Commercial Motor Vehicles That are Just as Dangerous as Semis

 

When you think of truck accidents, your mind probably turns to the typical tractor-trailer configuration and the 18 wheels that give these rigs their nickname. What you may not realize is that there are multiple types of commercial motor vehicles (CMV) that fall under the authority of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). They may not be as massive as a semi rig and do not carry sizable cargo, but these are still large vehicles that can lead to devastating destruction and injuries in a truck accident.

 

One of the biggest safety threats is that some vehicles you assume would be regulated by the federal government are actually NOT. FMCSA safety requirements and regulations do not apply. You should discuss your legal options with anAnchorage, AK truck accidents lawyer if you were hurt in a crash, since you may be able to recover compensation for your losses. You might also benefit from reviewing the CMVs that are just as dangerous as semis and why.

 

Types of CMVs and How They Impact the Risk of Truck Collisions

 There are thresholds for a CMV to be regulated by FMCSA, based upon the combined weight over 10,000 pounds and number of passengers. Therefore, operators of commercial trucks falling under the thresholds are not subject to the same training, licensing, and controls that apply to 18-wheelers. This is certainly concerning when you encounter them on Alaska’s roadways. You probably cannot assess the weight and passengers with just a glance, so use extra caution considering the following types of smaller CMVs.

  • Delivery vans, such as the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter and similar vehicles used by Amazon;
  • Box trucks used by FedEx, UPS, and the US Post Office; and,
  • Passenger vans.

 

The dangers of these and other smaller CMVs is partly due to the lack of safety regulations, but also their physical features. They are high profile and some are windowless along the sides, which makes for huge blind spots and limited visibility. Plus, many are used for delivery purposes, with constant loading and unloading that can lead to unsecure cargo.

 

Any CMV Accident is Complicated 

Regardless of the size and whether it is regulated by FMCSA, any accident involving a commercial vehicle is complicated because of a key factor: The employer/employee relationship. These operators are working within the scope of employment when driving a CMV. It is essential for a crash victim to pursue all relevant parties, so you may be pursuing a trucking company, syndicate, partnership, or other entity for monetary damages.

 

In addition, insurance policies tend to be higher and there is much more at stake for insurers in truck accident claims. These companies will assign their most experienced claims adjusters, whose job it is to pay out as little as possible to you.

 

Reach Out to an Alaska Truck Accidents Attorney to Discuss Your Options

As you can see, it is important to retain experienced legal representation to assist with any truck collision claim due to the complexities. To learn how our team can help, please contact Power & Power Law to schedule a free consultation at our offices in Anchorage, Alaska.