Commercial vehicle accidents
If you were to get in an accident with a commercial vehicle, it can be helpful to know how these vehicles differ from standard vehicles. Let’s explore the basics and address common questions.
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What’s considered a commercial vehicle?
A commercial motor vehicle (CMV) is typically one that’s used to transport goods or people on behalf of a business. CMVs also meet certain criteria, such as weight and capacity thresholds.
Businesses and organizations of all sizes use company vehicles, providing a valuable service that helps streamline commerce and support communities.
CMVs include, but aren’t limited to:
Semi-trucks
Tankers
Delivery vans
Company cars
Box trucks
Tow trucks
Coach buses
Trailers
Heavy equipment
How is a commercial vehicle accident different from a car accident?
Each situation is unique, and a multitude of factors CMV accidents different, including severity of the crash, the number of potentially liable parties, and digital evidence of the crash from telematics systems.
What do I do if I’m in an accident with a commercial or business vehicle?
If you’re involved in an accident with a truck or other commercial vehicle, there are several basic steps you need to take at the scene in the immediate aftermath:
Make sure your vehicle is in a safe location, if possible.
Turn on your hazard warning lights.
Check on the other parties involved if it’s safe to do so.
Help the injured to the best of your abilities.
Call 911 to report the crash and any injuries.
Exchange insurance and contact information with others parties involved.
Write down license plate numbers for all vehicles involved.
Ask who should be contacted at the business to discuss the crash and their contact information.
Take pictures of the crash scene from multiple angles and distances. No detail is too small. Take pictures of each vehicle involved in the crash.
If you can, get the police report number and contact information for tow companies and others responsible for clean-up.
When following these steps, make sure you and the other people involved in the crash are safe from the traffic around you to help avoid any further incidents or injuries.
The documentation you gather about the accident—like photos, witness statements, or a police report—will be vital for the claims process to be resolved quickly and fairly. With this information in hand, reach out to your insurance provider to let them know about the accident.
Commercial vehicle accident FAQs
Choosing whether or not to seek legal counsel after an accident is entirely your decision. But no, it's not legally required that an attorney file your claim or appeal it on your behalf.
At Sentry®, we have an experienced, accessible in-house claims team that can help you through the process.
The timeline of a claim—from filing to resolution—often varies. To help the process go as smoothly as possible, file your third-party claim as soon as you can after the accident, provide necessary evidence, and check in on your claim’s status frequently.
Unless your policy states that you must report a claim—which is the case for our insureds—it’s not typically required. However, it’s best to file one in most cases. Learn more about whether to file a claim.
This can vary, depending on the circumstances of the accident. Overall, it’s best to get all the insurance companies involved—they’ll work together to determine fault and compensation.
Related resources
The basics of trucking accidents
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How to file a trucking accident claim
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Truck rollover accident prevention
Rollover accidents are a particularly significant risk for large trucks. Learn about the causes and prevention strategies for rollover accidents.