Houston Commercial Vehicle Accident Lawyers

What is a Commercial Vehicle?

In Houston, a commercial vehicle is any motor vehicle used primarily for business purposes. Common types include:

• Large trucks and 18-wheelers traveling Houston highways
• Buses, such as DART buses and school buses serving statewide communities
• Delivery vans and trucks supporting Houston businesses
• Taxis and rideshare vehicles like Uber and Lyft operating across the state
• Construction vehicles at job sites throughout Houston
• Company cars used by Houston-based organizations
• Vehicles transporting goods or passengers for profit within Houston

Key characteristics of commercial vehicles in Houston:

• Larger and heavier than personal vehicles
• Operators often require a commercial driver’s license (CDL)
• Regulated by the Houston Department of Transportation (TxDOT)
• Covered by commercial insurance policies with higher liability limits

If you’ve been involved in a commercial vehicle accident in Houston, understanding the legal and insurance implications is essential. Contact our experienced Houston-based commercial vehicle accident attorneys for guidance and representation to protect your rights and secure the compensation you deserve.

Types of Commercial Vehicles in Houston

In Houston, commercial vehicles are used to transport goods or passengers for hire, compensation, or profit. These vehicles are typically larger and more specialized than personal cars and play a key role in industries like transportation, construction, and logistics.

Examples of common commercial vehicles in Houston include:

• Freight and shipping trucks
• Semi-trucks and tractor-trailers
• Utility and service trucks
• Delivery vans and box trucks
• Fleet vehicles operated by businesses
• Public and private buses
• Ambulances and emergency response vehicles
• Taxis, rideshare vehicles (e.g., Uber and Lyft), and limousines
• Food trucks and mobile kitchens
• Tow trucks and recovery vehicles
• Cement mixers and construction vehicles
• Tanker trucks carrying liquids or hazardous materials
• Vehicles designed to transport more than 10-15 passengers

Commercial vehicles in Houston must be driven by qualified professionals with a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) and must adhere to strict safety regulations.

Despite these precautions, accidents involving commercial vehicles can still result in severe injuries. If you’ve been injured due to a commercial driver’s negligence, it’s crucial to seek experienced legal representation to protect your rights and pursue the compensation you deserve.

Common Injuries in Commercial Vehicle Accidents

Accidents involving commercial vehicles often result in severe injuries due to their size and weight. Victims may face significant medical expenses, extended time off work, and a long recovery process. Common injuries seen by our Houston commercial vehicle accident attorneys include:

• Traumatic brain injuries, such as concussions
• Fractured bones, especially in the legs from the impact or arms, when bracing for impact
• Spinal cord injuries
• Paralysis injuries
• Internal injuries, particularly organ damage
• Lacerations and abrasions
• Major scarring, often requiring surgical revision by plastic surgeons
• Joint injuries
• Amputation
• Wrongful death

If you or a loved one has been injured in a commercial vehicle collision, contact our Houston commercial vehicle accident lawyers for a FREE CONSULTATION. We’re dedicated to helping you secure the compensation you deserve.

What to Do After a Commercial Vehicle Accident in Houston

Dealing with a commercial vehicle accident can be overwhelming. Follow this guide to protect your safety, health, and legal rights:

Immediate Steps

• Move to a safe location, if possible, without further risk.
• Call 911 to report the accident and request medical assistance.
• Stay at the scene until law enforcement arrives.

Gather Evidence

• Take photos of the accident scene, vehicle damage, injuries, and road conditions.
• Collect contact information from witnesses and everyone involved.
• Record the commercial vehicle’s company name, license plate, and other details.

Seek Medical Care

• Allow paramedics to examine you, even if you feel fine.
• Visit a doctor or hospital for a full evaluation.
• Follow all medical advice and treatment plans for optimal recovery.

Report the Accident

• File a police report with officers at the scene.
• Notify your insurance company promptly.
• Expect contact from the commercial vehicle’s insurance provider.

Preserve Evidence

• Save all medical records, bills, and receipts related to your injuries.
• Keep documentation of accident-related expenses, such as vehicle repairs or lost wages.
• Avoid repairing your vehicle until an inspection has occurred.

Legal Support

• Consult a Houston commercial vehicle accident lawyer for professional guidance.
• Avoid signing agreements or making detailed statements without legal representation.
• Understand that determining liability in commercial vehicle accidents can be complex.

Next Steps

• Cooperate with law enforcement and insurance investigators.
• Attend all follow-up medical appointments and therapy sessions.
• Prepare to negotiate with insurance companies, familiar with Houston regulations.

Possible Outcomes

• You may receive a settlement offer from the insurance company.
• If a fair agreement is not reached, your case could go to court.
• Compensation will depend on the accident’s severity and related damages.

