Commercial vehicle accidents can cause serious injuries, and the claims that follow may be more complex than a typical passenger car accident claim. They can involve business entities, commercial insurance policies, and multiple potentially liable parties.
If you or a loved one was injured in an accident involving a commercial vehicle in Sugar Land, understanding your rights and legal options can be an important first step toward pursuing compensation for your injuries and losses.
The Karam Law Office represents commercial vehicle accident victims throughout Sugar Land and the greater Houston area. Call (281) 302-5272 to schedule a free consultation.
Types of Commercial Vehicles Involved in Texas Accidents
Commercial vehicle accidents in Texas can involve a wide range of vehicles:
- Semi-trucks and tractor-trailers
- Delivery vans and trucks
- Company-owned fleet vehicles
- Rideshare and delivery driver vehicles
- Buses
- Construction and utility vehicles
Depending on the vehicle and how it was being used at the time of the crash, different regulations, insurance requirements, and safety considerations may affect the investigation and determination of liability.
Causes of Commercial Vehicle Accidents
Commercial vehicle accidents commonly result from:
- Driver fatigue, including violations of applicable hours-of-service rules
- Distracted driving
- Inadequate driver training
- Poor vehicle maintenance
- Improperly loaded or secured cargo
- Speeding
- Company pressure to meet unrealistic delivery or scheduling demands
Negligent driving, poor maintenance, or unsafe loading can lead to serious crashes.
Types of Injuries We See in Commercial Vehicle Accidents
Given the the size and weight of many commercial vehicles, these accidents frequently result in serious injuries:
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Crush injuries
- Fractures
- Internal injuries
- Burn injuries
- Fatal injuries
Is It Worth Suing After a Commercial Vehicle Accident?
Whether it makes sense to pursue a claim after a commercial vehicle accident depends on the facts of the crash, the severity of the injuries, available insurance coverage, and the evidence of fault. Some commercial vehicles, particularly those subject to motor carrier regulations, may carry higher insurance limits than a typical personal auto policy.
Whether a claim can be resolved through negotiation or requires litigation depends on the facts of the crash, the available evidence, the extent of the damages, and how the responsible parties and insurers respond.
Evidence Needed to File a Claim
Building a strong commercial vehicle accident claim generally requires gathering the police accident report, photographs of the scene and vehicle damage, witness statements, the commercial driver's qualification and hours-of-service records, the vehicle's maintenance and inspection records, any available dashcam or surveillance footage, and complete medical records documenting your injuries and treatment.
Who Can Be Held Liable for a Commercial Vehicle Accident?
Liability for a commercial vehicle accident can extend beyond the driver to include:
- The company that owns or operates the vehicle
- An employer, contractor, or company that controlled the driver’s work
- A maintenance provider responsible for keeping the vehicle in safe operating condition
- A company responsible for improperly loading cargo
- A manufacturer, seller, repair provider, or other party if a defective vehicle or component contributed to the crash
Because multiple parties can share responsibility, a thorough investigation is often necessary to identify everyone who may be liable.
Compensation Available After a Commercial Vehicle Accident in Texas
Depending on the facts of the case, an injured person may seek compensation for past and future medical expenses, lost income, reduced earning capacity, physical pain and mental anguish, physical impairment, disfigurement, and other legally recoverable losses. In fatal cases, eligible surviving family members may have a wrongful death claim.
The compensation available in a particular case depends on the evidence, the extent of the injuries, available insurance coverage, and each party’s share of responsibility.
How Long Does It Take to Settle a Commercial Vehicle Accident?
There's no fixed timeline for settling a commercial vehicle accident case, since the length of the process depends on factors including the complexity of liability, the severity of your injuries and how long your medical treatment lasts, whether multiple defendants are involved, and how the insurance company and any corporate defendants respond to your claim. Cases involving catastrophic injuries often take longer to resolve, since it's important to understand the full scope of your damages before settling.
Why Choose The Karam Law Office for Your Commercial Vehicle Accident Claim?
Jacob Karam is an experienced trial lawyer dedicated to achieving the strongest possible outcome based on the facts and circumstances of the case. Jacob's results have earned him recognition from the National Institute of Trial Lawyers and the American Academy of Attorneys Top 40 Under 40.
Contact The Karam Law Office at (281) 302-5272 today to book your free consultation.
Examples of Past Settlements We Have Won For Our Clients
The firm’s past results include:
- $1.8 million settlement for a client injured in a truck accident requiring back surgery.
- $1.7 million settlement for a client injured in a truck accident in Ohio who required back surgery.
- $1.25 million settlement for a client injured in a truck accident who required neck surgery.
- $3.3 million settlement for a man injured in a motor vehicle crash.
Past results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Every case is different, and results depend on the specific facts, evidence, injuries, and applicable law. Contact The Karam Law Office at (281) 302-5272 to schedule a free consultation
