Unlike your typical compact car or SUV, commercial vehicles are typically larger, heavier, and are therefore more likely to cause severe damage to other cars, drivers and passengers on the road. Every day as we commute to work or school, we share the road with these commercial vehicles and the injuries that result from an accident can result in a long-term recovery.
If the commercial vehicle is owned by a huge company, their insurance company may seek the lowest possible compensation payment to you as the victim. However, don’t let them intimidate you or offer you an unfair claim for an accident that was not your fault. If you’ve been injured in an accident with a commercial vehicle in the St. Louis area, it’s important to seek legal guidance that can help you recover maximum compensation for the damages you suffer.
Commercial Vehicles
A vehicle is given commercial status when its primary purpose is the transportation of property or people for hire. Commercial drivers typically use their vehicles more often, and for longer stretches of time, than those driving personal vehicles. Therefore, the risk of an accident is considered to be greater. As a St. Louis driver, you should always be aware of the types of vehicles that may potentially share the road with you. Commercial vehicles you may see on the road include the following:
Large trucks
This includes semi-trucks, 18-wheelers, and tractor-trailers. They’re primarily used to transport goods to retail facilities. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration strictly regulates trucks that weigh more than 10,000 pounds, especially regarding safety regulation compliance by trucking companies.
Delivery vehicles
From food and clothes to electronic and other products, countless deliveries are made every day in Missouri. Delivery vehicles typically hold commercial insurance policies, but delivery drivers who use their car rather than a company vehicle may not be required to carry commercial insurance.
For-hire passenger vehicles
In major metropolitan areas like St. Louis, limousines and taxi cabs are a common sight. Legally, they are classified as for-hire passenger vehicles and carry commercial vehicle status.
Buses
Due to their size and intended use, most buses are considered commercial vehicles. When buses are involved in a collision, accident victims may be able to seek compensation from the driver and the company that owns the bus.
In addition to the vehicles mentioned above, cargo vans, moving trucks, garbage trucks, trolleys, and construction vehicles are all considered commercial vehicles. A collision with one of these vehicles can result in severe physical injuries and significant damages to your vehicle.
If you have experienced an accident due to the negligence of a commercial vehicle driver, please contact ourSt. Louis personal injury attorneys at Meyerkord & Kurth. We can help you navigate the damages, legal system and the pursuit of compensation while you recover from your injuries. Contact us now for a free consultation to learn how much your case is worth and to take the first steps in filing your claim.
Call (800) 391-4318 to speak with an attorney. We are available 24/7