Motorcycles are a fun way to travel. Riders get a sense of exhilaration and joy. But motorcycle riding can also be extremely dangerous. Unfortunately, motorcycle accidents can result in devastating and life-altering injuries. Before you head out on the roads, learn how to prevent motorcycle accidents.

The attorneys at CHASENBOSCOLO want motorcyclists to see the best of our country while staying safe. Here are five tips that can help prevent a motorcycle accident and potentially save you from a physical and financial disaster.

Distracted Driving – Don’t Do It

Just like in cars or trucks, distracted driving on a motorcycle is a risky practice. Many motorcyclists have equipment that helps them communicate on their cell phones while riding their motorcycles. When you try to text, listen to loud music or talk with your passenger while driving your bike, it can end in an accident.

Additionally, you may experience a severe accident if you come into the blind spot of a vehicle when the driver is distracted. Drivers are not always distracted by cell phones. Sometimes small children in the backseat can take a parent’s eyes off the road long enough that the driver causes an accident. Motorcyclists must be especially vigilant.

Drive Defensively

Motorcyclists must be mindful of their surroundings and the other cars and trucks around them. The flow of traffic can change at any moment. Even small distractions can lead to serious injuries. That’s why it is so important to drive defensively.

Motorcycles are much less visible than other cars or trucks, so riders must take necessary steps to help other drivers see them. Consider:

• Wearing a jacket and helmet with reflective material
• Use your headlight, even during the day
• Avoid riding in a vehicle’s blind spot
• Avoid riding at night

Maintain Your Bike

Bike maintenance is vital to safe riding. Pay close attention to the tread and air pressure in your tires. Poorly maintained tires can cause you to lose control and create a serious risk of an accident. Your vehicle also needs routine inspections and proper maintenance, so you aren’t stuck on the side of the road. This can potentially save you from serious injuries.

Before riding, check your tires, brakes, and lights carefully. Look for signs of an oil or gas leak, and clean and adjust your mirrors. Doing a safety check before each ride can help avoid an accident. But it’s also important to do routine maintenance on your bike, such as an engine inspection, and changing the brakes and oil.

Beware of Left-Hand Turns and Lane Changes

The driver of a vehicle may not see a motorcycle before making a left-hand turn or changing lanes. This is a dangerous scenario for motorcycles and can result in a serious accident. When a driver fails to yield to traffic or does not see a motorcycle coming, they can crash into an oncoming motorcycle or cause the motorcyclist to crash into them.

Additionally, when making lane changes, vehicles may not see a motorcycle because of their thin profile. Sometimes a motorcycle will also end up in the driver’s blind spot. If the driver does not check their blind spot before merging, they can end up hitting the motorcycle. Remember, if you cannot see the driver’s face in the mirror, he can’t see you.

Avoid Riding in Poor Weather

Sometimes it’s unavoidable to be riding in bad weather. You may have left when the sun was shining and by the time you’re halfway to your destination, clouds have appeared and it started to rain. Inclement weather can create driving risks for motorcyclists and increase the potential for a serious accident.

When the roads are wet, icy, or snowy, a motorcycle’s tires may not have as much traction. Your best bet is to steer clear of riding your motorcycle when poor conditions are anticipated. Pay close attention to the weather and temperature as you plan your travel.

Contact CHASENBOSCOLO Today to Protect Your Rights

If you were involved in a vehicular accident that was not your fault, you may be entitled to compensation. We recognize that money cannot make up for the injuries and property damage after an accident. However, compensation can help cover medical costs and lost wages and can help smooth the journey to recovery.

We understand the financial and emotional burden that can result from a motorcycle accident. You don’t need the added stress of dealing with the at-fault driver’s insurance company or filing a personal injury lawsuit while recovering. Call the experienced and compassionate attorneys at CHASENBOSCOLO. During your first free consultation, you’ll meet with one of our attorneys who will review your case.

Call the office at (301) 220-0050 or contact us online to schedule your free case evaluation.

