Car accidents involving commercial vehicles can result in serious, even catastrophic consequences. Unlike standard passenger car accidents, crashes with large trucks, delivery vans, or other commercial vehicles introduce a more complex legal landscape. And it is not always easy to determine who is liable- and more than one party can be at fault. Understanding who can be held liable in these situations is essential for any victim seeking compensation.
In this blog post, we’ll examine the key factors that determine liability in commercial vehicle accidents and explore the possible parties that may be held accountable.
WHAT COUNTS AS A COMMERCIAL VEHICLE?
As we delve into this liability business, we should find out what is considered a commercial vehicle. Generally, a commercial vehicle is any type of motor vehicle used for transporting goods or passengers for profit. This includes:
- Semi-trucks and tractor-trailers
- Delivery trucks (e.g., FedEx, UPS, Amazon vehicles)
- Company cars used for business purposes
- Utility and maintenance trucks
- Buses and shuttle vans
- Rideshare vehicles and taxis
Because these vehicles are often operated by employees or contractors on behalf of a company, different legal rules may apply compared to typical car accidents.
POTENTIALLY LIABLE PARTIES IN COMMERCIAL VEHICLE ACCIDENTS
- The Commercial Vehicle Driver
The most immediate and obvious party who may be held responsible is the driver of the commercial vehicle. Like any motorist, commercial drivers have a duty to operate their vehicles safely and in compliance with traffic laws. The driver might be personally liable to the accident, in case he or she was speeding, distracted, under the influence, or generally careless.
However, the analysis does not stop there. When the driver involved in the crash was doing his or her job at the moment of the impact, the responsibility may spread on the company.
- The Driver’s Employer or Trucking Company
The legal doctrine of respondeat superior can be used in most instances to hold the company employing the driver liable. This principle holds that employers are responsible for the actions of their employees when those actions are performed within the scope of their employment.
For example, if a delivery driver rear-ended another car while making scheduled deliveries for their employer, the company could be held responsible for the resulting injuries and damages. In addition, a company might be independently liable if it:
- Hired an unqualified or unlicensed driver
- Failed to properly train or supervise employees
- Asked drivers to extend their working hours to unhealthy levels causing fatigue
- Ignored federal regulations regarding commercial vehicle safety
- The Company That Owns or Maintains the Vehicle
If a commercial vehicle is owned by a separate entity or maintained by a third-party service provider, that party may also bear some responsibility. Poor maintenance—such as failing to inspect brakes or replace worn tires—can directly contribute to an accident. In such cases, a maintenance company could be named in a personal injury lawsuit alongside other defendants.
- Vehicle or Parts Manufacturers
Sometimes, a defect in the commercial vehicle or one of its components may cause or contribute to an accident. For instance, faulty brakes, defective steering mechanisms, or tire blowouts can all result from manufacturer errors. When such happens, a product liability lawsuit can be invoked against the manufacturer of the vehicle or parts.
- Cargo Loaders or Shipping Companies
In accidents involving large trucks, improperly loaded cargo is a common culprit. Overloaded or unbalanced freight can affect a vehicle’s handling or cause it to tip over, especially at high speeds or during turns. If a third party was responsible for loading the cargo, they may be liable for the accident if their negligence caused the crash.
- Other Drivers or Third Parties
Not every accident involving a commercial vehicle is solely the fault of the truck or its driver. Other motorists, cyclists, pedestrians, or roadway hazards can contribute to or cause a collision. In such cases, liability might be shared among several parties, and a thorough investigation will be necessary to determine the proportion of fault.
HOW LIABILITY IS DETERMINED
Liability in commercial vehicle accidents is usually an issue that has to be investigated thoroughly. Such evidence as:
- Police reports
- Driver logs and employment records
- Vehicle inspection and maintenance reports
- Black box data (electronic logging devices)
- Eyewitness accounts
- Surveillance or dashcam footage
…will all be used to establish who was at fault and to what extent. In some cases, accident reconstruction experts may be brought in to analyze how and why the crash occurred.
THE ROLE OF INSURANCE IN COMMERCIAL VEHICLE ACCIDENTS
Another key distinction in commercial vehicle cases is the involvement of commercial insurance policies. These policies generally have higher coverage limits than personal auto policies, which is good news for injured victims. However, large insurance companies and their legal teams will often aggressively dispute claims to minimize payouts.
That is why it is essential to work with a skilled personal injury attorney. A lawyer can help preserve evidence, communicate with insurance adjusters, and build a compelling case on your behalf.
CONCLUSION
Car accidents involving commercial vehicles are rarely simple. With multiple potentially liable parties and the involvement of corporate insurers, these cases demand careful legal strategy and thorough investigation.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a commercial vehicle accident, it’s important to act quickly. Evidence can disappear, and time limits for filing a claim (statutes of limitations) vary by state. An experienced personal injury lawyer will be able to advise you of your rights, assess liability and fight to recover the maximum compensation available to you.
Have questions about your case? Contact our law firm today for a free consultation and let us help you navigate the legal road ahead.