Commercial Motor Vehicles (CMVs) are very common on North Carolina’s busy roadways. These vehicles are easily identifiable, and most drivers will see multiple vehicles per day while on North Carolina’s roads. Unfortunately, CMV fatalities are a serious issue that needs to be addressed.
What Defines a Commercial Motor Vehicle?
A commercial motor vehicle (CMV) is any motorized vehicle utilized by a business to transport goods, materials, or passengers, typically with the intent of generating profit. These vehicles are essential for various industries, including shipping, construction, and transportation services.
Common examples of CMVs include:
- Tractor-Trailers: Large trucks with a tractor unit that pulls one or more trailers, commonly used for long-haul freight transportation. They are also known as semi-trucks, 18-wheelers, or simply trucks.
- Box Trucks: Also known as cube vans, these vehicles have an enclosed cargo area and are typically used for moving goods locally or regionally.
- Work Vans: Often used by service-based businesses, these vans are equipped to carry tools and equipment, making them ideal for electricians, plumbers, and similar trades.
A vehicle’s classification as a CMV is determined by its use and the weight it carries, and specific regulations govern its operation to ensure safety on the road. Larger CMVs, like tractor-trailers and box trucks, can be more challenging to stop and have bigger blind spots. Therefore, a severe collision is a higher risk for CMVs.
North Carolina CMV Collision Statistics
2020 saw 13,795 Commercial Motor vehicles involved in automobile collisions in North Carolina. Of the 13,795 collisions, there were 3,537 injuries and 168 total fatalities. 1,352 of those collisions and 7 of the fatalities occurred in Wake County.
The number of CMV-involved collisions was down from 14,091 in 2019, but the number of fatalities was up from 137 in 2019. 2020 had the highest rate of CMV-involved fatalities since 2008.
Failure to reduce speed, inattention, improper lane change, and improper turning were the leading causes of CMV-related collisions in North Carolina in 2020.
Automobile Collision Attorneys
In the event of a CMV collision due to driver negligence, you deserve to have a well-qualified attorney on your side.
For a legal team you can trust, contact the experienced wrongful death attorneys at Maginnis Howard. Our results speak for themselves, and our clients are our number one priority. We represent clients across the Carolinas on a contingency basis. That means you don’t pay unless we recover compensation for you. We have three conveniently located offices in Raleigh, Charlotte, and Fayetteville.