If you are involved in an accident that was not your fault, you may be entitled to compensation. However, there are several factors that can adversely affect your case. Posting on social media is one of those factors.

After a traumatic accident, it’s natural to reach out to family and friends and assure them. Unfortunately, when you use social media, you may be setting a trap for yourself. If you are seeking compensation for your injuries or filing a personal injury claim with the at-fault party’s insurance company, you could destroy your case before it even gets started.

How Your Posts Can Harm Your Case

The social media platform you use is not as important as not posting in the first place. Even an innocent post can be used against you. For example, what you say in a post can be used to poke holes in your injury case. How you look in any photos can be used as evidence. Where you are in the days and weeks after an accident can also be used as evidence that your injuries were not as serious as you are claiming.

Many people enjoy using geotags to check in with friends. However, these tags may demonstrate to the opposing counsel or insurance adjuster that you’re traveling and out of your home, at the same time you’re claiming that your injuries or depression has kept you isolated.

It is important to remember that pictures and social media posts do not have context. If you’re smiling in pictures taken with a group of other smiling people, it can be argued that you are exaggerating your claim of depression and your mental state. The picture is taken in less than five seconds and does not represent how you’re feeling, but it can be argued that it’s representative of your current situation.

Anything you post online can also be interpreted incorrectly. For example, your comments may be interpreted as an admission of fault, or the post shares information about the accident that should remain confidential to support your case.

For example, attorney-client confidentiality will be upheld by the court if you and your attorney are the only two people who know the fact. If you give information on the details of the accident or injury, the opposing side can argue that you gave up your right to confidentiality when you began sharing the information.

Insurance companies and opposing counsel can also look at your overall activity level on social media as evidence that you are exaggerating your injuries. Even if the comments and images have nothing to do with the accident or your current situation. The defense can argue that posting your “normal” amount of activity indicates that you do not have as much physical or emotional pain as you claim. The best solution is to stay off social media after an accident.

How Opposing Counsel and Adjusters Find Your Posts

Once insurance adjusters and defense attorneys find your social media profiles, they can glean different kinds of information. This includes your date of birth, ethnicity, relationship status, photos of yourself, friends and family, and videos that may reveal your speaking patterns.

It’s easier to find your social media posts than you might think. Even when your social media profile is private, lawyers can have access during the discovery process. During this part of the preparation for an injury lawsuit, each side can ask the other side for information. This means you may be forced to turn over even your private media posts.

The court can also order the social media platform to restore any posts that were deleted. If you receive a friend request from someone you don’t know, it may just be the insurance adjuster or opposing counsel’s legal team looking for information that you might be posting.

How to Avoid Damaging Your Case With Social Media

If you have already posted to your social media accounts, it is vital that you do not delete anything. Destroying potential evidence can be fatal to your case. Instead, you must preserve your current postings and talk to your attorney about safely and correctly archiving the information.

You may also wish to deactivate your social media accounts, so you are no longer posting until the case is over. Ask your friends not to post any pictures or comments about you on their social media accounts. Watch to see if you are tagged in photos on your friends’ accounts and monitor them carefully.

After an accident, keep and preserve all electronic devices that you own. Even if you had already planned on getting rid of a cell phone or a tablet, store it until your case is over.

Call CHASENBOSCOLO Today for Your Free Evaluation

If you were injured because of someone else’s negligence, call CHASENBOSCOLO for a free case evaluation. You will meet with one of our experienced attorneys who will review your case details and advise you on your next best steps.

We understand the emotional and financial burden that may follow a significant accident and injury. We know that money cannot make up for the physical and emotional pain. However, money to cover your medical expenses and replace lost wages can make the road to recovery just a little smoother. Call us today at (301) 220-0050 or contact us online to schedule your free consultation.

After an accident, your head is spinning. You might be in pain, struggling to get out of your vehicle, and wondering how it all happened. It’s hard to think straight after an accident. You’re going to be staring at your car, at theirs, and emotions start to brew. You’re starting to feel angry, frustrated, and stressed. You might start thinking about the cost of repairs or how long it’ll take until you can drive your car again. Basically, you want it all to be over and done with.

