What Happens If a Commercial Vehicle Hits You?

May 5, 2025 | By Colombo Law

Getting hit by a big rig truck or other commercial vehicle can cause serious injuries and leave you with significant financial losses. The crash may permanently alter the course of your life, impacting your ability to work, relationships with family members, and more. If you are facing these situations, you should consult a commercial vehicle accident lawyer as soon as possible.

A Morgantown trucking accident attorney at Colombo Law can help if you have been struck by an 18-wheeler or other commercial vehicle. Our lawyers deftly navigate complex claims, and we can pursue maximum compensation on your behalf.

To speak with a proven commercial vehicle accident lawyer, call Colombo Law at 304-599-4229 today for a FREE case review. Our team serves clients throughout West Virginia from offices in Morgantown.

What Is a Commercial Vehicle?

Commercial vehicles transport cargo and passengers along interstate highways. The standards used by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) to define a commercial motor vehicle are:

Minimum 10,0001-pound gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR)
26,001-pound GVWR for a single vehicle or combination of vehicles (such as a tractor-trailer)
Carries more than 8 paying passengers or more than 15 non-paying passengers
“Any size vehicle that transports hazardous materials that require federal placarding”

West Virginia Code § 17C-16-4 uses definitions similar to those of the FMCSA for commercial motor vehicles. Vehicles meeting these criteria are subject to state and federal inspection requirements.

Types of Commercial Vehicle Accidents

It is important to explore your rights after any accident with a commercial vehicle. This includes 18-wheelers, as well as:

Box trucks
Delivery and cargo vans
Coal trucks
Moving trucks and vans
Panel vans
Garbage trucks
Tow trucks
Refrigerated trucks
Tanker trucks
Logging trucks
Buses and motorcoaches

Every year, thousands of large truck and bus crashes are fatal and hundreds of thousands result in injury. Legal action can help people who are injured or lose a loved one to a commercial vehicle get the compensation they deserve. Hiring a commercial vehicle accident lawyer is critical for obtaining the best outcome.

What Happens If You Get Hit by a Commercial Vehicle?

Events move pretty fast in the aftermath of a serious accident—and collisions with commercial vehicles are often serious. The scene of the crash is likely to be chaotic, with first responders working to clear the area and potentially tend to multiple victims.

It is important to stay calm amidst all this. What you do next can affect your well-being as well as the viability of your legal claim. The steps you need to take after being hit by a commercial vehicle are:

1. Get to Safety

Safety should be your number one concern. If possible, get your vehicle to the side of the road and out of harm’s way.

2. Dial 911

Check yourself and any passengers for injuries and call 911 if you or anyone else needs medical attention. Even if you don’t think you’re hurt, it’s important to get evaluated as soon as possible. Some injuries aren’t apparent right away, but they can become serious if left untreated.

You should also ask for the police to come to the scene. In West Virginia, the police must be immediately notified of any crash resulting in injury or death (see West Virginia Code § 17C-4). Law enforcement officers will investigate to determine what caused the accident and who is responsible.

3. Collect Evidence & Document the Scene

Use your phone to take pictures and video. Be sure to capture the position of the vehicles and any damage they’ve suffered, as well as the roadway and surrounding area. You should also take photos of your injuries.

If there are any bystanders at the scene, ask them what they saw and get their contact information. A commercial vehicle accident lawyer can interview witnesses later while preparing your claim.

Finally, look for traffic cameras, dashboard cameras, and cameras on properties near the crash site. Video footage of the accident can provide powerful support for your case.

4. Exchange Information with the Parties Involved

Get the names, contact information, and insurance information for all drivers involved in the crash. You should also ask the commercial driver for information about their employer and the vehicle’s owner.

5. Speak to a Commercial Vehicle Accident Lawyer

An attorney who is well-versed in commercial vehicle crashes can:

Review your case for FREE
Evaluate all of your legal options
Investigate the accident
Collect evidence on your behalf
Identify all liable parties
Review all available insurance coverage
Calculate the compensation you are due
Represent you in settlement negotiations
If necessary, file a lawsuit against the parties responsible
Prepare for trial and represent you in court, if needed

It is in your best interest to entrust your case to a capable truck accident lawyer. You should focus on recovering from your injuries, not complex legal issues. While you’re recuperating, your attorney can handle all aspects of your case and represent your best interest throughout the process.

Who Is Liable for a Semi Truck Accident?

Multiple parties may be liable for damages in a semi truck accident or other collision involving a commercial vehicle. These include:

Commercial drivers
Trucking and transit companies
Vehicle and parts manufacturers
Repair and maintenance technicians
Shipping and loading companies
Other drivers involved in the crash

Employers may be held liable for the negligent actions of their employees (such as commercial drivers). You will need to show that the driver was on the clock or acting within the scope of their job for vicarious liability to be imposed on the employer.

Liability may extend to other parties as well. A comprehensive investigation by a knowledgeable attorney is essential for identifying all of the defendants in a commercial vehicle collision case.

Damages in Commercial Vehicle Accident Cases

What happens when you are hit by a commercial vehicle? For many people, the unfortunate answer is that they incur massive medical bills and other expenses. They often lose a significant chunk of their income from being unable to work.

A commercial vehicle accident lawyer can assess all of your losses from the crash. These may include:

Medical expenses and rehabilitation costs
The cost of ongoing and future medical care
Lost wages
Diminished earning capacity
Loss of household services
Pain and suffering
Mental and emotional anguish
Disability
Scarring and disfigurement
Lost enjoyment and quality of life
Wrongful death damages, if a member of your family died in the wreck

Truck accident claims require strong, compelling evidence. A skilled attorney can ensure that the damages you seek are fully supported by evidence and expert testimony, as well as fight for the full compensation you deserve.

Contact a Commercial Vehicle Accident Lawyer in Morgantown Today

At Colombo Law, we understand what happens when trucks, vans, buses, etc. collide with other vehicles. The people in the smaller, lighter vehicle may be severely hurt or even killed. When the negligence of others leads to these accidents, the victims and their families shouldn’t have to bear the burdens by themselves.

Colombo Law is a leader in trucking accident litigation. Our knowledge and experience encompass claims involving a wide variety of commercial vehicles, enabling us to provide the highest caliber of advocacy. We have obtained millions of dollars in results for our clients.

Each commercial truck accident lawyer at Colombo Law prepares every case as though it will go to trial. Although we are often able to obtain fair settlements for our clients, this unique strategy provides a crucial advantage for negotiations and, if necessary, taking the case to trial.

For a FREE consultation, contact Colombo Law today. We serve the victims of commercial vehicle accidents in Morgantown and all of West Virginia.