How to Learn About the Truck That Collided Into You

How to Learn About the Truck That Collided Into You

It goes without saying that trucks are massive. And, it also goes without saying that most trucking companies and drivers do their utmost to keep the public safe. There are numerous state and federal organizations, laws and procedures to ensure that the trucking industry safely maintains their trucks and buses and that their drivers are well rested and not operating under the influence of drugs or alcohol. But, we also recognize that things can go wrong, very wrong – just do the math: Force = mass x acceleration.

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) is one of many such organizations. The FMCSA’s primary mission is to prevent commercial motor vehicle-related fatalities and injuries. Activities of the administration contribute to ensuring safety in motor carrier operations through strong enforcement of safety regulations; targeting high-risk carriers and commercial motor vehicle drivers; improving safety information systems and commercial motor vehicle technologies; strengthening commercial motor vehicle equipment and operating standards; and increasing safety awareness. To accomplish these activities, the Administration works with Federal, State, and local enforcement agencies, the motor carrier industry, labor and safety interest groups, and others. To this end, the FMCSA Safety and Fitness Electronic Records (SAFER) System offers company safety data and related services to industry and the public over the Internet. Users can search FMCSA databases, register for a USDOT number, pay fines online, order company safety profiles, challenge FMCSA data using the DataQs system, access the Hazardous Material Route registry, obtain National Crash and Out of Service rates for Hazmat Permit Registration, get printable registration forms and find information about other FMCSA Information Systems.

You can also learn about a company’s Compliance, Safety and Accountability also known as its CSA Scores.  The Safety Measurement System uses data from roadside inspections and crash reports over a two-year period, along with data from investigations to identify and intervene with motor carriers that pose the greatest risk to our roadways.  Points are assigned for unsafe behaviors, along with monetary penalties.

If you are involved  in a collision with a commercial motor vehicle it is important to speak with an experienced transportation attorney who can make sure that any unfavorable documentation/information on the trucking company is preserved and used in the litigation process if allowable.