While the term “commercial vehicle” is most commonly associated with semi trucks, it can apply to any vehicle that is being used for commercial purposes. An accident with a commercial vehicle can be much more complicated than a crash with a passenger car, so it is vital that you contact an experienced truck accident attorney to handle these kinds of personal injury cases. 
How an Accident With a Commercial Vehicle Affects Your Injury Claim
The biggest difference between regular crash cases and a commercial vehicle accident is the amount of insurance available to cover your costs. Vehicles that are owned by a business or used for business purposes are typically covered under a commercial liability insurance policy, which has much higher limits than passenger vehicle policies.
When an accident involves a commercial vehicle, you may need to pursue a claim against:
The driver’s employer.
Operators of semi trucks, school buses, and certain passenger vehicles are required to maintain a commercial driver’s license (CDL). If the employer did not ensure that its employee had proper licensing or its driver did not follow regulations, the trucking company’s insurance carrier could be liable for your injury costs.
The loading company.
In many cases, the driver of a tractor-trailer and the company that loads cargo into the truck are two separate entities. If the accident was caused by improper loading (such as carrying too much cargo or failure to secure the load), the loading company’s insurer may be liable for injuries.
The manufacturer of the vehicle.
Delivery vans and box trucks that are manufactured improperly can cause severe injuries on the road. The manufacturer of the vehicle or the company that made defective auto components may be held accountable when their negligence causes harm.
The at-fault driver’s insurance company.
People who drive a company car (such as a pickup truck for construction) or make extra money using their cars for passenger transport may not need a CDL to operate their vehicles. However, they may be required to carry extra insurance coverage in case they are involved in an accident.
Trucking companies and their agents fight tenaciously to avoid liability for accidents, but the attorneys Kirshenbaum & Kirshenbaum can bring them to justice. We work to get you maximum compensation for your injuries, and we do not charge for our services until your claim is resolved. Contact us today via our online form to schedule your initial consultation with a lawyer.
Have You Been Involved In A Rhode Island Truck Accident?
If you've been hurt in a truck accident you need to speak to an experienced truck accident lawyer as soon as possible. Please contact us online or call our Warwick office directly at 401.946.3200 to schedule your free consultation. We help truck accident victims in Providence, Warwick and all areas of Rhode Island.
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