How are the laws for Pennsylvania commercial truck accidents different from the laws for car accidents?

A: Just as differences exists in the size and weight of passenger cars and commercial trucks, there are differences in the laws and regulations that govern the operation and use of commercial trucks in interstate commerce. The laws that govern commercial trucks, such as tractor-trailers or 18-wheelers, are specific and cover many subjects. Volume 49 of the Code of Federal Regulations sets forth many of the special requirements for commercial trucks and their drivers. Some of the more significant differences are that:

• Trucking companies and drivers are responsible for monitoring the driver’s traffic citations.
• Truck drivers must follow hours of service regulations, which prevent trucking companies from overworking their drivers.
• License suspension is triggered by certain statutory violations like violating a driver or vehicle out-of-service while transporting hazardous materials, leaving the scene of an accident, or DUI.

After an accident, you must investigate the driver, their qualifications, their character, and their experience. It will be important to know how the driver got the job and what role the trucking company played in the driver’s training and supervision.