Despite the onslaught of emotions and “to do’s” that start the second you get out of your car, it’s important to remember a few things NOT TO SAY when you start talking to the other party. While it’s hard to predict when, where, or under what circumstances you’ll be in a car accident, reading these tips now can help prepare you should that day come.

“I’m Sorry”

It’s very human of us to apologize, even for things that aren’t our fault. Normally the phrase “I’m sorry,” is harmless, simply a courtesy that can mean barely anything at all. “I’m sorry” can relieve a very tense situation in day-to-day life, but after a car accident, “I’m sorry” is the last thing you want to say.

What matters after a car accident is who’s at fault, and “I’m sorry” will be construed as an admission of fault. You can bet that the other driver in the accident will remember if you apologized, and hold it against you. Even if the accident wasn’t your fault in the slightest, you could suddenly be liable for the crash, and on the hook for thousands of dollars. Do not give the other party any reason to think you are guilty.

“Let’s Handle it On Our Own”

If you get out of your vehicle and find there is only minor damage, it might seem like a hassle to get the police, lawyers, and insurance companies involved. That is a mistake. Even if the other driver is pressuring you to just keep it between the two of you, even if they admit fault and say they’ll pay — refuse. Always call the police, then consult a lawyer.

That might seem like overkill, but it’s the best way to seek compensation. If you don’t file a police report, or consult a lawyer about the accident, it’s simply your word against theirs. And even if they admit fault, or say they’ll pay, there’s no way to ensure that they’ll compensate you for damages. The only way to properly seek financial retribution is with the help of a professional.

“I Don’t Need a Doctor”

If you’ve been in a car accident, chances are you’re going to hop out of your car and be anxious. You are going to call a loved one, call the police, start talking to the other driver, and examine your car. In the bustle and adrenaline of those first few minutes, you might stand up, walk around, and feel fine. The other driver asks you if you’re okay and you might say “Yeah, I don’t think I’ll need a doctor.” This is a huge mistake.

Though you might feel fine immediately after the accident, once the dust settles you might notice a migraine, lingering neck pain, limb pain, or even symptoms of a concussion. If you tell the other driver that you don’t need a doctor, you’ve ruled out them paying for your medicine, physical therapy, and appointments as part of a settlement. Even if you feel fine, don’t say you don’t need a doctor. Take time to assess your health, and contact a lawyer about receiving compensation if the other driver is at fault.

“I Accept / Yes”

After the accident, the other driver’s insurance company will likely contact you with a settlement. It’s important you do NOT accept this. That insurance settlement represents the absolute minimum you should receive. Before accepting any deal or settlement, it’s important you consult your own experienced attorney.

Contact CHASENBOSCOLO Today

If you’ve been in an accident, you need an experienced attorney in your corner. Our skilled team will be able to organize the facts of the accident, communicate with the other driver’s insurance company, and work hard to help you get the compensation you deserve. The Virginia car accident attorneys of CHASENBOSCOLO have advocated for your community for decades.

Our team is here to help. We know that you don’t need complex legal jargon and a bunch of numbers in your head while you heal. That is why we lead with patience, compassion, and kindness. While you get better and get back to your life, we will be crunching the numbers and fighting hard for you.

Call us today at (301) 220-0050 for a consultation.

Semi-trucks are massive and can cause massive damage. If improperly trained, truck drivers can cause catastrophic accidents.

So what are the training requirements for truck drivers? The answer differs for every state in the U.S. While the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration sets some regulations, most training for drivers is determined by the states themselves. Read on to learn more about what it takes to qualify for a Commercial Driver’s License.

Applying for a CDL: The Paperwork

The federal government requires entry-level drivers to undergo training prior to applying for a CDL.

When an individual applies for a CDL, the first thing a state must do is verify the driver’s driving history in its databases. The state must know whether or not the driver is disqualified from having a CDL in that state, or if he or she holds a CDL in a different state. If the latter is the case, the state must ask the driver to surrender his or her CDL from a different state.

