Commercial Vehicle Accident Lawyer: Los Angeles & Nationwide
Every year, thousands of people are injured by negligent truck drivers, taxi drivers, delivery drivers, and other professionals. If you were injured by a negligent commercial driver, it’s important to consult with a seasoned California auto accident attorney as soon as possible. The Morris Law Firm is ready to help you build your case and maximize your recovery from any and all parties who may be liable.
Commercial Driver Crashes Are More Complex Than Typical Car Accident Claims
A commercial vehicle accident is any traffic crash involving a professional driver. Commercial drivers may include long-haul truckers (eighteen-wheelers, tractor-trailers, semis, etc.), taxi drivers, limousine drivers, delivery drivers, delivery vans, or any other professional driver. If you were hit by a driver who was on the job at the time, your claim can quickly become more complicated.
If you were involved in a crash with a commercial driver, you might have to contend with additional legal issues not present in a standard car accident. First of all, you’ll need to determine who is (or who may be held) liable; business entities tend to have more cash and better insurance than individual drivers, which gives you a better chance at a comprehensive recovery. Liability may also turn on the application of additional laws and regulations, such as hours of service regulations and other federal trucking rules.
If you were hit by a negligent commercial driver, make sure you discuss your case with an experienced California commercial vehicle accident attorney. It’s important to do everything possible to strengthen your claim and maximize your potential compensation.
Who Is Liable After a Commercial Driver Accident?
In a typical car crash, you can seek to hold the at-fault driver liable. You’ll likely end up filing a claim with their auto insurance provider. Unfortunately, individual auto insurance policies might not cover more than $15,000 for your injuries or $30,000 for more than one injured person in a single accident.
If you were hit by a commercial vehicle, however, you could have additional options available. Employers are responsible for the actions of their employees under the legal doctrine known as “respondeat superior.” So long as the driver was on the job at the time of the accident, you can hold their employer liable, giving you a much better shot at maximizing your recovery.
The employer may also be directly liable if their own negligence contributed to the accident. The employer of a professional driver might be directly liable, for example, if any of the following contributed to your accident:
- Failure to maintain the vehicle or fleet of vehicles
- Failure to hire qualified drivers with the appropriate professional licenses
- Failure to conduct proper background checks on drivers
- Failure to train drivers on the operation of vehicles, safety regulations, and other matters
- Failure to follow trucking and other regulations, or turning a blind eye to drivers ignoring safety regulations
You might also have a claim against the manufacturer of the commercial vehicle if a vehicle defect caused the accident. An experienced commercial vehicle accident attorney can investigate the crash to determine who can and should be held liable for your injuries and other damages.
Call Morris Law Firm for Help With a Commercial Driver Accident Claim in Los Angeles or Southern California
There are a thousand ways to be injured in a motor vehicle accident, and each case is unique. We understand that every injured victim deserves individual attention and care. Contact our Los Angeles commercial vehicle injury attorney today to evaluate your unique auto injury claim. Morris Law Firm will give you a personalized evaluation and help you figure out your legal rights and next steps.
Call us today at 747-283-1144 for a fast response or fill out our online contact form to schedule your free consultation.
