Commercial truck drivers and the companies that employ them are held to a much higher legal standard than traditional drivers. This is because the large commercial vehicles that these individuals operate have the potential to cause serious harm or even death in the event of an accident. Unfortunately, many drivers are unaware of the standards that apply to these commercial vehicles and will therefore fail to get the compensation they deserve in the event of an accident. Taking the time to review the facts below can help to prevent this from happening in your case.

Fact 1: The Term "Commercial Truck" Applies To More Than Just Big Rigs

When people think of commercial trucks, they tend to visualize an 18 wheeler. However, the truth is, there are many different types of vehicles that qualify as commercial trucks according to the law. In the event of an accident, the drivers of these commercial vehicles will be held to the same standards as those that drive big rigs.

Buses, delivery trucks, and freight trucks are just a few examples of the many different vehicles that fall under the category of commercial trucks according to the law. When trying to determine if the other vehicle involved in your accident qualifies as a commercial truck, simply ask yourself the following questions:

• Is the vehicle used primarily for business purposes?
• Do you need a commercial license to operate the vehicle?
• Does the vehicle serve a specific purpose, such as transporting passengers or construction materials?

If you answer yes to all three of these questions, the vehicle is classified as a commercial truck.

Fact 2: You May Be Able To Collect Compensation Even If You Are Partially To Blame

Many commercial truck accidents result in both parties being found at least partially at fault for causing the accident. Unfortunately, many accident victims believe that they are not entitled to any compensation as a result of this shared blame. However, in many cases, partial compensation may still be awarded despite the fact that you were assigned partial blame.

In most states, the law will allow you to collect compensation for your injuries providing you were assigned less than half of the blame for the accident. However, this compensation will be offset by your own liability. For instance, if you were assigned 30% liability, you would be eligible to receive 70% of the total value of your case.

While it is possible to win a personal injury lawsuit even when you are found partially liable, these cases can be incredibly complex and will be far more likely to end up in court. Consequently, it is always best to consult a qualified accident attorney before pursuing this type of case.