While driving any type of automobile comes with a fair amount of responsibility, a driver who operates a commercial vehicle has the added burden of maneuvering what is typically a large and dangerous vehicle as part of their job duties. And sometimes, car accidents happen. If you were hurt in an accident while operating a commercial vehicle, you may be unclear as to the next steps to take; below are a few things to do after this kind of accident.

Consult an Attorney

First, schedule a meeting with an accident and personal injury lawyer. A legal professional will be your single best source of advice and guidance as you navigate the complexities of the law and the ways those laws affect liability. An attorney will discuss these with you in depth. They will also handle all legal paperwork and filings and negotiate with the other parties, including insurers, that are connected to the accident.

Determine Liability

If you did not cause the accident, it may be in your best interest to start establishing right away that you were not at fault. Given the sheer size and magnitude of most commercial vehicles, they can do some considerable damage, so others involved in the accident may attempt to hold you liable. But if you were not responsible or not totally responsible, you'll want to put some safeguards in place. This might require you to show that it was your employer—not you—who is liable. For instance, in accidents caused by driver fatigue, submit time logs to show that your employer had you on the road for more than the legally allotted amount of time.

Vicarious liability is another possible argument to explore with your attorney. Vicarious liability suggests that an employer is responsible for whatever their driver does while that driver is behind the wheel performing their job duties. So, if you are being sued by another driver in the accident, you might be able to argue that, via vicarious liability, your employer is the one who should be sued. Having timecards, time logs, or job orders can all help show that you were on the job and therefore not liable.

After a car accident involving a commercial vehicle, the above steps can help you protect yourself. The attorneys at Goddard & Hammontree LLC are here to help. They represent Whitfield County, Georgia, clients in all types of accident and injury claims, including commercial vehicle crashes, workers' compensation cases, and Social Security Disability claims. Call (706) 278-0464 or visit their website to schedule a consultation today.