What are the Common Causes of Commercial Vehicle Accidents?
Commercial motor vehicles, or company vehicles, come in many different forms: 18-wheelers, box trucks, van, cars, and garbage trucks. Any vehicle that is owned and operated by a company and is used by employees or agents of the company are considered commercial vehicles. Some commercial vehicles, like semi-trucks, require drivers to hold commercial driver’s licenses.
Commercial vehicle accidents are oftentimes caused by:
- Following too closely
- Improper lane changes and other traffic violations
- Driver fatigue
- Failure to maintain vehicle
- Improper loading
Commercial truck operators are required to abide by hours of service regulations, which ensure that a driver is well rested and has a proper amount of sleep before getting behind the wheel. A fatigued driver can cause catastrophic injuries in a crash by falling asleep at the wheel.
When you are injured in a crash involving a commercial vehicle, who can be held accountable?
Who is Liable for Your Injuries in a Commercial Vehicle Wreck?
Commercial vehicle and truck accident cases can be complex because there are multiple parties that could be held liable for your injuries, including the vehicle’s driver, the company that owns or operates the commercial motor vehicle, or the vehicle’s manufacturer.
Companies are generally responsible for the actions of their employees. Unqualified management of a commercial vehicle fleet could lead to unqualified drivers. Employers may be liable for:
- Failure to properly train drivers
- Failure to maintain vehicle
- Negligent hiring practices
- Failure to verify proper driver licensing or certification
- Negligent supervision
Deciding who to sue (and where to sue) largely depends on the facts surrounding your case and how the accident was caused. An attorney with experience handling commercial vehicle accidents understands how to determine who the negligent party is.
Thomas J. Henry has helped victims in commercial motor vehicle accidents stand up against large companies and corporations and get them the compensation they deserve. When up against a law firm with extensive legal and financial resources and a proven record of winning big cases, companies are more apt to offer an appropriate settlement amount.
What Kind of Injuries Result from Commercial Vehicle Accidents?
Depending on the size of the commercial motor vehicle and the severity of the wreck, injuries can widely vary. For example, a crash involving an 80,000 lb. semi-truck and a passenger vehicle could result in catastrophic injuries or death. Common commercial vehicle accident injuries include:
- Spinal cord injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Internal organ injuries
- Fractures and broken bones
- Soft tissue injuries (such as whiplash)
- Cuts and lacerations
- Psychological and mental injuries
Contact an Experienced Commercial Vehicle Accident Lawyer
If you have been injured in a crash involving a commercial motor vehicle, contact Thomas J. Henry Injury Attorneys. Our lawyers are available 24/7, nights and weekends to evaluate your claim and provide you with a free case consultation. Choosing an attorney with experience handling complex commercial motor vehicle accident cases is critical, and our firm has a record of achieving real results for injured clients.