Accidents that involve a bus or commercial truck in Illinois are often more dangerous than accidents that involve two privately owned passenger vehicles. This fact becomes more relevant when the passenger vehicle is a much smaller car. The size difference between the two vehicles in truck accidents makes serious injury more likely for passengers in a small car.
Laws regarding trucking accidents
The drivers who travel state roads each day must abide by local and state traffic laws. Drivers of large commercial vehicles must follow federal guidelines in addition to the laws that apply to the other drivers on the roads. These additional guidelines have a significant impact on accident claims when bus and truck accidents occur.
Electronic logging devices
When an electronic logging device is attached to the engine of a commercial vehicle, it becomes capable of recording the amount of time a bus or truck spends on the road. This capability is useful in enforcing the hours-of-service regulations for bus and truck drivers.
The data gathered from an ELD helps officials determine if commercial drivers take the breaks required by law, and the data stands as a record of vehicle use. This information is helpful when it is time to assess negligence in an accident.
Large truck collisions
The complete set of rules that govern the operation of commercial trucks and buses is set forth by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration and the Department of Transportation. Drivers who become involved in an accident with one of these vehicles should be aware of these regulations.
A car accident can alter the lives of everyone involved in just a few seconds. Individuals in search of compensation in the aftermath of an accident may benefit from speaking with a personal injury attorney.