When talking about truck accidents, we often focus on 18-wheelers, also known as tractor trailers, semi trucks, and big rigs. Because these are the most common type of truck on the road, it makes sense that they are involved in most of the truck accidents we see in West Virginia.
But what about accidents involving different types of large trucks, such as delivery vans, buses, and cement trucks? While these accidents aren’t as common, they can be just as devastating, causing serious injury and damage to others on the road.
At Colombo Law, we have extensive experience fighting for the rights of victims who have been injured in accidents involving a wide variety of commercial vehicles. Please call (304) 599-4229 today for a free evaluation of your case. Our lawyers serve clients in Morgantown and throughout West Virginia.
Delivery Vans and Trucks
With the increasing popularity of home delivery, there has also been a substantial increase in the number of delivery vans and trucks on the road every day. Unfortunately, this also means that there are more accidents involving delivery trucks.
Whether it’s UPS, Amazon, FedEx, or another company, when the negligence of a delivery driver results in an accident, drivers and passengers of other vehicles may suffer serious injury. While these trucks aren’t as large as 18 wheelers, they are still much heavier than a typical passenger vehicle. This means that most of the injuries are experienced by the passengers of the other vehicle, not the delivery driver.
There are specific rules and regulations that delivery companies must follow when hiring drivers, maintaining vehicles, and securing cargo. If they neglect to follow these rules, drivers, their employers, and other parties may be liable for the accident.
Passenger Vans
While passenger vans can be a convenient means of transportation for groups, they can also be dangerous. When you have a large number of people in a vehicle, the weight distribution within the vehicle can make the van difficult to control. In some circumstances, it can easily fishtail or even roll.
Driver inexperience can also play a significant role. Turning, for example, must be done carefully to avoid an accident. If a driver is not accustomed to handling a passenger van, they may easily cause an accident.
If you have been injured in an accident with a passenger van, our lawyers will determine if other types of driver negligence were a factor in the crash, including:
- Driving while under the influence
- Distracted driving
- Drowsy driving
- Speeding or breaking other rules of the road
- And more
The company that owns the van may also be liable for the accident if it failed to maintain the vehicle in good condition.
Cement Trucks
Because they carry heavy, shifting loads, cement trucks are notoriously unstable. As a result, rollover accidents are not uncommon.
However, the most common type of cement truck accident is backups. These accidents are often caused by drivers not properly paying attention to their surroundings.
One of the first things we investigate in a cement truck accident is the liability of the driver, his/her employer, and any other parties. Cement companies have a responsibility to properly maintain their trucks; not doing so could be a factor in the accident. If a vehicle malfunction was a factor in the accident, we will also investigate the manufacturer of the part to determine if the component was defective.
Buses
School buses, city buses, and tour buses are massive, heavy vehicles. As a result, serious injuries are common in accidents involving buses.
Bus accidents may be the result of driver negligence, from operating the bus while fatigued to speeding in an effort to maintain the route schedule. Liability for an accident may also lie with the bus company, the company that maintains and services the bus, or another third party.
Many buses are owned and insured by local municipalities. As a result, bus accident victims might need to sue their local government for compensation, which can be even more complicated than suing a private company.
Protect Your Rights with Colombo Law
The vehicles discussed so far are just a few examples of the accident cases we handle involving big rigs. We also handle commercial vehicle accident claims involving:
- Dump trucks
- Flatbeds
- Rental trucks
- Tanker trucks
- And more
Each trucking accident case is unique, and the type of vehicle involved makes a difference. This is why it’s so important to work with a qualified truck accident attorney who has a track record of success working with accident victims.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a truck accident or a collision involving another type of commercial vehicle, please call (304) 599-4229 or contact Colombo Law for a free consultation. Our lawyers serve clients in Morgantown and throughout West Virginia.
