On average the typical commercial truck weighs 100,000 pounds, and this makes the damages from a truck accident disastrous. Chameleon carriers or reincarnated carriers are companies that find loopholes to get around safety regulations which can amplify the chance of an accident happening. The government enforces regulations and safety laws to protect both the truck driver and other drivers on the road, and most freight companies try to comply.

Chameleon carriers have been caught violating regulations or safety laws at least once – if not more. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Association (FMCSA) will shut down the companies due to these violations and place a federal out-of-service order on them. The company will react by restarting under a new name, and applying for a new USDOT number- the registration number need to drive legally. They continue to do business the same as before instead of fixing the issues they were originally shut down for. These issues include faulty equipment/vehicles, legal problems with their employees, or even disregard for the regulations. The influx of applicants that the FMCSA receives makes it difficult for the agency to detect chameleons. It makes it hard for them to weed out and stop these companies from reapparing.

The FMCSA is aware of the issue and is actively taking steps to prevent chameleon companies from doing business without changing their practices, including a new vetting process that highlights attributes relating to chameleon carriers, new policy changes that eliminate out of service vehicles, and identifying processes that help find chameleon carriers faster. It is a step in the right direction, but has had limited effectiveness.

To ensure that you are completely protected after an accident with a commercial truck, , it is crucial to get as much evidence as you can. Steps you should take are:

  • calling 911
  • taking photos of all the vehicles involved
  • getting full contact information of all witnesses
  • identifying the driver and their insurance
  • seeking medical attention
  • speaking to a St. Louis attorney before insurance

In the heat of the moment, it can be difficult to remember all of this information. That is why The S.E. Farris Law Firm has the Appcident app, which has features to help you at the scene of the accident and after. If you are injured in a truck accident, The S.E. Law Firm has the experience to get you the compensation you deserve. Call us at 314-252-9937 or send us a message to arrange a free consultation.