Truck drivers in Pennsylvania are subject to many state regulations regarding everything from insurance coverage to weight limits to trucking-specific taxes. Now, PA truck drivers must also provide a medical certificate as part of the Motor Carrier Safety Improvement Act. Michael L. Saile, Jr., a Bucks County personal injury attorney experienced in Pennsylvania truck accidents, explains more about the new regulations.
Regulations
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) now requires all commercial drivers license (CDL) holders to submit their most recent Medical Examiner’s Certificate to their licensing agency. The examination must be done by a licensed medical examiner, such as a medical doctor, an osteopathic doctor, a physician’s assistant, an advanced practice nurse, or a chiropractic doctor. The examination is considered valid for two years, as long as the truck driver remains in good health. According to the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT), failing to renew the certificate will result in the loss of the commercial driver’s privilege.
Why the new regulations?
The new requirements for Pennsylvania truck drivers will help to keep electronic driving records as up to date as possible. Some medical conditions can leave a driver more susceptible to truck accidents in Pennsylvania, including epilepsy, hearing loss, vision loss and any that require the use of insulin, although there are exceptions. By providing a current Medical Examiner’s Certificate, the commercial driver ensures that he or she does not have any of the above conditions.
What does it mean for Bucks County residents?
If you are injured in a truck accident in Bucks County, your injury attorney should find out if the driver has submitted a recent Medical Examiner’s Certificate. If the driver has not, he or she was not in compliance with the new law at the time of the accident, and your Bucks County lawyer can use this to your advantage in your personal injury case.
If you’ve been injured in a Pennsylvania truck accident, it is very important to hire a personal injury lawyer to handle your case. Contact the experienced legal team at Cordisco & Saile LLC to schedule a FREE consultation. Download your FREE copy of our PA Car Accident Book now for instant information regarding truck accidents.
