Waco Commercial Vehicle Accident Attorney

When there is a collision between a commercial vehicle and a passenger vehicle, the impact is more devastating for the occupants of the passenger vehicle. Occupants of passenger vehicles represent 97% of deaths in collisions between commercial vehicles and passenger vehicles. Survivors of commercial vehicle accidents can suffer from catastrophic injuries that require long-term medical care. If you’ve suffered an injury or lost a loved one because of a commercial car accident, insurance may not cover all of the losses you suffer. A Waco car accident attorney at Craft Law Firm can help you navigate your legal options so that you can focus on your recovery.

We take a limited number of cases and that allows our team of lawyers to be selective and pay detailed attention to each case.
We prepare each case for trial and are always courtroom-ready.
We have a reputation for excellence and experience and have been recognized with the distinct honor of being a U.S. News and World Report Tier One Best Law Firm for the past four years.

Our goal is to welcome each client as part of our Craft Law Firm family both during and after their cases and help them navigate what has become the new normal in their lives.

Have you been in a commercial vehicle accident? Call 254-212-4107 today for a free and confidential case evaluation. When you call, you’ll be speaking with one of our experienced Waco injury attorneys, not a paralegal or intake specialist.

What is a Commercial Vehicle?

A commercial is any type of vehicle used for commercial purposes such as the transportation of goods, wares, and merchandise. Commercial vehicles include pickup trucks, cargo vans, limousines, station wagons, box trucks, food trucks, and large trucks. The use of the vehicle will determine whether it is classified as a vehicle or not. What differentiates a commercial vehicle from a private vehicle is not the size, but the general purpose for which the vehicle is used.

Commercial vehicles are required to have commercial insurance policies. In some states, auto insurance policies include personal injury protections (PIP). Each state has its own rules and regulations concerning commercial vehicles, and the types of damages that can be recovered from them in an accident. A Waco commercial vehicle accident attorney can help you navigate the laws in your state and advise you on your particular circumstances.

Who is Liable After a Commercial Vehicle Accident in Waco?

Determining liability after a commercial vehicle accident in Texas involves examining various factors to establish which parties are responsible for causing the incident. Liability may fall on one or more of the following parties:

Commercial Driver

If the commercial vehicle driver’s negligence, such as speeding, distracted driving, or violating traffic laws, directly contributed to the accident, the driver may be held liable.

Employer or Company

Employers are often held vicariously liable for the actions of their employees while performing work duties. If the commercial driver was on the job at the time of the accident, the employer or the company that owns the commercial vehicle may be held responsible.

Vehicle Owner

In cases where the commercial vehicle is owned by an entity other than the employer, such as a leasing company or an individual, that owner may bear liability if their negligence or improper maintenance contributed to the accident.

Vehicle Maintenance Provider

If the accident resulted from a mechanical failure or lack of proper maintenance, the entity responsible for maintaining the commercial vehicle may be liable. This could include maintenance companies, repair shops, or even manufacturers if a defective part was involved.

Cargo Loading Companies

Improperly loaded or secured cargo can contribute to accidents. If a separate company is responsible for loading or securing the cargo and their negligence is a factor, they may be held responsible.

Third-Party Negligence

Liability may also extend to third parties, such as contractors or subcontractors, if their actions contributed to the accident. For example, if road construction or maintenance was not performed correctly, leading to unsafe conditions, the responsible party may be liable.

Government Entities

In some cases, if the accident was caused by hazardous road conditions, poor signage, or other issues related to road maintenance, a government entity may be liable.

Manufacturer or Distributor

If a defect in the commercial vehicle or its components played a role in the accident, the manufacturer or distributor may be held accountable under product liability laws.

Types of Compensation Available in a Commercial Vehicle Accident Claim

When you have been in an accident with a commercial vehicle, the insurance will cover some of your expenses including property damage and medical expenses. However, you may suffer more damages than the insurance company payout will cover and you may need to talk to a lawyer to explore all your options.

The state you are in will also determine how you get your compensation. If you are in a no-fault state, you will be dealing with your own insurance company to cover your losses.

While there may be no issues getting compensation for your economic damages, some states limit the circumstances under which a person can claim non-economic damages after a commercial vehicle accident. Some of the damages you can recover include:

Medical Expenses

Compensation for current and future medical costs related to the accident, including hospitalization, surgeries, doctor visits, medications, rehabilitation, and therapy.

Lost Wages

Reimbursement for any lost income and benefits while you recover, and future lost wages. If you cannot earn the same level of income as before the accident, you may be entitled to compensation for diminished earning capacity.

Property Damage

Compensation for your vehicle’s repairs or replacement, and any other personal items damaged in the accident (e.g., laptop, phone, clothing, etc.).

Pain And Suffering

Compensation for the physical and psychological pain and suffering you must endure, as well as any emotional distress (e.g., depression, anxiety, PTSD, etc.) or loss of quality of life caused by your injuries and the collision.

These non-economic damages are usually only considered for certain types of injuries like dismemberment, significant disfigurement, permanent loss of use of a body organ, function, or system, and death. In the case of the latter, our Waco wrongful death lawyers are here to help you through this difficult time.

Punitive Damages

Punitive damages may be available in cases where the defendant (at-fault party) exhibited an extremely reckless disregard for the safety of others. However, this type of compensation is rare and meant to punish the at-fault party and deter others from similar conduct.