Being in an accident caused by the driver of a commercial vehicle can be incredibly intimidating. You may want to seek financial compensation based on the damages from the accident, however, going up against the commercial vehicle’s insurance company and team of lawyers can be a complicated and extensive process. Having the right representation on your side can keep your mind at ease and can make the process easier as you focus on recovering from your injuries. Those injured in commercial vehicle accidents should contact an experienced personal injury lawyer for a free consultation to learn more about their rights and legal options.
Commercial vehicles dominate the roads in Texas, driving across the state to deliver goods and transport cargo from one side of the country to the other.
Commercial vehicles can include:
- 18-wheelers
- Delivery trucks
- Semi-trucks
- Garbage trucks
- Work vans
- Buses
- Dump trucks
- Construction vehicles
When in commercial vehicle accidents occur, devastating injuries and property damage often result. Passenger vehicles are much smaller in size compared to commercial vehicles and often bear the brunt of the force of impact and thus the resulting damage both in property loss to the vehicle and injuries to its occupants.
Common Injuries in Commercial Vehicle Accidents
Given how large commercial vehicles can be, the aftermath of a crash can be devastating. Those who do survive may suffer from traumatic injuries that require extensive recovery efforts. Some common severe injuries seen in commercial vehicle accidents include:
- Broken bones
- Spinal cord injuries including fractures and paralysis
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Severed limbs
- Crush injuries
- Impalement or penetration injuries
- Death
Recovering from a commercial vehicle accident often takes months if not years, if it is even possible to recover. Multiple surgeries may be required to return your body to as close to normal as possible. These types of car accident injuries can rack up high medical bills, putting a significant financial burden on you and your family. Even with health insurance, some medical providers require out-of-pocket payment for accident recovery efforts. These medical expenses can financially devastate a family, leaving them wondering what they can do to survive. This is where an experienced lawyer for commercial vehicle accidents can help. Your lawyer will help you fight the commercial vehicle’s insurance company to obtain fair compensation for your damages. These damages may include:
- Current and future medical costs
- Lost wages
- Loss of earning capacity
- Physical impairment
- Mental anguish
- Physical pain
- Disfigurement
This list of damages is not comprehensive as there are many more possible types of damages that may be available to you depending upon the facts of your particular situation. Your lawyer will help determine who was at fault for the collision and thus which individuals and companies to pursue in a civil lawsuit for rightful compensation.
Who Can Be Held Liable in a Commercial Vehicle Accident?
A key difference between a car accident between two passenger vehicles and a crash involving a commercial vehicle is that the driver of a commercial vehicle is likely employed by a company that may also be held liable instead of or in addition to the driver. Companies are typically responsible for the actions of their drivers; and, the driver’s employer may potentially be held liable for the following problematic behavior:
- Negligent supervision or the failure to supervise their employee
- Failure to properly train their drivers
- Failure to properly maintain the commercial vehicle
- Negligent hiring practices
Speak to a lawyer will help you make sure the appropriate party or parties are held legally responsible for your damages. Texas laws are quickly evolving, and may potentially not be on your side when seeking compensation from the company that employed the driver who caused the commercial vehicle accident. A new bill, House Bill 19, now states that when a commercial vehicle owner or operator is sued after a commercial vehicle accident, the driver must be proven liable in court before a case can be brought against their employer. That means a jury would not learn what company employed the driver unless the trial advanced to the second phase, when damages would be determined. The bill is currently under review as an amendment has been added, however, this would make it much more difficult for the victims of commercial vehicle accidents to seek and obtain fair financial compensation for their losses.
We Are Here to Help Fight for Your Rights
When you are involved in an accident with a commercial vehicle, it may seem like you are facing an uphill battle. Know that if you or a loved one are seriously injured or killed because of another’s negligence, you do have the right to seek financial compensation for your damages, including your pain and suffering, medical bills, funeral expenses, and more. Contact us today if you have been involved in a commercial vehicle accident. There is limited time to act due to the statute of limitations in Texas, so don’t delay and call today for a free consultation.