Understanding Commercial Vehicle Car Accidents

02 Sep Understanding Commercial Vehicle Car Accidents

Car accidents are terrifying, confusing, and often traumatic, regardless of the types of vehicles involved. However, an accident involving a commercial vehicle can be even more confusing since other parties involved may be at fault. At Tannenbaum, Bellantone, & Silver, P.C., our team is here to help you understand commercial vehicle accidents and protect your rights. 

What Is A Commercial Vehicle?

Commercial vehicles have a specific function outside of casual, private transportation as they are used for business purposes. Since a business or company owns them, the vehicle’s driver is usually an employee. Some of the different types of commercial vehicles are:

• Mail Delivery Vehicles.
• Taxis.
• Garbage Trucks.
• Buses.
• Utility Maintenance Vehicles.
• Construction Vehicles.
• City-Owned Vehicles.

If you were in an unfortunate accident involving a commercial vehicle and believe it happened due to the other driver’s negligence, you should not hesitate to file a claim. It can be intimidating that a company is on the other side of the lawsuit, but our team is on your side to protect your rights and recover compensation. 

Common Causes Of Commercial Vehicle Accidents

There are several contributing factors to commercial vehicle accidents. While nature plays a role in some accidents, driver errors, negligence, and mistakes can lead to catastrophic injuries. Some prevalent causes of commercial vehicle accidents may include:

• Poor Road Conditions.
• Severe Weather.
• Inadequate Training. 
• Driver Inexperience with Roads.
• Poor Maintenance.
• Negligent Driving.
• Blind Spot.
• Wide Turns.
• Unsafe Passing.

These accidents often result in traumatic or catastrophic injuries for occupants of passenger vehicles. Many victims of a commercial vehicle accident are left with injuries that require long-term and expensive medical care. If you are facing lost wages and costly medical expenses, it’s crucial for you to understand your options to recover the compensation you need in the wake of such an event. 

What To Do After A Commercial Vehicle Accident

Since companies understand that they can be held liable if one of their vehicles is involved in an accident, they are equipped to take specific steps to ensure they will not be at fault. In order to have a fair chance at obtaining the total compensation you deserve, here are some critical steps to take after an accident:

• Get medical care right away. Even if you don’t feel hurt, some symptoms slowly manifest, or you may be in shock. Receiving medical help after your accident is not only crucial for your physical health but also because having a record of treatment after the accident helps prove the legitimacy of your injuries in court. 
• Take pictures of the accident scene and damage to your vehicle. 
• Do not admit fault. You can speak with the other driver or insurance adjuster after the accident but do not admit fault. The company’s legal team can use what you say against you in court. 
• Contact our commercial vehicle accident attorney. The aftermath of an accident can be overwhelming. An attorney can ensure the accident is documented correctly and help you proceed. 

Liability 

Commercial vehicle car accidents are unique when it comes to determining liability. There can be multiple defendants in these cases since the company can be held liable for their employee’s negligence. Generally, a driver involved in an accident will have been operating the vehicle during their employment for a company. In this case, the employer is held responsible for the negligence of their employee. 

Some employers of negligent drivers will try to avoid liability by claiming that the driver was not an employee but was an independent contractor. Our skilled attorneys will investigate your accident to determine liability and help you achieve the compensation you deserve. 

Contact Us

Your safety and health always come first after an accident. If you were injured in a collision involving a commercial vehicle, the dedicated attorneys at Tannenbaum, Bellantone, & Silver, P.C. can help. We have extensive experience fighting for those injured in these types of accidents. Contact our office today to schedule a case review with one of our experienced attorneys.