If you were injured in a truck accident, Shaheen & Gordon, P.A. is here to fight for the justice you deserve. Contact us to schedule an appointment with a Maine personal injury lawyer. Initial consultations are completely free and confidential.
Fighting for Your Compensation and Peace of Mind
Like in any state, Maine roads are populated with personal vehicles and commercial vehicles. And unfortunately, accidents between these two types of vehicles are common. Such accidents tend to result in severe injury to the person in the smaller vehicle (usually, this is the personal vehicle).
Accidents involving commercial vehicles can lead to complex personal injury claims, as there is almost always a company (the driver’s employer) involved. At Shaheen & Gordon, P.A., we know how to navigate these complex cases and hold various parties accountable for their negligence. If you or a loved one has been injured, we will work with you to build a comprehensive claim that addresses your needs.
Call (207) 222-7261 to get in touch with our Maine commercial vehicle accident attorneys today. Your initial consultation is free!
What Is a Commercial Vehicle?
A “commercial vehicle” is any vehicle used for commercial purposes, such as transporting passengers or cargo.
The most common examples are:
- Buses
- Rideshare vehicles
- Large trucks, like semi-trucks
- Delivery trucks and other vehicles
Your Legal Rights After a Commercial Vehicle Accident
If you were injured in a commercial vehicle accident and can prove that another’s negligence was to blame, Maine law grants you the right to recover compensation for the damages you have incurred, such as medical expenses, pain and suffering, and others.
Examples of negligence that could cause a commercial vehicle accident include:
- Reckless driving: ignoring traffic laws and speed limits, distracted driving, drunk driving, fatigued driving, etc.
- Violating industry standards: driving a vehicle with too much cargo or too many passengers, driving for longer hours than the law allows, driving a poorly maintained vehicle, or driving without any regard for the vehicle’s needs, such as not giving a large truck enough time to stop
- Defective vehicle parts: faulty brakes, tires, door latches, airbags, steering components, and the like
Most times, liability will fall on the commercial vehicle driver’s employer. However, personal vehicle drivers may also be held accountable should their negligence lead to a commercial vehicle accident. In cases involving defective parts, a manufacturer could be to blame.
The commercial vehicle driver will not be liable for an accident if they were acting within the scope of their job or if their employer knew or should have known that they should not be trusted to work as a driver. An example of the latter would be if a trucking company hired someone with a history of driving under the influence (DUI). Usually, a DUI would be considered out of the scope of a commercial driver’s job, but the employer may be held accountable if it should have known the driver was at risk for it.
Entrust Your Case to Our Team
As one of the fastest-growing law firms in Northern New England, Shaheen & Gordon, P.A. stands out from the competition due to our:
- Team of 40 attorneys and support staff
- Results-oriented, client-centered approach
- 40 years of well-rounded and unique legal experience
- Established record of success in trial and negotiations
And that’s only the tip of the iceberg. From our Portland office, our lawyers thoroughly investigate our clients’ cases to uncover evidence, identify negligence, and develop an effective case strategy. When negligence leaves you injured, we are here to help you navigate the path to compensation.
