A car accident is bad enough. But when the accident involves a commercial vehicle, things get more complicated. If a commercial vehicle is involved, it is not only about the at-fault driver. You are also dealing with the company they work for.
Below, this auto accident lawyer in Brandon, Florida is going to explain exactly what makes these crashes different. We will also discuss how you can make sure that you are treated fairly.
What makes crashes with commercial vehicles more complicated?
If the at-fault driver was working at the time of the accident, the whole situation would change. It is not just their personal insurance anymore. The company might be at fault too. That brings in more rules, more paperwork, and more ways they will try to avoid blame.
Commercial drivers are usually in a rush. They are on deadlines and tight schedules, which can lead to bad decisions. Studies show that around 13% of commercial drivers were considered fatigued at the time of their crash.
The vehicle itself can also be the problem. Some companies ignore maintenance to save time or money. Worn brakes, overloaded trucks, or skipped safety checks can all lead to crashes. If the company cuts corners, it can be held responsible for that.
An experienced auto accident lawyer in Brandon, Florida will know where to look. Most people would not even think of asking for driver logs or maintenance records. But those details can be very important in these cases.
What usually happens when a commercial vehicle is involved?
Most companies have a plan ready as soon as one of their vehicles is in a crash. They might have a legal team or an insurance company getting involved fast to control the situation. They are already protecting themselves while you are still trying to figure out what happened.
You might hear the employer say the driver was not working at the time, or they might say it was a contractor’s fault. The insurance company may offer you a quick settlement, hoping that you will accept it before you understand how serious your injuries are.
Meanwhile, you are missing work. The bills keep coming, and you still don’t know what’s happening. That is why you need an experienced auto accident lawyer on your side. They can secure key evidence like GPS data or driver schedules before anything disappears.
Sometimes more than one person is at fault.
Many people assume that the driver is the only one to blame. However, with commercial vehicles, the company could also be responsible. So could another business that helped load the truck or failed to maintain it.
Florida uses a modified comparative negligence system. Under this system, more than one party can share fault. If the company is found to be mostly at fault (over 50%), they could be responsible for a large share of the damages.
An experienced auto accident lawyer in Brandon, Florida will investigate this on your behalf. Their job is to find out what really caused the crash and who should be held accountable.
Don’t let the company or their insurance push you around.
These companies are not focused on helping you because their goal is to protect their own money. They might say that your injuries are not serious or act like it was your fault. Some will pressure you to settle quickly, before you know what your recovery will cost.
If you try to handle this alone, you might accept an offer that seems okay now, but it will not be enough to cover long-term care, lost wages, or future treatments. That’s why you need an experienced lawyer on your side. A good lawyer will fight back, demand better, and take the case to court if necessary.
Looking for an auto accident lawyer in Brandon, Florida?
Have you been hit by a commercial vehicle? If so, and if you are looking for a knowledgeable auto accident lawyer in Brandon, Florida that can help you recover from the damage caused, Tonya Stewart and her team at Tonya Stewart Law, P.A. are here to help. Contact us today at (863) 279-4473 to schedule a free consultation.