What Is a Commercial Vehicle Accident?
A commercial vehicle accident involves any collision with a vehicle that is used for business purposes. This includes delivery trucks, tractor-trailers, box trucks, construction vehicles, rideshare vehicles, and other commercial transport. These vehicles are typically much larger and heavier than passenger cars, which means they can cause more significant damage and injuries in the event of a crash.
When a commercial vehicle accident occurs, multiple parties may be involved or held liable, including the driver, the company that owns the vehicle, the maintenance provider, or even the manufacturer of the vehicle or its parts. Because of the complexities involved, it is crucial to have an experienced attorney who can identify all responsible parties and help you secure the compensation you deserve.
Common Causes of Commercial Vehicle Accidents in Sherman Oaks
There are several reasons why commercial vehicle accidents happen, many of which can be attributed to negligence. Some common causes include:
Driver Fatigue: Commercial drivers are often on tight schedules, leading to long hours on the road without adequate rest. Fatigued driving can significantly impair reaction times and decision-making abilities.
Distracted Driving: Truck and delivery drivers may be distracted by GPS devices, mobile phones, or other in-cab technology, leading to accidents.
Reckless or Aggressive Driving: Speeding, tailgating, and sudden lane changes are dangerous behaviors that can lead to accidents, especially when involving large commercial vehicles.
Improper Vehicle Maintenance: Commercial vehicles require regular maintenance to operate safely. Failure to properly inspect and repair brakes, tires, or other critical components can lead to dangerous situations on the road.
Overloaded or Improperly Loaded Cargo: Trucks carrying loads that exceed weight limits or are improperly secured can cause the driver to lose control, leading to a crash.
Driver Inexperience: Commercial driving requires a unique skill set, and inexperienced drivers may not be adequately prepared to handle the challenges of operating such large vehicles.
Injuries Resulting from Commercial Vehicle Accidents
Because of the size and weight of commercial vehicles, accidents involving them often result in serious injuries. Common injuries include:
Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI): The impact of a commercial vehicle collision can lead to severe head injuries, which may result in long-term cognitive impairments or disabilities.
Spinal Cord Injuries: Injuries to the spine can result in partial or complete paralysis, significantly altering the victim’s quality of life.
Broken Bones: The force of a commercial vehicle crash can cause multiple fractures, which may require extensive medical treatment and rehabilitation.
Internal Injuries: Damage to internal organs caused by the impact can be life-threatening and often requires immediate medical attention.
Whiplash and Soft Tissue Injuries: Neck, back, and other soft tissue injuries are common and can lead to chronic pain and mobility issues.
The severity of these injuries often means that victims face significant medical expenses, ongoing care needs, lost income, and pain and suffering. Our team at Weiss Attorneys is here to help you recover the compensation you need to rebuild your life.
Determining Liability in a Commercial Vehicle Accident
One of the complexities of commercial vehicle accidents is determining liability. Unlike typical car accidents, commercial vehicle cases often involve multiple parties that could share responsibility for the crash, such as:
The Driver: If the driver was fatigued, distracted, intoxicated, or otherwise negligent, they may be held liable for the accident.
The Trucking or Delivery Company: The company that employs the driver may be liable if they failed to enforce safe driving practices, did not provide proper training, or pressured the driver to meet unrealistic deadlines.
The Vehicle Manufacturer: If a mechanical failure caused the accident, the manufacturer of the vehicle or its parts may be liable for producing a defective product.
Maintenance Providers: If poor maintenance or improper repairs contributed to the crash, the company responsible for maintaining the vehicle could be held accountable.
Determining liability in these cases requires a thorough investigation, and it is essential to work with an attorney who has experience handling commercial vehicle accident claims. At Weiss Attorneys, our Sherman Oaks commercial vehicle accident attorneys have the knowledge and resources to conduct a comprehensive investigation to identify all liable parties and build a strong case on your behalf.
Compensation for Commercial Vehicle Accident Victims
Victims of commercial vehicle accidents may be entitled to various forms of compensation, including:
Medical Expenses: This includes current and future medical bills related to the accident, such as emergency care, surgeries, hospital stays, rehabilitation, and medications.
Lost Wages: If you are unable to work due to your injuries, you may be compensated for lost income. This can also include compensation for reduced earning capacity if your injuries prevent you from returning to work at the same level.
Pain and Suffering: Physical pain, emotional distress, and the overall impact on your quality of life are compensable damages in a commercial vehicle accident claim.
Property Damage: Compensation for the repair or replacement of your damaged vehicle or other property.
Wrongful Death: If you lost a loved one in a commercial vehicle accident, you might be entitled to compensation for funeral expenses, loss of companionship, and other related damages.
How Weiss Attorneys Can Help You
Navigating a commercial vehicle accident claim can be overwhelming, especially when dealing with injuries, medical treatment, and insurance companies. Hiring an experienced Sherman Oaks commercial vehicle accident attorney can make all the difference in the outcome of your case. Here’s how Weiss Attorneys can help:
Comprehensive Case Evaluation: We start by conducting a thorough assessment of your case, identifying liable parties, and evaluating the damages you have sustained.
Gathering Evidence: Our team will collect all necessary evidence, such as police reports, witness statements, driver logs, maintenance records, and any other documentation that supports your claim.
Negotiating with Insurance Companies: Insurance companies often try to minimize payouts, but we will negotiate aggressively to ensure you receive fair compensation. We know the tactics insurers use and how to counter them effectively.
Taking Your Case to Court: If a fair settlement cannot be reached through negotiations, our attorneys are prepared to take your case to trial to fight for the compensation you deserve.
Why Choose Weiss Attorneys for Your Commercial Vehicle Accident Case?
Choosing the right attorney for your commercial vehicle accident case can significantly impact the outcome of your claim. At Weiss Attorneys, we offer:
Experience and Expertise: Our legal team has decades of experience representing clients in commercial vehicle accident cases, and we understand the complexities involved.
Client-Centered Approach: We treat every client with compassion and respect, understanding the challenges you face after a serious accident. Our attorneys are always available to answer your questions and provide updates on your case.
No Win, No Fee: We operate on a contingency fee basis, which means you won’t owe us anything unless we win your case. This allows you to focus on your recovery without worrying about upfront legal fees.
Commercial vehicle accidents are often more complicated and severe than typical car accidents. When a large commercial truck, delivery van, or other business vehicle is involved in a crash, the consequences can be devastating, resulting in severe injuries, property damage, and even fatalities. At Weiss Attorneys, we understand the physical, emotional, and financial toll that a commercial vehicle accident can take on you and your loved ones. Our experienced Sherman Oaks commercial vehicle accident attorneys are committed to fighting for the justice and compensation you deserve.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a commercial vehicle accident in Sherman Oaks, you don’t have to face the challenges alone. The experienced Sherman Oaks commercial vehicle accident attorneys at Weiss Attorneys are here to help you navigate the complexities of your case and fight for the justice and compensation you deserve.
We offer a free consultation to discuss your case and help you understand your options. Contact Weiss Attorneys today to schedule your consultation and take the first step toward recovery.
Call us now or fill out our online form to get started. Let Weiss Attorneys be your advocate in seeking justice and holding negligent parties accountable.
