Commercial Vehicle Accident Claims
Commercial vehicle accidents encompass a broad category of crashes involving vehicles operated for business purposes — including delivery vans, company cars, service trucks, government vehicles, and other fleet vehicles. While these cases share some similarities with standard car accident claims, they involve additional layers of liability, insurance coverage, and regulatory compliance that require experienced legal representation.
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulates vehicles exceeding 10,001 pounds gross vehicle weight rating, but many commercial vehicles fall below this threshold and are governed primarily by state traffic laws and employer liability principles. Regardless of vehicle size, when a driver causes an accident while performing work duties, their employer may be vicariously liable for the resulting injuries.
Types of Commercial Vehicle Accidents
Our attorneys handle the full spectrum of commercial vehicle crash claims:
- Delivery vehicle accidents: Amazon, FedEx, UPS, USPS, and food delivery drivers operating on tight schedules
- Company car accidents: Employees driving company-owned or leased vehicles during work duties
- Service and utility vehicle crashes: Plumbers, electricians, landscapers, and other service providers
- Government vehicle accidents: Federal, state, and local government employees driving official vehicles
- Construction vehicle accidents: Dump trucks, cement mixers, and other construction equipment on public roads
- Bus accidents: Private shuttle buses, charter buses, and hotel courtesy vehicles
Employer Liability: Respondeat Superior
Under the legal doctrine of respondeat superior, employers are vicariously liable for the negligent acts of their employees committed within the scope of employment. This means that when a delivery driver, sales representative, or service technician causes an accident while performing work duties, the employer — and its commercial insurance policy — can be held liable for the victim’s injuries.
Employer liability may also extend to claims of negligent hiring, negligent training, negligent supervision, and negligent entrustment. If the employer knew or should have known that the driver had a poor driving record, history of violations, or was unqualified to operate the vehicle, the employer may be directly liable for placing a dangerous driver on the road.
FMCSA & OSHA Regulations
Commercial vehicles exceeding 10,001 pounds or transporting hazardous materials must comply with FMCSA regulations, including hours of service limits, vehicle maintenance requirements, and driver qualification standards. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) also establishes workplace safety standards that may apply to employer vehicle operation policies. Violations of these federal regulations are powerful evidence of negligence in commercial vehicle accident cases.
Insurance Coverage in Commercial Vehicle Cases
Commercial vehicles typically carry significantly higher insurance limits than personal vehicles. Federal minimum requirements for motor carriers range from $750,000 to $5 million depending on cargo type. Even commercial vehicles not subject to federal minimums often carry substantial commercial auto insurance policies. Our attorneys identify all available coverage sources — including the driver’s personal policy, the employer’s commercial policy, umbrella or excess policies, and any third-party liability coverage — to maximize your recovery.
Building a Strong Commercial Vehicle Accident Case
Our investigation into commercial vehicle accidents includes obtaining the driver’s employment records and driving history, reviewing the employer’s hiring, training, and supervision practices, examining vehicle maintenance logs and inspection reports, analyzing GPS and telematics data from the commercial vehicle, reviewing hours of service logs for fatigue-related factors, and consulting with industry and safety experts to establish regulatory violations.