As the second-largest state in the nation in both size and population, Texas has high rates of motor vehicle accidents each year. The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) reports that nearly 440,000 accidents occurred throughout the state in 2019, which resulted in more than 1,800 fatalities and more than 10,000 serious injuries. Of these accidents, 13,857 took place in Collin County, including 884 in Allen alone. That year, approximately 1 in 20 fatalities in Collin County accidents occurred in Allen.
Any type of accident poses a serious risk to those involved, but those involving commercial vehicles often lead to severe injuries and fatalities. If you suffered an injury or lost a loved one because of a negligent bus or truck driver, a commercial vehicle accident lawyer serving Allen, TX can help you pursue financial recovery for your losses. Contact D. Miller & Associates, PLLC™ today at (713) 850-8600 to review your case with our legal team.
Commercial Vehicle Accidents in Texas
As one of the country’s leading oil producers and a major contributor to the agricultural sector, Texas relies on large trucks to move products, create jobs, and encourage economic growth. Texas also has a booming tourism industry, and many travel companies offer transportation by bus to accommodate visitors.
These two factors play a role in the prevalence of commercial motor vehicles (CMVs) throughout the state. Unfortunately, a large number of CMVs increases the risk of commercial vehicle accidents. These collisions often cause more severe injuries than other types of accidents, especially for those in smaller vehicles. According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), more fatal accidents involving large trucks occur in Texas each year than in any other state.
Dangers of Accidents Involving Commercial Vehicles
The size of trucks and buses may make them safer for their occupants in the event of an accident, but the occupants of other vehicles face a higher risk of severe or fatal injuries. As the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) points out, large trucks have inherent dangers that their drivers must keep in mind when operating them, such as:
- A weight of up to 30 times more than most lighter vehicles
- Increased braking distance, especially when loaded
- Higher ground clearance, which can allow cars to slide underneath
Additionally, buses have features that make them safe for occupants but dangerous to those in other vehicles in accidents. For example, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) notes that very few students suffer injuries in school bus accidents each year due to the vehicle’s design. As the most regulated vehicles on the road, school buses have protective seating, tough structures, and rollover protection. Children and others have a much higher chance of suffering an injury in a car than as a bus passenger.
If a bus or truck driver caused the accident that led to your injuries or the loss of your family member, a commercial vehicle accident lawyer serving Allen, TX can help you hold them responsible. Contact the legal team at D. Miller & Associates, PLLC™ today at (713) 850-8600 to discuss your case.
Establishing Liability in a Commercial Vehicle Accident Case
In Texas, the driver responsible for causing the accident that led to your injuries or the loss of your loved one must provide financial coverage for the losses you incurred. Immediately following the accident, police, insurance companies, and legal teams often launch their own investigations to determine liability in the case. A lawyer can help you establish fault so you can seek adequate financial recovery.
Criteria for Negligence
Before you can file a claim against the at-fault party, you must prove that their actions or failure to act meet the criteria for legal negligence. You will need to demonstrate that the driver had a duty of care toward you or your loved one, the driver breached this duty through a negligent act, and this led to the severe or fatal injuries that resulted in your significant financial losses.
Evidence that Can Help Your Case
An attorney can also help you gather evidence for your case, which may prove the driver’s liability and strengthen your claim. Documentation, statements, and other items they may use to determine fault include:
- Police reports
- Videos and photos of debris, skid marks, and property damage at the scene
- Photos of injuries
- Eyewitness statements
- Cell phone records
- Field sobriety tests
- Black box information
In many cases, your own testimony may also help you build your case. Be sure to write down as much information as you can remember from the accident and the days that followed, as well as any other details you think your lawyer might find beneficial.
A Commercial Vehicle Accident Lawyer in Allen, TX Can Help You Seek Financial Recovery
The types of financial recovery and total award amount you may receive can vary depending on the circumstances of your case. You may qualify for economic damages, including:
- Emergency medical care, rehabilitation, and other injury-related healthcare costs
- Lost wages for the time you had to miss at work to recover
- Loss of future income if you cannot return to work or lost a spouse who provided for you financially
- Funeral and burial expenses
You may also have the opportunity to seek noneconomic damages such as mental anguish, loss of consortium, or physical pain. A lawyer can evaluate your damages and pursue fair financial recovery on your behalf.
Contact D. Miller & Associates, PLLC™ Today to Get Started on Your Case
Commercial vehicle accidents often have devastating and long-term effects on victims and their families, including emotional, physical, and financial distress. If another driver caused the CMV accident that led to your or your loved one’s injuries, the attorneys at D. Miller & Associates, PLLC™ can help you hold them accountable for their negligence. Contact us today at (713) 850-8600 to discuss your case evaluation with our legal team.
