Texas’ high-speed interstates are full of huge commercial vehicles on tight schedules, many of which race down Houston highways impatient to start and end their days-long, cross-country journeys at the Port of Houston.

Not only is Houston a hot spot for commercial trucks, but commercial truck driving is experiencing a severe driver shortage, meaning many of those drivers racing down I-10 and 59 are overworked, sleep deprived, and liable to cause all kinds of safety issues for other drivers on the road.

If you or a loved one has been involved in a commercial vehicle accident, you need to contact an experienced and aggressive Houston car accident lawyer before it’s too late. Whether you’re dealing with an Amazon truck or a company whose truck jackknifed, commercial vehicle accidents are complex legal matters that require high-powered Texas truck accident lawyers.

If you want to get what you deserve from the trucking company and its large teams of attorneys, you’re going to need the best Houston truck accident lawyer you can possibly find. Call the Texas truck accident lawyers at Grimes & Fertitta today (713) 224-7644 and ask them to fight for you.

What is a CMV accident?

A commercial vehicle accident is any collision in which a commercial vehicle, or a vehicle used to transport goods or passengers, is involved. Commercial vehicles include a wide range of vehicles used for business purposes, including delivery trucks, tractor-trailers, buses, and vans. Due to their size and weight, accidents involving commercial vehicles can result in massive amounts of property damage and very severe injuries.

Because Houston is a major hub for both commerce and transportation, commercial vehicles are increasingly common in the city, and therefore commercial vehicle accidents are too.

Why are trucking accidents a serious issue?

Accidents involving commercial vehicles are often much more serious than those involving personal vehicles. There are a few reasons for this, which we will break down below.

Severity of injuries caused

Trucking accidents are a serious issue primarily due to the severe injuries they can cause. Commercial trucks, especially large tractor-trailers, can weigh tens of thousands of pounds, making them significantly larger and heavier than standard passenger vehicles.

When a collision occurs between a commercial truck and a smaller vehicle, the occupants of the smaller vehicle are at a much higher risk of sustaining catastrophic injuries. Commercial trucks can turn even a simple rear-end accident into a grievous accident with permanent consequences. Common injuries resulting from CMV accidents can include:

• Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs). The heightened force of impact in trucking accidents can lead to severe traumatic brain injuries.
• Spinal cord injuries. High impact can cause significant trauma to the spine, resulting in life-altering injuries and paralysis.
• Internal injuries. Insidious injuries like internal bleeding and organ damage, while not immediately apparent, are incredibly dangerous and can cause permanent damage.

Continue reading: What is a catastrophic injury?

Complex liability

Determining liability in commercial vehicle accidents, especially those involving trucks, can be incredibly complex. Unlike typical car accidents where the driver is often the primary party at fault, trucking accidents may involve multiple parties, each contributing to the incident. These parties can include:

• The truck driver. Driver error, such as fatigue, distraction, or impaired driving, is a common cause of trucking accidents.
• The trucking company. Negligence on the part of the trucking company in the form of inadequate training, improper maintenance, or violation of safety regulations, can contribute to accidents.
• Manufacturers. Defective truck parts or components can lead to accidents.
• Cargo loaders, mechanics, or other laborers. Improper loading or securing of cargo, poorly executed maintenance, and negligence in other vital tasks can also lead to accidents.

Navigating the intricate web of liability in trucking accidents requires a thorough investigation and a comprehensive understanding of federal regulations and Texas trucking laws. The Houston truck accident lawyers at Grimes & Fertitta know the trucking laws and regulations, as well as how to punish negligent parties for abusing or breaking them.

Legal firepower

Commercial trucking companies are often large corporations with considerable resources at their disposal. When facing a lawsuit, these companies are unlikely to just lie down. They will instead throw everything they’ve got at your lawsuit, employing large teams of skilled attorneys to protect their interests.

Do not let these teams of lawyers intimidate you or interrupt your quest for justice. Instead, level the playing field by hiring 18-wheeler accident lawyers who know how to fight the big companies and can give you your best chance at justice.

What to do after a commercial vehicle accident

In the aftermath of a commercial vehicle accident, taking the right steps is essential to both protecting your health and preserving your legal rights in your eventual personal injury claim. Here’s what to do:

1. Ensure that you are safe and seek medical attention.
2. Contact law enforcement once it is safe for you to do so.
3. Document the scene to the degree that you are able. This can include taking photos or videos of the scene, writing down license plate numbers, and exchanging information, as well as collecting witness information and testimonies.
4. Cooperate with law enforcement, but be careful about what you say. What you say and do after the accident may come up in the courtroom.
5. Contact the best Houston truck accident lawyer that you can, and ask them to help you get what you deserve.

In the aftermath of the accident, as well as taking the time that you need to heal from your injuries, you will have to deal with insurance companies, police, and likely the trucking company themselves. They might offer you a paltry sum in exchange for your signature. Do not take it until you have spoken with an experienced commercial accident attorney.

Call the commercial vehicle accident lawyers at Grimes & Fertitta today

Commercial vehicle accidents take the devastating potential of a car accident and turn every aspect up to 11. They are deadly and complex, and getting through their aftermath can require specialized legal counsel — the kind offered by the Houston 18-wheeler accident lawyers at Grimes & Fertitta.

The attorneys at Grimes & Fertitta used to work on a large team of lawyers at an insurance company. They know exactly how the trucking company will attempt to nickel and dime you to protect their bottom line. Don’t let them. Call the Texas truck accident lawyers at Grimes & Fertitta today at (713) 224-7644 or contact us online for a free consultation.