Beginning in January 2020, trucking companies and carriers must begin checking a national database to find out if potential drivers have a history of drug or alcohol use on the job. The rule was established by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) in 2016 and mandatory reporting begins on January 6, 2020. Up until now, many truck drivers have been able to conceal a history of drug or alcohol abuse. Because of the lack of a system where potential employers could have access to an applicant’s drug and alcohol use [...]

In 2015, online shopping giant Amazon launched a new offering called Amazon Flex. This program, similar in structure to rideshare gigs like Lyft and Uber, lets qualified individuals work as independent contractors and deliver Amazon packages to customers using their own trucks and vehicles. While this business model means faster delivery for customers and a chance for drivers to earn extra income, a troublesome trend is emerging – Amazon delivery truck accidents. If you’re injured in an accident with an Amazon delivery driver, issues of liability can be complex, especially when [...]

Rental moving trucks are not always as massive as commercial trucks such as 18-wheelers, but they are larger than standard passenger vehicles. Due to their size, they are more difficult to operate. However, there is no law that requires the drivers of these vehicles to undergo training or obtain a particular license to operate one of these moving trucks. Anyone who has a standard vehicle license can rent and drive one of these trucks. This is part of the reason why many of these vehicles are involved in numerous accidents each [...]

If you have suffered an injury in a truck accident and have filed a claim for damages, it is important to give yourself the best opportunity for success in your claim with the goal of receiving everything you need to cover lost income and pay your medical costs. A successful commercial trucking claim will often require the gathering and presentation of technical evidence related specifically to the trucking industry. Beyond proving the extent of your injuries and financial losses, you will likely need expert testimony from individuals with specialized knowledge in [...]

According to the Government Accounting Office, about 219 people died each year, between 2008 and 2017, due to an underride truck crash. The GAO states the averages are probably low due to the ways statistics are kept on a state and federal level. What is an underride guard? Underrides are guards on the rear, front, and side of the trailers and large trucks that prevent the car from sliding under the truck. Underride guards can be used on the front, the rear, and the sides of the truck in case of [...]

Truck drivers can cause accidents for many different reasons. They may be too tired to drive. Their cargo may spill. Many truck drivers go too fast because they’re under pressure to make deliveries. One well-known reason for truck accidents is that truck drivers have “blind spots” that make it harder to see the traffic around them. Trucking companies and drivers should be educated on where the blind spots are. The should understand how to navigate their trucks to reduce the risk of blind spot accidents. Where the truck blind spots are [...]