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Accidents are an unfortunate reality of driving. While most accidents involve passenger vehicles, many car crashes are DOT-recordable. These types of accidents can cause catastrophic injuries and even death.
If you or a loved one has been involved in a DOT-recordable accident, contact Shapiro Law Team today. Our lawyers are trained to handle the toughest commercial vehicle cases in Phoenix. But first, what makes an accident DOT-recordable, and why does it matter?
According to the Electronic Code of Federal Regulations, a Department of Transportation (DOT)-recordable accident is a car accident involving a commercial motor that causes either serious injury, death, or disabling vehicle damage resulting in a tow. Due to the size of big rigs, DOT-recordable accidents are typically more severe than crashes involving only passenger vehicles.
Recording a commercial vehicle accident to the DOT helps determine the safety rating of trucking companies. Since most trucking companies cross state lines, a record of the accident can be tracked at a federal level. Recording the accident not only helps keep the road safer but can also play a role in determining fault.
What’s Considered a DOT Recordable Accident?
A DOT-recordable action contains a range of information, including:
All of this information is important for regulatory purposes and legal action following the accident. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) uses this information to determine whether the motor carrier or commercial driver is fit to continue operations on the road.
For an accident to be considered DOT-recordable, it must meet the following criteria. This criteria does not consider which party was at fault:
The name, date, place, and specifications involving injury or death are reported to an accident register. This information must be maintained by the motor carrier for at least three years and must be accessible to local law enforcement, insurance companies, and other authorized parties.
The Department of Transportation will use information recorded in a commercial vehicle accident to determine the carrier’s safety rating, which helps keep the roads safe.
It’s always best to leave damage recovery to the professionals. At Shapiro Law Team, we work hard to recover maximum compensation for your losses. If you were hurt in a DOT-recordable accident, the liable party may owe you for one or more of the following:
Work with a professional personal injury attorney to achieve the best possible financial outcome following an accident. Alternatively, if a loved one passed away as a result of a DOT-recordable accident, you may be able to recover a different set of damages for a wrongful death claim. Contact Shapiro Law team for a free consultation.
It’s never advisable to go at a personal injury claim alone. Working with a reputable lawyer can help you navigate the complicated legal process, negotiate with insurance companies, and protect your rights in court. Shapiro Law Team has helped clients recover millions in settlements, including a $2.7 million settlement involving a truck collision.
The Department of Transportation keeps data from the accident on record for three years. This data is important because it helps keep track of trucking companies with low safety ratings and helps the government improve laws and regulations in the trucking industry.
This information can also penalize motor carriers for driving under the influence or driving recklessly. Motor carriers who fail to file a report after a DOT-recordable accident may result in a suspended CDL.
If you’re a motor carrier and have disputes regarding your safety rating, you may petition to have your rating reviewed. Talk to your trucking company or the Department of Transportation for more information on the next steps for handling safety rating disputes.
Being involved in a commercial vehicle accident can result in some pretty harrowing consequences. Don’t try to represent yourself—leave it to Shapiro Law Team. Our lawyers are specially trained to handle DOT accidents of all sizes. Contact the personal injury lawyers Arizona residents rely on, and let’s win you the compensation you rightfully deserve. Call for a free, confidential consultation.