Types of Commercial Vehicle Accidents

These vehicles are used for business or transportation of goods and services. These vehicles are larger, heavier, and more challenging to maneuver than regular vehicles, posing a more serious risk in a collision. These accidents may involve any of the following types of commercial vehicles:

  • Semi-trucks, big rigs, 18-wheelers
  • Delivery trucks (such as Amazon, FedEx, and UPS trucks)
  • Box trucks
  • Company-owned cars or vans
  • Buses (school, city, private, tour buses)
  • Construction vehicles (dump trucks, cement trucks, etc.)
  • Tow trucks
  • Tanker trucks 
  • Shuttle vans
  • Taxi cabs or rideshare vehicles (Uber, Lyft)
  • Corporate fleet vehicles

Common Causes of Commercial Vehicle Accidents

Commercial vehicle accidents occur for a variety of reasons. In many cases, these dangerous or deadly collisions result from negligent driving behavior, either on the part of the driver or the company owning the vehicle. Common causes of commercial vehicle accidents include the following:

  • Driver fatigue: Commercial drivers work long hours and may be operating a vehicle while fatigued, leading to poor judgment or dangerous driving behavior.
  • Distracted driving: Drivers using cell phones, GPS systems, or other in-vehicle systems while operating the vehicle.
    Improper maintenance: Failing to service and maintain commercial vehicles regularly can lead to mechanical failures.
  • Overloading: Carrying more cargo than the vehicle is rated for can lead to poor handling or tire blowouts.
  • Unevenly loaded cargo: A commercial truck with unevenly distributed cargo is less stable on the road and more challenging to control.
  • Driving under the influence: Alcohol or drug intoxication by a commercial vehicle driver can be the underlying cause of catastrophic commercial vehicle accidents.
  • Speeding or reckless driving: Large commercial vehicles require longer stopping distances and are much more difficult to control when speeding.

Types of Injuries from Commercial Vehicle Accidents

Accidents involving commercial vehicles lead to more severe injuries due to the power of the impact of a heavy, large vehicle on a lighter passenger car or truck. Some of the most common injuries include the following:

  • Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
  • Spinal cord injuries
  • Fractures and broken bones
  • Whiplash and soft tissue injuries
  • Internal bleeding or organ damage
  • Burns and lacerations
  • Amputations
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Who is Liable in a Commercial Vehicle Accident?

Determining fault in a commercial vehicle accident is often more complex than in a standard car accident. Multiple parties may be liable, including the following:

  • The driver: If the driver was distracted, speeding, or violating other traffic laws.
  • The employer or trucking firm: If the company failed to maintain the vehicle, pushed drivers to violate hours-of-service regulations, or hired unqualified drivers.
  • The vehicle maintenance firm: If a failure to maintain the vehicle contributed to the collision, the maintenance firm may be named as a liable party.
  • Vehicle or parts manufacturers: If a mechanical defect or failure contributed to the accident, these parties must be named in a claim or lawsuit.
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Park Chenaur Injury Lawyers: Let Us Fight for You

At Park Chenaur Injury Lawyers, we are focused, dedicated, and genuinely care about achieving justice for the people we serve. We will thoroughly investigate your case, gather evidence, consult experts, and analyze records to take action to hold the responsible parties accountable. With our large, experienced team, we have access to top industry professionals, accident reconstruction experts, and medical specialists to strengthen your case—resources smaller firms often cannot offer. With over 25 years of experience and a reputation for achieving favorable outcomes in personal injury claims and lawsuits, our commercial vehicle accident attorneys in Tacoma, WA are driven to achieve real-world results. Contact us for a free consultation if you’ve been injured in a commercial vehicle accident. Let us fight for the compensation you deserve.

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Highly recommend! I was in a car accident in November of 2023 and my insurance didn’t do much to help me so I contacted Park Chenaur Law to see if I can get someone that will help me out. Paty and Natalya were working on my case and were very helpful and communicative throughout the whole case. Thank you guys again for ...

Bri

I was in a car accident and tried to deal with the other insurance company on my own. The person I was dealing with was very aggressive and not easy to work with. She offered me a settlement that was very low and didn't include much for my medical expenses. I reached out to a law firm and was lucky to be connected with Nataly...

Max Terterov

Lola is a great person/paralegal to work with. She helped me with my case few years back and she did a fantastic job. I recommended my husband to Park Chenaur because of the great service I got from this firm.

Suze

Not only did the team (multiple people- very hands on!) get me the maximum insurance settlement for a car accident I was in, but they went above and beyond to stay engaged and work for me. They helped me find effective, compassionate chiro care, and were helpful in discussing case details along the way. I highly recommend Pau...

