Why Commercial Vehicle Accidents Are Different
Commercial vehicle accidents are more complex than standard car accidents due to several factors:
- Severe Injuries: The massive size and weight of commercial vehicles often cause catastrophic injuries or fatalities
- Federal Regulations: Trucking companies must comply with complex federal regulations
- Multiple Parties: Liability may extend to trucking companies, cargo loaders, maintenance companies, and manufacturers
- Higher Insurance Limits: Commercial vehicles carry larger insurance policies, but insurers fight harder
- Extensive Investigation: Cases require specialized accident reconstruction and expert testimony
Types of Commercial Vehicle Accidents We Handle
Tractor-Trailer/Semi-Truck Accidents
18-wheelers and semi-trucks can cause devastating injuries in collisions. Common causes include driver fatigue, speeding, improper cargo loading, equipment failure, and poor vehicle maintenance.
Delivery Truck Accidents
FedEx, UPS, Amazon, and other delivery vehicles are frequently involved in accidents due to tight delivery schedules, driver fatigue, and inadequate training.
Box Truck and Straight Truck Accidents
Medium-duty trucks used for local deliveries and moving present unique hazards including blind spots, braking difficulties, and rollover risks.
Flatbed and Tanker Truck Accidents
Specialized commercial vehicles carrying construction materials, chemicals, or liquids require extra caution. Accidents can involve cargo spills, hazardous materials exposure, and explosion risks.
Bus Accidents
Commercial bus accidents involving tour buses, shuttle buses, and transit buses often result in multiple victims with serious injuries.
Common Causes of Commercial Vehicle Accidents
Driver-Related Factors
- Hours of Service Violations: Drivers exceeding federal driving time limits
- Fatigued Driving: Driver exhaustion from long hours
- Distracted Driving: Phone use, eating, or other distractions
- Speeding: Excessive speed given vehicle size and weight
- Inadequate Training: Insufficient driver preparation
- Drug/Alcohol Impairment: Substance abuse violations
Company-Related Factors
- Poor Maintenance: Failure to maintain brakes, tires, and safety systems
- Inadequate Oversight: Lack of driver supervision and monitoring
- Unrealistic Schedules: Pressure to meet impossible delivery timelines
- Improper Hiring: Failing to screen drivers properly
- Cargo Loading Errors: Overloading or improper weight distribution
Vehicle and Equipment Failures
- Brake failures and defects
- Tire blowouts
- Steering system failures
- Defective lights or signals
- Trailer coupling failures
Federal Trucking Regulations
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulates commercial trucking. Key regulations include:
Hours of Service Rules
Limits on how long drivers can operate without rest to prevent fatigue-related accidents.
Drug and Alcohol Testing
Mandatory testing protocols for commercial drivers.
Vehicle Maintenance Standards
Regular inspection and maintenance requirements for commercial vehicles.
Driver Qualification Requirements
Commercial driver licensing and training standards.
Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs)
Mandatory electronic tracking of driver hours to ensure compliance.
Violations of these regulations provide strong evidence of negligence in truck accident cases.
Determining Liability in Commercial Vehicle Accidents
Multiple parties may share liability for commercial vehicle accidents:
The Truck Driver
Drivers can be directly liable for negligent driving, hours of service violations, or substance abuse.
Trucking Company
Companies are liable for inadequate training, poor maintenance, negligent hiring, unrealistic schedules, and regulatory violations.
Cargo Loading Company
Third-party loaders may be liable for improper loading causing accidents.
Maintenance Provider
Companies responsible for vehicle maintenance can be liable for mechanical failures.
Vehicle/Parts Manufacturers
Manufacturers may be liable for defective vehicles or equipment causing accidents.
Compensation in Commercial Vehicle Accident Cases
Due to the severity of injuries and availability of larger insurance policies, commercial vehicle accident settlements and verdicts are often substantial. Our lawyers fight to recover:
Economic Damages
- Past and future medical expenses
- Rehabilitation and therapy costs
- Lost wages and loss of earning capacity
- Property damage
- Home and vehicle modifications for disabilities
- Ongoing care costs
Non-Economic Damages
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress and mental anguish
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Disfigurement and scarring
- Loss of consortium for spouses
- Permanent disability
Why Choose GLS Injury Law for Commercial Vehicle Accidents?
Experience with Complex Trucking Cases
We understand federal regulations, industry standards, and the tactics trucking companies use to minimize liability.
Resources to Take on Large Companies
We have the financial resources and expert network to handle cases against major trucking companies and their high-powered legal teams.
Thorough Investigation
We immediately preserve critical evidence including electronic logging device data, maintenance records, driver logs, black box data, and hiring/training records.
Expert Witnesses
We work with accident reconstructionists, trucking safety experts, medical professionals, and economists to build compelling cases.
Proven Results
We've recovered millions in compensation for commercial vehicle accident victims, including substantial settlements and verdicts.
What to Do After a Commercial Vehicle Accident
Immediate Steps
- Call 911: Get police and medical help immediately
- Seek Medical Care: Even if you feel okay, get evaluated
- Document the Scene: Photos of vehicles, injuries, skid marks, road conditions
- Get Information: Truck driver's name, company, insurance, DOT number
- Witness Information: Names and contacts of any witnesses
- Preserve Evidence: Don't repair vehicles until documented
Next Steps
- Contact an Attorney Immediately: Critical evidence can be lost quickly
- Don't Give Recorded Statements: Insurers will use your words against you
- Follow Medical Advice: Attend all appointments and treatment
- Keep Records: Medical bills, repair estimates, lost wage documentation
- Avoid Social Media: Don't post about the accident or your injuries
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do I have to file a truck accident lawsuit?
Pennsylvania's statute of limitations for personal injury claims is generally two years, but you should contact an attorney immediately to preserve evidence.
Can I sue the trucking company even if the driver was at fault?
Yes, trucking companies are typically liable for their drivers' actions under respondeat superior. Companies may also be directly liable for negligent hiring, training, or supervision.
What if the truck driver was an independent contractor?
Even if the driver is an independent contractor, the trucking company may still be liable depending on the degree of control exercised over the driver and other factors.
How much is my commercial vehicle accident case worth?
Value depends on injury severity, medical expenses, lost income, permanent disabilities, available insurance, and other factors. We provide free case evaluations.
Contact Our Lancaster Commercial Vehicle Accident Lawyers
If you've been injured in an accident involving a commercial truck or vehicle, contact GLS Injury Law immediately. Time is critical in these cases, as evidence can disappear quickly.
Call (717) 394-3004 now or contact us online. Available 24/7.