Commercial vs Non-Commercial Vehicle Accidents: What You Need to Know

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.

Why Truck Accident Claims Are More Complex Than Car Accidents (And How to Win Your Case)

When it comes to motor vehicle accidents, truck accident claims stand out as uniquely complex and challenging. The sheer size and weight of commercial trucks make these crashes more devastating, and the legal intricacies involved add another layer of difficulty. Unlike car accidents, truck accidents often involve federal regulations, multiple responsible parties, and larger stakes due to the severity of injuries and property damage.

At Shenderovich, Shenderovich & Fishman, we’ve built our reputation on winning cases just like these. Our team has the knowledge and resources to identify the root causes of truck accidents and know how to stand up to trucking companies in order to fight for maximum compensation for our clients. With our experienced attorneys by your side, you can turn these challenges into opportunities to achieve justice and rebuild your life.

The Severity of Injuries & Damages in Truck Accidents

The aftermath of a truck accident is often devastating, leaving victims and their families grappling with unimaginable pain and loss. A fully loaded truck can weigh up to 80,000 pounds, which is almost 20 times that of an average car. This massive disparity amplifies the force of impact and usually results in catastrophic injuries. Families are often burdened with mounting medical bills, lost wages, and the long-term care costs of recovery.

For those who lose a loved one, the grief is compounded by the need to seek justice and accountability in a highly complex legal system that often prioritizes the interests of trucking companies over individual victims. Understanding the physical, financial, and emotional trauma that these accidents leave on their surviving victims is about advocating for victims to receive the support and compensation they need to begin rebuilding their lives.

Identifying Multiple Liable Parties in Truck Accidents

Determining liability in a truck accident is often more complex than in standard motor vehicle collisions. Unlike a car accident, where one or two drivers are commonly at fault, truck accidents may involve several parties, each bearing partial or full responsibility. Since commercial trucking operations consist of multiple components, each step in the process invites potential negligence. Without a proper investigation, it can be challenging to pinpoint exactly who contributed to the accident and having your own legal representation will ensure that there is someone investigating the accident who has your best interests at heart and not a major trucking corporation’s.

Possible liable parties include:

Truck driver: Negligence such as distracted driving, speeding, or violating hours-of-service regulations.
Trucking company: Failing to screen drivers properly, enforce safety protocols, or maintain their fleet.
Vehicle manufacturer: Producing defective parts, such as faulty brakes or tires, which contribute to the accident.
Cargo loaders: Improperly securing or overloading cargo, causing imbalances or spills.
Maintenance providers: Overlooking or failing to address mechanical issues during inspections or repairs.

Truck accidents often involve more than one responsible party, from the truck driver to the trucking company, cargo loaders, or even vehicle manufacturers. Each of these parties may share liability for the accident, and identifying them all is crucial to securing the full compensation you deserve.

Navigating Federal & State Trucking Regulations

The trucking industry operates under a unique set of laws and regulations designed to maintain road safety and accountability. Navigating these regulations requires an experienced attorney who understands how these laws impact trucking accident claims. One of the most critical components is the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), which enforces national commercial trucking standards.

FMCSA regulations cover a wide range of safety measures, such as maintaining proper vehicle inspections, ensuring drivers hold valid commercial driver’s licenses, and monitoring hours-of-service (HOS) compliance. HOS regulations set strict limits on how long a driver can operate their vehicle without taking mandated rest breaks. These rules are geared toward preventing driver fatigue, the leading cause of catastrophic truck accidents.

When any of these laws are violated, they become pivotal in determining liability for an accident, as violations can directly correlate to unsafe driving conditions. By leveraging a deep understanding of both federal and state laws, an attorney can help victims pursue justice and obtain the compensation they deserve to move forward.

Steps to Take After a Truck Accident

After experiencing and surviving a severe truck accident, the steps you take immediately following can be crucial to your physical health and also the strength of your personal injury case. In the chaos of the scene, prioritizing your safety is vital; get to somewhere safe and always seek medical attention even if you don’t feel injured. Then, you can work on taking the proactive legal steps that can help you secure compensation later.