Once the databases and history of the driver is verified, the state must inquire as to the type of operation the applicant expects to do. The applicant will ‘certify’ the type of work he or she will be conducting with the license and then this operation will be added to the driver’s record.

Following the applicant’s self-certification, the state must obtain confirmation from the medical examiner that the driver is healthy enough to operate a commercial vehicle. This information must also be added to the driver’s record.

Knowledge and Skills Test

Often when we think of driving a commercial vehicle or 18-wheeler, the first thing that comes to mind is how difficult it must be, and how different it would be from driving a regular car. And yet, when it comes to actually obtaining a CDL, the knowledge and skills test is the second priority.

States develop their own written knowledge and skills tests which are required to meet minimum requirements outlined by the FMCSA.

According to federal regulation, the written tests cover 20 areas and have no less than 30 questions. The passing score is 80 percent or above. The skills tests are passed when applicants successfully perform all skills noted by the FMCSA in a vehicle that approximates the one they will drive in the course of their work.

Obtaining a CDL

When it comes to the issuance of the license itself, the states have near-total control. States determine the application process, deadlines, application fees, license renewal regulations, renewal procedures, and any reinstatement procedures. Federal regulation outlines what must be included on a CDL including the name of the driver, driver’s date of birth, driver’s mailing address, license number, name of issuing state, date of issuance and date of expiration of the license, and the class of vehicle the driver is authorized to operate.

What Happens If a Driver Is Improperly Trained?

The weight and length of commercial vehicles are immense. Even the smallest of mistakes can have disastrous consequences. That is why it is absolutely critical that drivers be trained properly. Here are just a few examples of what can go wrong when a driver is inadequately trained.

• Mistakes When Driving: Drivers who lack training may take curves too sharply, or have difficulty properly accelerating and decelerating on hills, leading to accidents.
• Improper Cargo Loading: Commercial vehicles carry thousands of pounds of cargo. If this material is loaded improperly, trucks are more likely to cause an accident due to weight imbalance.
• Failing to Identify Mechanical Problems: Drivers without training are often less familiar with their vehicles and are therefore unable to diagnose problems that could later cause an accident.

Call Us Today

If you have been hurt in an accident involving a truck that was not your fault, call the Virginia truck accident lawyers of CHASENBOSCOLO today. As you now well know, training for truck drivers is not nearly as intense or nationally regulated as most believe. This can lead to gaping holes in training and hundreds of inexperienced drivers on the road.

If you’ve been injured by a reckless truck driver, don’t suffer any longer. Call our experienced lawyers at (301) 220-0050. We will get to the bottom of how the driver caused your accident and identify just how much you are owed in compensation. Most importantly, we will fight for you to get the money you deserve.

CHASENBOSCOLO is proud to celebrate the sixth year of our partnership with Toys for Tots. Throughout the years, our firm has been dedicated to giving back to the community, and has lent support to a variety of local and national charities.

If you have been involved in a bicycle accident, you may be wondering how helmet laws apply to your case. Bicycle helmet laws vary considerably between states and even between cities. The specific helmet laws pertaining to the location of your accident, as well as the types of negligence rules used in your state, will determine who is at fault in a bicycle accident.

Bicycle Helmet Laws in Your Locale

In Maryland, Virginia, and D.C., state laws require children to wear helmets when riding a bicycle, but not adults. There are city and county laws that do require bicycle riders of all ages to wear a helmet, however, so it’s always a good idea to check the laws pertaining to the exact location you are riding in.

According to the Bicycle Safety Helmet Institute, studies have shown that wearing a helmet while riding a bicycle halves a rider’s chances of brain injury or death in the event of an accident. Whether or not a bicycle helmet is required by law, it is always a good idea for a rider to wear one to protect themself from physical injuries and from legal defenses against them in the event of an accident.

Contributory Fault Rules and Bicycle Accidents

Maryland, Virginia, and D.C. are three of only five states in the U.S. that follow contributory fault rules. This means that a victim who is injured in an accident in one of these states is not entitled to any damages if they contributed to the accident or their injuries in any way.

