Charlotte Commercial Vehicle Accident Lawyer

Charlotte Commercial Vehicle Accident Attorney

If you or a loved one has been injured in a commercial vehicle accident in Charlotte, you know how these types of accidents can be. Being involved in one of these crashes can result in piles of medical bills, missed wages, long-term injuries, and more questions than answers. In these situations, it is important to hire a Charlotte commercial vehicle accident lawyer to help you in the legal process to secure compensation for your damages.

Choose Butler, Quinn & Hochman, PLLC

At Butler, Quinn & Hochman, PLLC, we represent people, not cases. For more than ten years, our firm has been a trusted legal resource for individuals and families in Charlotte and Spartanburg. We believe your personal injury attorney in Charlotte should have as much invested in your future as you do. That’s why we take the time to listen to understand your story, your injuries, and your long-term goals. We never treat your case like just another file on the desk.

We can handle settlement negotiations and courtroom proceedings at the Mecklenburg County Courthouse with professionalism and compassion alongside our skilled approach. We can stand up to the insurance companies and big commercial defendants who try to sweep your pain and losses under the rug. Our reputation is built on results and relationships because we care more about people than profits.

What Is a Commercial Vehicle Accident?

A commercial vehicle accident can involve any type of motor vehicle used to transport cargo or passengers. Commercial vehicles are vehicles used for business purposes, rather than personal use. Common examples include semi-trucks, tractor-trailers, delivery trucks, utility or service vehicles, rideshare cars, and any company-owned vehicles.

As commercial vehicles are larger and heavier and often use major traffic routes, a collision with a commercial vehicle can result in catastrophic damage. Injuries in these cases are also typically more severe, and the claims process can be much more complex than what you’d experience with an ordinary car accident.

In 2021, 5,904 large trucks and buses in the U.S. were involved in fatal crashes, 18 percent more than in 2020. Fatal crash incidents involving large trucks rose by 18 percent to reach 5,700, up from 4,821.

What Makes Commercial Vehicle Accidents Different

Commercial vehicle accidents are different from a standard fender bender between two cars. Some of these reasons include:

• More than one party may be at fault. The liable parties may include the driver, the vehicle owner, a third-party maintenance company, and even the manufacturer, depending on the circumstances.
• Federal and state regulations. Trucking and commercial vehicles are subject to stringent laws and regulations, including Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations.
• Large insurance policies. Commercial vehicle operators typically have significant liability insurance policies due to the high potential for damage. Insurance providers will aggressively take steps to decrease payment amounts.
• Evidence needed. Proving your claim requires collecting multiple pieces of evidence, including driver logs and black box data, as well as vehicle maintenance records and surveillance footage.

Liability in Commercial Vehicle Accidents

Determining liability in commercial vehicle accidents is often more complicated than a typical car wreck, as there are usually more parties who could be held legally responsible. While it may be a driver error case in some situations, there are also situations where liability could lie with the driver’s employer, the company that owns or operates the vehicle, a third-party contractor, a maintenance company, a vehicle manufacturer, or the company responsible for loading the cargo.

A driver may be pressured to meet tight delivery deadlines and put themself and others at risk of an accident. The driver’s employer might be held liable for putting that kind of pressure on them. If a vehicle’s brakes fail, the company responsible for vehicle maintenance or the vehicle manufacturer might be liable.

Difficulties encountered in these cases often center on identifying all of the responsible and liable parties and establishing proof of their involvement. Commercial carriers and their insurers often employ legal counsel to try to shift blame and avoid payments, which is why early investigation is important.

FAQs

Q: Can You File a Claim Against a Commercial Vehicle Driver?

A: Yes, you can file a claim against a commercial vehicle driver if they caused your accident and injuries. These cases can involve not just the driver, but also the company that owns the vehicle or employs the driver. It’s usually more complex than a regular car crash, so working with an experienced Charlotte commercial vehicle accident attorney can help you figure out who’s liable and how to move forward.

Q: How Much Are Most Truck Accident Settlements?

A: Truck accident settlements vary depending on the injuries, the impact on your life, and who’s at fault. There’s no one-size-fits-all number, but settlements are often higher than in regular car accidents because commercial trucks can cause more serious damage. A good attorney with experience in commercial vehicle accident cases can fight to make sure you’re fairly compensated for medical costs, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

Q: What Type of Lawyer Deals With Commercial Vehicle Accidents?

A: A personal injury lawyer in Charlotte who understands commercial vehicle accident laws is the type of attorney who deals with commercial vehicle accidents. These lawyers know how to handle insurance companies, understand injury claims, and can help clients recover damages after a crash. If the accident involves a commercial vehicle or trucking company, it’s most beneficial to choose someone with experience handling those more complicated cases, too.

Q: Is It Worth It to Hire an Accident Attorney for a Commercial Vehicle Accident?

A: It is usually worth it to hire an accident attorney for a commercial vehicle accident. Serious accidents are followed by insurance claims, medical expenses, and proof of liability. When you hire a commercial vehicle accident lawyer, they can relieve you of that burden and aggressively pursue your deserved compensation. Represented parties have more favorable results than those who choose to proceed on their own, particularly in more significant or complicated cases.

Hire a Commercial Vehicle Accident Lawyer Today

If you were involved in a commercial vehicle accident, you need an attorney who can help you fight for your rights against the responsible parties to receive the compensation you deserve. Butler, Quinn & Hochman, PLLC can help. Contact us today to get started.