Atlanta Commercial Vehicle Accident Lawyers

When two passenger vehicles collide, the results can be catastrophic, potentially causing serious injury or even death. When a commercial vehicle is involved, the results can be even worse, due to the massive size and weight of commercial vehicles. As a result, commercial vehicles are subjected to more federal and state safety regulations when compared to other vehicles. These regulations do not eliminate the risk these vehicles can pose, however, and accidents do and will continue to happen. 

If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident involving a commercial vehicle, contact an experienced Atlanta commercial vehicle accident attorney to determine whether you have a claim against the party or parties responsible. 

What Is a Commercial Vehicle?

Broadly defined, a commercial vehicle is a vehicle that is titled or registered to a company. Also, a vehicle is designated as a commercial vehicle if it exceeds 26,001 pounds or is designed to carry more than 15 people. The following types of vehicles are usually considered commercial:

• Buses
• Trucks
• Vans
• Cabs
• Coaches
• Semi-trucks
• Box trucks
• Trailers

Due to the size and weight of these vehicles, and the cargo that they may transport, they are capable of causing significant damage in the event of a collision. Various regulations are in place that attempt to mitigate the risk that commercial vehicles pose to other drivers. For example, drivers of commercial vehicles are required to have commercial (CDL) drivers’ licenses that have more stringent standards to obtain than regular drivers licenses. In addition, there are different maximum blood-alcohol levels for holders of CDL licenses. 

Another regulation requires truckers and trucking companies to carry minimum levels of insurance coverage for any liabilities they may incur in the course of business, and these minimums are much higher than what is required of other vehicles. These regulations are designed to both reduce the risk of accidents involving commercial vehicles as well as to ensure that victims of commercial vehicle accidents receive adequate compensation.

Contact an Atlanta Commercial Vehicle Accident Attorney for a Free Consultation

If you have been injured in an accident involving a commercial vehicle, you should contact our experienced attorneys as soon as possible for a free consultation. If you can show that another party was responsible for the accident, you may be entitled to recover compensation for your injuries, pain and suffering, loss of wages, or damaged property, as well as for other damages. 

To schedule a free consultation, contact Shane Smith Law today at (980) 246-2656.