Commercial Vehicles In An Accident
What is a Commercial Vehicles In An Accident?
Commercial vehicles are used to transport goods or passengers for the benefit of a company or individual. In other words, they are business vehicles rather than personal ones. Commercial vehicle liability in an accident can impact how an accident victim seeks compensation.
Some examples of commercial vehicles include the following:
- Vans
- 18-Wheelers
- Buses
- Tractor Trailers
- Semi-Trucks
- Taxis
- Pickup Trucks
If you were injured in a commercial vehicle accident, you might be able to receive compensation for your losses. However, the details surrounding your accident are important. You’ll need to know who caused the accident, who hired the driver, and what kind of insurance they have.
Below, we’ll go over some of the most important factors to consider when commercial vehicles are involved in an accident.
Proving Fault in a Commercial Vehicle Accident
When a commercial vehicle is involved in an accident, it is not always easy to determine fault.
When two personal vehicles collide, one or both of the drivers is usually at fault. The at-fault driver would then be held responsible for the damages. In most cases, this means that their car insurance company will cover the expenses.
When it comes to commercial vehicle accidents, liability may fall on the driver, the company that employs the driver, or a third party like a manufacturer or mechanic.
Company Liability in a Commercial Vehicle Accident
Any company that uses vehicles for business should have commercial auto insurance to cover any accidents that they or their employees may cause. This insurance is intended to compensate you if you file a personal injury claim against them.
In most cases, the company is held liable for an accident caused by its driver. This is a legal doctrine known as “respondeat superior,” which is a Latin term that means employers are legally liable for what their employees do on the job.
The employer’s insurance policy protects them from having to pay directly for an employee’s injuries and property damage.
Driver Liability in a Commercial Vehicle Accident
There are a few instances where the commercial vehicle driver is held liable for damages caused during an accident. The driver may be held accountable if they:
- If the driver is an independent contractor who drives their own car on behalf of the company.
- If the driver was using the commercial vehicle for non-business purposes or was “off the clock” at the time of the collision.
- If the driver committed a crime while operating the commercial vehicle.
- If the driver was using the vehicle for personal reasons, even though it was during business hours.
The employee’s liability will be determined by the terms of their contract and what they were doing at the time of the accident.
In any case, insurance companies dislike paying out large settlements in an accident. If you were injured in a collision with a commercial vehicle, you should contact a personal injury lawyer right away. They can assist you in determining who was at fault in the accident and will fight for your rights to compensation.
Third-Party Liability in a Commerical Vehicle Accident
When a commercial vehicle is involved in an accident, more than one party may bear responsibility. For example, if the accident was caused by faulty tires, the manufacturer of those tires may be held partially responsible for the crash. Alternatively, a mechanic who worked on the vehicle may have been negligent, resulting in problems that led to the accident.
This is another reason to hire a lawyer who specializes in commercial vehicle accidents. They can assist in determining the source of the problem so that you can file a claim or lawsuit against the at-fault party.
Contact a Commercial Vehicle Accident Attorney
If you were involved in a commercial vehicle accident and you believe it was not your fault, don’t hesitate to get legal help.
When it comes to commercial vehicle accidents, it can be very complicated to try and obtain compensation for your losses. Sometimes you’re fighting a third-party manufacturer who will almost always have a team of attorneys to protect them. Without a lawyer of your own, you will likely end up losing your case.
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