Knowing whether your accident involved a commercial or personal vehicle can make a big difference in how your personal injury claim moves forward. Commercial vehicle accidents like those involving trucks or delivery vans often involve multiple parties, all of which have their own insurance policies. These cases typically require more extensive investigation due to the higher insurance limits and the potential involvement of employers or vehicle manufactures.
Personal vehicle accidents usually involve fewer parties, but proving fault and negotiating with insurance companies still requires careful attention. At Shenderovich, Shenderovich & Fishman, P.C., we will guide you through every step from gathering evidence, negotiating with insurers, and even taking action in court when needed. With decades of combined experience in vehicle accident cases, our attorneys can protect your rights and secure the compensation you deserve. Contact us today to discuss your accident and let our team provide the guidance you need after an accident.
Understanding the Difference Between Commercial and Non-Commercial Vehicles
It’s important to know whether your accident involved a commercial or non-commercial vehicle because it can affect everything from liability to the compensation you may receive. Commercial vehicle accidents often involve multiple parties, special insurance policies, and federal regulations.
Whereas, non-commercial accidents are usually more straightforward but still require careful handling to prove fault and work with insurers. Understanding the type of vehicle involved helps you approach your case the right way and ensures your claim is handled properly.
What Qualifies as a Commercial Vehicle?
- Large trucks or tractor-trailers transporting goods
- Delivery vans or box trucks operated by businesses
- Vehicles used for hire, like taxis or ride-share cars
- Vehicles carrying hazardous or regulated materials
Examples of Non-Commercial Accidents
- Personal cars involved in a collision
- Motorcycles or bicycles in an accident
- Family-owned or privately used trucks or vans
- Minor fender-benders in parking lots with personal vehicles
Why Commercial Vehicle Accidents Are More Complicated
Accidents involving commercial vehicles are often more complicated than those involving personal cars due to several factors. These cases typically involve the driver of the commercial vehicle, their trucking company or employer, and insurance providers. Large commercial carriers usually have legal and insurance teams experienced in minimizing payouts, making negotiations more challenging.
Federal and Pennsylvania Regulations Apply
Commercial vehicles drivers are expected to follow both federal and state regulations when driving over the road. These regulations and requirements include:
- Hours-of-service rules: Commercial drivers must adhere to federal limits on driving hours and mandatory rest periods to prevent fatigue-related accidents. Violations can affect liability and insurance claims.
- Vehicle inspection and maintenance requirements: Commercial vehicles must undergo regular inspections and maintenance checks, and records must be kept. Failure to meet these standards can influence fault and compensation.
- Cargo and hazardous materials safety standards: Transporting certain types of cargo, including hazardous or oversized materials, comes with strict safety regulations that can impact liability if violated.
- Pennsylvania-specific licensing and traffic laws: State laws include special requirements for commercial driver licensing, weight restrictions, and local traffic regulations that must be considered when investigating accidents.
Settlement Considerations: Commercial vs Non-Commercial Cases
When it comes to settlements, commercial and non-commercial vehicle accidents can play out quite differently. Commercial vehicle accidents often involve larger insurance policies, multiple parties, and detailed investigations, which can result in higher settlement amounts, but they usually take more time to resolve.
Non-commercial accidents tend to be more straightforward, so settlements may be reached faster, though the compensation is often lower. Knowing what factors can influence your settlement helps you understand what to expect and how your case might be handled.
Factors That Can Increase Your Settlement
Commercial vehicle accidents:
- Serious injuries requiring long-term or specialized medical care
- Multiple parties are involved, including employers and insurers
- Evidence of regulatory violations, like hours-of-service or poor vehicle maintenance
- Liability determined against a large company with substantial resources
- Lost wages or business-related income caused by the accident
Non-commercial vehicle accidents:
- Severity and lasting impact of injuries
- Clear proof of the other driver’s negligence or fault
- Damage to your personal vehicle and belongings
- Disruption to your daily life or ability to work
- Insurance policy limits of the at-fault driver
What Victims Should Do After an Accident With a Commercial Vehicle
- Get checked by a doctor right away: Even minor injuries should be evaluated and documented.
- Call the police and file a report: An official report helps protect your case.
- Take photos at the scene: Capture damage to vehicles, road conditions, traffic signs, and any visible injuries.
- Collect contact information: Get details for all drivers, passengers, and witnesses.
- Record commercial vehicle information: Note the company name, vehicle number, and license plate.
- Hold off on statements to the company’s insurer: Wait for your attorney to guide you before speaking with insurance adjusters.
- Keep track of medical records and expenses: Save bills, prescriptions, and documentation of treatment.
- Reach out to an experienced attorney: A skilled lawyer can navigate insurance claims and legal steps to help maximize your compensation.
Why Hire Shenderovich, Shenderovich & Fishman, P.C. for Your Case
After a vehicle accident, having experienced car accident attorneys by your side can make a real difference in securing the compensation you deserve. At Shenderovich, Shenderovich & Fishman, P.C., we guide clients through every stage of the process, such as investigating the accident, handling insurance negotiations, and taking legal action when necessary.
Our track record demonstrates our dedication to achieving results:
- $3.3M Tractor-Trailer Verdict: For the family of a man killed by equipment falling from a passing tractor-trailer—the largest motor vehicle death verdict in Washington County history.
- $1.5M Motor Vehicle Settlement: For the estate of a man killed in a bus accident.
- $1.3M Tractor-Trailer Settlement: For the estate of a woman killed in a tractor-trailer collision.
- $735K Truck Accident Settlement: For a woman who suffered multiple leg fractures after being hit by a pickup truck.
These results showcase our dedication to securing compensation for our clients and highlight our experience handling both commercial and non-commercial vehicle accidents. When you choose Shenderovich, Shenderovich & Fishman, P.C., you’re choosing a legal team that will fight for your rights and work tirelessly to secure compensation you deserve.
Call Shenderovich, Shenderovich & Fishman, P.C. Today
Our attorneys at Shenderovich, Shenderovich & Fishman, P.C. are ready to guide you through every step of your car or commercial vehicle accident case. With decades of combined experience and a proven track record of exceptional results, we focus on protecting your rights and maximizing your compensation. Schedule your free consultation today and let our team start working on your personal injury claim.
