A coach bus traveling in another state went out of control on a major highway, ultimately causing a pileup involving other commercial vehicles as well as passenger cars.
What is a common carrier?
While most people don't think of them as such, any Tampa resident who has traveled on a bus, in a taxi or taken some other form of public transportation has likely traveled on a common carrier.
Legal help for victims of commercial vehicle accidents
Commercial vehicles, including buses and taxicabs, are held to a higher standard than the average driver. Drivers are always held to a reasonable standard of care in terms of the level of care and caution they are expected to exercise when they operate their vehicles, which helps ensure the safety of others. Commercial vehicles, though, can cause much more devastation when involved in an accident. For this reason, these vehicles are subjected to higher safety standards.
Commercial vehicle accidents often result from preventable errors
A mistake in any context can cause problems for Florida residents who are left to clean up the aftermath of the error. Nowhere is this truer than in the context of a motor vehicle accident. One distracted or intoxicated driver can cause an accident that hurts many individuals, causes significant pain and suffering, and forces victims to incur significant financial losses.
Liability for commercial vehicle accidents can be far-reaching
An automobile accident between two Florida residents may be a frustrating event. Even if the parties are not hurt and only suffer damage to their property, they are often caught in a complicated process of sorting out insurance, having their vehicles repaired, and dealing with the hassle of the whole situation. Accidents, though, are not always this straightforward. When victims suffer serious personal injuries they may have to fight to get what they need to move forward.
Federal regulations aim to prevent commercial vehicle accidents
Commercial vehicles are a common sight on Florida roads, specifically buses. People travel to and from work and shops on city buses. Other buses transport people from one part of the state to another, for business or pleasure purposes. However, it is important that commercial vehicles be driven with care. This is because the large size of commercial vehicles makes any accident involving one potentially catastrophic.
Commercial drivers are able to prevent jackknifes
One of the scariest things a Tampa resident may see on or alongside the road is the site of a truck that has jackknifed. Usually, the vehicle will be twisted in to an awkward shape, and it may even lay on its side. Unfortunately, there is a reason why a jackknifed truck is scary. Often, as they crash, a jackknifed truck will sweep or otherwise collide with other vehicles around it. Especially given the huge size difference between a car and a semi-truck, the end result can easily be a serious commercial vehicle accident that can leave people seriously injured.
How sleep apnea can cause commercial vehicle accidents
Residents of the greater Hillsborough area who have heard of sleep apnea may think of it as a condition that causes people to snore. They may even recognize that those with this condition may need to wear a mask at night to help them breathe better.
Taxis, buses and limos are held to a high standard
Residents of Tampa put a lot of trust in the drivers of limos, buses, taxis and other forms of commercial mass transit, This even includes the relatively new ride-share companies that are now common in Florida, like Uber and Lyft.
Limo tragedy raises broader safety concerns
By now, most people in the Tampa area who pay attention to the news have probably heard of the horrifically tragic limousine accident in another state.
