Commercial Vehicle Accident Attorney Hawaii
Commercial vehicle accidents can be devastating. The vehicles involved tend to be far larger and heavier than those involved in the average auto accident. A fully loaded semi can weigh as much as 80,000 pounds or more. Compare this to the average passenger vehicle that weighs around 3,000 pounds on average.
Title 49 of the Code of Federal Regulations contains commercial motor vehicle regulations. For one, commercial motor vehicle operators must obtain a commercial driver’s license (CDL). A few of the important federal commercial regulations are as follows:
- Drivers must have no prior disqualifying criminal offenses to be eligible to receive a CDL
- Before obtaining a CDL, drivers must test for and receive a commercial learner’s permit (CLP) for fourteen days.
- In order to obtain a CLP, drivers must be cleared and qualified by a medical examiner to ensure they are physically able to operate a commercial vehicle
- Truck drivers are banned from using cell phones while driving, and their companies must not allow or require drivers to use mobile devices while driving.
- Drivers can only hold a CDL in one state or jurisdiction at a time.
As with all accidents, there are several very important actions you need to take after being involved in a commercial vehicle accident in Hawaii. Some of these include:
- Get Medical Attention – Even if you don’t feel you’ve been injured, it’s important for all parties involved to receive medical attention. Injuries can manifest months or years after the incident, leaving you with zero chance of ever recovering compensation from the negligent party.
- Contact Authorities – The police will help you to organize the wreckage of your accident. The police report will also include who they believe to be responsible for the accident, which can prove to be invaluable evidence for your claim.
- Obtain Vehicle Information – Take note of the year, model, make, license plate number, insurance company & policy for every vehicle involved.
- Obtain Contact Information – Be sure to get the names, addresses, driver’s license numbers, and phone numbers of all parties involved. Do the same for any witnesses to the accident.
- Take Pictures – Photos of the accident will provide evidence for your claim, and also aid in the reconstruction of the accident.
- Contact an Experienced Auto Accident Attorney – An experienced commercial vehicle accident attorney will help you deal with insurance companies, find a doctor to testify on your behalf, investigate the accident, and help you through the entire process of your claim.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a commercial vehicle accident in the state of Hawaii, contact one of our dedicated and experienced commercial vehicle accident attorneys today.