What Qualifies as a Commercial Vehicle Accident?

The average commercial vehicle accident results in thousands of dollars in damages, severe or life-threatening injuries, and immeasurable pain and suffering. Because commercial vehicles weigh, on average, twice as much as an average personal vehicle, the impacts of these collisions are most often felt by the drivers and passengers of personal vehicles.

If you or a loved one have suffered a collision with an 18-wheeler, passenger bus, cargo van, or other commercial vehicle in San Antonio Tx, you have likely already suffered great losses.

I think I qualify to file a lawsuit, but what qualifies as a commercial vehicle accident exactly?

If you are asking this question or are unsure of your options, contact a qualified commercial vehicle injury attorney to explore your eligibility and right to fair compensation. By reviewing your claim and representing your best interests in settlement negotiations, an experienced personal injury attorney can help you see justice after a San Antonio commercial vehicle accident.

Definition of Commercial Vehicle Accident in San Antonio Tx

Essentially, a commercial vehicle accident is an accident involving at least one vehicle used for the transport of commerce or conducting business. However, what is considered a “commercial vehicle” varies by date.

According to the Texas Department of Transportation, a “commercial vehicle” meets the following qualifications:

• A self-propelled or towed vehicle
• Vehicle weighing under 48,000 pounds
• Used on a public highway to transport passengers or cargo

Every year, thousands of Texans are injured in commercial vehicle accidents. The most common examples of commercial vehicle accidents are 18-wheeler collisions, but accidents involving buses, delivery trucks, taxis, and cargo vans are also common on San Antonio roads. If you are unsure whether the vehicle that caused your accident is classified as a personal or commercial vehicle, contact a personal injury lawyer.

Who Is Liable for Commercial Vehicle Accidents in San Antonio Tx?

Commercial drivers have the responsibility to conduct their business safely and abide by all state and national regulations. If a driver or their employer are found to be in violation of these laws, they can be held financially responsible for the consequence of their negligence.

Each commercial vehicle accident lawsuit is different, but the one thing they all have in common are negligent commercial drivers or employers.

Examples of liable parties in commercial vehicle accident lawsuits include:

• An 18-wheeler driver who failed to take the required eight-hour rest break and nodded off at the wheel
• A taxi driver who was speeding on the highway and collided with another driver when changing lanes
• The driver of a cargo van starting his shift while drunk or otherwise impaired
• An employer of commercial drivers who did not properly train their drivers or upkeep their commercial vehicles

If you are unsure of who should be held liable for your accident, your personal injury lawyer can investigate the details of your claim. Establishing liability is one of the first and most important tasks of a commercial vehicle injury attorney.

Call the San Antonio Car Accident Attorneys at Carabin Shaw

If you or a loved one have been injured in a commercial vehicle collision in San Antonio, there is help available. The team of car accident injury lawyers at Carabin Shaw have helped thousands of car accident victims and their families see the justice they deserve. With our passion, dedication, and “client-first” approach, we are confident we can help you and your family win fair compensation for your losses after a commercial vehicle accident.

If you would like to schedule your no-cost, no-obligation initial consultation with the commercial vehicle injury lawyers at Carabin Shaw, call our office toll-free today at 800-862-1260 to speak with our 24/7 English and Spanish-speaking staff.

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