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I use this firm for the first time on 2012 and over the years I had an excellent experience but, I have to say is thanks to Lola. She goes above and beyond, twice I had cases that they couldn't help me with, but she always takes her time to talk (at least an hour), she listen and finally always comes with something to help, i...

James G.

Kimberly was so reliable, honest and helped me with integrity.  I recommend to contact her to anyone who is looking for great help when you go through unexpected car accident.  I was really frustrated when the accident was happened.  Kimberly always took the time to answer any questions I might have, went throu...

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This is my second time coming back to Park & Chenaur. I came back because Lola was an amazing Team member And unfortunately, she had gone to retirement. But reassured me that I would be Taken good care of and put in good hands with colleagues of Park & Chenaur Talia was one that I would communicate with more and I'm p...

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I’ve been incredibly pleased with the support and dedication from Komo Thiara and Marco Martinez as they work on my personal injury case. Even though my case is still ongoing, I’ve been impressed by their professionalism and commitment. Komo Thiara is attentive to every detail and has been proactive in keeping me ...

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This is a great firm to work with. I’ve been working directly with Lola Serna and Mr. Kim. They’ve been working diligently on my case and keeping me up to speed each step along the way. Lola has been extremely communicative of the entire process. When I’ve mentioned to others that they are working on my case...

C. Rhzie

Lola and her team are incredible! Top notch law firm with a deep, rich knowledge of the system and how to best take care of their clients.

Preston D.

Gina Kim is a great attorney! She is very experienced and explained the process every step of the way. I was very pleased with the outcome of my case. I highly recommend her!!

Donna G.

After I had my auto collision, I reached out to Park Chenaur and Lola quickly reached out and immediately took my case. Since hiring the law firm, and working with Lola, I have been able to concentrate on my healing knowing that my claim is in good hands. Lola has been super responsive throughout this process which I apprecia...

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I have been so impressed with the level of care this group has provided in my auto accident case. Especially Lola, who on the first meeting made me feel at ease. She explained everything throughout the process and kept me informed every step of the way. The value of peice of mind is beyond anything I could have expected. I wo...

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I got into a bad accident where I lost my car back in 2017, I was young, scared and anxious. I contacted Park Chenaur & Associates when I was offered $500 from the other driver’s car insurance…let’s just say that was a spit in the face compared to what I actually received thanks to their help. They took...

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Park Chenaur Law Offices was great helping me navigate everything after a MVA in 2016. They were recommended to me several months after and I wish I had contacted them sooner!

They listened to my concerns, patiently explained next steps, figuratively held my hand through mediation, and helped calm me as I expressed my ...

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In the summer of 2022, I found myself in a stressful situation after a car accident.  Despite it not being my fault, dealing with insurance was intimidating.  A friend recommended Parks Chenaur & Associates LLP, and it turned out to be a lifesaver.  They not only guided me through the insurance process but ...

Hyuna J.

I highly recommend Park Chenaur for assisting me with my case. I was involved in an accident and Lola made the process very easy for me and my family.

She was very understanding, she listened to all our concerns. I can't say thank you enough.

Kristy C.

I cannot thank Kimberly and her team enough. Between two accidents that were very complex, Kimberly and her team helped me get settlements for both. I couldn’t have gotten through this without her dedicated work. I highly recommend using Kimberly and her team - I will be recommending them to anyone I personally know. I ...

Morgan G.

Senior Manager Yoon and her team took care of my two traffic accident cases and achieved satisfying results. Highly recommend this legal group.

Minwoo L.

I would like to thank Park Chenaur Lawyers for helping my Son with his injury claim. Lola has been very helpful and supportive in this process. It’s good to know that my Son is being treated well and we appreciate all the help! The Hutchinson family.

Tamara H.

Kimberly Yoon helped me resolve my car accident. She helped me a lot during difficult times. She was very accurate in her work and always responded. I think she is the best.

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Angel Chenaur & Rick Park are very good  excellent lawyers because of unstoppable care and energy to win your case. They are a Team that are professional and  asure a thorough understanding of the processes  throughout the  wait for the results of your claim. They've been my lawyers for my claims and &...

Linda C.

I appreciate the phone call back first of all. The case taken was two years old. Something was gotten out of it. Appreciated, but I will Never understand how 40 percent of $15,000 leaves me with $4,600 and No explanation good enough Can be given Even with the so called breakdown. Make it make sense. But still I appreciate eve...

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Annette T.

A Case Manager Gina Kim, she was always kind and considerate when my wife and I had a car accident. Usually people panic when they have a car accident. And there are many cases where we don't know how to handle it. After this traffic accident, my family has learned a lot about how important experienced lawyers and experienced...

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