Commercial Vehicle Accident Lawyer in West Virginia
West Virginia considers a commercial motor vehicle to be any motor vehicle used for the transportation of persons or property that weighs 26,001 pounds or more. A vehicle used to transport hazardous materials could also be considered a commercial vehicle.
While commercial trucks are some of the most common kinds of commercial vehicles in West Virginia, there are several other kinds of very large vehicles that have the potential to cause catastrophic injuries when they are involved in motor vehicle crashes.
Need an Injury Lawyer West Virginia represents residents and visitors who have suffered severe injuries in these types of crashes. We handles cases in communities all over Raleigh County, Putnam County, Kanawha County, Wood County, Marion County, Monongalia County, Mercer County, Fayette County, Cabell County, Harrison County, Jefferson County, Berkeley County, and many other surrounding areas.
Kinds of Commercial Vehicles in West Virginia
Many different vehicles satisfy the state definition of a commercial motor vehicle. In such cases, the drivers and owners of such vehicles are subject to much stricter requirements, and violations of state or federal rules can make these parties liable to victims for their injuries.
Common types of commercial vehicles in West Virginia include, but are not limited to:
- Commercial buses
- Garbage trucks
- Tow trucks
- Pump trucks
- Flatbed trucks
- Catering trucks
- Agricultural trucks
- Tank trucks
- Delivery vans
- Cement mixers
- Limousines
- Construction or excavation vehicles
- Courier vehicles
- Hospitality vans or shuttle vehicles
- Refrigerated trucks
Actions to Take Following a Commercial Vehicle Accident in West Virginia
While it often goes without saying that victims should immediately seek medical attention after an accident, it is important to note that this is true even when a person thinks that he or she was not harmed. Some very serious injuries do not involve immediate symptoms but can involve severe complications later on.
Additionally, insurance companies for the truck owner or driver will claim that any delay in medical treatment proves a victim’s injuries are not as bad as they claim. Visiting a hospital will create a medical record that is very valuable later on.
The next step for victims is to try and have photographs taken of the accident scene. If the victim him or herself is unable to get to the scene, he or she should have a friend or family member do this for him or her. People should try to take as many pictures as possible from as many angles as possible.
Finally, victims should quickly contact an experienced personal injury attorney. You will want to secure legal representation before speaking to any representatives for the trucking company or its insurer. You should also refuse to sign any paperwork you may be presented until a lawyer can review it.
West Virginia Commercial Vehicle Accidents Attorney
Were you seriously injured or was your loved one killed in an accident caused by any kind of commercial vehicle in West Virginia? Contact Need an Injury Lawyer West Virginia as soon as possible.
Our firm is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and we offer a free, no obligation consultation so our experienced personal injury attorneys can provide an honest and thorough evaluation of your case. We handle these cases on a contingency fee basis, so you do not need to worry about paying us anything unless you receive a financial award.