Steps to Protect Your Rights After a Commercial Vehicle Accident

After a crash involving a company or delivery vehicle, it’s critical to take the right steps from day one. Large corporations and their insurers move quickly to limit their exposure—you should move just as fast to protect yourself.

1. Get Immediate Medical Care

Even if you feel fine, get checked. Some injuries appear later, and prompt medical documentation strengthens your claim.

2. Don’t Speak to the Company’s Insurance Adjuster Alone

Their goal is to protect their company—not you. Politely decline recorded statements until you’ve spoken with your attorney.

3. Preserve All Evidence

Keep copies of your police report, photos, and medical bills. If possible, note the company name and any vehicle or trailer identification numbers.

4. Follow Medical Advice

Attend every appointment and follow your treatment plan. Missed visits can hurt both your recovery and your case.

5. Hire an Experienced Personal Injury Lawyer

A lawyer familiar with commercial accident litigation can:

  • Send preservation letters to prevent evidence destruction

  • Identify all liable parties and insurance coverages

  • Handle communication with corporate lawyers and adjusters

  • Negotiate or litigate for full compensation

You don’t have to take on a trucking or delivery company by yourself.
Contact Persinger Law Firm for a free consultation. We’ll make sure your rights are protected and your case gets the attention it deserves.

What Makes Commercial Auto Accident Claims More Complex

If you’ve been in a crash with a company vehicle, you may notice the process feels very different from a typical car accident claim. There’s a reason for that: commercial claims involve more players, more insurance policies, and more legal challenges.

Multiple Defendants

A single commercial accident can involve the driver, the employer, a leasing company, a maintenance provider, and more. Each may point fingers at the others to avoid paying.

Corporate Insurance Policies

Commercial insurance policies often carry higher limits—but that doesn’t mean the insurer will pay easily. Expect aggressive defense strategies designed to minimize payouts.

Extensive Evidence

Commercial vehicles may have electronic logging devices (ELDs), GPS data, or on-board cameras. These can reveal speeding, hours worked, or distraction—but companies sometimes delay or resist sharing this evidence.

Federal and State Regulations

Commercial carriers must follow strict safety rules. Violating these can help establish negligence, but proving it often requires detailed records, logbooks, and expert analysis.

Serious Injuries and Higher Stakes

Because of their size and weight, commercial vehicles cause more severe injuries—and higher financial losses. These cases often require expert witnesses, medical evaluations, and structured settlements.

Complex cases need experienced guidance.
Call Persinger Law Firm to discuss your commercial accident claim. We’ll handle the details so you can focus on healing.

Who’s Liable in a Commercial Auto Accident?

One of the biggest challenges in a commercial vehicle accident is determining who’s actually responsible. It’s not always just the driver—liability can extend to several parties depending on how the crash occurred.

The Driver

If the driver was negligent—texting, speeding, or violating traffic laws—they can be personally liable. However, when they’re on the job, their employer usually shares that responsibility.

The Employer or Company

Under the legal doctrine of respondeat superior, employers are generally responsible for their employees’ actions when those actions happen “within the scope of employment.” That means if a delivery driver causes a crash while making a scheduled stop, the company may be liable.

The Vehicle Owner

If the vehicle was leased or rented, the owner might share responsibility for maintenance issues or mechanical defects.

Maintenance or Equipment Providers

Sometimes, faulty brakes, tires, or lights play a role. The company that maintained or serviced the truck could be partly at fault.

Cargo Loaders or Shippers

Improperly secured or overloaded cargo can cause trucks to overturn or lose control. In those cases, liability may trace back to whoever loaded or inspected the shipment.

Why It Matters

More than one insurance policy may apply—commercial auto, general liability, and even product liability coverage. An experienced attorney can identify every responsible party to help maximize your recovery.

Liability isn’t always simple—but we can help you untangle it.
Contact Persinger Law Firm for a free consultation if you’ve been injured in a commercial vehicle accident.

What to Do After a Commercial Vehicle Accident

Accidents involving commercial vehicles—like delivery trucks, company cars, or tractor-trailers—are different from typical fender benders. Multiple parties may be involved, and the insurance process can get complicated fast. Knowing what to do right away can protect both your health and your legal rights.

1. Get Medical Help First

Your health comes first. Even if you don’t feel seriously injured, get checked by a doctor. Commercial vehicles are heavy, and even “minor” impacts can cause internal injuries or delayed symptoms.

2. Report the Accident

Call 911 and make sure an official report is filed. That documentation is essential when dealing with company insurers or corporate defense lawyers later.

3. Gather Information

If it’s safe, collect:

  • The driver’s name, employer, and vehicle number

  • Company name and contact information

  • License plate and insurance details

  • Photos or video of damage, skid marks, road signs, and injuries

Note anything that might show the driver was distracted or fatigued—these details can be critical in proving fault.

4. Be Careful What You Say

Avoid discussing fault or making offhand comments like “I’m okay.” Insurance companies and corporate attorneys may later use these statements against you. Stick to facts only.

5. Contact an Attorney Early

Commercial carriers often have teams of lawyers and adjusters working to limit their liability from day one. Having your own advocate ensures your rights—and your potential claim—are protected from the start.

If you’ve been hit by a company or commercial vehicle, don’t face their insurance team alone.
Call Persinger Law Firm for a free consultation to discuss your options and next steps.