Intro: Any car accident is difficult and stressful to deal with. This is especially true when the accident involves a commercial vehicle. Things can quickly get complicated, so it’s important that you have a personal injury attorney by your side. BGN Attorneys can help you navigate a commercial vehicle accident injury claim. We help people in and around the Kent area get compensation. 

What is a Commercial Vehicle? 

Commercial vehicles are used for business, such as transporting goods, supplies, or tools. They are usually larger than regular passenger vehicles. Examples of commercial vehicles include delivery trucks, company vans, tractor-trailers, food trucks, rideshare vehicles, moving vans, construction vehicles, and more. Any accident on public roads involving a motor vehicle used for business is considered a commercial vehicle accident. 

Why do Commercial Vehicle Accidents Happen?

There are many reasons a commercial vehicle could be involved in an accident. 

• Poor road conditions, such as potholes or inadequate signage, can cause accidents. 

• Commercial drivers often have to drive in bad weather conditions, including rain and snow, which can lead to losing control of the vehicle. 

• Tight deadlines can lead commercial drivers to speed, which is very dangerous. 

• Drivers may be fatigued from driving for long hours, which causes impairment similar to drunk driving. Many companies impose unrealistic schedules on drivers, pressuring them to get too little sleep. 

• The driver may not have enough experience or training to operate a large vehicle. 

• The company might not be properly maintaining the vehicle and checking for mechanical issues. 

• Accidents can be caused when the driver is distracted, using their phone or the vehicle’s onboard systems.

Why are Commercial Vehicle Accidents so Dangerous? 

Because commercial vehicles are usually much larger than passenger vehicles, they carry a lot of momentum. These types of accidents are more likely to result in serious injuries and even death, especially for the people in the smaller vehicle. Thousands of large trucks are involved in deadly crashes every year. Commercial vehicle accident injuries can leave victims struggling to pay for the extensive medical care they need.

Some things to keep in mind: 

• Commercial vehicles are often covered with big insurance policies, meaning that you can recover more compensation. 

• Multiple parties could be liable for what happened, including the driver, their company, maintenance contractors, vehicle or parts manufacturers, or even the government for poorly maintained roads. 

• A thorough investigation needs to take place to gather information about the accident. This could include interviewing witnesses, taking photos of the scene, recovering footage, reviewing police reports and medical records, and more. 

Because of the unique challenges that come with a commercial vehicle injury claim, it’s crucial that you have a personal injury lawyer by your side. BGN Attorneys can guide you through every step of the process to help you achieve the best outcome. 

What should I do after being in an accident involving a commercial vehicle?

• The first step is to call 911. They can help you get medical attention. Do this even if you think that your injuries are minor, because shock can mask symptoms. 

• Make sure that the police file a report about the incident. 

• Have someone take photos of the scene and get the contact information of witnesses, the at-fault driver, and the driver’s company. Also obtain information, including license plate number, insurance, and more. This will help you if you have to file a claim later. 

• Do not give statements to insurance companies without being instructed by your lawyer, and certainly don’t say anything that could imply the accident was your fault. Don’t accept the insurance company’s initial low settlement offer either. 

• Reach out to a personal injury lawyer to help you handle the claim. They can gather further evidence, build up your case, and handle negotiations with the insurance companies involved. The sooner they get started, the better. 

Conclusion: It’s important to have a personal injury lawyer help you if you were injured in any car accident, but especially one involving a commercial vehicle. There’s a lot at stake; if you were seriously injured, you would need proper compensation to help you have a better future. Our experts know how to navigate complicated claims and prove your damages. Reach out to BGN Attorneys to schedule a case consultation. 

CALL BGN ATTORNEYS TODAY! 1-866-324-6529