So, as an example, let’s say you were riding your bicycle without a helmet in a city where you are required by law to wear one. A driver failed to stop at a stop sign and hit you, causing you o sustain a variety of injuries. In this case, even though the driver was at fault, you would not be entitled to any compensation under the comparative fault rule since you were negligent in not wearing a helmet.

As a comparison, let’s take the same scenario in a location where you were not required to wear a helmet by law. Assuming you were following the road rules when the accident happened, you would not be considered negligent in any way and therefore would be entitled to compensation for your injuries. It is important to realize in this scenario, however, that an insurance company is likely to try to deny or reduce the amount of your claim on the grounds that the severity of your injuries was increased because you were not wearing a helmet.

Why You Need a Personal Injury Attorney

Bicycle accidents often involve many severe injuries and large compensation claims. Whether you are making an insurance claim or filing a lawsuit, the process is complicated due to the variations in local helmet and negligence laws that can impact who is considered to be at fault in an accident.

Whether you are a driver who was involved in a bicycle accident or a rider who has been injured, you need an experienced personal injury lawyer who can understand the specifics of your case and the local laws that apply so they can advise you on your rights. They can also help you decide on the best plan for action, whether that involves filing a claim with insurance or filing a lawsuit in court.

How CHASENBOSCOLO Can Help

At CHASENBOSCOLO, we have been fighting for justice in personal injury cases since 1986 and have recovered over $750 million in compensation for our clients during that time. Over the years, we have successfully handled all kinds of personal injury cases, including many bicycle accidents. We understand the physical, emotional, and financial impact an accident can have on your life, and we are here to take care of you every step of the way through the legal process.

Known as “the trial lawyers that care,” we have a reputation as aggressive trial lawyers who can effectively fight insurance companies in court to obtain the best possible outcome. We offer a No Fee Guarantee so you don’t have to pay anything until we recover money for you. Don’t wait! Call us at (301) 220-0050 today to schedule your free no-obligation consultation.

When you are dealing with shock and injuries in the aftermath of a car accident, it can be difficult to think about what to say to an insurance adjuster when they contact you. What you do and don’t say, however, can make or break your case, so it’s critical that you understand how to communicate with them.

The Role of the Insurance Adjuster

An insurance adjuster is employed by an insurance company to investigate and assess the company’s liability in the claims they review. It is the insurance adjuster’s job to settle the claim as quickly as possible for the lowest possible amount. Unfortunately, this means that the insurance adjuster is not on your side. Even though they may sound friendly and inquire about your wellbeing, their goal is to give you as little compensation as possible.

What You Should Do When You Talk to an Insurance Adjuster

Within a few days of an accident, you can expect a call from at least one insurance adjuster. Here are five things you should be sure to do on this call:

• Find out who they are – Write down their name and the company they represent.
• Refuse to allow your statement to be recorded – One of the first things the insurance adjuster will ask is if they can record your statement. A recorded statement can be used as evidence against your case, and you have the legal right to refuse the recording.
• Only provide basic information about yourself – This can include your name, address, and phone number. Remember, you don’t have to answer all their questions.
• Only provide basic information about the accident – This may include time, date, location, and vehicles involved. Once again, you don’t have to answer all their questions.
• Refer them to your lawyer – If you have hired a car accident lawyer, you can refer them straight to your attorney if they have further questions.

What You Should Not Say to an Insurance Adjuster

What you do not say to an insurance adjuster is critical to the outcome of your case. The adjuster is looking for any reason they can find to reduce the insurance company’s liability, and whatever you say can be used as evidence against you and could be used to minimize your claim. The less you say, the better, so keep the conversation as brief as possible and remember not the say the following:

