Key Takeaways
Big Vehicles, Bigger Risks: Accidents involving 18-wheelers and delivery trucks often result in more severe injuries and damage due to their size and weight.
Who’s Responsible?: Commercial accidents may involve multiple parties, including the driver, trucking company, or vehicle manufacturer.
Complex Cases: These cases often require detailed investigations and legal expertise to determine fault and gather evidence.
Act Quickly: Seek medical attention, document the accident, and consult an attorney to protect your rights and build your case.
Compensation Matters: Victims can recover money for medical bills, lost wages, and other damages caused by the accident.
Truck and Commercial Vehicle Accidents: Understanding the Process
Accidents involving trucks and commercial vehicles like 18-wheelers, delivery vans, and box trucks are far more dangerous than regular car accidents. These large vehicles are harder to control and can cause devastating injuries and significant property damage. Victims often face a long road to recovery, and the legal process can be more complicated due to the number of parties involved.
What Makes Commercial Vehicle Accidents Different?
Commercial vehicles are often heavier and larger than passenger cars, which means accidents involving them can result in more severe injuries. Drivers of these vehicles are usually working for a company, and their actions—or mistakes—can be the responsibility of their employer. Some common causes of these accidents include:
- Driver fatigue from long hours on the road.
- Poor vehicle maintenance, like faulty brakes.
- Improperly loaded cargo leading to instability.
- Distracted driving or speeding.
Who Can Be Held Liable?
Determining responsibility in a commercial vehicle accident is more complex than in a standard car accident. Liability could fall on:
- The Driver: For reckless or negligent behavior like distracted driving or DUI.
- The Employer: If they failed to properly train the driver or maintain the vehicle.
- The Manufacturer: If a faulty part or equipment failure contributed to the accident.
The Importance of Legal Expertise
Investigating commercial vehicle accidents requires thorough research. Evidence like driver logs, maintenance records, and onboard vehicle data can be crucial to proving fault. A personal injury attorney can gather this evidence and build a strong case to hold the right parties accountable.
Protect Your Rights After an Accident
If you’re involved in a commercial vehicle accident:
- Seek Medical Attention: Your health comes first.
- Document Everything: Take photos of the scene, gather contact information from witnesses, and keep records of your medical treatment.
- Don’t Speak with Insurance Alone: The trucking company’s insurance might try to minimize your claim. An attorney can handle communications and negotiations on your behalf.
