Commercial and Specialty Vehicle Accidents

Delivery vans, company cars, tow trucks, utility vehicles and emergency vehicles share the road with everyone else — but crashes involving them raise additional questions about employer responsibility, commercial insurance and, in some cases, government immunity.

Our attorneys also handle claims involving recreational and off-road vehicles such as RVs, ATVs and golf carts, where unique insurance and product issues often arise.

Case Types We Handle

Our Commercial and Specialty Vehicle Accidents practice includes 13 case types. Select one to learn more.

• Delivery Van AccidentsDelivery van accidents involve drivers making frequent stops under time pressure in residential and urban areas.
• Package Delivery Vehicle AccidentsPackage delivery vehicle accidents may involve large carriers and contractor networks with complex insurance arrangements.
• Courier Vehicle AccidentsCourier vehicle accidents involve drivers delivering documents, food and goods, often as independent contractors.
• Company Car AccidentsCompany car accidents may make an employer responsible when an employee causes a crash while working.
• Utility Vehicle AccidentsUtility vehicle accidents involve service and repair trucks that frequently stop, park and work along roads.
• Tow Truck AccidentsTow truck accidents can involve unsecured vehicles, roadside operations and improper towing equipment.
• Ambulance AccidentsAmbulance accidents involve emergency vehicles that must still operate with due regard for others' safety.
• Fire Truck AccidentsFire truck accidents involve emergency responses governed by special rules and possible government immunity.
• Police Vehicle Accident Civil ClaimsPolice vehicle accident claims may be subject to government notice rules and immunity standards that vary by state.
• Farm Equipment Road AccidentsFarm equipment road accidents involve slow-moving, wide vehicles on rural roads, often with inadequate lighting or markings.
• Recreational Vehicle (RV) AccidentsRV accidents involve large, hard-to-handle vehicles often driven by people without commercial training, including rentals.
• ATV and Off-Road Vehicle AccidentsATV and off-road vehicle accidents often involve rollovers, collisions and product defects.
• Golf Cart AccidentsGolf cart accidents occur on courses, in communities and on public streets, and may involve operator, owner or product responsibility.

Common Causes of Commercial and Specialty Vehicle Accidents

• Delivery drivers rushing to meet schedules
• Inadequate driver training or supervision
• Distracted driving from dispatch devices
• Improper parking, backing and loading
• Emergency vehicles proceeding unsafely
• Defective or poorly maintained vehicles

Injuries and Losses We See

• Neck, back and shoulder injuries
• Head injuries
• Fractures
• Crush injuries
• Fatal injuries

Employer Responsibility

Employers are often responsible for the negligence of employees driving within the scope of their work. Delivery networks may use independent contractors, which can complicate coverage questions. Claims involving police, fire or ambulance vehicles are subject to special rules that vary by state, including notice requirements and limits on liability.

How We Investigate Commercial and Specialty Vehicle Accidents Claims

Strong cases are built on evidence gathered early. Depending on the facts, we work to obtain:

• Police and crash reports, photographs and scene measurements
• Witness statements and 911 recordings
• Traffic, dash-cam and surveillance video
• Vehicle damage and event data recorder ("black box") information
• Medical records linking your injuries to the crash

Who May Be Responsible

More than one party may share responsibility, which can increase the insurance coverage available. Potentially liable parties include:

• Drivers and their employers
• Delivery, courier and utility companies
• Vehicle owners and rental companies
• Government entities operating public vehicles
• Vehicle and equipment manufacturers

What to Do After an Incident

1. Call 911 and get medical attention, even if you feel fine
2. Report the crash to police and get the report number
3. Photograph the vehicles, scene, road conditions and your injuries
4. Exchange insurance information and collect witness contact details
5. Avoid giving recorded statements to the other driver's insurer
6. Speak with an attorney before signing anything

Compensation You May Be Able to Recover

Depending on the facts and the law that applies, a claim may include:

• Past and future medical expenses
• Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
• Pain, suffering and emotional distress
• Rehabilitation, long-term care and home modification costs
• Property damage and other out-of-pocket losses

Why Acting Early Matters

Every state sets deadlines for filing injury claims, and claims involving government entities can require formal notice within a much shorter time. Video footage, records and physical evidence can be lost quickly. Speaking with an attorney early protects your options.

How Our Attorneys Can Help

We investigate what happened, deal with the insurance companies, document the full extent of your losses and pursue a fair settlement — and we are prepared to go to court when an insurer will not be reasonable. Personal injury cases are handled on a contingency fee basis: you pay no attorney fee unless we recover compensation for you. Consultations are free and confidential.