Rhode Island Commercial Vehicle Accident Lawyer
Rhode Island General Laws § 31-10.3-3(9), defines a commercial motor vehicle as a vehicle or combination of vehicles used to transport passengers or property that:
- Weighs 26,001 or more pounds;
- Transports 16 or more passengers including the driver; or
- Transports hazardous materials.
Simply put, commercial vehicles are much larger than standard passenger automobiles, and accidents involving commercial vehicles are much more likely to result in serious injuries. Need an Injury Lawyer Rhode Island helps victims of commercial vehicle crashes in North Providence, South Kingstown, West Warwick, Johnston, North Kingstown, Newport, Bristol, Westerly, Smithfield, Lincoln, Providence, Warwick, Cranston, Pawtucket, East Providence, Woonsocket, Coventry, and Cumberland.
Types of Commercial Vehicles in Rhode Island
In addition to commercial trucks, some of the other common commercial vehicles on roads in Rhode Island include, but are not limited to:
- Garbage trucks
- Tow trucks
- Construction or excavation vehicles
- Tank trucks
- Commercial buses
- Hospitality vans or shuttle vehicles
- Limousines
- Cement mixers
- Delivery vans
- Catering trucks
- Courier vehicles
- Refrigerated trucks
- Flatbed trucks
- Agricultural trucks
- Pump trucks
Why Commercial Vehicle Accidents in Rhode Island Are Different
A commercial vehicle crash is not the same as a traditional car accident because the liability involved can often be far more complex. In most common car crashes, one driver is determined to be at fault and his or her insurance company will be liable for the damages.
In a commercial vehicle accident, however, it may be possible that another mechanical issue with the vehicle caused the crash. If that issue involves another party’s legal responsibility, such as a maintenance company that performed repairs or a manufacturer that produced a defective part, then a victim could have a legal claim against that party.
When you are involved in any kind of commercial vehicle crash, you first step should be to seek medical attention. Even if you think that you were not harmed, certain injuries involve delayed symptoms and insurance companies for negligent parties will use any delay in treatment to argue that your injuries are not as severe as you claim.
You should avoid speaking to any representative for a negligent party’s insurance company until you have legal representation. While you may be offered what seems like a generous settlement, keep in mind that insurers are inclined to pursue the case resolutions that will cost them the least amount of money and many proposed settlements do not include future costs that victims will have to bear.
Commercial Vehicle Accidents Attorney in Rhode Island
If you sustained serious injuries or your loved one was killed in a commercial vehicle crash in Rhode Island, it is in your best interest to immediately retain legal counsel. Need an Injury Lawyer Rhode Island represents individuals in communities throughout Providence County, Bristol County, Newport County, Washington County, and Kent County.
You can contact our firm 24 hours a day, seven days a week to set up a free consultation that will let our Rhode Island personal injury attorneys provide an honest and thorough evaluation of your case.