Not all car accidents are the same.
If you're hit by a commercial vehicle — a delivery van, construction truck, company car, or rideshare vehicle — your case becomes more complex almost immediately. And potentially much more valuable.
Why Commercial Vehicle Cases Are Different
When an ordinary driver causes a crash, the claim is typically limited to that driver's personal auto policy. When a commercial vehicle is involved, you may be dealing with a very different landscape.
Corporate Employers
Company liability and deeper insurance coverage
Fleet Insurance Policies
Commercial policies with higher limits
Commercial Liability Coverage
Multi-layered insurance structures
Independent Contractor Disputes
Complex employment relationships
Electronic Vehicle Data
GPS, telematics, and onboard systems
Internal Safety Policies
Company protocols and training records
This changes everything about how the case is investigated, defended, and valued.
Who Can Be Held Responsible?
In many cases, the employer can be held liable under a legal doctrine called respondeat superior — meaning an employer is responsible for negligent acts committed within the scope of employment.
But Companies Often Argue:
The driver was an independent contractor
The driver was "off duty"
The driver was outside company policy
The vehicle was personally owned
Each of these defenses requires investigation. Liability may extend beyond the driver to:
The Employer
Company responsible for employee's actions
A Third-Party Logistics Company
Contracted shipping or delivery firms
A Maintenance Provider
Negligent vehicle maintenance or repairs
A Contractor
Sub-contractors or hired drivers
A Vehicle Manufacturer
In certain product liability cases
Commercial accident cases frequently involve multiple layers of insurance.
Higher Insurance Limits — But More Aggressive Defense
Commercial vehicles often carry significantly higher insurance coverage. That's the upside. The downside: corporate insurers defend aggressively.
You may be facing:
Rapid-Response Defense Teams
Companies send investigators immediately to gather evidence
Accident Reconstruction Experts
Sophisticated analysis to dispute liability
Data Analysis from Onboard Systems
GPS, speed, and telematics to challenge your version
Early Liability Denial Tactics
Quick denials designed to discourage claims
Companies know these cases can be high exposure. They prepare accordingly.
The Importance of Early Evidence Preservation
Commercial vehicles frequently contain critical electronic data that can prove liability—or be used against you. This evidence can be overwritten or lost quickly.
GPS Tracking Data
Route history and location logs
Telematics Data
Speed, braking, acceleration patterns
Internal Dash Cam Footage
Company-installed camera recordings
Driver Logs
Hours of service and activity records
Maintenance Records
Service history and safety inspections
Common Commercial Accident Scenarios
These cases often involve specific types of commercial vehicles, each with its own insurance structure and legal framework.
Amazon or FedEx Delivery Vans
UPS Trucks
Food Delivery Drivers
Construction Vehicles
Corporate Fleet Vehicles
Utility Trucks
Rideshare Drivers (Uber / Lyft)
Why These Cases Often Carry Greater Value
Commercial vehicle cases may involve multiple factors that increase case value beyond typical auto accident claims.
Larger Insurance Policies
Commercial coverage typically far exceeds personal auto limits
Stronger Liability Evidence
Electronic data and company records provide proof
Corporate Safety Violations
Evidence of inadequate training or dangerous policies
Driver Training Failures
Inadequate preparation or qualification issues
Regulatory Compliance Issues
Violations of federal or state regulations
When properly developed, these cases can justify substantial compensation. But they require early strategy and careful handling.
The Bottom Line
If you are injured in a crash involving a commercial vehicle, you are not dealing with a routine auto claim. You are potentially dealing with a corporation and its insurer.
The approach must be different. The stakes are higher. And the strategy must be deliberate from the beginning.
Having an experienced attorney who understands commercial vehicle litigation can make all the difference.