Commercial Vehicle Accident Cases Are More Complex

The average person might think that an accident between two cars and an accident between a car and a tractor-trailer would yield similar results, and be handled legally in the same manner. This is only half true; for a variety of reasons, accidents involving commercial vehicles can be much more complex and time-consuming to process, though this does not mean that an injured plaintiff has no hope of recovering damages. It is important to be aware of the differences.

Higher Likelihood Of Serious Injury

Commercial vehicles, on average, are significantly heavier than the average car or SUV – generally, weighing anywhere from five to ten times more than a standard private car. As a result, these vehicles require much more stopping distance than a private car as well – a standard car driving at 65 miles per hour will require roughly 315 feet to come to a complete stop, while a commercial vehicle of more than 60,000 pounds will require 525 feet.

The increased weight and stopping distance are unfortunately more likely to cause catastrophic injury or death, due to simple physics, than an impact with a car or even a pickup truck. National statistics bear out this disproportionality – only 5 percent or so of the vehicles on U.S. roads are commercial vehicles, but around 10 percent of all accidents involve these large trucks and buses

Different Legal Theories Used

Most two-car accidents hinge on a theory of ordinary negligence – essentially, arguing that the defendant directly caused the plaintiff’s injuries by failing to uphold the duty of care owed in a specific situation. In accidents involving commercial vehicles, however, there are more complex legal theories and doctrines that may fit the situation better. One of the most commonly used doctrines in cases like these is known as vicarious liability, and it holds that an employer may be held liable for the negligent actions of their employee if certain criteria apply.

Another common doctrine used in these types of cases is negligent hiring. A company may be held liable for injuries caused by an employee if the employer failed to do their due diligence in assessing that person’s fitness for a job. For example, if a company hires a functioning alcoholic to drive a commercial vehicle, and a fatal accident occurs, that company may be accused of negligently hiring or failing to supervise that employee.

Contact A Tampa Commercial Vehicle Accident Attorney

Being involved in a commercial vehicle accident can lead to catastrophic injury or even death. If you or your family has been so unfortunate as to experience this, a Tampa commercial vehicle accident attorney from the Rinaldo Law Group can help answer your questions about the legal process that can help you seek compensation. Call our office today to schedule a free consultation.

Source:

trucksmart.udot.utah.gov/stopping-distances/