Do I Need a Lawyer to File a Commercial Vehicle Claim? San Antonio TX Attorneys at Carabin Shaw

Motor vehicle accidents involving commercial vehicles in San Antonio may involve businesses as liable parties instead of individuals. They also involve commercial auto insurance and the legal resources belonging to those businesses, which might be substantial. Hiring a skilled personal injury lawyer in Texas is the best way to get fair compensation for your losses.

The San Antonio personal injury attorneys at Carabin Shaw know how to represent you in a commercial vehicle lawsuit. Our team will help gather evidence and build a strong case so you can receive adequate compensation to cover ALL your damages. Call our toll-free number at 800-862-1260 to schedule your free consultation. English- and Spanish-speaking staff are available 24/7 to speak with you.

The Texas Transportation Code defines a commercial vehicle as a motorized or towed vehicle that weighs more than 26,000 lbs. and transports passengers or goods on the highway. If transporting passengers, the vehicle must be able to transport more than 15 people, including the driver.

Despite the Transportation Code’s definition of commercial vehicles, commercial auto insurance will insure many types of vehicles that don’t meet the criteria. This includes:

• Trucks, pickups, and vans
• Passenger cars and SUVs
• Buses and limousines
• Special autos such as fire trucks

Almost any vehicle used for business can be classified as a commercial vehicle for insurance purposes. The Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code defines a commercial vehicle as one used for commercial purposes to transport property, deliver goods, or provide services. This expanded definition is the one you should consider when filing a commercial vehicle accident case in Texas.

You and your chosen San Antonio TX lawyer will file a claim against the vehicle owner’s commercial insurance policy in a commercial vehicle claim. You will then gather evidence to present to the insurance company to support your claim. Evidence that may help to increase your settlement offer includes:

• Medical records and bills
• Repair bills or estimates
• Photos of damage and injuries
• Witness statements
• Expert testimony
• CCTV or dashcam videos

You and your attorney will work with the insurance adjustor to quantify damages, and the insurance company will make a settlement offer. You can negotiate a higher settlement offer, and if an agreement cannot be reached, a lawsuit may be filed in civil court.

Companies are vicariously liable for their commercial drivers and the vehicles they operate. They may have additional liability for gross negligence in hiring practices or poor vehicle maintenance. A commercial vehicle accident lawyer in San Antonio TX will dig deep to find the actual cause of the accident, so you can hold the company liable for the hardship their negligence.

Claims against trucking companies are sometimes bifurcated into two steps. The first phase determines whether the driver is at fault, while the second phase determines the trucking company’s liability and punitive damages. Your San Antonio commercial vehicle accident attorney will help you determine the best way to present your case based on the type of vehicle involved in the crash.

Building a commercial vehicle case involves collecting evidence to prove fault and damages. A trusted attorney and legal team can help you to expedite your legal process and reach a successful settlement agreement.

You might wonder, “How much does a commercial vehicle accident lawyer cost?” Carabin Shaw offers our services on a contingency-fee-basis, so you don’t have to worry about upfront legal costs. We don’t get paid until you get your compensation, which eliminates the cost barriers to legal representation. We recommend that all potential clients read our client reviews.

For more information:

• Statutes Capitol Texas
• TDI Texas
• Statutes Capitol Texas