Commercial vehicle accident cases have a bad reputation, and for good reason. These collisions result in thousands of fatalities each year and even more injuries. What makes these accidents so dangerous, though, and how are they different than standard car accidents?
Based on our years of experience of helping those injured by these commercial vehicle accidents, we recognize 3 key reasons why they differ from typical car crashes.
1. Commercial vehicle accident cases (usually) involve more damage.
Due to their size and weight, commercial vehicles often result in more serious damage than standard cars or smaller trucks/SUVs. Why?
- They can’t stop as quickly as smaller cars, trucks, or SUVs
- They are more difficult to maneuver and have a harder time avoiding accidents
- They have more and larger, blind spots
- Their weight and size make their impact much worse
Because these commercial vehicle accident cases involve more extensive damage, gathering evidence can be challenging, and determining the specific cause of the accident might be difficult.
2. Work vehicles are built and categorized differently than standard cars, trucks, and SUVs.
Commercial trucks are very different from standard cars!
Commercial vehicles are not built like a standard car. Some of the most common commercial vehicles involved in accidents are:
- contractor vans and trucks (including plumbing trucks, electrician trucks, and HVAC trucks)
- box trucks and moving vans
- food delivery vehicles
- refrigerated trucks
- landscaping trucks
- bucket trucks
- delivery vans
While some smaller commercial vehicles (like delivery vans or contractor trucks) might be on the smaller side, many commercial vehicles are big, meant to carry equipment or cargo, and are certainly different under the hood.
It’s also important to note that commercial vehicles aren’t categorized like standard vehicles. Commercial trucks in Florida are registered as such with the DMV and must meet different safety standards and comply with varying regulations than standard vehicles.
3. Commercial vehicle accidents can include more than one at-fault party.
Finally, commercial vehicle accident cases usually require analysis of more than one at-fault party. Not only is the driver of the commercial vehicle investigated, but the owner (or the company contracting the work) can also be held liable. The charges vary, depending on the specifics of the case, however:
Drivers are usually charged when their direct actions (or lack of action) result in an accident.
Drivers are required to make competent decisions behind the wheel and act in a way that protects them and protects others on the road. They can be held at fault if they:
- speed
- drive recklessly
- use a phone or device while driving
- choose not to stop for rest (driving while fatigued)
- use substances like drugs or alcohol before driving
Some accidents aren’t directly related to the driver’s personal choices or actions though.
Employers can be held liable if they…
- neglect proper training for employees
- neglect proper hiring practices and don’t properly scrutinize employees
- fail to keep up with truck maintenance (including timely repairs and action on vehicle recalls)
- fail to ensure proper cargo loading
If any of these shortcomings resulted in the accident, either directly or indirectly, the company can, and will, face fault.
How do experienced attorneys impact commercial vehicle accident cases?
An experienced attorney is crucial when facing commercial vehicle accident cases. Brooks Law Group has years of experience representing those injured by commercial vehicles of all types and sizes.
Our team of dedicated truck accident attorneys fights for your best interests, going against drivers, corporations, insurance companies, and entities who don’t want to pay the compensation you deserve for your recovery and suffering after your accident. Affording legal help is never a concern with Brooks Law Group, as our consultations are free, and our contingency fee means you don’t pay unless we win.
If you’re facing a truck accident claim in the Central Florida area, we’re here for you! With offices conveniently located in Lakeland, Winter Haven, Tampa, and Auburndale, we’re never far away and we serve a long list of local cities. We stand on a reputation of putting people first. If a commercial vehicle accident affected you, Look to Brooks!