Be sure to always:

Call emergency services
Seek medical attention
Document the scene with photos, videos, and notes
Exchange information with anyone involved
Gather witness statements and contact information
Contact an experienced truck accident attorney
Inform your insurance company and only give factual statements

Your recovery and future should take priority, and hiring an experienced truck accident attorney can be a critical step in that process. An attorney will guide you through filing your claim, handle the complexities of the legal system, and fight for the compensation you deserve. With their support, you can focus on rebuilding your life with confidence and peace of mind.

Contacting an Experienced Attorney

The weight of such a traumatic moment is not something anyone should have to carry alone. It’s okay to feel overwhelmed as you process what has happened and begin to think about what comes next. With the support of Shenderovich, Shenderovich & Fishman, you can take meaningful steps toward recovery and a better future. If you’ve been involved in a truck accident, you don’t have to face this difficult time on your own. Contact us today; we will stand by your side and help you through every step of the legal process.

Truck Accidents: Understanding Liability and Pursuing Compensation

Truck accidents can be devastating, resulting in severe injuries and significant property damage. If you or a loved one has been involved in a truck accident in Pittsburgh, PA, understanding liability and pursuing compensation is crucial. In this blog, the experienced attorneys at Shenderovich, Shenderovich & Fishman, P.C., will provide valuable insights into the complexities of truck accident cases, helping victims navigate the legal process and secure the compensation they deserve.

The Unique Challenges of Truck Accident Cases:

Truck accident cases differ from typical car accidents due to the complexity of parties involved and the potential severity of injuries. Some unique challenges include:

Multiple Parties: Besides the truck driver, other parties like the trucking company, cargo loaders, and maintenance contractors may share liability.
Federal Regulations: The trucking industry is heavily regulated by federal agencies like the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), making compliance and evidence collection critical.

Determining Liability in Truck Accidents:

Identifying the at-fault party in a truck accident is essential for seeking compensation. Liability can be attributed to:

Negligent Truck Drivers: Common causes include driver fatigue, distracted driving, speeding, and driving under the influence.
Trucking Companies: If the company failed to follow safety regulations, hired unqualified drivers, or enforced unrealistic schedules, they may share liability.
Cargo Loaders: Improper loading or securing of cargo can lead to accidents and make cargo loaders partially liable.
Vehicle Maintenance Contractors: Negligent maintenance, such as brake failure or mechanical issues, can contribute to accidents.

Collecting Evidence and Investigating the Accident:

Thorough investigation and evidence collection are critical in building a strong case. The process includes:

Gathering police reports, eyewitness testimonies, and photographs from the accident scene.
Obtaining the truck’s black box data, which records critical information like speed and braking.
Examining the truck driver’s logbooks and employment history for compliance with hours-of-service regulations.

Understanding Trucking Insurance Policies:

Trucking companies are required to carry substantial insurance coverage due to the potential severity of accidents involving their vehicles. Understanding these policies is vital to ensure you pursue the maximum compensation available.

Primary Liability Insurance: This covers injuries and property damage caused by the truck driver’s negligence.
Excess Liability Insurance: Also known as umbrella coverage, this additional policy extends coverage beyond the primary limits.
Cargo Insurance: This covers damages to the cargo being transported.

The Importance of Legal Representation:

Given the complexity of truck accident cases, having skilled legal representation is crucial. An experienced attorney can:

Protect your rights and prevent insurance companies from taking advantage of you.
Thoroughly investigate the accident and identify all liable parties.
Negotiate with insurance companies and pursue fair compensation on your behalf.
Build a robust case and, if necessary, take it to trial to seek the justice you deserve.

Pursue Justice with Shenderovich, Shenderovich & Fishman, P.C.