For personalized assistance, contact an experienced Houston commercial vehicle accident attorney to ensure your rights are fully protected.

Common Types of Commercial Vehicle Accidents

Commercial vehicle accidents often lead to serious injuries and significant property damage. Below are some common types of accidents involving trucks, buses, and other large vehicles:

• Jackknife Accidents: Occur when a truck’s trailer swings sideways, folding into the cab, creating a severe hazard for nearby vehicles.
• Underride Accidents: When cars crash under a truck, often causing devastating damage. While rear safety bars are required, side safety bars are not yet mandatory.
• Truck Rollovers: Trucks with high centers of gravity can tip over due to sharp turns, sudden braking, or strong winds, creating dangers for other road users.
• Tire Blowouts: A blowout can cause a driver to lose control and spread debris, making the road hazardous.
• Rear-End Collisions: Trucks, with their longer stopping distances, can cause catastrophic injuries and property damage when they rear-end smaller vehicles.
• Head-On Collisions: Often fatal due to the size and weight of commercial vehicles, these accidents are frequently caused by driver fatigue or impairment.
• Wide Turn Accidents: Trucks need extra space to turn, and misjudgments or blind spots can result in collisions with nearby vehicles.
• T-Bone Collisions: Side-impact crashes at intersections are especially dangerous when involving large trucks.

If you’ve been injured in a commercial vehicle accident, our Houston legal team is here to help. Contact us today for a free consultation to discuss your case and explore your options.

Determining Liability in Houston Commercial Vehicle Accidents

In Houston, the responsibility for a commercial vehicle accident can go beyond just the driver. Other parties, such as manufacturers and vehicle owners or operators, may also share accountability. These entities have an obligation to ensure vehicles are safe and properly maintained before they are used on the roads of Houston.

Common Causes of Liability

Mechanical issues are a common cause of accidents involving commercial vehicles. Issues like brake failures, tire blowouts, airbag malfunctions, or seat belt failures can lead directly to collisions.

Manufacturers have a duty to produce safe and reliable vehicles and equipment. They can be held accountable for not conducting adequate safety tests, overlooking necessary recalls, or failing to address known defects.

Vehicle owners and operators must ensure their vehicles are maintained in a safe condition. This involves regular maintenance and adhering to the inspection standards set by the Houston Department of Transportation. Neglecting necessary repairs or skipping routine inspections can lead to serious mechanical failures.

How Legal Assistance Can Help

When accidents happen, it’s crucial to investigate all possible causes, including mechanical defects, manufacturing issues, and maintenance lapses. A knowledgeable personal injury attorney in Houston can assist by reviewing maintenance records, analyzing mechanical evidence, and pinpointing all parties at fault.

If you’ve been injured in a commercial vehicle accident, our team is here to offer legal support. Reach out to us for a free consultation to discuss your options for seeking compensation and holding those responsible accountable.

Environmental Factors in Houston Collisions

Environmental factors, both natural and man-made, often play a role in causing accidents. These conditions can influence where and how collisions occur and, in some cases, affect liability.

Construction Hazards

Unsafe construction zones, poorly maintained roads, and defective infrastructure can significantly increase the risk of accidents. In Houston, government agencies or contractors may be held liable for hazardous conditions such as potholes, missing or unclear signage, or unsafe detours caused by negligence in maintenance or construction.

Weather Conditions

Natural weather events, like heavy rain, dense fog, or wildfires, can create hazardous driving conditions. While weather itself cannot be blamed, drivers are legally required to adjust their driving to match these conditions. For example, speeding on wet roads or failing to reduce speed in foggy conditions can make a driver liable for accidents resulting from their failure to exercise proper caution.

Given the complexity of liability in accidents influenced by environmental factors, consulting with a Houston personal injury attorney is essential. Our team can evaluate the impact of these elements on your accident and help determine the best course of action for your case.

How Commercial Vehicle Accidents Differ from Regular Car Accidents

Commercial drivers and businesses in Houston are held to a higher standard than regular drivers. These include stricter operational rules, higher insurance requirements and unique legal issues related to commercial vehicle accidents and the severe injuries they can cause.

Stricter Rules

In Houston, commercial vehicle operators must follow state and federal rules. Most professional drivers need a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL), classified into Class A, B or C depending on the vehicle or cargo. Additional endorsements may be required for special vehicles or hazardous materials. Cities like Houston, Dallas and Austin may also have special permits for taxi, Uber and Lyft drivers. Professional drivers get more points for violations like speeding, 1.5 times more than personal vehicle drivers. These stricter rules are because of the bigger and more dangerous vehicles.

Severe Injuries

Commercial vehicle accidents result in more severe injuries because of the bigger forces involved. Victims may suffer catastrophic injuries like traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage and severe fractures. These injuries require extensive medical treatment and can have long-term effects on victims and their families.

