When most people think of commercial vehicle collisions, they picture massive tractor-trailers barreling down the interstate. But in Georgia’s cities and neighborhoods, collisions involving non-traditional commercial vehicles like food trucks, utility vans, and mobile service vehicles are becoming more common and can cause just as much harm.
Whether it’s a fleet-operated Amazon van or a local electrician’s box truck, these vehicles present unique risks on the road. Georgia law holds drivers and companies to specific legal standards when crashes occur. Here, our Atlanta personal injury attorneys explain how.
What Counts as a “Commercial Vehicle” in Georgia?
Under Georgia law, a commercial vehicle isn’t just limited to semis or cargo haulers.
Any vehicle used for business purposes, including:
- Food trucks.
- Delivery vans, including FedEx, UPS, and Amazon vehicles.
- HVAC, plumbing, or electrical service vans.
- Landscaping trucks.
- Corporate fleet vehicles are used by salespeople or staff.
…can be considered commercial in nature. This distinction matters because it affects how liability is determined, how insurance claims are handled, and what kind of legal responsibility the company bears for the actions of its driver.
Why These Crashes Can Be More Complicated
Crashes involving non-traditional commercial vehicles often involve more layers of legal and insurance complexity.
Here’s why:
- Multiple parties may be liable: The driver, the company they work for, or even a third-party maintenance provider could share responsibility.
- Commercial insurance policies apply: These often have higher policy limits, but the insurers behind them are more aggressive in defending claims.
- Business records come into play: Logs, vehicle maintenance schedules, driver training records, and GPS data may be critical in proving what happened.
For example, if a food truck driver rear-ends a family vehicle in downtown Atlanta while rushing to a lunch service location, investigators will want to know whether the driver was overworked, if the car had braking issues, or if company policy pushed the driver to cut corners.
Holding Businesses Accountable
Georgia law follows the principle of respondeat superior, which means an employer can be held liable for its employees’ actions if the employee acted within the scope of their job duties. If a service technician causes a serious injury while driving a company van to a client appointment, the company, not just the driver, may be held financially responsible.
In some cases, victims may also pursue claims for negligent hiring, training, or supervision if the business failed to ensure its drivers were vetted correctly or prepared to operate their vehicles safely.
What to Do If You’re Hurt in a Commercial Vehicle Crash in Georgia
If you or someone you love has been harmed by a driver operating a business vehicle, no matter how unconventional, it’s critical to act quickly. Preserving evidence, identifying all responsible parties, and building a strong legal claim requires immediate and thorough investigation.
How Ashby Thelen Lowry Can Help
At Ashby Thelen Lowry, our Georgia personal injury lawyers understand the challenges of non-traditional commercial vehicle cases. We’ve successfully handled claims involving everything from contractor vans to delivery fleets, helping our clients recover meaningful compensation for their injuries and losses. Let our team investigate, strategize, and advocate for your recovery.
Contact us today to discuss your case in a free consultation. We’re ready to help you move forward.