Truck accidents can be life-changing events, and pursuing compensation is your right. At Shenderovich, Shenderovich & Fishman, P.C., our experienced team of attorneys is dedicated to fighting for the rights of truck accident victims in Pittsburgh, PA. We understand the complexities of truck accident cases and have a proven track record of obtaining fair compensation for our clients.

If you or a loved one has been involved in a truck accident, don’t face the legal challenges alone. Contact us today for a free consultation by calling us at (412) 391-7610, or send us a message here, and let our compassionate attorneys guide you through the process. We are committed to seeking justice on your behalf and helping you rebuild your life after a devastating truck accident.

Tips for Avoiding Truck Accidents in Pennsylvania

Accidents involving trucks can be particularly dangerous, as these large vehicles can cause serious damage and injuries. Thus, if you share the road with large commercial vehicles, you need to take care to minimize your chances of being involved in an accident with one.

This doesn’t just involve practicing basic safe driving habits. Additional ways you can avoid being harmed in a truck accident include the following:

Give trucks plenty of space: Trucks require a lot more space to stop than smaller vehicles, so it’s important to give them plenty of room when you’re driving behind them. Keep a safe following distance, and be prepared to brake earlier than you would for a smaller vehicle.

Avoid driving in a truck’s blind spots: Trucks have large blind spots on the sides and rear of the vehicle, and it can be difficult for the driver to see you if you’re in one of these spots. To avoid being in a truck’s blind spot, try to stay at least one car length behind a truck for every 10 miles per hour you’re traveling.

Use your turn signals: Make sure to use your turn signals when you’re driving around trucks, as this will help the driver know what you’re planning to do. This is especially important when you’re changing lanes or turning in front of a truck.

Don’t cut off a truck: Cutting off a truck can be dangerous, as the driver may not have enough time to react and stop. Try to give trucks plenty of space when you’re merging or changing lanes, and never cut off a truck without making sure you have enough room to do so safely.

Be aware of a truck’s size and weight: Trucks are much larger and heavier than passenger vehicles, so it’s important to be aware of this when you’re driving around them. Be aware of a truck’s size and weight when you’re driving near one, and give them plenty of room to maneuver.

Be patient: Trucks often have to drive more slowly than passenger vehicles, especially on winding roads or when they’re hauling a heavy load. Be patient when you’re driving behind a truck, and don’t try to pass them unless it’s safe to do so.

Stay alert: As with any type of driving, it’s important to stay alert and focused when you’re on the road. Avoid distractions like texting or eating while driving, and be sure to get plenty of rest before you hit the road.

Just be aware, even if you exercise caution, you may still one day be harmed in an accident resulting from the negligence of a truck driver, a trucking company, or another related party, such as a truck’s designers or manufacturers.

If this has happened, you may be eligible to seek financial compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and other such losses.

Review your case with a Pittsburgh truck accident attorney at Shenderovich, Shenderovich & Fishman for more information. Our experienced team is prepared to help you seek the compensation you deserve. Get started today by contacting us online.

Tragic Truck Accident Kills Passenger and Severely Wounds Van Driver

No one expects a simple drive to turn into a crisis of pain and heartache. Being involved in a truck accident can be an extremely painful and traumatic event. Rarely do truck accidents leave people unscathed. The Pittsburgh truck accident attorneys at Shenderovich, Shenderovich & Fishman want to discuss a truck accident in Pittsburgh involving a cement truck.

What Happened In This Pittsburgh Truck Accident?

In October of 2020, a cement truck was involved in a collision that involved a multi-crash incident in Pittsburgh’s South Side. A van and a cement truck collided head-on; due to the impact, the van collided with a parked car.

Tragically a passenger in the van was killed, and the driver was brought to a nearby hospital in critical condition. The driver of the cement truck was also brought to the hospital.

Construction vehicles, especially those as heavy as a cement truck, can wreak havoc on a highway if responsible and well-trained drivers do not adequately control them. In this incident, we are unsure who was at fault, but construction vehicles have the ability to crush our smaller, passenger-type vehicles merely due to their weight and build. Without proper training, a construction vehicle can cause great harm and damage.

