Plano Commercial Vehicle Accident Lawyers

Common Commercial Vehicles Involved in Crashes Around Plano

Plano recognizes any motor vehicle mainly used for business as a commercial vehicle. You can see them on busy streets and highways. Here are some of the typical types of commercial vehicles:

• Big rigs and 18-wheelers hauling loads through the area
• School buses and other buses running routes across town
• Delivery trucks and vans dropping off packages for local companies
• Taxis and rideshare vehicles like Uber and Lyft
• Construction trucks used on active job sites
• Company cars driven by employees for work
• Any vehicle transporting people or goods for profit

These drivers and the businesses they work for have to follow stricter rules than everyday drivers. They have to deal with complicated laws and carry insurance policies with higher coverage. Naturally because these vehicles are bigger, heavier, and harder to control. So if a commercial vehicle gets into an accident, it’s often more serious.

Filing a claim against a commercial insurance policy isn’t easy. There’s more paperwork, more rules, and bigger companies involved. That’s why it helps to have our Plano commercial vehicle accident lawyers who know the process and can fight to get what you’re owed.

At Thompson Law, we dig deep into the details of your crash, find out who’s really at fault, and push for full compensation. Reach out today for a FREE CASE REVIEW and talk about your case with one of our Plano commercial vehicle accident lawyers.

Why Are Commercial Vehicle Accident Claims So Complicated?

That’s because crashes involving commercial vehicles are not like the regular car or bike accidents that we probably might see more often. They’re a lot more complicated because more people can be involved. Maybe it’s the driver, the company that hired them, the person or business that owns the vehicle, or even the manufacturer if something went wrong with the truck. Each of them could be partly responsible, and none of them want to take the blame.

Figuring out who’s actually liable takes time and strong evidence. These companies have legal teams ready to protect their bottom line, and they’ll try to pass the blame wherever they can. That’s why having the right help makes a difference.

If you’re worried, our Plano commercial vehicle accident lawyers at Thompson Law know how these cases work. We’ve handled plenty of them. Sure, the process might be more complicated than a typical car crash, but we’ll stand with you every step and fight to get the compensation you’re owed.

Why Choose Thompson Law?

As one of the Vehicle Accident law firms in the area, Thompson Law has a team of experienced and dedicated vehicle accident injury attorneys who are ready to fight for your legal rights.

At Thompson Law, we understand the emotional distress that comes with serious injuries, and we are committed to providing you with the best legal representation possible. Our trial lawyers are not afraid to take your case to court if necessary and have successfully secured billions of dollars in compensatory and punitive damages for our clients.

We have extensive experience working with insurance companies, large corporations, and medical professionals, and we know how to get you the results you deserve. We operate on a contingency fee basis, meaning you will not have to pay anything until we win your case.

Don’t let a Vehicle Accident case ruin your life. Contact Thompson Law‘s Plano commercial vehicle accident lawyers today and schedule a FREE CONSULTATION to discuss your legal options. Our team of dedicated Plano commercial vehicle accident lawyers will provide you with the legal advice and representation you need to get the compensation you deserve.

How Thompson Law Can Help You Obtain Compensatory Damages

If you want to pursue legal action from a commercial vehicle accident you got involved with, then you might be awarded compensatory damages. This basically means the person or company at fault would have to pay for your losses and expenses after the accident.

Below is a list of some types of damages you could get compensated for:

• Medical bills:  Expenses from emergency care, surgery, treatment, medicine, physical therapy, etc.
• Property damage:  Any replacements or repairs for your car or your belongings that were damaged from the crash.
• Lost wages:  Earnings you lost if you had to call off work some days or weeks due to the injuries you sustained after the crash.
• Pain and suffering:  To compensate for the mental suffering you were going through after processing the trauma of the accident.
• Loss of consortium:  Damages paid if the outcome of the accident hugely affects your relationship or marriage.
• Burial costs:  If you lost a loved one in a wrongful death case involving a commercial vehicle, compensation could take care of the funeral expenses.

