles are typically larger sized trucks or vans, but can also be passenger vehicles used by employees of companies. While most drivers of these vehicles do not require a specific driver’s license, certain trucks, semi-trucks, 18-wheelers, or big rigs require a special license for its drivers.
The danger of these larger sized commercial vehicles is that if the drivers are reckless, negligent, or inattentive, they can easily lose control of the vehicle. Depending on the speeds that these vehicles are being driven and the impact with a passenger car, or motorcycle, or pedestrian; such an accident can be deadly.
If you or a loved one have been involved in an accident with a DHL express truck, Joe I. Zaid & Associates are here to help. Our DHL truck accident attorneys have dealt with cases like these and will give you the justice you and your family deserve.
Negligent DHL Truck Drivers
Some of these DHL truckers are low-paid independent contractors who routinely put off needed repairs and drive their big rigs dangerously despite the danger involved. As a stopgap measure, many truckers will have new treads carved into their tires instead of replacing the tires with new ones. Some truckers will perform dangerous and illegal maneuvers such as using the trailer’s brakes to stop particularly heavy loads when they deem their rig’s brakes “untrustworthy.”
Accidents involving commercial vehicles are not simply personal injury cases involving a larger vehicle. Specific laws and regulations govern the safety of commercial motor vehicles, and cases involving commercial vehicles have unique issues that require a thorough understanding of commercial vehicle regulations on both the federal and state level.
Drivers and their employers must keep logbooks, fuel receipts, and other trip documentation for six months and vehicle maintenance records for a year. After an accident, some unscrupulous trucking companies alter or forge records, especially with respect to the number of hours driven.
Some truckers ignore federal regulations limiting the number of hours they may drive to 11 hours over a 14-hour period. They are also required to rest for 10 straight hours before returning to the road. A tired driver is a dangerous driver. When a tired driver is driving a poorly maintained vehicle, an accident is inevitable.
The Danger Commercial Vehicles Pose
Often times an accident with a commercial vehicle occurs on the freeways and highways in Houston. Interstate 45 (I-45) ranks as the second most dangerous highway in the nation and averaged 56.5 fatal accidents per 100 miles. Interstate 10 (I-10) ranked the fourth most dangerous highway in America with 54.5 accidents per 100 miles. Other deadly highways include Interstate 610, Beltway 8 (Sam Houston Freeway), and State Highway 99/ Grand Parkway.
The difference in being involved in an accident with a commercial vehicle is not only the potential devastation because of the size and weight difference between trucks or vans and passenger vehicles, but also the insurance coverage and umbrella policies that may be available to cover the damages. Most trucking companies and commercial insurance policies that these types of vehicles have a significantly higher policy limit due to the potential dangers they pose.
Such higher insurance policy limits allow your attorney to seek much higher compensation for your injuries as a result of the accident.
Why Are Houston Freeways So Dangerous?
Accidents involved with DHL express trucks and commercial vehicles, in general, were related to alcohol, distractions at the wheel, or not obeying the speed limits.
Distracted driving accounts for 9% of all road deaths. Traffic laws restricting phone use have remained extremely difficult to enforce in most states while in other states they do not exist.
These drivers can also cause accidents if they:
- Text and drive
- Have not slept enough
- Are not familiar with the roads
- Getting distracted by the GPS
- Driving in the opposite direction
- Drive aggressively
- Do not adapt their speed to road conditions (rain, snow, ice, etc.)
All vehicles on the road are at great risk for distractions, speeding, and intoxication. However, accidents involving DHL express trucks or any other commercial vehicles most often cause catastrophic injuries and in most cases death. That is why it is extremely important to hire an experienced DHL express truck accident attorney to represent you so that you can get your life back.
Get Legal Representation!
Having an experienced commercial vehicle accident law firm help you through these complex and challenging legal issues is the most important decision you can make on your path towards recovery.
While most commercial accidents may involve liability issues, an experienced law firm will have the proper experts who can analyze the accident, the vehicles involved, the accident site, the injuries, and other possible road construction defects that may have contributed to causing the accident.
Outside of dealing with liability, an experienced attorney or law firm will be able to properly evaluate the value of your claim. Often times, insurance companies will seek you quickly settle your case before you can obtain legal representation. Once you settle your case, you cannot seek additional compensation from that insurance policy or coverage.
Call Us Now!
Do not delay or jeopardize your legal rights. Call now and speak with our team of experienced attorneys about your case for a free legal consultation of your accident with a DHL express truck accident attorney in Houston or across the nation.
There are time limits in which you have to file a claim and you may be getting close. Once this deadline has passed, you forever lose your right to bring action for your injuries. You deserve justice and we are passionate DHL truck accident attorneys that will fight for your rights so that you and your family are fairly compensated.
Don’t delay, call now at (346) 756-9243. You can also fill out our free consultation form and we will get back to as soon as possible. We are also available 24/7 via live chat for any concerns you may have on your case.