Texas Commercial Vehicle Accident Lawyers

What is a Commercial Vehicle?

In Texas, a commercial vehicle refers to any motor vehicle primarily used for business purposes. Common examples include:

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

Key characteristics of commercial vehicles in Texas:

• Generally larger and heavier than personal vehicles
• Often require operators to hold a commercial driver’s license (CDL)
• Regulated by the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT)
• Covered by commercial insurance policies with higher liability limits

If you’ve been involved in a commercial vehicle accident in Texas, understanding the specific legal and insurance implications is critical. Contact our Texas-based commercial vehicle accident attorneys for advice and representation to help protect your rights and pursue the compensation you deserve.

Types of Commercial Vehicles in Texas

Common Injuries in Commercial Vehicle Accidents

Accidents involving commercial vehicles often result in severe injuries due to their large size and weight. Victims may face overwhelming medical expenses, extended time off work, and a challenging recovery journey. Here are some of the most common injuries our Texas commercial vehicle accident attorneys see:

• 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 someone you love has been injured in a collision involving a commercial vehicle, contact our Texas commercial vehicle accident lawyers for a FREE CONSULTATION. We’re here to help you secure the compensation you deserve.

Texas Commercial Vehicle Accident Statistics

Accidents involving commercial vehicles happen often in Texas and can lead to serious injuries and deaths. Information from the Texas Department of Transportation for 2022 shows the large number of crashes and their effects across the state. Here’s an overview:

Statewide Numbers

• Total Crashes – In 2022, there were 38,621 commercial vehicle crashes across Texas.
• Fatal Crashes – 612 crashes led to 716 deaths, showing how severe these accidents can be.
• Serious Injuries – 1,293 crashes caused 1,643 serious injuries, often resulting in long-term effects for those involved.
• Minor and Possible Injuries:
  • 3,834 crashes caused 5,339 minor injuries.
  • 4,678 crashes caused 7,549 possible injuries, affecting many people statewide.

County Breakdown

• Harris County – This county had the most accidents, with 6,203 crashes in total, including 48 fatal crashes and 457 crashes with serious injuries.
• Dallas County – There were 3,999 crashes, with 12 fatalities and 423 crashes involving serious injuries.
• Tarrant County – This county reported 253 crashes with minor injuries, 1,411 crashes with no injuries, and other incidents that caused harm.

The numbers show the serious risks posed by commercial vehicle accidents in Texas. If you’ve been in an accident involving a commercial vehicle, contact our Texas commercial vehicle accident lawyer to understand your options and get help with your case.

What to Do After a Commercial Vehicle Accident in Texas

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

Immediate Steps

• Move to a safe location if you can do so without risk.
• Call 911 to report the accident and request medical assistance.
• Remain 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.
• Note the commercial vehicle’s company name, license plate, and other details.

Seek Medical Care

• Allow paramedics to examine you, even if you feel unhurt.
• Visit a doctor or hospital for a thorough evaluation.
• Follow all medical advice and treatment plans to support your recovery.

Report the Accident

• File a police report with the officers on the scene.
• Inform 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.
• Wait for an inspection before repairing your vehicle.

Legal Support

• Consult a Texas commercial vehicle accident lawyer for expert advice.
• Avoid signing any agreements or providing detailed statements without legal help.
• Understand that determining responsibility in commercial vehicle cases can be complex.

Next Steps

• Cooperate with investigations by law enforcement and insurance adjusters.
• Attend all follow-up medical appointments or therapy sessions.
• Prepare to negotiate with insurance companies familiar with Texas regulations.

Possible Outcomes

• You might receive a settlement offer from the insurance company.
• If no fair agreement is reached, your case could go to court.
• The compensation you receive will depend on the accident’s severity and related damages.

For personalized assistance, reach out to an experienced Texas commercial vehicle accident attorney to ensure your rights are fully protected.