Common Causes of Commercial Vehicle Accidents in Plano

Accidents happen for all kinds of reasons. Sometimes it’s because of careless drivers or pedestrians ignoring traffic rules. But when it comes to commercial vehicle crashes, the root cause is often tied to the job itself or how the company operates. Here are some of the most common reasons we see these accidents happen in Plano:

• Driver fatigue:  A lot of commercial drivers work long shifts, sometimes overnight. The long hours lead to exhaustion, and that makes it easier to mess up on the road.
• Poor vehicle maintenance:  Some companies skip routine checks or delay fixing problems. That can lead to serious issues like brake failure or engine trouble.
• Inexperienced drivers:  Not every company takes the time to properly train their drivers. When someone with little experience is put behind the wheel of a large truck, it raises the risk of a crash.
• Unsecured cargo:  If the load in a truck isn’t strapped down right, it can shift around during the drive. That throws off the balance and can cause the driver to lose control or even roll over.

How Weather and Road Conditions Affect Commercial Vehicle Accidents

Sometimes, even if the driver is focused and alert on the road, if the weather or the road’s condition is terrible, it can affect their driving and cause an accident. Yes, weather and road conditions play a big role in how and why commercial vehicle accidents happen around Plano. Here are some common scenarios in which either the weather or the road has affected the driver’s steering:

• Rain and wet roads:  Heavy rain makes roads slippery and reduces visibility. Trucks, which already take longer to stop, are even harder to control in these conditions.
• Construction zones:  Construction is common in Plano, and roadwork often leads to narrow lanes, uneven surfaces, and lane shifts. These conditions are tough for large vehicles to navigate, especially if drivers aren’t paying full attention.
• Flooding:  Flooded roads can make driving dangerous, especially for large trucks. Trucks can splash water onto smaller vehicles, and if a truck loses traction, it can cause a serious crash.
• Poor road conditions:  Badly lit areas or worn-out road signs make it hard for drivers to react in time. If the road isn’t clear, drivers may not have enough warning to avoid an accident.

FMCSA Regulations and Safety Measures in Plano

Safety on the road is important for everyone, but when large commercial vehicles are involved, the risks increase. These trucks can cause serious damage and injuries in accidents, so it’s essential to have rules in place to keep things safe.

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) plays an important role in establishing these safety standards. Their regulations help monitor and improve safety on the highways, especially when big trucks are on the road. Here are some of the key rules:

• Hours of Service (HOS):  These rules limit how long a truck driver can drive without rest. They’re designed to make sure drivers get enough sleep and don’t drive while fatigued.
• Weight and size limits:  Both federal and state laws restrict the weight and size of trucks. This helps prevent overloading, which can lead to dangerous situations like shifting cargo or loss of control.
• Inspections and maintenance:  Trucks must undergo regular inspections to make sure they’re safe to drive. This ensures they meet safety standards and are in good working condition.
• License requirements:  Drivers must have a valid Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) and meet specific training standards. This helps ensure they have the skills needed to drive safely and responsibly.

Commercial Vehicle Accident Statistics in Plano

Texas ranks first among other states when it comes to the frequency of 18-wheeler accidents.

In 2023, Texas reported over 15,227 serious injury crashes, with 18,752 people dealing with a serious injury. Which means that Plano is one of those cities that contribute to the high number of crashes. In fact, according to the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT), Plano has reported 5,787 crashes in 2023. It was also reported that males are twice as likely to be involved in a commercial vehicle accident compared to women.

While there’s not much data regarding commercial vehicle accidents in Plano specifically, these numbers show why it’s so important to be cautious on Plano’s roads and why strong legal representation matters when someone gets hurt in a crash involving a commercial vehicle. So, if you’ve been involved in a commercial vehicle accident, don’t hesitate to reach out to Thompson Law. Our team of experienced Plano commercial vehicle accident lawyers will guide you at each step of the process, making sure justice is served.