• “Sorry, it was my fault” – Whether or not you think you did something wrong, do not offer apologies or admit fault. Most accidents are caused by many variables, some of which you may not be aware of.
• “Here’s what I think happened…” – The insurance adjuster will ask you questions about the cause of the accident. You need to state the facts but keep your answers brief. Do not speculate, exaggerate, or provide your opinion about who was at fault.
• “I’m fine” – The insurance adjuster may casually begin your conversation by asking “how are you?” Even if you do feel fine, don’t tell them so. In some cases, a victim can be so shocked by an accident, that it takes a few days for injuries to present themselves through symptoms.
• “My injuries include …” You cannot be sure of exactly how serious your injuries are until you have been examined by a doctor. When the adjuster asks what injuries you have sustained from the accident, tell them your lawyer will send them a list.
• “Sure, you can talk to my doctor” – The adjuster may try to obtain details of your medical history to identify pre-existing conditions and injuries that can reduce the value of your claim. Do not provide any of these details or give them permission to access your medical records, even if they say they need this information to verify your injuries.

How CHASENBOSCOLO Can Help You

At CHASENBOSCOLO, we have helped thousands of car accident victims obtain hundreds of millions of dollars in compensation. Our compassionate and skilled attorneys are here to guide you through the complicated insurance claim process and advocate for your rights to help you obtain fair compensation for your losses. We offer a No Fee Guarantee so you can rest assured that you won’t pay anything until we recover money for you. Contact us at (301) 220-0050 today for a free consultation and learn how we can help you.

Don’t wait any longer. Call now.

Trucks deliver the majority of goods that consumers buy in stores or online. Certain regulations are in place to make sure all truck drivers operate safely. A key component of truck driver safety is the truck driver’s travel log. This documents various operating details for each driver. Completing the log is a requirement set forth by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), a part of the United States Department of Transportation (USDOT). In addition to documentation, the log also serves a preventative safety purpose. Truck drivers are limited by the FMCSA in the duration of their drive time and hours of service. By requiring truck drivers to continually maintain their log book, the FMCSA is able to enforce these limits.

Hours of Service Limits

FMCSA uses three maximum duty limits that all truck drivers must follow. These are the 14-hour driving window, the 11-hour driving limit, and the 60/70-hour duty limit. The 14-hour driving window means that all driving must occur during this 14-hour period. The driver may only drive their truck for up to 11 hours within that 14-hour window. After either of these limits is hit (whichever comes first), the driver must take at least ten consecutive hours off-duty before they are allowed to drive again. Also, once the driver has been on-duty for eight consecutive hours, they must take a 30-minute rest break before they may drive again.

The 60/70-hour duty limit is an additional requirement that works on a rolling basis. Which specific limit is used depends on the driver’s company. If the company operates vehicles each calendar day of the week, then the driver may drive a maximum of 70 hours in any rolling eight-day period. If the company does not operate vehicles on each calendar day of the week, then the driver may drive a maximum of 60 hours in any rolling seven-day period. Once the applicable limit is reached, the driver must wait until their number of hours drops below the limit for a seven or eight-day consecutive period, as applicable.

Driver’s Daily Log

The log book itself is the tool used by truck drivers to track and document their hours of service to make sure they do not exceed the maximum limits set forth by FMCSA. Drivers must fill out their log for each calendar day, and this must account for all 24 hours of each day. This includes days when they are not driving.

The actual implementation may take several forms. Drivers are permitted to use a hand-written hardcopy log, an automatic onboard recording device (AOBRD), or a similar electronic logging device (ELD). At this time, all commercial trucks are required to be equipped with an ELD.

The driver must fill out their own log book, and all information must be true and correct. Drivers may be subject to log book inspection at any point by authorized government inspectors. Requirements include that each of the prior eight days must all be logged. In addition, the driver’s log must be up-to-date for the present day as well, including their current status. When inspectors verify a driver’s logs, they are checking to make sure that the driver is in compliance with hours-of-service limits for the previous eight days. If a driver is in violation, they may receive a fine, or they may be taken out-of-service.

Information contained in the log includes data such as dates worked, miles driven, goods hauled, and company name. The central part of the log is the total hours corresponding to each duty status, which must add up to 24 hours. For each time period, the driver must account for their status as either: driving, on-duty (but not driving), off-duty, or sleeper berth.