Common Types of Commercial Vehicle Accidents

Commercial vehicle accidents often cause serious injuries and property damage. Below are some of the most frequent types of accidents involving trucks, buses, and other large vehicles:

• Jackknife Accidents – These happen when a truck’s trailer swings sideways, folding into the cab, and creating a severe hazard for nearby vehicles.
• Underride Accidents – Cars can crash under a truck, leading to devastating consequences. 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, posing dangers to others on the road.
• Tire Blowouts – A tire blowout can cause the driver to lose control and spread debris, making road conditions hazardous.
• Rear-End Collisions – Due to their longer stopping distances, trucks can cause catastrophic damage and injuries when they rear-end smaller vehicles.
• Head-On Collisions – These are often fatal due to the size and weight of commercial vehicles and are frequently caused by driver fatigue or impairment.
• Wide Turn Accidents – Trucks require extra space to turn. Misjudgments or blind spots can result in collisions with nearby vehicles.
• T-Bone Collisions – Side-impact crashes at intersections are particularly dangerous when involving large trucks.

If you’ve been injured in a commercial vehicle accident, our Texas legal team is ready to assist you. Contact us today for a free consultation to discuss your case and learn about your options.

Determining Liability in Texas Commercial Vehicle Accidents

In Texas, responsibility for a commercial vehicle accident can extend beyond the driver. Other parties, including manufacturers and vehicle owners or operators, may also be accountable. These groups have a duty to ensure vehicles are safe and properly maintained before they operate on Texas roads.

Common Causes of Liability

Mechanical issues are a frequent factor in commercial vehicle accidents. Problems such as brake failures, tire blowouts, airbag malfunctions, or seat belt failures can directly contribute to collisions.

Manufacturers are responsible for producing reliable vehicles and equipment. They can be held liable for failing to conduct proper safety testing, ignoring necessary recalls, or neglecting to fix known defects.

Vehicle owners and operators have a legal obligation to maintain their vehicles in a safe condition. This includes performing regular maintenance and meeting the inspection requirements set by the Texas Department of Transportation. Failing to address necessary repairs or ignoring routine inspections can result in dangerous mechanical failures.

How Legal Assistance Can Help

When accidents occur, it is important to investigate all potential causes, including mechanical defects, manufacturing flaws, and maintenance failures. An experienced Texas personal injury attorney can help by examining maintenance records, reviewing mechanical evidence, and identifying all responsible parties.

If you were injured in a commercial vehicle accident, our team is ready to provide legal guidance. Contact us for a free consultation to explore your options for pursuing compensation and holding the responsible parties accountable.

Environmental Factors in Texas Collisions

Environmental elements, both natural and man-made, often contribute to conditions that cause accidents. These factors can directly influence where and how a collision occurs, and in some cases, they may affect liability.

Construction Hazards

Unsafe construction zones, poorly maintained roads, and defective infrastructure can significantly increase the risk of accidents. In Texas, entities such as government agencies or contractors may be held responsible if hazardous conditions like potholes, missing or unclear signage, or unsafe detours arise due to negligence in maintenance or construction.

Weather Conditions

Natural weather events, including heavy rain, dense fog, or wildfires, can create dangerous driving conditions. While no one can be blamed for the weather itself, drivers are legally required to adjust their behavior to suit these conditions. For example, speeding on wet roads or ignoring reduced visibility in fog can make a driver liable for accidents caused by their failure to exercise caution.

Because environmental factors can make liability more complex, consulting with a Texas personal injury attorney is critical. Our team can assess the role these elements played in 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 Texas are held to stricter standards compared to everyday motorists. These standards include rigorous operational rules, heightened insurance requirements, and unique legal challenges arising from the nature of commercial vehicle collisions and the injuries they cause.

Stricter Regulations

In Texas, commercial vehicle operators must follow stricter rules under state and federal law. Most professional drivers are required to hold a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL), classified into Class A, B, or C depending on the vehicle type or cargo. Additional endorsements are often necessary for specialized vehicles or hazardous materials. Cities like Houston, Dallas, and Austin may also impose specific permit requirements for taxi, Uber, and Lyft drivers. Professional drivers face steeper penalties for violations like speeding, with points added to their CDL at 1.5 times the rate for personal vehicle drivers. These heightened responsibilities reflect the increased risks posed by larger, more dangerous vehicles.

