Houston Commercial Vehicle Accident Attorney
When commercial vehicles are involved in accidents, the consequences can be catastrophic for other drivers, passengers, and pedestrians. If you or a loved one has been injured in a crash involving a commercial vehicle, you need an experienced Houston commercial vehicle accident attorney who understands the complexities of these cases. Sue E. West at The West Law Office, PLLC, is committed to providing clients with aggressive legal representation to ensure they receive maximum compensation for their injuries.
Commercial vehicle accidents are fundamentally different from regular car accidents. These cases involve multiple parties, complex insurance policies, federal regulations, and often result in more severe injuries due to the size and weight of commercial vehicles. Our Houston legal team has the experience and resources necessary to thoroughly investigate these complex cases and hold all responsible parties accountable for their negligence.
Types of Commercial Vehicle Accidents We Handle
Commercial vehicles come in many forms, and accidents involving these vehicles can occur in various ways throughout the Houston metropolitan area. Our law firm handles a comprehensive range of commercial vehicle accident cases, each requiring specialized knowledge of industry regulations and safety standards.
Delivery truck accidents have become increasingly common with the rise of e-commerce and same-day delivery services. These vehicles frequently make stops throughout residential neighborhoods and business districts, creating unique hazards for other motorists and pedestrians. Companies like Amazon, FedEx, and UPS operate thousands of delivery vehicles throughout Harris County, and accidents involving these vehicles often involve complex liability questions.
Construction vehicle accidents present their own set of challenges, particularly given Houston’s ongoing development and infrastructure projects. These heavy vehicles often carry dangerous materials and equipment, and accidents can result in severe injuries or fatalities. Our Houston auto accident attorney team understands the specific safety regulations that apply to construction vehicles and can identify when violations contribute to accidents.
Taxi and rideshare accidents have become more prevalent as services like Uber and Lyft continue to expand throughout the Houston area. These cases often involve questions about the driver’s employment status and which insurance policies apply, making experienced legal representation essential for protecting your rights.
Common Causes of Commercial Vehicle Accidents in Houston
Understanding the common causes of commercial vehicle accidents is crucial for building strong legal cases and preventing future incidents. Driver fatigue remains one of the leading causes of commercial vehicle accidents, despite federal regulations limiting driving hours. Commercial drivers often face pressure to meet tight delivery schedules, leading some to violate hours-of-service rules or drive while exhausted.
Inadequate vehicle maintenance is another significant factor in commercial vehicle accidents. Companies have a legal obligation to properly maintain their fleets, including regular inspections of brakes, tires, lights, and other critical safety systems. When companies cut corners on maintenance to save money, innocent people can suffer serious injuries in preventable accidents.
Improper loading and cargo securement can lead to devastating accidents on busy Houston highways like Interstate 45, Highway 290, and the Sam Houston Tollway. Overloaded vehicles are more difficult to control and stop, while improperly secured cargo can shift during transit or fall from vehicles, creating dangerous road hazards for other drivers.
Driver inexperience and inadequate training also contribute to many commercial vehicle accidents. Companies have a responsibility to ensure their drivers are properly trained and qualified to operate their specific type of vehicle safely. This includes understanding the unique handling characteristics of commercial vehicles and knowing how to navigate Houston’s complex highway system safely.
Proving Liability in Commercial Vehicle Accident Cases
Establishing liability in commercial vehicle accident cases requires a thorough investigation and understanding of both state and federal regulations. Multiple parties may be responsible for your injuries, including the driver, the company that owns the vehicle, maintenance contractors, and even manufacturers if vehicle defects contributed to the accident.
Our legal team begins every case by conducting a comprehensive investigation to gather crucial evidence. This includes obtaining the vehicle’s maintenance records, driver logs, employment records, and any available electronic data from the vehicle’s systems. Many modern commercial vehicles are equipped with electronic logging devices and other technology that can provide valuable information about the vehicle’s operation at the time of the accident.
Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration regulations apply to many commercial vehicles, and violations of these regulations can provide strong evidence of negligence. Our attorneys are well-versed in these complex regulations and can identify when violations contributed to your accident. We also work with accident reconstruction experts and other specialists who can analyze the evidence and provide testimony to support your case.
Insurance companies representing commercial vehicle operators often have significant resources and experienced legal teams working to minimize their liability. That’s why it’s essential to have an experienced legal advocate on your side who understands the tactics these companies use and knows how to effectively counter their arguments.
Houston Commercial Vehicle Accident FAQs
What should I do immediately after a commercial vehicle accident?
First, ensure your safety and seek immediate medical attention for any injuries. Call the police to report the accident and request an officer to file a report. If possible, take photos of the damage, the vehicles involved, and the accident scene. Obtain contact and insurance information from all parties, but avoid discussing fault or making statements about the accident. Contact our law firm as soon as possible to protect your legal rights.
How long do I have to file a commercial vehicle accident claim in Texas?
Texas has a two-year statute of limitations for most personal injury claims, including commercial vehicle accidents. However, it’s important to contact an attorney much sooner than that deadline. Evidence can be lost or destroyed, and witnesses’ memories fade over time. The sooner you contact our legal team, the better we can protect your interests and build a strong case.
Can I still recover compensation if I was partially at fault for the accident?
Texas follows a modified comparative negligence rule, which means you can still recover compensation even if you were partially at fault for the accident. However, your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault, and you cannot recover anything if you were more than 50 percent responsible for the accident. An experienced attorney can help minimize your assigned fault percentage.
What types of compensation are available in commercial vehicle accident cases?
Victims of commercial vehicle accidents may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, future medical care, pain and suffering, property damage, and other losses. In cases involving severe injuries or wrongful death, compensation amounts can be substantial. Our Houston personal injury attorney will work to ensure you receive the maximum compensation available.
How are commercial vehicle accident cases different from regular car accident cases?
Commercial vehicle accident cases are typically more complex because they involve multiple potentially liable parties, higher insurance policy limits, federal regulations, and often more severe injuries. These cases require specialized knowledge of commercial vehicle regulations and industry standards. The stakes are higher, and insurance companies often fight harder to avoid paying large settlements.
Do I need an attorney for a commercial vehicle accident case?
Given the complexity of commercial vehicle accident cases and the resources that commercial insurance companies have at their disposal, having experienced legal representation is crucial. These cases involve complex legal and regulatory issues that most people are not equipped to handle on their own. An attorney can ensure your rights are protected and that you receive fair compensation.
How much does it cost to hire a commercial vehicle accident attorney?
At The West Law Office, we work on a contingency fee basis for personal injury cases, which means you don’t pay attorney fees unless we successfully recover compensation for you. This arrangement allows injured victims to access quality legal representation without having to worry about upfront costs during an already stressful time.
Serving Throughout Houston
- Downtown Houston
- The Heights
- Montrose
- River Oaks
- Memorial
- Galleria
- Medical Center
- Midtown
- Third Ward
- Katy
Contact a Houston Commercial Vehicle Accident Lawyer Today
If you or a loved one has been injured in a commercial vehicle accident, don’t wait to seek legal help. The West Law Office is committed to providing clients with the right lawyer and the right firm to handle these complex cases. Our goal is to maximize our client’s recovery and ensure they receive the compensation they need to move forward with their lives. Sue E. West understands that each case is different and provides each individual with the attention they deserve in a unique and customized manner. Contact our Houston commercial vehicle accident lawyer today to schedule a free, completely confidential consultation and learn how we can help you recover the compensation you deserve.
