Texas Commercial Truck Accident Lawyer

Texas Commercial Truck Accident Attorney

Have You Been In a Commercial Truck Accident in Texas?

Per the National Safety Council (NSC), in 2020, 4,965 people died in accidents involving large trucks, which is a 31% increase from 2011. The majority of those that died were occupants of other vehicles at 71%, truck occupants at 17%, and non-occupants (such as pedestrians and bicyclists) at 12%. It is obvious from these numbers that the occupants of the vehicle involved in the accident with the large truck constitute the group most likely to lose their life in these accidents.

If involved in a truck accident, call us at (713) 535-7051.

There are many more victims that live but suffer catastrophic injuries in these accidents. It is important for victims of these accidents, and their families, to have a Texas commercial truck accident lawyer who understands how the law works in Texas on their side. At the Merritt & Merritt Law Firm, we offer the counsel you need to successfully recover the compensation you are due.

What is a Commercial Truck?

A commercial vehicle, which includes a truck, is one that operates for business purposes. Sometimes these commercial vehicles carry passengers and sometimes goods. Typically, a commercial truck is carrying a product of some type. These are the trucks you see on highways like 18-wheelers and big rigs, but also trucks like delivery trucks (think FedEx and UPS), and private charter buses (like Greyhound).

A commercial vehicle on the roadway may also be school buses, logging vehicles, garbage trucks, and vans for the elderly or disabled. In Texas, someone operating a commercial vehicle is required to follow specific laws and regulations, which means an accident with a commercial truck is handled differently by our law firm than an accident with another person in their personal vehicle.

Why It Matters That Your Accident Involved a Commercial Truck in Texas?

It matters when the vehicle you were involved in an accident with was a commercial truck, as drivers of commercial vehicles are held to a higher standard and more regulations than other drivers. If the truck they are operating meets a certain weight requirement, they must have a special commercial driver’s license. There are also rules regarding the hours they are allowed to work before taking a break, and how long that break must be. Finally, trucking companies are required to perform drug testing of their drivers. While some of these tests are scheduled, others are given randomly or after a certain event occurs, such as an accident involving a fatality.

Commercial vehicles themselves must undergo occasional safety inspections to ensure they are in good working order and comply with all applicable laws. Everything from their brakes, tires, steering column, and vacuum systems are scrutinized.

When you are involved in an accident with a commercial truck, your Texas commercial truck accident lawyer will know to investigate to be sure all the special obligations required of truck drivers and their vehicles have been met. If they have not, it may help your claim for compensation.

What To Do After A Commercial Truck Accident in Texas?

The first thing you should do after being in an accident with a commercial vehicle is to seek medical care for yourself, and if you are able, any other party injured at the scene of the accident. Once help has arrived, listen to the responding medical personnel and follow any instructions you are given.

If you are able, pay attention to what is happening around you, and as soon as you are in a safe place and resting, write down everything you can remember about the accident, from who was there to the time of day it occurred. Even if a detail seems small to you, it may be important to your Texas commercial truck accident lawyer later. Other steps you can take include:

• If you are able to safely do so at the scene, take photos or videos of the damage that occurred as well as the position of the vehicles. Also, obtain the names and contact information of any witnesses. Remember, this is only if you are able to safely gather this information.
• Keep copies of any and all paperwork you receive. This includes the police report, medical records, and doctor’s notes.
• Follow up with any medical care recommendations you are given after the accident. Always keep follow-up appointments with your doctor and adhere to any instructions you are given.
• You will likely be contacted by representatives from the trucking company that owns the truck that hit you, their insurance company, or the lawyers for either of them. While they may seem friendly and their questions innocent, do not speak with them. Instead, refer them to your Texas commercial truck accident lawyer. Remember, they will be looking for reasons to eliminate or reduce the amount of damages they may be required to pay you. By speaking with them, you may inadvertently give them that reason.

Contact a Texas Commercial Truck Accident Lawyer at the Merritt & Merritt Law Firm

If you have been in an accident with a commercial truck, it is likely that you have suffered a serious injury and need time to recuperate. At the Merritt & Merritt Law Firm, we handle the legal aspects of your accident so you can concentrate on your healing and health.

Contact our firm to schedule a consultation with a Texas commercial truck accident lawyer who will help you every step of the way. We may be contacted by calling (713) 535-7051 or via our contact page.

Texas Commercial Truck Accident Resources

• Texas Commercial Truck Insurance Requirements
• How Is Fault Determined in a Texas Truck Accident Case?