Your Trusted Advocates In Commercial Vehicle Accidents

Last updated on January 31, 2025

Collisions with large commercial vehicles can have devastating consequences. The sheer size and weight of trucks and other commercial vehicles often result in severe injuries and significant property damage. If you’ve been involved in such an accident near Raleigh or Cornelius, North Carolina, pursuing an accident claim can seem overwhelming.

I understand the challenges you face. I am commercial vehicle accident attorney Mike Maurer, a board-certified civil trial specialist, and I have a unique perspective on these cases. With a background in representing the insurance industry, my firm, Maurer Law, and I now stand up for individuals like you injured in accidents involving tractor-trailers and other large commercial vehicles.

Legal Considerations In Commercial Vehicle Accidents

Commercial vehicle accidents are subject to specific laws and regulations. These vehicles must adhere to strict maintenance, driver qualifications and operational guidelines. Understanding these regulations is crucial when assessing the circumstances of an accident.

Determining liability and negligence in commercial vehicle accidents involves several factors. It requires examining the driver’s actions, vehicle maintenance records and company policies. Gathering evidence and understanding the nuances of each case is crucial to building a strong claim.

Claims involving commercial vehicles differ from those with noncommercial vehicles. Commercial vehicles often involve multiple parties, such as drivers, trucking companies, cargo companies and manufacturers. This complexity requires a thorough approach to identify and hold all responsible parties accountable.

Steps To Take After A Commercial Vehicle Accident

Immediate action at the scene is crucial in the aftermath of an accident. First, ensure the safety of everyone involved by moving to a safe location if possible, calling 911 for medical assistance and alerting the authorities.

Safety should always be your top priority. Check on the well-being of others, but avoid admitting fault or making statements about the accident. If it’s safe, turn on your vehicle’s hazard lights to warn other drivers and prevent further accidents.

Gathering evidence and witness statements is vital in building a strong case for your claim. Document the accident scene by taking photos or videos of the vehicles, road conditions and any visible injuries.

This visual evidence can be instrumental in establishing the circumstances of the accident. Additionally, collect contact information from witnesses who saw the accident happen. Their statements can provide crucial support for your version of events and help establish liability.

Reporting the accident to law enforcement and your insurance company is essential. Law enforcement officers will create an official report that documents the accident details, which can be valuable in your claim.

Be sure to provide accurate and factual information to the officers but avoid speculating or admitting fault. Notifying your insurance company as soon as possible starts the claims process. They can outline the necessary steps and documentation needed to proceed with your claim.

However, you should be cautious when speaking with an insurance adjuster because their primary goal is to protect the insurance company’s interests, which often means minimizing the payout.

Adjusters may ask questions designed to get you to unknowingly admit partial fault for the accident or downplay the extent of your injuries. Statements made during these conversations can be used to challenge your claim later.

To avoid jeopardizing your case, provide only factual, necessary information and refrain from speculating or admitting fault. Consulting with a skilled commercial vehicle accident lawyer can help protect your rights and interests. I know how to deal with insurers.

Injuries Commonly Sustained In Commercial Vehicle Accidents

Accidents with large commercial vehicles often result in severe injuries due to their massive size, weight and force. Common injuries include:

• Traumatic brain injuries (TBI): TBIs result from a sudden impact or jolt to the head, which can disrupt normal brain function. Concussions can cause mild to severe brain damage, affecting cognitive abilities, memory and emotional regulation. Long-term care may be necessary for some injuries.
• Spinal cord injuries: These injuries involve damage to the spinal cord, potentially leading to complete or partial paralysis. They can significantly impact mobility and bodily functions, often requiring extensive rehabilitation and adaptive equipment for daily living.
• Broken bones: The force of a collision can cause fractures or breaks in the bones. Treatment may include immobilization with casts or surgical intervention, depending on the severity. Healing can take weeks to months, impacting daily activities.
• Internal injuries: These injuries involve damage to internal organs, such as the liver, spleen or lungs, and may not be immediately apparent. They require prompt medical attention, as they can be life-threatening and may necessitate surgery.
• Whiplash: This neck injury occurs when the head is forcefully whipped back and forth, damaging soft tissues like muscles and ligaments. Symptoms include neck pain, stiffness and headaches. While often temporary, some cases lead to chronic discomfort.

