A commercial vehicle is a car, truck, van, or a bus that is owned by a company. Quite often, these vehicles are operated by an employee to carry work equipment, transport passengers or goods, or to transport other employees to various worksites.
Due to the size and weight of some commercial vehicles on the road, being involved in an accident with one doesn’t leave other drivers much of a chance of walking away unharmed. Quite often, commercial vehicle accidents result in serious injury or death.
Like other vehicles on the road, commercial vehicles can be involved in accidents that cause serious injuries or fatalities to occur. When commercial vehicle accidents occur, it is imperative for injured parties to contact a commercial vehicle accident attorney from Needaninjuryattorney.com as soon as possible to discuss your claim.
What Is A Commercial Vehicle?
A commercial vehicle is any vehicle used by an employee of a company. These vehicles can be any type of vehicle, including:
- 18-wheeler / Tractor-trailer / Semi-truck
- Agricultural truck
- Box or straight truck
- Car carrier / Cargo van
- Catering truck
- Cement mixer
- Construction vehicles
- Corporate automobiles
- Delivery truck (FedEx or UPS)
- Delivery van
- Dump truck
- Fifth wheel truck
- Flatbed truck
- Fleet vehicle
- Front loader
- Garbage truck
- Hearse
- Ice cream truck
- Limousine
- Minivan
- Motor home
- Passenger bus
- Passenger car/van
- Pickup truck
- Pump truck
- Refrigerated truck
- Repair company vans
- Ridesharing service vehicles
- School bus
- Sports utility vehicle
- Step Van
- Tank truck
- Taxicab or shuttle
- Tow truck
- Trunk tractor
- Utility company truck
- Wheelchair bus
- Wheelchair van
Some of these vehicles may contain banners or markings that let others on the roadway know that they are commercial vehicles, but this is not always the case. It is crucial for anyone injured in a commercial vehicle accident to inquire about the employment status of the vehicle driver. Doing so could provide information as to whether the driver was on the clock during the accident and if the company can be held liable. If you or a loved one were injured in an accident with a commercial vehicle, it is crucial for you to contact an attorney at the law firm of Needaninjuryattorney.com as soon as possible to protect your legal rights to compensation.
Recoverable Damages In A Commercial Vehicle Accident
Individuals who are involved in commercial vehicle accidents may be able to recover compensation for damages incurred during their accident. Some of the most commonly awarded damages in commercial vehicle accident lawsuits include:
Medical Expenses: Individuals who sustain injuries in commercial vehicle accidents are able to obtain compensation to cover medical expenses associated with the treatment of injuries sustained in the crash. These expenses include emergency room visits, testing performed, doctor visits, and the cost of medical equipment.
Lifetime Care Expenses: Injury victims are able to obtain lifetime care expenses for treatments resulting from commercial vehicle accidents. These expenses often include surgical procedures, therapies, and other long-term maintenance and care for injuries and conditions resulting from the accident.
Vocational Rehabilitation Services: There are instances when individuals who are involved in commercial vehicle accidents are unable to return to their normal line of employment as a result of their injuries. For instance, individuals who sustain severe back injuries most likely will not be able to return to work as heavy equipment operators or perform tasks that require stooping, bending, and lifting. In these cases, parties that desire to return to a new career can obtain training. These individuals can recover the costs of training from their commercial vehicle accident lawsuit.
Lost Wages: Individuals who are forced out of work due to their injuries are able to recover lost wages for their time off. These wages can be collected to cover work missed for recovery, doctor appointments, or for any other time that was required off as a result of the commercial vehicle accident.
Lost Earnings: In cases where individuals are unable to return to work after their commercial vehicle accidents, they may be able to obtain compensation for lost earnings. These earnings cover the amount they are expected to make, including inflation, for the remainder of their lifetime working. Calculating the value of lost earnings that someone a loses due to a commercial vehicle accident is quite complex. Hiring an experienced attorney at Needaninjuryattorney.com will ensure you recover all of the money you are entitled to.
Pain And Suffering: Anyone involved in a commercial vehicle accident most likely suffers physically and emotionally every day. The justice system of the United States enables them to recover compensation for the pain they experience from their accident. Each state has its own formula for calculating how much a person can recover from pain and suffering. The amount takes into consideration the extent of the injury, the number of surgeries or treatments needed to stabilize the person after their accidents, and various other factors.
Mental Anguish: Dealing with life-altering injuries can have a dramatic impact on a person’s life. Having to deal with constant pain and not being able to function normally can cause severe mental distress. Commercial vehicle accidents can cause injury victims to feel anxious, distressed, hopeless, scared, or even grief. Individuals who suffer injuries in commercial vehicle accidents can recover compensation for mental anguish.
Property Loss: Quite often, commercial vehicle accidents result in damaged property. Vehicles, personal belongings, and other property can be compensated in an accident. An injury victim is able to recover compensation to repair their vehicle or replace it, as well as replace any damaged property.
Loss Of Consortium: This type of compensation is generally awarded to injury victims who have experienced relationships suffrage as a result of their commercial vehicle accidents. These damages are generally awarded to individuals who are unable to enjoy time with their spouse or children or perform tasks they enjoy. These damages are awarded to individuals who suffer a loss of life enjoyment after their accident.
