Articles » Legal Rights After a Crash With a Commercial Fleet Vehicle

Legal Rights After a Crash With a Commercial Fleet Vehicle

Tags: Personal Injury, Business Law, Auto Accident, Traffic Violations

Commercial fleet vehicle accidents often lead to serious injuries, financial losses, and complicated legal challenges for victims. These crashes differ from everyday car accidents due to corporate ownership, layered insurance policies, and multiple liable parties. Fleet vehicles include box trucks, long-haul trailers, delivery vans, and commercial utility vehicles used in various industries. When one of these large vehicles crashes into a car, the damage and injuries can be life-changing.

As online shopping and delivery services continue to grow, more commercial vehicles are appearing on our roads each year. Recent projections show commercial vehicle sales could reach 14.67 million units by 2025, with continued growth expected through 2029. By 2029, production of commercial vehicles is expected to surpass 11 million units, reflecting their growing presence on U.S. roads.

These numbers from Statista also showcase the increased likelihood of accidents involving trucks and other commercial carriers. Victims of these crashes often struggle to recover damages for medical bills, lost income, or long-term rehabilitation. Knowing your legal rights from the start can protect you from insurance manipulation and corporate legal teams.

This blog post aims to explain your legal rights after a commercial fleet accident and how to protect your claim effectively.

Determining Liability in Fleet Vehicle Accidents

After a commercial fleet crash, one of the most critical steps is determining who is legally responsible. Unlike standard accidents between two private vehicles, fleet-related crashes can involve multiple parties, including drivers, employers, contractors, or third-party logistics providers.

Drivers for major companies like Amazon frequently operate under strict schedules and heavy workloads, increasing the likelihood of accidents. A CBS News review of six years of federal safety data found that Amazon “middle-mile” drivers had more traffic violations than other carriers. Their violation rates were nearly double in comparison. These violations included behaviors such as speeding and texting while driving. On average, their rates were at least 89%% higher than carriers not associated with Amazon.

Amazon truck accident cases exemplify how multiple parties can share liability. Liability in these accidents can extend to both the contractor and the parent company, depending on the crash details and supervision. Understanding how fleet operations are run and how drivers are monitored is crucial for safeguarding your rights and strengthening your claim.

According to Loewy Law Firm, protecting your case after an Amazon truck crash requires taking prompt and careful action. First, call 911 to ensure a police report is created and any immediate medical treatment is documented. Visit a doctor right away, regardless of the severity of your injuries, to ensure they are properly documented. Finally, notify your own insurance company, but avoid giving statements until you have consulted a lawyer.

Your Right to Access Evidence After the Crash

After a crash with a commercial fleet vehicle, securing evidence is one of your most important legal rights. Evidence may include dashcam footage, GPS data, maintenance logs, driver logs, or electronic logs of duty status. This information can confirm how the crash happened and whether the driver or the company broke any laws.

Most commercial carriers are required to follow federal safety rules, including Hours of Service (HOS) regulations. These rules limit how long drivers can stay on duty without rest. Many of these requirements are tracked electronically using devices installed inside fleet vehicles.

Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs) collect key data like driving time, rest breaks, and vehicle movement. Victims or their attorneys have the right to request this data through legal procedures such as discovery or subpoena. Reviewing these records can reveal patterns of unsafe practices or fatigue-related behavior.

According to a 2023 analysis by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), the shift to ELDs reduced HOS violations from 1.19% in 2017 to 0.77% in 2021. ELDs have made it easier for safety officials to detect falsified logs and for motor carriers to store and submit required records. Carriers that have revoked ELDs are allowed up to 60 days to replace them with compliant devices, ensuring continuous adherence to safety rules.

The FMCSA also reported a $53.68 million reduction in annual recordkeeping costs for carriers, thanks to simplified electronic processes. These findings suggest that ELDs help improve overall efficiency for motor carriers. They also make it easier for victims and legal teams to obtain accurate, timely crash-related data.

Seeking Medical and Financial Support Early

Traffic accidents can have serious consequences, not only causing physical injuries but also imposing significant financial burdens on individuals and families. Prompt medical attention is essential to support proper recovery after an accident. Early financial planning and assistance can also help cover hospital bills, rehabilitation costs, and other related expenses.

Heavy vehicles, such as large trucks, pose an additional challenge due to their size and potential for severe collisions. Understanding the broader trends in road safety helps illustrate why early intervention is critical. Accidents involving large trucks often cause more severe injuries compared to smaller vehicle crashes. These incidents also lead to complex insurance claims, making timely medical care and financial guidance essential for those affected.

The National Safety Council (NSC) reports that in 2023, 5,375 large trucks were involved in fatal accidents. This represents a 43% increase over the past decade, despite an 8.4% decrease from 2022. That same year, 114,552 trucks were involved in crashes that caused injuries, which is 12% higher than in 2016. Despite these increases, the rate of crashes per 100 million miles driven has stayed steady at 35.

These figures highlight the ongoing risk of serious truck-related accidents. They also emphasize the importance of obtaining medical care and financial support as early as possible.

Understanding the Role of Insurance and Legal Representation

Commercial fleet vehicles are usually covered by large insurance policies that include complex legal terms and liability limits. After an accident, multiple insurance companies may become involved, making it challenging to determine which policy applies. Knowing how these insurance policies operate is crucial to make sure you receive the maximum compensation for your claim.

In some cases, the driver’s insurance may try to avoid responsibility. At the same time, the company’s insurance might also shift blame, with each party trying to avoid paying for damages. Legal representation can help you navigate these disputes. An experienced attorney can review policies, file the necessary paperwork, and negotiate on your behalf to pursue a fair settlement.

Working with an attorney helps safeguard your rights when facing difficult or uncooperative insurance providers. Attorneys can help gather crucial evidence, communicate with insurers, and clarify liability issues, which can otherwise be confusing and overwhelming.

With professional guidance, you are more likely to obtain the compensation you deserve. It also helps you avoid common pitfalls, delays, or unfair settlements that may arise if you handle the process alone.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What should I do immediately after being hit by a fleet vehicle?

Immediately dial 911 and get medical attention, even for seemingly minor injuries. Take photos of the accident scene and collect contact information from any witnesses. Do not talk about who was at fault while on site. Before giving any statements to an insurance company, consult with a lawyer to know your rights and safeguard your claim.

2. Can I hold the company responsible, not just the driver?

If the driver was on the job during the accident, the employer could be held responsible under workplace liability laws. The company may also be held responsible for issues such as inadequate vehicle maintenance or hiring unqualified drivers. Additionally, unrealistic delivery deadlines that contributed to the crash can make the company liable. Consulting a lawyer can help identify all parties who may be legally responsible.

3. How long do I have to file a legal claim after the accident?

The deadline for filing a claim after an accident depends on the circumstances and can differ by state. Some cases may require quicker action than others. Speaking with an attorney early helps you comply with all rules and safeguard your rights. Taking prompt action also ensures that important evidence is preserved and your case is stronger.

Collisions with commercial fleet vehicles can change your life in seconds. The legal process following such crashes is rarely straightforward. Knowing your rights allows you to pursue proper compensation without being overwhelmed. With the right information and timely action, you can recover what you deserve and move forward with confidence.