Car accidents can be hard to deal with no matter what kind of vehicle crashes into you. However, the type of vehicle the at-fault driver is driving can drastically affect your case’s outcome. A car accident with regular vehicles usually entails two drivers and their insurance company, and it can be relatively straightforward. On the other hand, if you’ve gotten hurt in an accident involving a commercial vehicle, such as a delivery truck, company van, tractor-trailer, or construction vehicle, you are likely facing a more complicated legal matter.
Complicated Liability
One of the key factors that make an accident with a commercial vehicle more complicated is the matter of liability. Liability usually falls on one or both drivers in a regular car accident. However, if a commercial vehicle is involved, liable parties can include:
- The driver
- The employer
- A third-party maintenance provider
- Cargo loaders
A commercial vehicle accident requires an extensive investigation to determine who will be held liable. Legal representation often includes black boxes, driver logs, maintenance records, videos, and employment practices.
Larger Insurance Policies Mean Fiercer Defense
Commercial vehicles are typically insured with policies with much higher limits, often into the millions. That means that the compensation can be higher, but it also means that the insurance companies fight harder to minimize your claim.
Injuries Are Often More Severe
Even though the insurance companies will try to minimize your claim and act like your injuries are minor, the fact of the matter is that commercial vehicle accidents frequently cause more severe injuries than regular car accidents do. Commercial vehicles are larger, heavier, and more powerful than regular cars. When they crash into a smaller car, the results can be devastating. Victims are often left with astronomically high medical bills, long-term care needs, and more significant emotional and financial burdens, all of which should be included in your claim.
Special Laws and Regulations Apply
Commercial drivers have strict federal and state laws they must follow, including:
- Limiting driving hours to prevent fatigue
- Routine inspections and maintenance on vehicles
- Drug and alcohol testing
- Licensing and certification requirements
If a driver fails to meet any of these regulations, that violation can be used to prove negligence in your case. However, the evidence must be preserved quickly. The most crucial evidence that can help prove negligence can include driver logs, GPS data, black box recordings, and maintenance records, and this evidence can often disappear or be destroyed if not collected quickly enough. An experienced lawyer will help preserve the evidence before anything can happen.
How Jaroslawicz & Jaros, PLLC, Can Help
At Jaroslawicz & Jaros, PLLC, we’ve been fighting for injured New Yorkers for over 45 years. Our attorneys understand how to handle commercial accident cases, from delivery truck and bus crashes to construction and workplace vehicle injuries. We’re not afraid to stand up to corporate insurers and take your case to trial if needed. Contact us today for a free consultation.
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