Gathering medical documents is crucial for your injury claim. These records demonstrate the extent of your injuries and the need for ongoing treatment. Long-term health consequences are common, requiring continuous medical care and attention.

Insurance And Claims Process For Commercial Vehicle Accidents

Commercial vehicle insurance policies are complex. They often involve higher coverage limits and multiple parties, and understanding them can be challenging without proper legal guidance.

Pursuing claims against large insurance companies can also be intimidating. These companies have vast resources to dispute claims. A skilled commercial vehicle accident lawyer can help you overcome these challenges by negotiating on your behalf.

Disputes may arise over liability, coverage limits and compensation amounts. As a knowledgeable lawyer, I can help resolve these issues, ensuring you receive fair compensation.

Hiring A Commercial Vehicle Accident Attorney

Contacting a lawyer familiar with commercial vehicle accident claims is essential. Having experienced legal representation increases your chances of obtaining compensation.

Victims may be eligible to recover various types of damages, including:

• Medical expenses: This covers the cost of current and future medical care related to the accident, including hospital stays, surgeries, doctor visits, medications and rehabilitation services. It also includes future medical expenses for ongoing treatment.
• Lost wages: Compensates for income lost due to the inability to work following the accident. This includes both past wages lost during recovery and future earnings if you cannot return to your previous employment.
• Pain and suffering: This provides compensation for physical pain and emotional distress caused by the accident. It is often more subjective and considers the impact on your quality of life.
• Property damage: Covers the cost of repairing or replacing damaged property, such as a vehicle or personal belongings destroyed in the accident.
• Loss of consortium: Compensates for the loss of companionship and support suffered by family members due to the injuries sustained in the accident.
• Punitive damages: In cases involving misconduct or negligence, the court may award punitive damages to punish those responsible and deter similar future behavior. While not commonly awarded, this compensation is sometimes added to compensatory damages.

These types of compensation are crucial to help you rebuild your life and address the financial and emotional challenges of a commercial vehicle accident.

 Frequently Asked Questions About Commercial Vehicle Accidents

At Maurer Law, my staff and I can answer all your questions related to commercial vehicle accidents. Here are three common inquiries we receive:

How is a commercial vehicle accident different from a regular car accident?

Commercial vehicle accidents differ from regular car accidents in several ways. First, the size and weight of commercial vehicles like trucks often lead to more severe damage and injuries. These accidents involve complex regulations, as commercial drivers must adhere to specific federal and state laws regarding operation and maintenance.

Additionally, liability in commercial vehicle accidents can extend beyond the driver to include the trucking company, vehicle manufacturer or others.

Insurance policies for commercial vehicles are typically more complex, with higher coverage limits, making the claims process more challenging. These factors necessitate a detailed approach to handling such matters that an experienced commercial vehicle accident attorney can provide.

What should I do immediately after a commercial vehicle accident?

Prioritize safety by moving to a safe location if possible and checking for injuries. Call 911 to report the accident and request medical assistance. Avoid admitting fault or discussing the accident details with others involved.

If it’s safe, document the scene by taking photos of vehicle damage, road conditions and any injuries. Gather contact information from witnesses who can provide statements. It’s crucial to report the accident to law enforcement to obtain an official report.

Finally, notify your insurance company to begin the claims process, providing only facts and consult a commercial vehicle accident attorney for further guidance.

Who can be held liable in a commercial vehicle accident?

Depending on the circumstances, multiple parties can be held liable. The commercial vehicle driver may be responsible if they acted negligently, such as by speeding or driving under the influence.

The trucking company could also be liable if they failed to maintain the vehicle properly or did not comply with hiring and training regulations. In some cases, the vehicle manufacturer might be accountable if a mechanical defect contributed to the accident.

Additionally, if improper loading contributed to the crash, the cargo loading company might share liability. Determining liability requires a thorough investigation.

Contact Me Today For A Free Case Review

If you’ve been involved in a commercial vehicle accident in Raleigh or Cornelius, I am ready to help. Contact my firm today for a free consultation either online or by calling 704-899-2133.

I am prepared to discuss your situation, answer your questions and outline the best path forward. Let me be your trusted advocate in seeking justice and the compensation you need and deserve.