Commercial Vehicle Accidents Can Cause Serious Injuries
Auto accidents can leave victims with severe, life-changing injuries, resulting in expensive medical bills and loss of work.
When an accident occurs with a commercial vehicle, the company that owns or operates the vehicle may be held liable for the accident. However, many commercial insurance companies try to pay injured parties as little as possible, which is why it's important to have a commercial vehicle accident attorney on your side.
Sean M. Burke represents those injured in commercial vehicle accidents in Irvine, CA, and surrounding areas. Our goal is to help clients get the compensation they deserve. If you have been injured in an accident with a commercial vehicle, you are encouraged to contact the law offices of Sean M. Burke to discuss the details of your case.
What's Considered a Commercial Vehicle?
Commercial vehicles refer to any vehicle that is owned or operated by a company and used by people who work for that company.
Semi-trailer trucks are probably the first type of vehicle that comes to mind when thinking about types of commercial vehicles, but commercial vehicles can also include cars, pickup trucks, vans, or buses.
Essentially any vehicle that is owned by a company and used by an employee to do their job may be considered a commercial vehicle.
Causes of Commercial Vehicle Accidents
Just like any vehicle on the road, commercial vehicles can be involved in accidents. Although an accident is not always the fault of the driver of a commercial vehicle, when it is, it may be caused by:
- Driver fatigue
- Texting while driving
- Looking at a GPS screen while driving
- Driving too fast
- Reckless driving
- Driving under the influence of alcohol, illegal drugs, or certain medications
The Dangers of Commercial Vehicle Accidents
Accidents with commercial vehicles can be extremely dangerous, especially when larger commercial vehicles, such as semi-trailer trucks or buses, are involved.
Crashes with these vehicles are particularly dangerous to occupants of smaller vehicles due to the size difference. A semi-trailer truck can weigh as much as 80,000 pounds. To put it in perspective, the average sedan weighs about 4,000 pounds.
This weight difference can mean life or death when it comes to commercial vehicle accidents. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 72 percent of people killed in crashes with large trucks were occupants of other vehicles.
Injuries Caused by Commercial Vehicle Accidents
Those who survive a crash with a commercial vehicle may still suffer from life-changing injuries. Some possible injuries caused by a commercial vehicle accident include:
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Fractured bones
- Spinal cord injuries, which can cause paralysis
- Limb amputation
- Tissue lacerations
- Post-traumatic stress disorder
Seeking Compensation for Injuries
When a commercial vehicle is involved in an accident, it's common for the insurance company representing the business who owns the vehicle to immediately investigate the accident. The insurance company will likely look for ways to mitigate liability so they can pay those who have been injured as little as possible.
Because insurance companies will try to keep settlements small, it's important for injured parties to have a commercial vehicle accident attorney on their side. An attorney can gather evidence to negotiate a fair settlement with insurance companies.
Schedule a Consultation
If you live in or around Irvine and were injured in an accident with a commercial vehicle, attorney Sean M. Burke may be able to help you get compensation for your injuries, lost wages, medical bills, and other damages. For more information and to schedule a consultation, please call (949) 644-3434.
