An accident involving a company vehicle or a large truck is not just another car accident. Typically, a commercial or company vehicle means that a car, truck, van, or bus owned by a company is driven by professional drivers. That also means significant commercial policies insure them.

Statistics show that around 500,000 trucking accidents occur each year in the United States, with about 5,000 per year resulting in death. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety notes that 98% of the fatalities happen to the people in the passenger vehicles involved in large truck crashes.

You need to know that if a crash occurs, the representatives from the trucking company and their insurance carrier will immediately start to investigate the accident and might try to lay the blame on you. But if you were hit by a commercial vehicle, the company that owns and operates the vehicle is most likely responsible for paying you compensation. You will be able to recover the cost of your medical bills, lost wages, emotional distress, and pain and suffering.

What to Do After Being Hit by a Commercial Vehicle?

After being hit by a commercial vehicle, the first thing you need to do is to call 911 and get to safety.

If possible, you need to take pictures or record a video of the accident scene and the damage to you and your vehicle. If there were any witnesses to the accident, then try to get their contact information so that your attorney can contact them later. Seek medical attention as soon as possible, and contact an experienced commercial vehicle lawyer to help you negotiate your accident settlement.

The insurer of the company that owns the commercial vehicle will most likely try to persuade you to settle for lower compensation than you are owed. An attorney will protect your rights and fight to get you the compensation you need for your injuries and damages.

Who Is Liable for Commercial Vehicle Accidents?

The amount of compensation you will be able to collect from the trucking company and their insurer depends on the severity of your injuries. Typically, the party at fault pays the losses and damages, but your compensation can be reduced if you are found to be partially at fault.

If the accident was caused by improperly loaded cargo, the party responsible for the loading could be held accountable. If the accident was caused by a defective part of the truck, than the manufacturer of that part can be held liable.

If an employee is involved in a crash while carrying out their duties, the company may be liable for damages. However, the driver can be liable if the accident occurred while they were off duty. Employers may be liable for:

• Failure to maintain the commercial vehicle
• Negligent hiring practices
• Negligent supervision
• Failure to verify proper licensing and certification

Final Words

Catastrophic injuries or the death of a loved one can cause you emotional and physical distress, while the costs of your medical bills can put you in financial trouble. The trucking company and its insurer are likely to negotiate aggressively and try to blame you for the accident.

It is vital you hire an experienced auto accident attorney at this stage. The attorney will evaluate the commercial accident report, medical records, lost wages, and all evidence to determine your claim’s value. They will fight to get you the maximum compensation available while letting you focus on your physical and emotional recovery.