Each year, tens of thousands of people lose their lives in motor vehicle accidents across the United States, and millions more suffer injuries. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that traffic collisions claimed the lives of over 37,000 people in 2018 alone. While any type of accident has the capacity to cause harm, those involving commercial motor vehicles (CMVs) often have a markedly worse outcome.
Drivers of large trucks and buses must obtain special licensure to operate their vehicles legally, and their education and skills training requires them to understand the hazards associated with CMVs, particularly to those in smaller vehicles. When a CMV driver exhibits reckless or negligent behavior behind the wheel, serious and even fatal injuries can result.
If you have suffered serious injuries or lost a loved one due to the negligence of a CMV driver, a commercial vehicle accident lawyer serving La Porte, TX can help you hold them accountable for your damages. Contact D. Miller & Associates, PLLC™ today at (713) 850-8600 to discuss your case with our legal team.
CMV Accidents in Texas
Between their numerous oilfields, agricultural products, tourism, and congested metropolitan areas, buses and large trucks play a major role in the Texas economy. However, their heavy presence on the road makes traveling throughout the state more dangerous for residents and visitors.
According to the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT), approximately 5,800 motor vehicle accidents that occurred in Harris County in 2018 involved at least one CMV. This county had about 15% of all CMV accidents in the state that year.
Houston has some of the worst traffic in the state, and even those in outlying suburban areas often face the dangers associated with the metropolitan area’s high population. If you or someone you love suffered serious or fatal injuries in a Harris County CMV accident, you may qualify for financial recovery.
Causes of CMV Accidents
CMV drivers often make the same poor decisions other drivers make that lead to accidents, which may occur due to driver haste, aggression, or complacency. Some of the most common causes of motor vehicle accidents in Texas include:
- Driver inattention
- Failure to yield
- Speeding or driving too fast for conditions
- Tailgating
- Improper lane usage
- Distracted driving
The Texas A&M Transportation Institute (TTI) also conducted a study to take a closer look at the causes of large truck accidents in particular. Researchers examined nearly 2,800 accidents that occurred between 2011 and 2014 in 20 counties across the state at the fault of the CMV driver. They found the presence of driver error in many of these cases, including driver fatigue due to the CMV operator’s failure to rest when necessary. The study emphasized that proper training and technology could help minimize CMV accidents throughout Texas.
If the negligence of a CMV driver led you or your loved one to suffer a severe or fatal injury in a collision, an attorney can help you determine if you have a case. Contact D. Miller & Associates, PLLC™ today to discuss your options with our legal team.
A Commercial Vehicle Accident Lawyer Serving La Porte, TX Can Establish Liability in Your Case
In Texas, if a driver causes an accident that leads to another person’s injuries, they hold responsibility for covering their damages. In order to pursue a claim against the at-fault driver in your case, you first have to prove their liability. Many victims and their families find this step difficult to manage on their own, as lawyers, police, and insurance companies often begin investigating the accident right away to determine fault, and they may not always come to the same conclusion. A lawyer can help you prove negligence in your case so you can seek financial awards for your injuries.
Dealing with Manipulative Insurance Adjusters
After a motor vehicle accident in Texas, the victim can file a claim with the liable driver’s auto insurance company to receive coverage for their injuries or the loss of their loved one. However, insurance companies do not like to cut into their profit, so in complex cases involving serious injury or extensive losses, they often try to undercut the victim or assign partial blame to avoid providing adequate recovery.
A commercial vehicle accident lawyer serving La Porte, TX can help by managing all communications and negotiations with the insurance company on your behalf. They will accurately assess your damages and pursue a fair settlement amount, and if they cannot achieve it, they will go to court to fight for your case at trial.
Meeting State Deadlines
If you want to file a personal injury or a wrongful death lawsuit, act quickly. Texas law permits victims to file two years after the date of the incident. If you do not bring your lawsuits in time, then the court can deny your case altogether.
With that, it may be beneficial for you to hire a lawyer to help you meet Texas’s statute of limitations.
Contact D. Miller & Associates, PLLC™ Today to Get Started on Your Case
At D. Miller & Associates, PLLC™, our lawyers understand how overwhelmed or intimidated you might feel about handling your CMV accident case on your own, and we make sure you do not have to do so. We can help you with every aspect of your case, keep you updated on its progress each step of the way, and address any questions and concerns you have at any time. We advocate for you so that you can focus on getting back on the road to recovery. Contact us today at (713) 850-8600 to discuss your case evaluation with our legal team.
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