commercial vehicle

Collisions involving commercial trucks – also known as commercial motor vehicles or “CMVs” – such as tractor trailers, dump trucks, and buses are usually severe. The sheer weight and size difference between commercial vehicles and passenger vehicles often results in catastrophic damage. Unfortunately, collisions involving commercial vehicles are not uncommon.

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration tracks these types of accidents and noted that in 2020, 4,998 large commercial vehicles were involved in fatal accidents, and 107,000 trucks were involved in crashes with injuries. If you or a loved one is involved in a crash with a commercial vehicle, one of the biggest questions on your mind is what happens next.

Action Steps After a Collision with a Commercial Vehicle

  • Call 9-1-1 to report the accident.
  • Seek medical treatment even if you don’t believe you were seriously injured in the crash. Signs and symptoms of an injury may not be apparent right away.
  • Document the accident with pictures or take notes when possible. Take photos of the vehicles and the area to help paint a picture of what happened.
  • Get contact information from witnesses.
  • Keep documentation of all losses caused by the injury, such as dates you missed work, medical bills, repair estimates, etc.
  • Contact an experienced personal injury attorney to assist you going forward.

Liability Issues

Determining liability after a Maine commercial vehicle/truck accident can be more complicated than an accident involving two personal vehicles. The truck driver may not be the only defendant involved. Other parties that you may sue for damages include:

  • The company that employs the driver.
  • A company that loaded the truck’s cargo.
  • The mechanic or company garage involved with improper or incomplete truck maintenance.
  • In some cases, even a manufacturer of a faulty part can be held liable.

When you’ve been involved in a trucking accident, seeking experienced professional legal help is beneficial. Protect yourself by taking advantage of Hardy Wolf & Downing’s no-obligation, initial consultation, free of charge, for guidance on your legal rights.

Why Truck Collisions Are Different

There are often issues that need to be quickly addressed in cases involving a collision with a commercial vehicle. There can be much shorter timelines when dealing with a commercial vehicle owned or operated by the state, county, or town. Many modern commercial vehicles have electronic data that must be preserved quickly or lost forever. These cases often involve large, out of state, companies. Make sure you have someone on your side; call Hardy Wolf & Downing as soon as possible if you’ve been involved in a crash with a commercial vehicle or truck.

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