Leander Commercial Vehicle Accident Lawyer

Motor vehicle accidents injure millions and take the lives of tens of thousands of victims each year in the United States. In 2018 alone, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reported 36,560 traffic fatalities, and more than 1 in 10 involved a large truck. While accidents of any type can lead to serious or fatal injuries, those involving commercial motor vehicles (CMVs), such as buses or semi-trucks, often lead to more serious consequences, particularly for the driver and passengers of lighter vehicles involved.

If you suffered injuries or lost a loved one in a CMV collision in Travis County or Williamson County, a commercial vehicle accident lawyer serving Leander, TX, can help you hold them accountable for your damages. Contact D. Miller & Associates, PLLC™, at (713) 850-8600 to discuss your case with our legal team.

Large Truck and Bus Accidents in Texas

According to the Large Truck and Bus Crash Facts (LTBCF) report that the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) releases annually, Texas has consistently held the top spot for the number of fatal large truck accidents for decades. It also surpasses other states by a significant margin. Many factors contribute to this, largely the state’s population.

As the second most populous state behind California, Texas has several large metropolitan areas that bring heavy traffic and congestion. A Dallas Morning News article also notes the importance of certain highways to the Texas trucking industry, such as I-35, which connects Mexico to Canada.

Most CMV accidents in Texas occur in large cities, but the state’s thriving petroleum and agricultural industries put everyone on the road at risk, even those in smaller suburban areas. In one recent instance, a collision in Leander between a large truck and a pickup took the pickup driver’s life. If you or a loved one suffered a serious or fatal injury in a CMV accident, a lawyer could help you determine if you qualify for financial recovery.

Why CMV Accidents Occur

CMV accidents often involve a complex series of events in which one or more factors play a role. Many large truck and bus collisions occur for the same reasons as other motor vehicle accidents, stemming from driver error. The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) lists some causes of traffic collisions in Texas, which include:

  • Speeding
  • Failure to yield
  • Driving while impaired
  • Improper lane usage
  • Driver inattention
  • Distracted driving
  • Driving while tired

The Texas A&M Transportation Institute (TTI) also conducted a study specifically on the causes of large truck accidents in Texas. Researchers said they examined factors that lead to CMV collisions in which the truck driver holds liability to help trucking companies, drivers, and law enforcement determine changes they can make to minimize accidents across the state. They found that most accidents involved driver error, such as:

  • Failure to brake
  • Failure to yield
  • Improper lane usage
  • Speeding
  • Driver fatigue

The study emphasized that reasonable measures such as trucking technology and increased training could make a noticeable difference in decreasing the number of CMV accidents that occur in Texas. If a truck driver caused the CMV accident that led to your injuries or the loss of your loved one, the lawyers at D. Miller & Associates, PLLC™, can help. Contact us today at (713) 850-8600 to speak with our legal team about your case.

How a Commercial Vehicle Accident Lawyer Serving Leander, TX, Can Establish Liability in Your Case

As a fault state, also known as a tort state, Texas holds the driver responsible for causing a motor vehicle accident liable for the victims’ damages. However, many parties often launch investigations into a collision at once, including law enforcement, insurance companies, and lawyers. Hence, victims and their families often find it challenging to manage the process of establishing liability on their own. A lawyer can help relieve the burden by handling your case for you.

Gather Evidence

In many cases, an attorney will gather evidence from your accident and those involved with your case to help prove the other driver’s liability. Some of the documents, statements, and other items that may help your case include:

  • Police reports
  • Photos and videos from the accident scene
  • Photos of your injuries
  • Medical records
  • Financial statements
  • Sobriety tests
  • Cell phone records
  • Black box information

Your lawyer can help you determine which types of evidence may best support your claim.

Prove Negligence

Once they have collected evidence, a lawyer can establish fault in your case by proving that the CMV driver’s actions meet the criteria for negligence. To do so, they must demonstrate that the driver had a duty of care to keep you or your loved one safe within reason. They also must prove the driver breached that duty by acting recklessly or failing to act when necessary. Your attorney must also prove that you or a loved one suffered serious or fatal injuries due to the driver’s breach of duty and that your injury or loss resulted in substantial damages.

Negotiate for a Fair Settlement

Attorneys typically prefer to settle CMV accident cases out of court when possible to avoid lengthy and complex court proceedings. They know the tactics that insurance companies can use to undervalue victims’ injuries or deflect the blame. They can handle all communication with the adjusters on your behalf to help you achieve the financial recovery you deserve. However, if they cannot come to an agreement on a fair settlement, a lawyer can decide to go to court to fight for your case at trial.

Financial Awards in CMV Accident Cases

The types and amounts of awards you may receive in your CMV accident case vary, depending on your specific circumstances. They may include recovery for:

  • Medical bills
  • Lost wages
  • Loss of earning capacity
  • Pain and suffering
  • Funeral and burial expenses

A commercial vehicle accident lawyer serving Leander, TX, can assess your damages and seek adequate financial awards for you.

Contact D. Miller & Associates, PLLC™, Today to Get Started on Your Case

Commercial motor vehicle accidents often have devastating effects, especially on occupants of smaller vehicles. If you or someone you love has suffered a severe or fatal injury due to the negligence of a CMV driver, the lawyers at D. Miller & Associates, PLLC™, can help you hold them responsible for the harm they caused. Contact our legal team today at (713) 850-8600 about your case evaluation.