Motorcycle Accidents and Commercial Vehicles
Whether it’s a tractor-trailer or a simple delivery truck, commercial vehicles are essential for conducting business. As essential as these vehicles are, there is a risk of crashes given the nature of these vehicles and the amount of hours the drivers spend on the road.
If you’re a motorcyclist, these vehicles can be especially dangerous. This is when a Daytona Beach and Palm Coast, FL motorcycle accident attorney from Chanfrau & Chanfrau can help. We’d like to go over some of the basic dangers posed by commercial vehicles, which are heightened when a motorcyclist is nearby.
Large Blind Spots on Commercial Vehicles
Tractor-trailers and delivery trucks typically have major blind spots located to the sides and directly behind the vehicle. Even if a driver is attentive and frequently checks their mirrors, there’s a risk that a motorcyclists will wind up unseen in the blind spot. This makes potential crashes more likely.
Driver Fatigue and Commercial Vehicles
Driver fatigue occur when a driver is tired or falls asleep behind the wheel. This is a hazard for normal commuters, though the dangers are even more pronounced for commercial drivers. Since these drivers spend long hours behind the wheel throughout the day, they are more likely to experience exhaustion while driving. This can spell danger for motorcyclists and other motorists.
Issues with Commercial Vehicle Maintenance
In addition to driver errors, it’s possible that a commercial vehicle accident happens due to vehicle problems. The vehicle fleet maintained by companies must be regularly serviced, maintained, and have their fluids checked and tires rotated. Failure to properly service commercial vehicles can make them dangerous to operate.
These vehicle maintenance issues may include brake problems, steering problems, or poorly inflated tires. Something as minor as a burned out headlight or turn signal could mean the difference between a safe drive and a crash. Whatever the case may be, a vehicle that’s not safe and road ready should not be on the road.
Poor Hiring Practices for Commercial Drivers
We should also note that problems with hiring and staffing can contribute to commercial driver crashes. If a driver has a record of DUIs or serious moving violations, they should not be hired to drive a commercial vehicle. Similarly, if a driver has had a few close calls or safety violations, they should be disciplined before they get back on the road or simply let go.
While the supervisors of these drivers may not be on the road themselves, they need to take safety risks seriously.
Unreasonable Demands of Professional Drivers
Finally, we want to highlight the stresses that commercial drivers are subject to and how these can contribute to crashes. Long hours on the road, countless deliveries to be made, and tight windows in which to make deliveries can take their toll on even the most diligent motorist.
If a company is putting too much of a burden on a driver and refuses to hire someone else to help lighten the workload, they are making a collision more likely.
Contact a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
For more information about your legal options following a serious motorcycle crash, be sure to contact our skilled team of injury accident attorneys. The lawyers of Chanfrau & Chanfrau can be reached by phone in Daytona Beach at (386) 258-7313 and in Palm Coast at (386) 439-7760.
