Las Vegas Commercial Vehicle Accident Lawyers

When you picture a commercial vehicle accident, you may think of a collision involving a large semi-trailer truck. However, semi-trucks (or tractor trailers) aren’t the only commercial vehicle on the roads. While the Department of Motor Vehicles may have a particular definition for “commercial vehicles,” insurance companies have another. Our Las Vegas car accident attorneys know that insurance companies typically define a commercial vehicle as any vehicle that a company or individual uses to conduct business. This could include:

• Delivery vans
• Food trucks
• Shuttle buses, ridesharing service vehicles, or other commercial transportation
• Moving vans
• Limousines or tour buses
• Garbage trucks
• Construction or agricultural vehicles
• Any vehicle used by a business

What causes commercial vehicle accidents?

After a commercial vehicle accident, our Las Vegas accident attorneys first try to gather as much evidence as possible to determine the actual cause of the accident.  

This process could include: 

• gathering evidence collected at the scene
• obtaining police reports
• employing experts to examine the vehicles involved in the crash
• reviewing video footage
• collecting information (such as proof of maintenance and other similar records) from the company which owns the commercial vehicle
• speaking to witnesses, and more

Sometimes, we also consult accident reconstruction specialists for detailed forensic analysis of the accident.

As shown above, many issues can contribute to a commercial vehicle crash. It’s impossible to list every possible cause for an accident, but here are a few common ones:

• Negligent or distracted driving, including texting and driving
• Speeding
• Driving too close or driving with road rage
• Impaired driving, or being under the influence of drugs or alcohol
• Fatigue
• Rush hour and heavy traffic
• Mechanical problems or faulty auto parts, such as brake issues or a blown tire
• Roadway obstacles or damage

Who’s to Blame in a Commercial Vehicle Accident?

After a commercial vehicle crash, it’s crucial to determine who should be held accountable for the accident. While the commercial vehicle’s driver seems like the obvious answer, determining liability sometimes isn’t so obvious. 

Several people or groups could be held responsible for a commercial vehicle accident.

As an example, let’s say a commercial vehicle crash involved a municipal garbage truck. After a thorough legal investigation to determine the exact cause of the accident, here are just a few possibilities of who might be deemed responsible:

• The Business That Owns the Vehicle: The company that owns the commercial vehicle is responsible for its upkeep and maintenance. For example, failure to fix potentially dangerous issues with the truck or van — like faulty brakes — could mean the business is found liable for the accident. 
• The Agency Which Employs the Driver: The agencies that employ commercial vehicle drivers must uphold standards — including hiring, supervision, and trainings. This helps guarantee their employees operate the vehicle safely while on public roads. If they fail to do so, that could be cause for liability. 
• Driver: In some situations, the commercial vehicle driver may be found to be responsible for the accident. 
• Vehicle Manufacturer: Unfortunately, vehicles are manufactured with defects all the time. Suppose a faulty part, or a mechanical or electrical issue, led to the accident. In that case, the automotive manufacturer may hold all or some responsibility for the accident. 
• Manufacturer of Secondary Equipment: It’s possible a piece of ancillary equipment made and installed by another manufacturer had a defect. If that piece of faulty equipment contributed to the accident somehow, the third-party manufacturer may be found responsible for the accident.

Government Agencies:  Additionally, if a roadway hazard, such as a broken guardrail, contributes to the accident, the local or state agency responsible for roadway maintenance could be held accountable.

Receive the Financial Help You Deserve After a Commercial Vehicle Accident

Unfortunately, no matter who is responsible or what caused the accident, the outcome for the crash victim can be painful, financially devastating, and stressful. 

Though not always, commercial vehicles can be larger than typical passenger vehicles on the road. Crashes involving large trucks can inflict greater damage to the victim’s passenger vehicle as well as pose a higher risk for serious injuries. 

Common Issues Victims Face After a Commercial Vehicle Accident:

• Medical issues such as whiplash, broken bones, physical therapy, etc. 
• Mental and emotional distress such as new anxiety or fear of driving, etc.
• Job loss or lost wages
• Permanent injuries or disabilities 
• Significant damage or total loss of vehicle 

Each of these issues can become incredibly expensive to handle on your own. Medical care is costly (with or without insurance) when you need surgery, rehabilitation, medication, or specialized care. A damaged or totaled vehicle can also mean out-of-pocket costs for temporary transportation, repairs, or a new vehicle purchase. And the lasting physical or emotional trauma can even lead to job loss or lost wages at work, burying you in a deeper financial hole.

When a commercial vehicle accident wasn’t your fault, you shouldn’t have to assume financial responsibility for all these expenses.

• Negligent or distracted drivers
• Drivers who are texting or using their phone
• Impaired drivers
• Road rage
• Rush hour
• Unsafe vehicles
• Roadway obstacles
• Speeding

How a Las Vegas Commercial Vehicle Accident Lawyer Can Make Sure You’re Not Ignored

In cases of commercial vehicle accidents, we seek justice — nothing more — and only full and fair financial compensation can provide a victim with complete justice. Our Las Vegas personal injury lawyers hold the party responsible for your accident accountable and make sure they assume financial responsibility for all the expenses you incurred because of the accident.

At Henness and Haight, we have specific experience working with commercial vehicle accident cases. We draw from this knowledge when handling your case, to look back at which approaches have been most effective in achieving justice for our clients. 

It’s normal to feel apprehensive when approaching the legal teams of large insurance companies or corporations can be intimidating. It’s not a scenario with which most people are familiar. This is where a top-notch legal team can be invaluable; we know precisely how to communicate in these situations and can confidently present your case in front of critical decision-makers. Our results, including multi-million dollar settlements, speak for themselves.

Choose Henness & Haight, The Experienced Commercial Vehicle Accident Lawyers

If you were a victim of a commercial vehicle accident that wasn’t your fault, know that help is here. At Henness & Haight, we work tirelessly to investigate your accident, uncover the truth behind who deserves to be held accountable, and fight for your best interests when it comes to fair compensation. 

With more than 25 years of experience in commercial vehicle accidents in Las Vegas, we are ready and able to handle your case. 

Don’t let worry about your financial ability hold you back; our “no win, no fee” promise means you pay zero out-of-pocket expenses for our legal services. We only get paid when you do.  Learn more about our Las Vegas car accident attorneys and see some of our case results, or contact us for a completely free, no-obligation consultation. 

FAQs about Commercial Vehicle Accidents