Why You Need a Lawyer

Filing a claim against a commercial vehicle company or insurer in Houston is more complicated than a regular car accident. Businesses and insurers will fight against liability to protect their interests. A Houston commercial vehicle accident attorney will make sure your case is thoroughly investigated, liability is assigned correctly, and you get the full compensation for your damages.

At Thompson Law, we will build your case. From Houston laws to negotiating with insurers, we will fight for your justice and compensation. Call us today for a free consultation to talk about your case and protect your rights.

Insurance for Commercial Vehicles in Houston

In Houston, all vehicles, including commercial ones, must have proof of financial responsibility when operating or parking on public roads. Commercial vehicles have higher insurance requirements than personal vehicles to cover damages or injuries from accidents.

Minimum Coverage

Houston requires higher minimum liability insurance for commercial vehicles because of the bigger risks. For personal vehicles, the minimum liability coverage is:

• $30,000 for one person injured or killed.
• $60,000 for multiple people injured or killed.
• $25,000 for property damage.

Commercial vehicles need much higher coverage. For example, general transportation vehicles may need a minimum of $500,000 in liability coverage, while those carrying hazardous materials or high-value cargo may have even stricter requirements.

Alternative Ways to Meet Insurance Obligations

Commercial vehicle operators in Houston have several options to meet financial responsibility requirements beyond a standard liability insurance policy. Acceptable alternatives include:

• A cash deposit of $75,000 with the Houston Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).
• A surety bond for $75,000 issued by a company licensed to operate in Houston.
• A self-insurance certificate from the DMV, usually available for businesses with a fleet of vehicles.

Proof of Insurance and Compliance

Insurance companies in Houston must electronically report coverage details to the DMV for both personal and commercial vehicles. Operators are required to carry proof of insurance at all times and must present it when requested by law enforcement or during vehicle registration or accident investigations.

Not maintaining or providing proof of valid insurance can result in penalties, including the suspension of vehicle registration, which prevents the operation or parking of the vehicle on public roads. Adhering to these regulations is essential to avoid fines, legal issues, and interruptions in business operations.

Commercial vehicle owners and operators in Houston should ensure they comply with these requirements to operate legally and safeguard themselves against potential liabilities.

We Charge No Upfront Fees Until We Win

Call Our Houston Commercial Vehicle Accident Lawyers

You don’t have to face the aftermath of a commercial vehicle accident alone. These incidents often come with complex challenges and can lead to life-changing consequences for those involved. Survivors frequently endure serious injuries that necessitate extensive medical treatment and ongoing support.

While some injuries may heal over time, others can result in long-term physical, emotional, and financial difficulties. The burden of rising medical expenses, lost wages, and emotional distress can be overwhelming. That’s why having strong legal representation is essential. Our Houston commercial vehicle accident attorneys are committed to obtaining the compensation our clients deserve. With a track record of successfully challenging large insurance companies, we work diligently to assist clients in recovering and rebuilding their lives. After your accident, contact Thompson Law’s experienced attorneys for the guidance and support you need.

What Our Clients Say About Us

4.9

Based on 1732 reviews

FAQs About Houston Commercial Vehicle Accidents

What should I do if the commercial driver’s insurance company contacts me?

If you are contacted by the insurance company of the commercial driver or their business, it’s important to avoid giving detailed statements or signing any documents until you have spoken with an attorney. Insurance companies often seek to minimize their payouts, so having legal representation can help protect your rights.

Can I file a claim if the commercial vehicle was owned by a government agency?

Yes, you can file a claim against vehicles owned by government entities, like city buses or county trucks. However, claims against government agencies in Houston must adhere to specific rules and shorter deadlines as outlined in the Houston Tort Claims Act. It’s crucial to consult an attorney right away to ensure you don’t miss any important deadlines.

What happens if I was partially at fault for the accident?

Houston operates under a modified comparative negligence rule. If you are determined to be less than 51% at fault for the accident, you can still seek damages, although your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault. An attorney can help clarify how this rule applies to your situation.

How is compensation calculated for injuries in commercial vehicle accidents?

Compensation is determined by various factors, including medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, pain and suffering, and the long-term impact of the injuries. Cases involving severe injuries may lead to larger settlements. An attorney can evaluate your case and provide an estimate of potential compensation.

Can I pursue a claim if the commercial vehicle was transporting hazardous materials?

Yes, accidents involving vehicles that transport hazardous materials often lead to more significant damages, and liability may fall on the driver, the company, or even the manufacturer of those materials. These cases can be complicated, so it’s essential to seek expert legal advice to identify all responsible parties and pursue the maximum compensation available.