Accidents involving commercial vehicles differ from those involving non-commercial vehicles in a number of ways. First, let’s define what a commercial vehicle is.

 A commercial vehicle is any vehicle used for business or commercial purposes, rather than solely for personal use. It’s typically involved in transporting goods, passengers, or equipment, and may be owned by a company or an individual operating as part of a business. Commercial vehicles may include:

• Delivery trucks (FedEx, UPS, Amazon, etc.)
• Construction vehicles (dump trucks, cement mixers, etc.)
• Livery Vehicles (taxicabs, chauffeured limousines, etc.)
• Trucks owned by utility companies
• Tow trucks
• Food trucks

If you’re unsure whether the vehicle involved in your accident qualifies as commercial vehicle, speak with a qualified attorney.

Regulations and Compliance

Commercial vehicles are often subject to strict federal and state regulations, including:

• Hours of service limits (to prevent fatigue)
• Vehicle maintenance and inspection requirements
• Require the operator to possess a commercial driver’s license (CDL)
• Are subject to weight and cargo regulations

Violation of any of these regulations can contribute to a defendant’s liability — something that’s not a factor in most non-commercial accidents.

Multiple Parties May Be Involved in Litigation

In non-commercial accidents, fault usually lies with one of the drivers. In commercial vehicle cases, many parties may share liability, including:

• The driver
• The employer
• A vehicle maintenance provider
• The cargo-loading company
• A vehicle or parts manufacturer
• The owner or employer’s insurer
• The entity responsible for training the driver

Insurance Coverage

Commercial vehicles often carry higher liability insurance policies. Because of the potential that the insurance company may be ordered to make a substantially large payout, they often employ aggressive legal teams and adjusters who work to minimize their responsibility.

Evidence Collection

Because commercial vehicles are under stricter regulation, collecting evidence (black box data, GPS records, maintenance records, driver logs, etc.) can be more complicated and may require technical expertise.

For all these reasons, if involved in an accident with a commercial vehicle, it is vital that you seek the representation of a qualified commercial vehicle accident attorney. The legal team at Attain Law has handled many such claims and will aggressively pursue the compensation you deserve. Call our offices for a FREE consultation at (888) 970-8627.