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Commercial Vehicles

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A serious car crash can happen in the blink of an eye, but the causes behind the crash can be complex to unravel after the fact. When a crash involves a commercial vehicle the injuries are often more severe and legal issues more complicated.

If you or a loved one have been in an accident involving a commercial vehicle, contact Hardy Wolf & Downing for a free consultation. It is critical to get an experienced attorney on your side as soon as possible. The company who owned the vehicle will certainly have an attorney and so should you.

What Qualifies as a Commercial Vehicle in Maine?


Understanding what qualifies as a commercial vehicle can help when you’re involved in a commercial car accident in Maine. Examples of commercial vehicles include:

  • Semi-trucks
  • Tow trucks
  • Snow plows
  • Construction vehicles
  • Ambulances and other emergency vehicles
  • Buses
  • Moving vans
  • Limousines
  • Taxis and other ride-share vehicles

Why Are Commercial Vehicle Accidents More Complex?

There are many reasons why commercial vehicle accidents are more dangerous and legally complex than other accidents. As many commercial vehicles are more substantial than ordinary passenger vehicles, there’s often a higher incidence of serious harm when accidents occur. The heavier weight of these vehicles, and even the possibility of hazardous cargo, can lend itself to more traumatic injuries and, in some cases, fatalities.

Crashes involving the State and other governmental entities have shorter timelines for filing a civil claim and require providing special notice to the government even earlier. It is critical that you get an attorney experienced in these sorts of cases as soon as possible.

Collisions involving commercial vehicles also frequently involve valuable evidence that can disappear unless it is preserved. Many commercial operators have dashboard cameras and sophisticated tracking devices. These items must be retained and preserved.

It can be difficult to establish liability after a commercial vehicle accident. The police may be unsure about who is legally responsible, whether it’s the driver, the company that employs the driver, another party, or a combination. This is why it is so important to get an attorney on your side as soon as possible.

Possible Damages in Commercial Accidents

The aftermath following a commercial accident can be especially complex when it comes to establishing your damages in a negotiation or at trial. Some examples include:

  • Wages lost due to the accident, including when you must miss work for follow-up appointments and other accident-related reasons
  • Vehicle repair or replacement
  • Pain and suffering
  • Emotional distress
  • Past and future medical costs
  • Rehabilitation costs
  • Modifications for the home required by injuries, such as wheelchair ramps
  • Loss of financial support in cases of fatalities
  • Loss of companionship in cases of fatalities
  • Funeral costs

Every case is different, and legal assistance can be vital for ensuring that you identify all of the damages potentially owed to you or your family.

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Get the compensation you deserve. Contact Hardy, Wolf & Downing today to get started with an initial free consultation to talk to a lawyer about your situation.

Seeking Professional Legal Help

The insurance companies are not on your side; not even your insurance company has your best interests in mind when it comes to evaluating the damages you’re entitled to collect from them after an accident. Remember, an insurance company is a for-profit business that ultimately has a responsibility to their shareholders, not you! Speaking with legal representation after your commercial vehicle accident is the best way to protect yourself.

With over 45 years of experience assisting our clients, Hardy, Wolf & Downing offers initial consultations at no charge. Let’s discuss the details surrounding your commercial vehicle accident in Maine to help you determine the best way forward.