Two exceptions exist that may not require a driver to complete a log if certain conditions are met. These are the 100 Air-Mile Radius exception and the Non-CDL Short-Haul exception. Certain stipulations apply, and essentially these exceptions are for non-long-haul and non-over-the-road drivers.

Contact Us

If you were the victim of an accident involving a commercial truck that wasn’t your fault, you might be entitled to compensation. You need an attorney who is familiar with truck accident claims to guide you through this complex legal process. Your medical bills may be piling up, and you should not have to pay for treatment for an accident that was not your fault.

Call us today at (301) 220-0050 to speak with one of our Virginia truck accident attorneys about your case. CHASENBOSCOLO has successfully handled many similar injuries for prior satisfied clients. We are ready to take charge of your case, and we will guide you each step of the way. You deserve to receive all the money to which you are entitled so that you can move on with your life and put your accident and injury behind you.

Accidents involving 18-wheeler trucks are not the same as passenger vehicle collisions. Potential settlement payouts are high, which means the stakes are high for everyone involved. The legal process is complex, and the parties who may be liable to pay you will do everything they can to avoid paying.

Having an experienced attorney on your team is important because they will forcefully advocate for you each step of the way. Your attorney will negotiate aggressively so you receive the full amount to which you may be entitled. This may include economic damages for medical bills, lost wages, and future earnings, as well as noneconomic damages, such as pain and suffering, disfigurement, and emotional distress.

Parties Involved and Liability

Legal action for collisions involving 18-wheelers is much more challenging to pursue than the average passenger vehicle collision. Preservation of time-sensitive evidence is critical, including testing for drugs and alcohol, documentation of service hours, records of truck inspections, weight tickets, and dispatch instructions.

Collisions caused by 18-wheelers typically involve many potentially liable parties. These may include the truck driver, the truck owner, the driver’s employer, companies that perform maintenance, parts manufacturers, and freight owners.

The negligent parties will fight aggressively to reduce the amount they are required to pay. In many cases, they and their insurers are experienced in legal action surrounding 18-wheeler truck accidents. Most cases are resolved by settlements because the negligent parties do not want the case to go to trial. In a trial, they risk being liable for much greater monetary compensation than in a settlement.

Visibility

Truck drivers sit higher than drivers of passenger vehicles, which affects their ability to see the road and other vehicles. A truck driver’s vantage point is greatly impacted by the geometry of the truck, which includes large blind spots. When a truck driver changes lanes or makes a turn, they may be unaware of passenger vehicles in the truck’s blind spots. This may cause an accident or may even force another vehicle off the road.

Size, Force, and Stopping Distance

Trucks are significantly larger than passenger cars, which means that there is a greater area of the vehicle that may lead to a collision. In addition, the greater mass of the truck means that at traveling speeds, the truck generates a much more violent force than a passenger car. On top of this, the truck will need a longer distance to come to a stop than a passenger vehicle does.

All of these characteristics combined mean that trucks are more powerful, more dangerous, less predictable, and less easily controlled than passenger cars. The types of accidents that a truck may cause are also greater than accidents involving only passenger vehicles. Truck crashes may result from many different types of situations, including rollovers, jackknifing, sideswiping, and cargo spills.

Severity of Injuries

The massive difference in size and mass between a truck and a passenger car means that catastrophic injuries are much more likely in truck accidents. This is true at low speeds and even more so at operating speeds, such as those on highways. Due to the factors described above, injuries sustained in a crash with a truck can be far more violent than those with a passenger car. The resulting impacts are often devastating, permanently life-altering, and may even include death.

The severity of these types of injuries may cause far-reaching negative impacts to the life of the person injured, as well as their family. The victim may require ongoing medical treatment as a result of the crash, including physical therapy, surgeries, and medication. They may have been permanently disabled, which may affect their ability to hold a job or earn income. They may require long-term assistance from a caregiver, and their quality of life may have been severely impacted.

Contact Us Today

If you were the victim of an accident with a commercial truck that wasn’t your fault, you might be entitled to compensation. You need an experienced attorney and legal team who will hold each party accountable and get you the full amount of compensation to which you may be entitled.

