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.

Common Causes of Commercial Vehicle Crashes

When a commercial vehicle is involved in a crash, it’s rarely “just an accident.” Many are caused by preventable factors—and identifying the cause is key to proving liability.

Driver Fatigue

Commercial drivers often work long shifts. Even slight fatigue can slow reaction times or lead to falling asleep behind the wheel. Federal regulations limit how long truck drivers can be on duty, but violations are common.

Distracted Driving

Cell phone use, dispatch messages, GPS navigation, and eating on the go all lead to split-second distractions—and serious consequences.

Poor Vehicle Maintenance

Companies are required to maintain their vehicles. Bald tires, faulty brakes, or broken lights are all warning signs of negligence.

Overloaded or Improperly Secured Cargo

When a load shifts suddenly, even a skilled driver can lose control. These cases often involve shippers or third-party logistics companies.

Reckless Driving and Speeding

Commercial vehicles require more distance to stop safely. Speeding or tailgating in a large vehicle multiplies the risk of severe injuries in a crash.

Inadequate Training

Companies must ensure drivers are qualified to handle their vehicles safely. Poor or rushed training programs often contribute to avoidable accidents.

If negligence caused your injury, accountability matters.
 Contact Persinger Law Firm for a free, no-obligation consultation—we’ll investigate what went wrong and fight to hold the responsible parties accountable.

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.

Types of Damages in Personal Injury Cases — What You Can Recover

If you’ve been injured by someone else’s negligence, you’re entitled to seek compensation—but what exactly does that include? Here’s a breakdown of the types of damages commonly available in personal injury cases.

Economic Damages

These cover your direct, financial losses—anything you can prove with receipts or records.

Examples include:

  • Medical bills and rehabilitation costs

  • Future medical care or therapy

  • Lost wages and reduced earning capacity

  • Property damage (like vehicle repairs)

  • Out-of-pocket expenses related to your recovery

Non-Economic Damages

Some losses can’t be measured with a bill—but they’re just as real. These include:

  • Pain and suffering

  • Emotional distress or mental anguish

  • Loss of enjoyment of life

  • Scarring or disfigurement

  • Loss of companionship or consortium

Because they’re more subjective, non-economic damages are often the most debated part of a settlement.

Punitive Damages

In rare cases where a defendant acted intentionally or with extreme recklessness, the court may award punitive damages—meant to punish wrongdoing and discourage similar behavior in the future.

Damage Caps and Limitations

Some states limit (or “cap”) non-economic or punitive damages. These laws vary widely, so it’s important to speak with an attorney who knows your state’s rules and how they might apply to your case.

Duty to Mitigate

You’re expected to take reasonable steps to recover from your injuries. If you skip treatment or ignore medical advice, the defense may argue that your damages should be reduced.

What’s Realistic?

Every case is unique. Settlement values depend on your injuries, available evidence, and the strength of your claim. An experienced lawyer can give you a realistic idea of what your case may be worth—and fight for the maximum possible result.

Don’t guess at what your claim is worth.
 Contact Persinger Law Firm for a free consultation to discuss your damages and legal options.

Do I Have a Personal Injury Case? Understanding the Basics

Accidents happen fast—and when they do, it’s easy to feel unsure about what comes next. You may be asking yourself: Do I actually have a case? Understanding the basics of personal injury law can help you decide what steps to take.

What Is a Personal Injury Claim?

A personal injury claim arises when someone is hurt because of another person’s negligence or wrongful act.
Common examples include:

  • Car and truck accidents

  • Slip-and-fall injuries

  • Medical negligence

  • Dog bites

  • Defective or dangerous products

The goal of a personal injury case is to hold the responsible party accountable and recover financial compensation for your losses.

The Four Elements You Must Prove

Every successful claim includes four key parts:

  1. Duty of Care – The other party had a legal responsibility to act safely.

  2. Breach of Duty – They failed to meet that standard of care.

  3. Causation – Their actions (or inaction) directly caused your injuries.

  4. Damages – You suffered measurable harm such as medical bills, pain, or lost wages.

If one of these is missing, your claim may be difficult to pursue.

Shared Fault and Comparative Negligence

Even if you were partially responsible for the accident, you may still recover compensation under comparative fault rules. In many states, your recovery is reduced by your percentage of fault—for example, being 20% at fault means you could still receive 80% of your total damages.

Understanding how your state handles shared responsibility can make a big difference in your outcome.

Don’t Miss the Filing Deadline

Every state limits how long you have to file a personal injury claim—this is called the statute of limitations. Missing that deadline usually means losing your right to recover, no matter how strong your case may be. An attorney can make sure your claim is filed on time.

Steps to Strengthen Your Case

  • Get medical treatment and follow your doctor’s advice.

  • Keep all records, receipts, and communication.

  • Gather evidence—photos, witness names, police or incident reports.

  • Avoid giving recorded statements to insurance companies before talking to a lawyer.

Talk to an Experienced Personal Injury Attorney

Not every injury leads to a lawsuit—but if someone else’s negligence caused you harm, you deserve to understand your rights. A skilled personal injury attorney can review your situation, explain your options, and help you pursue fair compensation.

Injured and unsure what to do next?
Call Persinger Law Firm for a free, no-obligation consultation. We’ll help you understand your rights and your best next steps.

What to Do After a Car Accident in West Virginia

What to Do After a Car Accident in West Virginia

Car accidents can be overwhelming. Whether you’re dealing with a minor collision or a major crash, the steps you take immediately afterward can significantly impact your health, finances, and any future legal claims.

After a Crash

  • Check for injuries and call 911
  • Exchange contact and insurance information
  • Take photos and notes at the scene
  • Seek medical attention, even if you feel okay
  • Notify your insurance company

It’s also important to avoid making any statements that could be used against you later. Even a simple “I’m sorry” can be misinterpreted as an admission of fault. If you’re unsure about what to do next or how to protect yourself legally, it may be time to speak with someone who can guide you through the process.

Note: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Contact Persinger & Persinger to discuss the details of your situation.

Common Causes of Car Accidents in West Virginia

From city streets to winding mountain roads, crashes happen across West Virginia every day. While the circumstances vary, many share common root causes that determine who is at fault.

Top Causes of Crashes:

  • Distracted driving
  • Speeding or aggressive driving
  • Driving under the influence
  • Running red lights or stop signs
  • Slick roads or poor visibility

When one driver’s negligence leads to another person’s injury, it’s important to understand your rights. Identifying the cause of the crash helps establish liability and lays the groundwork for pursuing a claim.

Note: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Contact Persinger & Persinger for legal insight based on your circumstances.

Dealing with Insurance Companies After an Accident

After a crash, one of the most stressful parts of recovery is dealing with the insurance company. They may sound friendly, but their goal is to minimize how much they pay—not to look out for your best interests.

Smart Moves:

  • Be cautious with what you say in recorded conversations

  • Don’t rush to accept a settlement offer

  • Keep a record of all communication, bills, and paperwork

Negotiating with insurance adjusters can be tough—especially when you’re trying to focus on healing. Having someone on your side who knows how to handle these conversations can make a significant difference.

Note: This blog is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. To speak with an attorney about your claim, contact Persinger & Persinger.