[gt-link lang="es" label="Se Habla Español" widget_look="lang_names"]
[gt-link lang="en" label="English" widget_look="lang_names"]
Car accidents involving commercial vehicles are different from regular car accidents. These accidents can cause severe damage and serious injuries. Commercial vehicles, such as large trucks or delivery vans, weigh much more than passenger vehicles. This makes them more dangerous in a crash.
BAM Personal Injury Lawyers helps you understand your rights if you're involved in a commercial vehicle accident. We have experience in handling these complex cases. If you’ve been hurt in a crash with a commercial vehicle, we are here to guide you through the process.
From gathering evidence to negotiating a fair settlement, we make sure you get the compensation you deserve for your injuries, lost wages, medical expenses, and more. Let us handle the legal details so you can focus on recovery.
Looking for an Idago Car Accident Lawyer? Contact BAM Personal Injury Lawyers
A commercial vehicle is any vehicle used for business purposes. This includes trucks, delivery vans, and tractor-trailers that transport goods or people. Commercial vehicles are much larger and heavier than regular cars, which makes accidents involving them more dangerous. These vehicles are used by companies for deliveries, transporting materials, or providing services.
The drivers of these vehicles, known as commercial drivers, must follow specific rules set by the federal motor carrier safety regulations. These rules are designed to ensure that commercial vehicle operators are qualified and that their vehicles are safe for the road.
Commercial vehicle accidents, especially those involving large trucks, can cause serious damage to other motor vehicles, and accidents often lead to severe injuries or fatalities. Understanding the specific rules that apply to commercial vehicles is important when dealing with a commercial vehicle crash case.
Commercial vehicle accidents are more complex than regular car accidents for several reasons. First, the vehicles involved are much larger and heavier, making crashes more likely to cause severe damage. Commercial vehicle crashes often involve more than one party, such as the driver, the employer, and sometimes even the vehicle manufacturer.
In these cases, multiple parties may be responsible for the accident. This makes determining liability more difficult. In addition, commercial drivers are subject to strict rules, including hours-of-service regulations, which limit how long they can drive without rest. If a driver violates these rules, it can add complexity to the case.
Insurance companies for commercial vehicles may also complicate the process. They often have higher coverage limits and may be more aggressive in defending their client. This is why it’s important to have an experienced lawyer who can handle the complexities of commercial vehicle accident cases and help you get fair compensation.
Commercial vehicle accidents can happen for many reasons. The causes are often more complex than regular car accidents. Understanding these causes helps determine who is responsible for the crash.
Some of the common factors include:
Driver-related causes are one of the most common reasons for commercial vehicle accidents. Commercial drivers may cause accidents due to fatigue, speeding, or distracted driving. For example, long hours on the road can lead to drowsy driving, which increases the risk of a crash. If the driver is using a cell phone or other devices while driving, this can also be a factor.
Another common driver-related cause is failure to follow traffic laws. This can include running red lights, not yielding the right of way, or driving too fast for road conditions. Commercial drivers must be extra careful because of the size and weight of their vehicles. When they make mistakes, it often leads to serious or fatal crashes.
Employer negligence is another common cause of commercial vehicle accidents. Employers who own or operate commercial vehicles have a duty to ensure their drivers are properly trained and following safety rules. If a company fails to provide the right training or allows drivers to exceed legal driving hours, it can lead to accidents.
One example of employer negligence is failing to maintain their fleet of vehicles. Commercial vehicles should undergo regular inspections and maintenance to ensure they are roadworthy. If a company ignores these responsibilities, their vehicles can break down or malfunction while on the road, causing accidents.
In addition, some employers may push their drivers to meet unrealistic deadlines, which can lead to speeding or driving while fatigued. In these cases, the employer and the driver may be held liable for the accident.
Vehicle defects and road hazards are also significant causes of commercial vehicle accidents. Sometimes, the cause of the accident is not the driver but a defect in the vehicle itself. This could include issues like brake failure, tire blowouts, or faulty lighting. In such cases, the vehicle manufacturer or parts supplier may be held responsible for the accident.
