Are semi tractor-trailer accidents viewed differently than other auto accidents?
Absolutely. Semi-trucks are required to carry greater amounts of insurance coverage, i.e., commercial policies. The drivers of these trucks must also meet higher safety standards than other vehicle drivers. Trucks travel in interstate commerce and therefore, are subject to many federal regulations that do not apply to other vehicles. Trucking companies also have responsibility to perform background checks prior to hiring drivers and must periodically evaluate existing employees. Drivers are subject to limits on the number of hours they can drive in a given day, and when drivers exceed this limit they increase the probability of representing a danger to other vehicles. Drivers are also subject to testing for drugs and alcohol, both randomly and in the event of an accident. Violations of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulation Act can provide the basis for establishing liability on the part of the trucking company and its driver.