Punitive Damages: In addition to compensation for damages, judges can award punitive damages to injury victims. Punitive damages are often awarded to victims who sustain serious injury due to negligent or reckless acts by commercial vehicle drivers.
Each state has its own guidelines as to how punitive damages are calculated. In order to obtain the most amount of compensation you are entitled to, it is imperative for you to hire a commercial vehicle accident attorney from Needaninjuryattorney.com to protect your legal rights.
Fatal Commercial Vehicle Accidents
There are instances where individuals involved in commercial vehicle accident suffering fatal injuries. These unfortunate events leave families suffering emotionally, as well as financially. Although no amount of compensation could ever take the place of their loved one, it can help alleviate some of the financial burdens caused by the accident. Some of the damages individuals can collect in fatal commercial vehicle accidents include:
- Loss of financial contribution
- Loss of benefits
- Loss of inheritance
- Loss of love, companionship
- Loss of care and support
- Funeral expenses
- Burial expenses
In some cases, families may be able to obtain compensation for pain and suffering, medical expenses, and mental anguish their loved one suffered before passing away due to their injuries. In commercial vehicle accident where individuals lose their life, a wrongful death lawsuit is generally required. A commercial vehicle accident attorney from the law firm of Needaninjuryattorney.com can assist claimants in filing their lawsuits in court.
Regardless of the extent of injuries incurred in the commercial vehicle accident, each state establishes a statute of limitations in which claimants can file their lawsuits. Working with an experienced commercial vehicle accident lawyer from Needaninjuryattorney.com will ensure all time and filing requirements are met. Our commercial vehicle accident attorneys work hard to protect injured parties and their families to obtain the justice they deserve.
Determining Liability In A Commercial Vehicle Accident
If you are ever involved in a commercial vehicle accident, it is important to know who the liable party is. An injured claimant must prove liability in order to obtain compensation for the damages they sustained. In general, companies are responsible for the actions of their employees in commercial vehicle accidents. Companies can be held liable in commercial vehicle accidents for:
- Providing negligent supervision of employees: Employers are expected to implement reasonable safety policies for drivers to adhere to. They are expected to make sure all employees are following the policies and the laws of the state. If an employer fails to supervise their employees, they can be liable for negligence.
- Hiring inexperienced drivers: If an employer hires a person they know is inadequate for the job, they can be held liable for any commercial vehicle accidents they cause. It is imperative for companies to ensure all drivers have clean records and are responsible behind the wheel.
- Failure to ensure drivers are properly licensed or certified: Employers must obtain proof that drivers are legally able to operate a vehicle. This license or certification can be different depending on the type of vehicles involved.
- Failure to train drivers to handle the company vehicles: Providing job training is a critical part of ensuring all safety operations are understood and implemented daily by employees. Performing routine training ensures everyone is on the same level of understanding.
- Failing to maintain the vehicle in an appropriate and reliable manner: Maintaining company vehicles is a critical task that ensures vehicles are operating and performing up to safety standards. If an employer does not routinely inspect their vehicles, or provide adequate maintenance, a commercial vehicle accident could occur. It is imperative for vehicles to be safe and reliable when they are out on the roadway to protect the lives of employees as well as others who share the streets.
Drivers who are reckless or negligent are also responsible for their role in the accident. There are instances when commercial vehicle drivers experience fatigue or drive while intoxicated. These individuals may run stop signs or ignore red lights, or they may drive in excess of the posted limit. Their negligent acts can cause severe and life-changing injuries to others on the roadway. Some of the most common causes of commercial vehicle accidents include:
- Driver fatigue
- Unreasonable work schedules
- Improper loading of equipment
- Overloading of equipment
- Defective equipment on commercial vehicles
- Poorly maintained vehicles
- Inexperienced drivers
- Dangerous weather conditions
- Drivers under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- Defective roadways
- Speeding
- Other negligent acts while in control of the vehicle
If you or someone you love is injured in a commercial vehicle accident, contact a commercial vehicle accident attorney at Needaninjuryattorney.com as soon as possible.
Hiring An Attorney Is In Your Best Interest
Working with a commercial vehicle accident attorney following your commercial vehicle accident will ensure you obtain the best possible outcome for your case. Our attorneys at Needaninjuryattorney.com can work on behalf of clients to handle all legal matters, so injured claimants can focus on their recovery knowing their best interest is protected.
When necessary, our attorneys will hire expert witnesses to aid in filing claims and providing critical information to support the claimant’s case. At Needaninjuryattorney.com, we work with leading industry experts, including:
- Accident investigation experts
- Haz-Mat Experts
- FMCSA compliance consultants
- Forensic Engineers
- Accident reconstruction experts
- Human factors forensic science experts
- Equipment tech experts
Each of these experts can provide critical details regarding factors of a claimant’s accident that prove liability. In addition to gathering expert witnesses, our commercial vehicle accident attorneys will assist claimants in:
- Filing their claims
- Gathering imperative evidence
- Gathering statements and testimony from witnesses to the accident
- Performing investigations into the accident
- Gathering police and medical reports
- Handle communication between insurance companies
- Negotiate fair and full settlements
- And more
One of our commercial vehicle accident attorneys will work on your behalf to obtain the best possible outcome for your case. Contact an attorney at Needaninjuryattorney.com as soon as possible to protect your right to the compensation you are entitled to and to get the justice you deserve. Call Needaninjuryattorney.com today to schedule your free consultation.