Why Commercial Vehicle Accident Claims Can Take Longer to Settle

When you’re involved in an accident with a commercial vehicle, you might find yourself wondering why the claim process seems to drag on. Commercial vehicle accidents are often more complex than regular car accidents, which can lead to longer settlement times. Let’s break down the reasons behind this and what you can expect during the process.

Understanding Commercial Vehicle Accidents

Commercial vehicles include large trucks, delivery vans, buses, taxis, and company cars used for business purposes. Accidents involving these vehicles are usually more complicated than those between personal vehicles, leading to longer claim durations.

Factors That Extend Commercial Vehicle Claim Duration

1. Multiple Parties Involved

In a commercial vehicle accident, there are often more parties involved than just the drivers. These might include:

• The driver
• The company that owns the vehicle
• The company that leases the vehicle
• The manufacturer of the vehicle or its parts
• Cargo loading companies

Each of these parties might have some level of responsibility, which takes time to determine.

2. Higher Stakes

Commercial vehicle accidents often result in more severe injuries and property damage due to the size and weight of the vehicles involved. This means higher medical bills, more extensive property damage, and potentially longer recovery times for injured parties. These factors can increase the amount of money at stake, making insurance companies and businesses more cautious about settling quickly.

3. Complex Insurance Policies

Commercial vehicles typically have larger and more complex insurance policies than personal vehicles. This can lead to multiple insurance companies being involved, higher policy limits encouraging more thorough investigations, and more complicated coverage terms that need to be interpreted.

4. Extensive Investigations

Because of the higher stakes and complex liability issues, investigations into commercial vehicle accidents are usually more thorough. This might involve accident reconstruction experts, analysis of the vehicle’s electronic logging device (ELD), review of the driver’s qualifications and work history, and inspection of the vehicle for mechanical issues.

5. Regulatory Compliance Issues

Commercial vehicles are subject to many federal and state regulations. Investigating whether all these rules were followed at the time of the accident can take time. This might include checking hours of service logs, vehicle maintenance records, and driver qualification files.

6. Business Interests

Companies involved in commercial vehicle accidents often have their own legal teams and may be more inclined to fight claims to protect their business interests. This can lead to more aggressive defense strategies, reluctance to admit fault, and attempts to shift blame to other parties.

The Process of Settling Complex Commercial Vehicle Claims

Understanding the process can help you know what to expect:

1. Initial Investigation: Right after the accident, both your attorney (if you have one) and the commercial entity’s insurance company will start gathering evidence. This includes police reports, witness statements, and photos of the scene.
2. Medical Treatment and Documentation: If you’re injured, you’ll need to complete your medical treatment or reach maximum medical improvement. This ensures all your injuries and expenses are accounted for.
3. Claim Compilation: Your attorney will put together a demand package that includes all your medical bills, lost wages, and other damages.
4. Negotiation: This is often a back-and-forth process between your attorney and the insurance companies involved. It can take several rounds to reach a fair settlement.
5. Litigation (if necessary): If a fair settlement can’t be reached, your case might go to court. This can significantly extend the timeline.

Tips for Handling a Commercial Vehicle Accident Claim

1. Be Patient: Understanding that these claims take time can help manage your expectations. While it’s natural to want a quick resolution, rushing the process could result in a lower settlement than you deserve.
2. Keep Detailed Records: Document everything related to the accident, your injuries, and your recovery. This includes medical bills and records, receipts for out-of-pocket expenses, notes about your pain and limitations, and records of missed work and lost wages.
3. Don’t Settle Too Quickly: Early settlement offers are often lower than what you might be entitled to. Insurance companies may try to settle quickly to minimize their costs. It’s usually best to wait until you have a full understanding of your injuries and long-term prognosis before accepting any offer.
4. Consider Legal Help: An experienced attorney can navigate the complexities of commercial vehicle claims and potentially speed up the process. They can also help ensure you’re not taken advantage of by insurance companies.
5. Stay in Communication: Keep in regular contact with your attorney or insurance company for updates. This can help you stay informed about the progress of your claim and address any issues that arise promptly.

Conclusion

While it can be frustrating to wait for a commercial vehicle accident claim to settle, it’s important to remember that the extra time often leads to a more thorough investigation and potentially a fairer settlement. The complexity of these cases, with multiple parties and high stakes, means that rushing through the process could result in overlooking important details.

By understanding the reasons behind the longer duration of commercial vehicle claims, you can better prepare yourself for the process. Remember that patience is key, and that the goal is to ensure you receive fair compensation for your injuries and losses.