Call us today at (301) 220-0050 to speak with a personal injury attorney from CHASENBOSCOLO. You may have medical bills piling up that you should not have to pay if this crash wasn’t your fault. We have helped many satisfied clients successfully navigate their cases to get them the compensation that was rightfully theirs. We are ready to go to work for you so that you can move on from this distressing experience and go forward with your life.

The season of autumn brings with it shorter days and more temperate weather that makes for enjoyable motorcycle rides. While the temperature has cooled down a bit and heat is less of an issue, there are still many factors of which to be aware. It’s true that an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, and each of these strategies will pay great dividends in the long run. By keeping these items top of mind, you will be well-equipped to safely enjoy the brisk autumn riding days.

Keep Your Motorcycle Maintained

A motorcycle is a complex machine with many moving parts, some of which may wear out and need to be replaced. Even with regular visual inspection by the owner, a motorcycle will still benefit from periodic care by a professional mechanic. They will know what potential issues to look for and how to prevent them from becoming dangerous. Since they see so many motorcycles, things will be obvious to them that may not be obvious to the rider. This includes major areas such as tires, brakes, and lights.

Adjust for Sun Glare

When Daylight Saving Time (DST) ends, the extra hour we get comes with a drawback, which is that our rhythms and habits are thrown off autopilot. Commutes that were previously dark may now be light and vice versa. It’s critical to stay aware of the location of the sun in the sky and how sun glare may affect you or the drivers around you. Consider a tinted helmet visor if your morning or evening commute has you predominately looking into the sun.

Stay Weather Aware

The cooler temperatures may also bring other weather changes, such as rain and the opportunity for wintry precipitation. There may be snow or ice on the road at times, both of which are a particular challenge for vehicles with only two wheels. Planning ahead will keep you from being surprised by extreme weather and will allow you to make decisions like choosing when to drive a car on certain days instead of riding your motorcycle.

Dress for the Day

Staying on top of the weather will allow you to choose which days to dress lighter and which days to make sure you have layers or warmer clothes. Autumn riding involves potential weather-related risks such as hypothermia. Even in less extreme weather, the cold can cause discomfort or shivering that can both be a distraction and make the rider less aware of their surroundings and road conditions.

Wear Bright Visible Clothing

The shorter days mean that the drivers in the vehicles around you are also adjusting to the new lighting conditions. While you and your motorcycle may have been highly visible in the summer, this may no longer be the case in autumn. For example, if your motorcycle clothing is dark, you may barely be visible when surrounded by other dark elements during the morning and evening. By wearing bright clothes, especially a jacket and helmet, since these are most visible to vehicles, you will ensure the greatest visibility and safety for yourself.

Anticipate Hazards

Riding proactively on a motorcycle is the best way to give yourself as much space and reaction time as you can. While many hazards are unexpected, you can begin with the assumption that something may happen and stay alert for changing road conditions. Leaving extra space between yourself and the vehicles in front of you is a great way to make sure you see everything in your path and have enough time to react. In autumn, hazards may include leaves, which, when wet, can result in a situation where the road is much more slippery than normal.

Stay Aware of Your Mental State

Autumn brings with it challenging aspects such as the approaching holiday season, which is statistically a stressful time of year for most people. Other considerations include Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), which may result from the reduced amount of sunlight we get each day in autumn. Both stress and mild symptoms of depression may have a negative effect on a rider’s abilities and awareness. Specifically, a rider may be less aware of roadway conditions and other vehicles around them.

Contact Us

If you or someone you know has suffered a motorcycle accident that wasn’t your fault, you need an attorney who is experienced in handling motorcycle crash cases. You may be facing a stack of growing medical bills as well as the physical and emotional impacts from the injury itself. Call CHASENBOSCOLO today at (301) 220-0050 to speak with a Virginia motorcycle accident attorney. We have helped many clients in similar situations, and we will do the same for you. We will help put your mind at ease and work to help you get the money you deserve so you can move on from this challenging time.