In the scenic routes of Massachusetts, traffic flows with a mix of personal vehicles and commercial fleets. With the integration of commercial vehicles into daily traffic comes a set of complexities regarding liability in the unfortunate event of a collision. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 6% of accidents in Massachusetts involved large trucks in 2020. 

This article will explore the nuances of determining liability when involved in an accident with a commercial vehicle in Massachusetts.

What Defines a Commercial Vehicle?

In Massachusetts, a commercial vehicle is not limited to big rigs or 18-wheelers. It encompasses a range of vehicles used for business purposes, like delivery vans, taxis, buses, and even certain kinds of rental cars. Therefore, understanding the exact nature and purpose of the vehicle involved is a foundational step in the liability determination process.

Why is Liability with a Commercial Vehicle Different?

1. Multiple Parties Involved: Unlike accidents between personal vehicles where the fault generally lies between the two drivers, commercial vehicle accidents can involve multiple entities. This might include the driver, the car's manufacturer, the firm that leases it, the owner, or the organization in charge of maintaining it.
2. Insurance Coverage: Commercial vehicles typically have insurance policies with much higher limits. This is because the damages resulting from these accidents can be significantly more, given their size and the nature of the goods they might be transporting.
3. Regulations & Standards: Commercial vehicles in Massachusetts operate under a different set of standards and regulations. The drivers often need specialized licenses, and the vehicles undergo rigorous maintenance checks. Any deviation from these standards can play a role in determining liability.

Determining Liability in Massachusetts

Massachusetts is a "no-fault" state, which means that if you're in a car accident, your own car insurance should cover some of your medical bills and related expenses, regardless of who was at fault. However, when damages exceed the no-fault policy limits or in cases of severe injury, one may pursue a claim against the other driver or involved parties.

Here's how liability can be determined in accidents involving commercial vehicles:

1. Driver's Fault: This is the most straightforward scenario. If the commercial vehicle driver was speeding, intoxicated, distracted, or otherwise negligent, they would be held liable.
2. Company's Liability: The company can be held liable if they hired an unqualified driver, failed to provide proper training, or enforced unrealistic schedules that led to fatigue.
3. Vehicle Maintenance: If the incident was brought about bypoor vehicle maintenance, like faulty brakes or worn-out tires, the entity responsible for its maintenance or the owner can be held liable.
4. Product Liability: If a defect in the commercial vehicle itself led to the accident, you could have a claim against the vehicle's manufacturer or distributor.
5. External Factors: Sometimes, neither the commercial vehicle driver nor the other driver is at fault. Poor road conditions, unclear signage, or other external factors can be the primary cause.

Steps to Take After an Accident with a Commercial Vehicle:

1. Safety First: Before diving into the legal aspects, ensure that everyone involved is safe. If there are injuries, seek medical attention immediately.
2. Document the Scene: With the advent of smartphones, capturing images or videos at the scene of the collision, vehicle damages, license plates, and any visible injuries can be immensely helpful later.
3. Gather Witness Information: If there are any witnesses, gather their contact information. They are able to offer an accurate account of what happened.
4. Report the Accident: Report the accident to your insurance provider and the police.
5. Seek Legal Advice: Given the complexities involved in commercial vehicle accidents, it's wise to consult with an attorney experienced in such matters in Massachusetts.

Being involved in an accident with a commercial vehicle in Massachusetts can be overwhelming, given the myriad of factors and parties involved. It's essential to understand the nuances of determining liability to ensure that you get the compensation and justice you deserve. By being informed and proactive, you can navigate this challenging terrain with confidence.

Call The MA Truck Accident Lawyers At Brandon J. Broderick, Attorney at Law

The most significant distinction between the two types of accidents may be that lawsuits for vehicle accidents are typically brought against a single party, whereas lawsuits for commercial truck accidents are sometimes brought against multiple parties. In the event of a commercial truck accident, the maintenance team, parent company, management, and truck driver may all be held accountable.

If you've been involved in an accident with a commercial truck, your next step should be to call us. At Brandon J. Broderick, Attorney at Law, we have years of experience assisting clients with their legal issues. Our attorneys are prepared to battle for a settlement and justice in your case.

Contact us today to go over the details of your case and find out where we can help you.