Does My Insurance Cover Costs After an Accident with a Commercial Vehicle?

If you’ve ever been in a car accident with another passenger vehicle, you know how stressful and traumatic it can feel, especially if you’ve suffered injuries as a result of a negligent driver. But car accidents involving commercial vehicles can be even more complicated as there may be parties other than the driver who may be at fault, not to mention the potentially severe injuries you may have sustained during the crash.

If you’ve suffered injuries after an accident with a commercial vehicle, you’re probably wondering who will cover the medical and property damage costs. The answer varies depending on the circumstances of your accident and is contingent on the type of insurance you have and who’s at fault. We’ve broken down everything you need to know.

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What Is a Commercial Vehicle and Why Does It Matter?

A commercial vehicle is one that operates strictly for business purposes. This can include big rigs, 18-wheelers, delivery vans, taxis, hotel shuttles, and even standard pickup trucks towing a trailer. A commercial vehicle can also be a regular passenger car as long as it’s being used to conduct business. Most commercial motor vehicles require matching commercial driver’s licenses that can be obtained after certain tests and training.

After an accident, it’s important to differentiate whether the other party was driving a standard passenger vehicle or a commercial vehicle. If it’s the latter, the commercial vehicle was likely driven by an employee, which brings up the issue of liability. If the commercial vehicle driver is at fault, who’s responsible for the accident: the employee, the employer, or both? It often depends, but more than likely, you’ll recover damages from the employer as they’re generally responsible for the actions of their workers.

You can usually recover a variety of damages after an accident with a commercial vehicle, including property damage, medical bills, emotional suffering, and lost income. A trusted car accident lawyer can help you differentiate who’s at fault.

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Rear View Of Female Driver With Neck Injury Getting Out Of Car After Crash

Who Pays for Damages After an Accident?

When you get into an accident with another driver, the at-fault party is responsible for paying the damages the accident causes. If you suffered injuries, these costs may include doctor’s visit fees, hospitalization costs, medications, surgeries, physical therapy, and mobility equipment.

If you caused the accident, your insurance company will pay to repair your vehicle up to your limit. However, you’ll have to pay your deductible. If you don’t have insurance and you caused the accident, you’ll be forced to pay out of pocket for the damage.

If you’re the victim of an accident for which another driver is at fault, you can pursue one of three paths to receive compensation for your medical expenses and other losses after an accident with a commercial vehicle:

  • You can file a claim with your own insurance company if you have coverage available
  • You can file a claim with the at-fault driver’s insurance company via their liability coverage
  • You may be able to file a personal injury lawsuit against the at-fault driver

Drivers must carry a minimum liability coverage to compensate victims. You can claim this coverage, but your medical and property costs may exceed the limit, which would require you to pay out of pocket. An experienced car accident attorney can help you understand the most cost-effective way to pursue compensation from the at-fault party.

line of semi trucks on the highway
line of semi trucks on the highway

If you’re the victim of an accident for which another driver is at fault, you can pursue one of three paths to receive compensation for your medical expenses and other losses after an accident with a commercial vehicle:

  • You can file a claim with your own insurance company if you have coverage available
  • You can file a claim with the at-fault driver’s insurance company via their liability coverage
  • You may be able to file a personal injury lawsuit against the at-fault driver

Drivers must carry a minimum liability coverage to compensate victims. You can claim this coverage, but your medical and property costs may exceed the limit, which would require you to pay out of pocket. An experienced car accident attorney can help you understand the most cost-effective way to pursue compensation from the at-fault party.

Contact A Trusted Car Accident Lawyer At The Barnes Firm

An accident with a commercial vehicle isn’t just another car accident. Company vehicles are driven by professional drivers and are insured by commercial policies. After the crash, delegates from the company and the insurance carrier will begin investigating the accident right away in an effort to clean up their mess. That’s why it’s so important to contact a trusted car accident attorney who can help fight for your rights.

If you’ve been in a car accident with a commercial vehicle, consider reaching out to the attorneys at The Barnes Firm will ensure you get the best result possible from the at-fault driver or company. We’ll launch a legal investigation into your case and the circumstances leading up to the crash in order to provide you with the soundest case possible. We’ll work tirelessly to get you the compensation you deserve.

With over 100 years of combined legal experience, our team of knowledgeable lawyers can handle your case and are available 24/7 to review your accident and answer your questions. To schedule a free consultation with our knowledgeable auto accident attorneys, call The Barnes Firm now or complete our online contact form today.

The Barnes Firm (800) 800-0000

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