Road hazards, such as poor road conditions, potholes, or construction zones, can also contribute to accidents. If the driver is unable to avoid these hazards, it may lead to a crash. Sometimes, commercial vehicles may be transporting hazardous materials, which can cause more dangerous accidents if there's a spill or leak.
Proper maintenance of both the vehicles and the roads they travel is crucial for preventing these types of accidents.
In a commercial vehicle accident, liability can fall on several parties. Depending on the situation, the driver, the employer, the vehicle manufacturer, or even a third party may be responsible. Determining who is liable is important to ensure that accident victims get the compensation they deserve.
The driver is often the first party to be considered when determining liability in a commercial vehicle accident. If the driver was negligent -- such as by driving under the influence of alcohol, speeding, or driving while fatigued -- they may be held responsible for the accident. Commercial drivers must also follow strict rules, such as hours-of-service regulations, which limit how long they can drive without taking a break. Violating these rules can make the driver liable for the accident.
If the driver was at fault due to their own actions, they may be personally liable for the damages caused. However, in many cases, their employer’s insurance may cover some or all of the costs.
The employer or trucking company can also be held liable in a commercial vehicle accident. Companies are responsible for ensuring that their drivers are properly trained and that their vehicles are maintained. If the employer failed to do either, they could be considered negligent.
In cases where the driver was acting within the scope of their employment, the employer can be held responsible. This includes situations where the driver was pushing to meet unreasonable deadlines, driving under unsafe conditions, or failing to maintain the vehicle. Trucking companies often have large insurance policies, which can help cover the costs of damages in these situations.
The manufacturer of the commercial vehicle or its parts can also be held responsible if a defect caused the accident. For example, if a brake failure or tire blowout led to a crash, the manufacturer of those parts could be at fault. In these cases, a defective product claim may be made against the manufacturer.
Vehicle defects are sometimes difficult to identify, but a thorough investigation can reveal whether the vehicle or its parts were responsible. Manufacturers are required to ensure their products meet safety standards, and if they fail in this duty, they can be held liable for any accidents caused by their products.
If you’re involved in a commercial vehicle accident, act quickly. Here are the steps you should take:
Commercial truck accidents often happen due to driver fatigue, speeding, or poor vehicle maintenance. In some cases, crashes involving large trucks can be caused by the failure to follow motor carrier safety regulations.
Large truck crashes tend to cause more severe damage and injuries due to the size and weight of commercial motor vehicles. Passenger vehicle drivers are at a higher risk of serious injury or death in these types of accidents.
Fatal large truck crashes can result in wrongful death lawsuits. Families may be entitled to compensation for the loss of a loved one, including funeral expenses, lost wages, and emotional suffering.
The Motor Carrier Safety Administration sets and enforces regulations to ensure the safety of commercial motor vehicles. These rules aim to reduce the risk of accidents, including those caused by large truck drivers exceeding driving hours or driving under unsafe conditions.
No, not all large truck accidents are the fault of the truck driver. Sometimes, the fault lies with other drivers, road conditions, or even the truck's manufacturer. Investigating the cause of crashes involving large trucks is essential to determine who is liable.
If you’ve been involved in a commercial vehicle accident, BAM Personal Injury Lawyers is here to help. We understand the complexities of large truck crashes and are committed to getting you the compensation you deserve.
Whether you’re dealing with medical bills, lost wages, or pain and suffering, our experienced team is ready to fight for you. Contact us today for a free consultation. We’ll listen to your story, explain your options, and guide you through the process.
Let us help you focus on recovery while we handle the legal details.
Kigan Martineau, a seasoned Partner at BAM Injury Law, is a champion for those injured in vehicular mishaps, including car, eScooter, and bicycle accidents. His legal journey is marked by notable victories against major trucking companies like Matheson, UPS, and Swift Transportation, where his strategic litigation has resulted in significant client settlements.
"*" indicates required fields
