At Wilson Law PA, we believe prevention is the key to a safe driving environment for everyone. The best way to avoid injury is to avoid an accident altogether! Whether we travel by truck, car or bike, we all have our unique rights and responsibilities when on the road.
Trucks
If roads were a jungle, the truck would be the beastly lion! Being the largest vehicle on the road, trucks can cause the most damage and hence have the most responsibility. It is estimated that there are 500,000 trucking accidents per year causing approximately 100,000 people to be injured. Causes of the accidents include weight violations, driver fatigue, impaired driving and defective truck parts.
To protect others on the road, there are state and federal regulations that truck drivers must follow:
● All commercial truck drivers must hold a Commercial Driver License in order to operate a vehicle weighing more than 26,000 pounds, transports 16 or passengers or transports hazardous material or cargo.
● Commercial truck drivers must be at least 21, pass a medical examination and be subject to drug and alcohol testing.
● Commercial truck drivers cannot operate a vehicle for more than 11 hours following 10 consecutive hours off-duty.
● Commercial vehicles are subject to a year inspection to ensure safety.
Cars
There are thousands of car accidents every year causing substantial injuries. Common causes of accidents include distracted drivers, impaired drivers and vehicle defects. Car drivers are also subject to state and federal regulations to ensure a safe driving environment. In NC, a Class C Driver’s License allows you to operate a regular (non-commercial) passenger car or truck.
● To obtain a Class C Driver’s License, you must be 18 or over, pass a vision test, written exam and road test.
● In order to operate a vehicle, automobile insurance is required. The type of insurance needed varies by state. In NC, you must have liability coverage and uninsured motorist coverage.
● Like commercial trucks, all passenger vehicles must be subject to a yearly safety inspection by a mechanic.
Bikes
Even when observing all safety precautions, bicyclists are vulnerable on the road and can suffer substantial injuries in an accident. Laws regarding bicyclists vary by state, but in NC (according to NC DOT), bicycles are legally defined as vehicles and have just as much of a right to use the roads as cars and trucks. Bicycle accidents are usually caused by road debris, uneven pavement or careless drivers.
For proper safety, all NC bicyclists must:
● Wear helmet if they are under 16. Though, it is highly recommended that ALL cyclists wear a helmet regardless of age.
● Equip their bicycle with proper lighting if riding after dark. This includes a lighted lamp on the front that is visible from at least 300 feet and a rear reflector that is visible from at least 200 feet.
● Follow all traffic laws and regulations including stopping at stoplights, riding on the right side of the road and obeying all road signs.
Even when we are all doing our best to obey laws and regulations, mistakes happen and accidents occur causing injury to innocent people.. Whether it’s a truck, car or bike involved in the accident, our team of personal injury attorneys at Wilson Law PA are here to help. Contact us for a free consultation today.