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Collisions with commercial vehicles often create challenges that differ from those involving only passenger cars. Trucks, delivery vans, and other business vehicles are often covered by corporate insurance policies, and liability may involve both the driver and the company that owns the vehicle. Victims may face longer recovery times and higher medical expenses because of the size and weight of commercial vehicles. These cases often require close attention to detail in order to pursue fair compensation, which is why having guidance from a Bedford, NH car accident lawyer can make a meaningful difference.
Liability Questions In Commercial Vehicle Accidents
One of the first issues in these cases is determining who is legally responsible. In many situations, the driver may have been negligent by speeding, driving while fatigued, or failing to follow traffic laws. However, liability does not always stop with the driver. Employers may also be held responsible if the driver was acting within the scope of their job duties at the time of the accident. In some cases, maintenance companies, contractors, or even the vehicle manufacturer may share in the liability if poor upkeep or a defect contributed to the crash.
Because multiple parties could be involved, these cases often require gathering extensive records, such as employment documents, driving logs, and maintenance histories, to determine how and why the accident occurred. This process sets commercial vehicle accidents apart from typical car accident claims.
Insurance Policies And Coverage Issues
Accidents with commercial vehicles are often tied to insurance policies that carry higher coverage limits. While this might seem like an advantage for the injured party, it also means the insurance companies are more likely to contest claims and push back on paying full compensation. Companies often have legal teams ready to defend against claims, making it more difficult for injured individuals to move forward on their own.
In some situations, multiple insurance policies may apply, such as the driver’s personal coverage and the employer’s commercial coverage. Sorting through these policies to determine which coverage applies to which damages can be time consuming and legally complex. This is one of the reasons that commercial vehicle accidents often take longer to resolve than other types of car accident claims.
The Legal Process And Evidence Collection
Successfully handling these cases requires careful collection and presentation of evidence. This might include police reports, accident reconstruction, driver qualification files, and black box data from the commercial vehicle. Medical documentation also plays a critical role in connecting the accident to the injuries suffered.
At our firm, we place a strong focus on guiding clients through the legal process while also protecting their rights at every stage. We work directly with clients to answer questions and keep them updated as their case progresses. Additionally, we provide personalized support by tailoring strategies to meet the specific circumstances of each case.
Moving Forward After A Commercial Vehicle Accident
Collisions with commercial vehicles bring legal challenges that differ from those found in standard car accident cases. Victims may be dealing with multiple liable parties, complex insurance disputes, and long-term recovery needs. Having the right support can make a difference in reaching a fair outcome. At Welts, White, & Fontaine, P.C., we are committed to standing by clients and helping them move forward with confidence after a serious accident. If you or a loved one has been involved in a commercial vehicle crash, we encourage you to reach out today to discuss your case with our team.