Local Commercial Truck Laws in Plano, TX

Plano follows a specific set of rules in place to help keep roads safe, especially with so many commercial trucks moving through the area. Here are a couple of important local laws drivers should know:

No Parking in Restricted Areas

Plano has a zoning ordinance in which oversized vehicles, including commercial trucks, aren’t allowed to park in residential neighborhoods or other restricted spots around Plano. The only time this is allowed is if the truck is actively loading or unloading, or if it has a valid handicap permit. Residents also have the option to request that certain areas be marked as no-truck parking zones.

No Unsecured Loads in Trucks

Under the Texas Transportation Code, all cargo must be secured before a truck gets on the road. If anything falls off or spills out onto the street, the driver can face fines and penalties. Unsecured loads create serious hazards, especially on busy roads and highways.

Who Can Be Found Liable for a Commercial Vehicle Accident?

A lot of the time, the company that owns the commercial vehicle ends up being responsible for the accident. That’s because of something called vicarious liability. It basically means a company can be held accountable for what their employees do while on the job.

But if the driver was off-duty or using the vehicle for personal reasons, they might be the one held liable instead of the company.

There are also cases where it’s not just the driver or company. If the accident happened because of a broken traffic light, a big pothole, or a missing stop sign, then the City of Plano could share some of the blame. In those situations, a claim might be filed against the city instead of a private business.

Plano Police Stations to Contact After a Commercial Vehicle Accident

One of the first things you should do after a commercial vehicle accident in Plano is call the police. Getting an official police report also helps a lot when it’s time to collect evidence and build your claim. It gives your lawyer something solid to work with and helps show what really happened at the scene.

Below are Plano police stations you can contact depending on where your accident happens:

• Plano Police Department – Headquarters
  909 14th St, Plano, TX 75074
  Phone: (972) 424-5678
• Plano Police Department – Northeast Substation
  2601 Los Rios Blvd, Plano, TX 75074
  Phone: (972) 941-2141
• Plano Police Department – Northwest Substation
  4640 W Parker Rd, Plano, TX 75093
  Phone: (972) 941-2450

Get Financial Help After a Commercial Vehicle Accident in Plano

Getting into a crash with a commercial vehicle is already tough. Going up against big companies afterward makes it even harder. They’ll try every trick in the book to avoid paying what you really deserve. But our team of Plano commercial vehicle accident lawyers knows how to handle them. We’ve seen their tactics before, and we’re not backing down.

Dealing with a regular car accident is stressful enough. When a company truck or 18-wheeler is involved, things get way more complicated. That’s where our experience comes in. We know Plano’s traffic laws inside and out, so we have a strategy on how to hold these businesses and drivers accountable. You focus on healing, and we’ll handle the rest.

If you’re ready to take the next step, contact our Plano commercial vehicle accident lawyers for a FREE CASE REVIEW. Let’s talk about your options.

FAQs About Commercial Vehicle Crashes in Plano

When is the deadline to file a commercial vehicle accident lawsuit in Plano?

If you’re thinking about suing a driver or company after a commercial vehicle accident in Plano, you’ve got two years from the date of the crash to file. That’s the statute of limitations in Texas. Miss that window, and you lose your chance to ask for compensation.

Will my case go to trial or be settled out of court?

Most of the time, these cases settle before they ever reach a courtroom. Companies usually want to avoid a long legal fight, and most victims prefer quicker resolutions. But if the company lowballs you or refuses to take responsibility, your lawyer might suggest going to court, especially if you have strong evidence on your side.

How much does a Plano commercial vehicle accident lawyer get from a settlement?

Plano commercial vehicle accident lawyers usually work on a contingency fee. That means they only get paid if you win your case or reach a settlement. No upfront fees. They just take a percentage of whatever you recover, so you don’t have to worry about paying out of pocket.

How much do commercial vehicle accident settlements cost?

There’s no one-size-fits-all number. Minor injuries might bring in less than $100,000. But if you’re dealing with serious injuries, long-term treatment, or wrongful death, settlements can reach $500,000 or even over $1 million. It all depends on how bad the crash was and how it affected your life.