Truck Accidents Involve Multiple Injuries and Casualties

Most cars we own have a high safety rating because we want to protect our loved ones. But very few vehicles on the road can sustain a collision with a truck. At Shenderovich, Shenderovich & Fishman, our Pittsburgh truck accident attorneys help people that were injured due to someone behind the wheel of a truck. We want to help you find compensation and justice for those impacted by a truck accident and want to speak to you immediately.

Victims who have experienced a truck accident due to someone’s negligence usually deal with:

Loss of mobility
Loss of time with family and loved ones
Emotional and physical trauma
Temporary or permanent family separation
Psychological issues caused by the injury
Disfigurement
Loss of cognitive skills

We want to help you find the compensation that can help deal with these many issues. We do not want you to continue suffering due to the negligence of someone else. We know this is a stressful time, and we want to take the burden of these issues on you and your loved ones so you can start living the life you wish to again.

Please Call Us For A Free Consultation Of Your Case

If somebody you love has been the victim of a truck accident caused by someone’s actions in the Pittsburgh area, please contact us immediately. We pledge to conduct a thorough and full investigation into your claim so we can secure the compensation you need. We want you to receive compensation for:

Ongoing medical care
Unforeseen legal and medical bills
Loss of income from taking sick time
Rehabilitation costs
Punitive damages
Pain and suffering

When you need a Pittsburgh truck accident lawyer, you can contact us for a free consultation by clicking here or calling 888-988-9467 for a free case consultation.

How Could Lifted Truck Driver Regulations Affect Safety

As Pennsylvania and the rest of the United States have dealt with the coronavirus pandemic, there have been drastic changes to federal trucking regulations that have gone largely unnoticed by the public. At Shenderovich, Shenderovich & Fishman, we want to discuss the suspension of hours of service (HOS) regulations by the President. While these changes were made to help ensure that the population had goods on their store shelves, suspending driver requirements could result in deadly crashes.

What regulations changed?

As the full scope of the coronavirus pandemic was beginning to become known, the President suspended hours of service regulations for truck drivers. These laws were designed in an effort to keep drivers and others on the roadway safe. Truck drivers spend an incredible amount of time on the road, but they can become fatigued.

Generally, drivers are required to get at least eight hours of rest after driving for 10 hours so they can be ready for the next driving day. The order by the President to suspend the HOS was made in an effort to ensure that critical goods and services could be delivered. This includes emergency medical supplies, food, medicine, and more.

These orders are supposed to be temporary. When the President lifts the emergency order in place, the hours of service regulations will be back in force. However, many truck drivers and truck company operators are beginning to argue for looser restrictions altogether. They are pointing out that, because there have been no major incidents so far, that drivers and companies should have more control over how many hours they drive in a day.

At Shenderovich, Shenderovich & Fishman, we know that truck driver fatigue is a leading cause of commercial truck accidents in this country. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) says that a fully loaded tractor-trailer can weigh as much as 80,000 pounds. Due to the size and weight of these vehicles, passengers and drivers inside traditional vehicles can sustain severe injuries in the event an accident occurs.

It is not uncommon for our Pittsburgh truck accident lawyers to help clients who have sustained the following:

Broken and dislocated bones
Spinal cord injuries
Traumatic brain injuries
Internal organ damage
Internal bleeding
Severe lacerations
and more

We will be keeping a close eye on how the suspended hours of service requirements affect drivers, and we will certainly watch to see if any permanent changes are made to federal regulations.

Let us get to work on your behalf

If you or somebody you love has been injured in a crash caused by the negligence of a truck driver or trucking company, please seek legal assistance as soon as possible. At Shenderovich, Shenderovich & Fishman, our team is dedicated to helping victims of these incidents secure the compensation they deserve. This can include coverage for all medical expenses related to the crash, lost wages and benefits, pain and suffering damages, and more. When you need a Pittsburgh truck accident lawyer, you can contact us for a free consultation by clicking here or calling 888-988-9467.