Accidents with commercial vehicles in St. Louis are often much more complex than standard car crashes. Cases may involve not only drivers, but trucking companies, delivery fleets, construction firms, and large corporate insurance carriers. Busy commercial routes like I-70, I-64/40, I-44, I-55, and the city’s industrial districts see constant warehouse and delivery traffic, and the risk is high when all those vehicles are moving around.
If you’ve been injured, working with a St. Louis truck accident lawyer can help you navigate liability and pursue compensation.
Call (314) 300-6260 today schedule a consultation free of charge.
What is a Commercial Vehicle?
Many people hear the term commercial vehicle and assume that this is referring to a large truck – like a tractor trailer/18 wheeler. Commercial vehicles can include a lot of other types of vehicles though. Some examples are:
- Delivery vans
- Amazon delivery vehicles
- FedEx and UPS trucks
- Work vans
- Utility vehicles
- Dump trucks
- Construction equipment
- Company-owned cars
- City buses
Basically, any vehicle used for transporting goods or performing business-related services can fall into this category.
Why Commercial Vehicle Accidents Are More Complex
If you’ve been in an accident with a commercial vehicle, you may already realize that the situation is a bit more complicated than a typical vehicle accident. Many factors play into this, and a few of those are:
Multiple Parties May Be Liable
When it comes to commercial vehicle crashes, it’s not unusual for multiple different parties to be liable. This often includes:
- The driver, for direct negligence like speeding or distracted driving
- The employer or company that owns the vehicle, either through vicarious liability or direct negligence like unsafe practices or improper training
- Maintenance contractors who are supposed to keep fleets in good repair and fail to do so
- Cargo inspectors and loaders if improperly secured loads contributed
- The vehicle or parts manufacturers if defective equipment is part of the problem
Because several layers of responsibility may be involved, working out who owes for your damages can be confusing.
Corporate Insurance Companies Fight Claims Aggressively
Commercial insurance policies are often much larger than ordinary policies due to the risks involved. Carriers who insure trucking companies, delivery fleets, or industrial vehicles generally want to limit their exposure whenever a crash happens. This means professional investigators and legal teams often get involved just hours after an accident and begin developing their defense immediately.
Federal and State Regulations Can Apply
Some commercial vehicle accidents may involve federal regulations enforced by agencies like the FMCSA. They enforce rules about hours drivers may stay behind the wheel, regular vehicle maintenance, record-keeping, company hiring practices, and licensing requirements, among others.
Your St. Louis personal injury attorney may examine log books, maintenance records, driver qualifications, and the bill of lading for violations as part of building your case – types of evidence you may not even be aware exist.
Because of these added complexities when compared to other types of accidents, it’s generally a good idea to reach out to a lawyer as soon as possible for help.
What To Do After a Commercial Vehicle Accident in St. Louis
A serious crash involving a delivery truck or other commercial vehicle can leave you shaken and unsure how to protect your rights. Here are some of the steps you should take if you’re in this situation:
- Call 911: Call 911 and ask if they can send an officer out. You want to wait on the scene for them to arrive so they can make a report. Move out of harm’s way and make sure you have somewhere safe to wait.
- Document everything you can: Take as many photos or videos as possible of all vehicles, license plates, debris, and any evidence from the scene. This includes any logos on the vehicle and any identifying names or numbers.
- Ask for company and driver details: Unlike passenger cars, you’ll want to gather both the driver’s personal insurance and business/employer info including who owns or maintains the vehicle.
- Get witness information: Many commercial deliveries happen in high-traffic spots; if anyone saw what happened, get their name and contact info before they leave.
- Don’t say too much: What you say can easily be shared with the insurance company or insurance investigators. Avoid apologizing or saying anything that might be misconstrued as you saying you made a mistake.
- See a doctor: Even if your injuries seem minor, get checked out as soon as possible. Sometimes the extent of your injuries won’t be obvious right away; prompt medical attention will create the records your case needs.
- Talk to an accident lawyer before you talk to an insurance adjuster: Companies act quickly to reduce what they owe; consulting a legal professional helps level the playing field and safeguards your ability to recover for all your losses.
Making the right decisions from the start gives you the best chance of success. Our team is here to help, and we have significant experience with these types of accidents.
Reach out today online or call (314) 300-6260 to schedule your free case evaluation.