Severe Injuries

Injuries resulting from commercial vehicle accidents are often more severe because of the greater forces involved. Victims of these crashes may experience catastrophic injuries, including traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, and severe fractures. These cases frequently require extensive medical treatment and result in long-term consequences for the victims and their families.

Why You Need Legal Representation

Handling a claim against a commercial vehicle company or insurer in Texas is often more complex than dealing with a typical car accident. Businesses and insurers aggressively defend against liability to protect their interests. An experienced Texas commercial vehicle accident attorney can ensure your case is thoroughly investigated, liability is properly assigned, and the compensation you seek reflects the true extent of your damages.

At Thompson Law, we are committed to building a strong case on your behalf. From navigating Texas-specific laws to negotiating with insurers, our team is ready to fight for the justice and compensation you deserve. Contact us anytime for a free consultation to discuss your case and protect your rights.

Insurance Requirements for Commercial Vehicles in Texas

In Texas, all vehicles, including commercial ones, must carry proof of financial responsibility when operating or parked on public roads. Commercial vehicles have stricter insurance requirements than personal vehicles to ensure adequate coverage for potential damages or injuries caused by accidents.

Minimum Insurance Requirements

Texas mandates higher minimum liability insurance for commercial vehicles due to the greater risks they pose. For personal vehicles, the minimum liability coverage is:

• $30,000 for injury or death of one person.
• $60,000 for injury or death of multiple people.
• $25,000 for property damage.

Commercial vehicles often require significantly higher coverage. For example, vehicles used for general transportation may need a minimum of $500,000 in liability coverage, while those transporting hazardous materials or high-value cargo may face even stricter requirements.

Alternative Ways to Meet Insurance Obligations

Commercial vehicle operators in Texas can fulfill financial responsibility requirements through methods other than a standard liability insurance policy. Acceptable alternatives include:

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

Proof of Insurance and Compliance

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

Failure to maintain or provide proof of valid insurance can lead to penalties, including the suspension of vehicle registration, which prohibits the operation or parking of the vehicle on public roads. Compliance with these regulations is crucial to avoid fines, legal complications, and disruptions in business operations.

Commercial vehicle owners and operators in Texas should ensure they meet these requirements to operate lawfully and protect themselves against potential liabilities.

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Call Our Texas Commercial Vehicle Accident Lawyers

You don’t have to navigate the aftermath of a commercial vehicle accident on your own. These accidents often involve complex challenges and can have life-altering consequences for those affected. Survivors frequently suffer severe injuries that require extensive medical care and ongoing support.

Some injuries may heal over time, but others can lead to lasting physical, emotional, and financial hardships. The stress of mounting medical bills, lost income, and emotional trauma can feel overwhelming. That’s why it’s crucial to have strong legal representation. Our Texas commercial vehicle accident attorneys are dedicated to securing the compensation our clients deserve. With a history of standing up to large insurance companies and proven results, we work tirelessly to help clients recover and rebuild their lives. After your accident, reach out to Thompson Law’s experienced attorneys for the guidance and support you need.

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FAQs About Texas Commercial Vehicle Accidents

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

If the insurance company representing the commercial driver or business contacts you, avoid making detailed statements or signing any documents without consulting an attorney. Insurance companies often aim to minimize payouts, so having legal guidance ensures your rights are protected.

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

Yes, you can file a claim against government-owned vehicles, such as city buses or county trucks. However, claims against government entities in Texas follow strict rules and shorter deadlines under the Texas Tort Claims Act. Consult an attorney immediately to avoid missing critical deadlines.

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

Texas follows a modified comparative negligence rule. If you are found to be less than 51% responsible for the accident, you may still recover damages, though your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault. An attorney can help determine how this rule applies to your case.

How is compensation calculated for injuries in commercial vehicle accidents?

Compensation is based on factors such as medical bills, lost wages, property damage, pain and suffering, and long-term effects of the injuries. Cases involving catastrophic injuries may result in higher payouts. An attorney can evaluate your specific situation to estimate potential compensation.

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

Yes, accidents involving vehicles carrying hazardous materials often result in more severe damages, and liability can extend to the driver, the company, or even the manufacturer of the hazardous materials. These cases can be complex, so legal expertise is crucial to identify all liable parties and pursue maximum compensation.