Every year, nearly 5,000 people are killed in accidents involving commercial vehicles, and almost 100,000 more are seriously injured. While victims hurt because of a commercial driver’s negligence are entitled to compensation, these cases often require a personal injury attorney who understands the differences between large truck crashes and typical car accidents. Below are some of the major differences that could impact your case.

5 Differences Between Commercial Vehicle & Auto Accidents

1. The Severity of the Injuries

Commercial trucks are some of the largest vehicles on the road, so they inflict more damage when an accident does occur. The fatality rates for these accidents are higher than other crashes, and survivors often sustain life-changing injuries.

2. Causes of the Accident

While mechanical failures do cause a small percentage of truck accidents, most can be traced to a driver’s negligence or poor decision-making. For instance, drivers are often sleep-deprived due to unreasonable delivery schedules, or may have been distracted by navigation equipment.

3. The Liable Parties

In addition to the truck driver themselves, your personal injury attorney may also be able to take action against the owner of the vehicle and other parties who contributed to the crash. For instance, if the trailer was loaded incorrectly, you may have a valid claim against the warehouse or logistics company who neglected their duties.

4. Maintenance Records Reviews

By law, commercial vehicle owners must conduct routine inspections and document all maintenance and repairs. If a mechanical failure contributed to your accident, your personal injury attorney will review maintenance records to determine whether the vehicle was properly maintained.

5. Enhanced Regulations

Commercial drivers are held to higher standards than other motorists, with state and federal laws determining how long the driver can work, weight limits for the load, and a variety of other factors. Drivers and their employers are typically held responsible for any damages caused by a violation of the law.

With over 50 years of combined legal experience, the distinguished attorneys at Keith & Associates provide aggressive legal counsel to accident victims throughout Chatsworth, GA, and the surrounding areas. If you or a loved one has been hurt in a commercial trucking accident, this dedicated team of professionals will fight to help you achieve justice. Visit their website for a closer look at their civil litigation services, get more legal tips on Facebook, or call (706) 695-4511 to speak with a respected personal injury attorney.