Lewisville Commercial Vehicle Accident Lawyer

Each year, motor vehicle accidents lead to millions of injuries and tens of thousands of fatalities across the United States, and those that involve commercial motor vehicles (CMVs) make up a significant portion of these collisions. According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), nearly 200,000 accidents involving a large truck or bus took place in the U.S. in 2019, and the collisions led to more than 5,000 fatalities and almost 100,000 injuries.

Each year, Texas has more CMV accidents than any other state; in 2019, large truck and bus collisions claimed the lives of over 700 victims and injured approximately 12,000 people.

As a central hub for the oil, agricultural, and manufacturing industries, CMVs play an essential role in the Texas economy. However, they also make travel more dangerous for others on the road, especially when their drivers do not exercise proper caution. If you have suffered injuries or lost a loved one in a CMV collision, a commercial vehicle accident lawyer serving Lewisville, TX can help you determine if you qualify for financial recovery. Contact D. Miller & Associates, PLLC™ today at (713) 850-8600 to discuss your case with our legal team.

CMV Accidents Often Cause More Severe Injuries to Passenger Car Occupants

Large trucks and buses have features designed to keep their occupants safe in the event of a collision, but those in other vehicles often suffer more serious injuries. For example, as the most regulated vehicles on the road, school buses make the trip to and from school much safer than riding in a lighter vehicle for the children. However, in a collision between a school bus and a car, the car driver and their passengers face a greater risk of injury.

Much of the risk to other vehicle occupants stems from the substantial size difference between CMVs and passenger vehicles. The FMCSA points out other contributing factors, which include:

• Trucks often weigh up to 30 times more than other vehicles on the road
• The large size and weight of buses make them more difficult to handle
• Trucks and buses take longer to accelerate uphill and less time to decelerate downhill
• Tall vehicles roll over more easily
• The draft created by large trucks can push vehicles into other lanes or pull them underneath their trailers in an accident
• Trucks and buses take much longer to come to a complete stop
• CMVs have larger blind spots
• CMVs must make wider turns

Driving a CMV in Texas requires a specialized license, and in becoming qualified to operate a large truck or bus, drivers accept the challenges and risks associated with their vehicles. If they fail to take the proper actions or act recklessly behind the wheel, serious consequences may occur.

CMV Accidents Usually Occur Due to Driver Error

The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) points out some of the most common driver errors that lead to accidents in Texas, which include:

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

If a negligent CMV driver caused the collision that led to your injuries or the loss of your loved one, a commercial vehicle accident lawyer serving Lewisville, TX can help. Call D. Miller & Associates, PLLC™ today at (713) 850-8600 to speak with us about your case.

Fighting Back Against Insurance Company Tactics

In Texas, the insurance company of the driver responsible for causing the accident must provide coverage for the victims’ damages. Unfortunately, particularly in complex cases involving serious injuries or fatalities, insurance adjusters hesitate to provide victims with adequate settlement amounts.

Insurance companies work for a profit, so the more they have to give you, even if you deserve it and need it to help you recover, the less they can put in their pockets. They can use unethical tactics, such as trying to pin the blame on you for the accident or undervaluing your injuries, to avoid providing you with sufficient coverage. In some cases, they may even offer you a low cash settlement before you have had a chance to assess your damages. Victims who accept these offers often find that, while the amount may seem like a lot at first, it does not cover their total losses.

You have a right to reject the adjuster’s offer. A lawyer can handle all communication with the insurance company and their legal team on your behalf.

Financial Recovery in CMV Accident Cases

If you or a loved one suffered serious injuries in a Lewisville CMV accident, you may qualify for financial recovery. The types of awards and amounts you may receive vary depending on the circumstances of your case, but they may include recovery for:

• Medical care, follow-up care, medical equipment, rehabilitation, medications, and other accident-related healthcare costs
• Lost wages for the time you had to take off work to receive medical treatment and recover from your loss or injury
• Loss of future income if you lost a loved one who financially supported you or your injury led you to develop a disability that impedes your capacity to work
• Pain and suffering for your physical, mental, and emotional distress

A commercial vehicle accident lawyer serving Lewisville, TX can help you evaluate your damages and seek fair financial recovery for you.

D. Miller & Associates, PLLC™ Can Help You Build Your Case

Large truck and bus accidents often have lasting effects not only on physical and emotional health but also on financial stability. You do not deserve the injuries or losses you suffered as a result of the CMV driver’s negligence in your accident case, and we can help you hold them accountable for your damages. Contact D. Miller & Associates, PLLC™ today at (713) 850-8600 to get started on your case.