San Antonio’s roadways are vital hubs for commercial traffic, with major highways like I-35 and I-10 connecting the city to the rest of Texas and beyond. This increased commercial activity means more delivery trucks, semi-trucks, and rideshare vehicles navigating the city streets. Unfortunately, this also leads to a higher risk of serious accidents involving these vehicles.
Defining A Commercial Vehicle
A commercial vehicle is any vehicle used for business purposes, including:
- Delivery trucks (e.g., FedEx, UPS, Amazon vans).
- Semi-trucks and 18-wheelers transporting goods.
- Rideshare vehicles (e.g., Uber and Lyft).
- Company-owned cars and vans.
- Construction vehicles like cement mixers or dump trucks.
Accidents involving these vehicles are often more complex than typical car accidents due to the involvement of employers, corporate insurance policies, and federal regulations.
Key Laws Governing Commercial Vehicle Accidents in San Antonio
Texas Fault-Based System
Texas operates under a fault-based insurance system. After a commercial vehicle accident, victims can seek compensation by:
- Filing a claim against the commercial driver’s insurance.
- Pursuing a claim against the employer’s corporate insurance policy, which often carries higher limits.
- Filing a personal injury lawsuit if insurance negotiations fail to result in a fair settlement.
Liability in Commercial Vehicle Accidents
In many cases, liability extends beyond the driver. Responsible parties may include:
- The Driver: If the driver was negligent, such as driving while distracted or speeding.
- The Employer: Companies can be held liable for accidents caused by employees under the legal doctrine of “respondeat superior.”
- Third Parties: If defective equipment or improperly loaded cargo contributed to the accident, liability may extend to manufacturers or cargo handlers.
Federal and State Regulations
Commercial vehicles are subject to stricter rules than private vehicles. Key regulations include:
- Hours-of-Service Rules: Drivers must adhere to federal limits on the number of hours they can drive to prevent fatigue.
- Vehicle Maintenance Standards: Companies must regularly inspect and maintain their vehicles to ensure safety.
- Cargo Securement Rules: Federal laws govern how cargo must be loaded and secured to prevent accidents.
Violations of these regulations can serve as critical evidence of negligence in your case.
Common Causes of Commercial Vehicle Accidents in San Antonio
- Driver Fatigue: Long shifts and tight delivery schedules often lead to driver exhaustion, impairing reaction times.
- Distracted Driving: Using dispatch systems, GPS devices, or phones while driving.
- Poor Maintenance: Faulty brakes, worn tires, or other mechanical issues due to neglected maintenance.
- Overloaded or Improperly Secured Cargo: Shifting loads can cause vehicles to lose balance, leading to accidents.
- Traffic Law Violations: Speeding, unsafe lane changes, and failure to yield are common contributing factors.
Compensation Available in Commercial Vehicle Accident Claims
If you’ve been injured in a commercial vehicle accident, you may be entitled to compensation for:
- Economic Damages:
- Medical expenses, including ongoing treatments.
- Lost wages and loss of earning capacity.
- Vehicle repair or replacement costs.
- Non-Economic Damages:
- Pain and suffering.
- Emotional distress.
- Loss of enjoyment of life.
- Punitive Damages:
- Awarded in cases of gross negligence, such as reckless driving or deliberate violations of safety regulations.
How to Prove Fault in a Commercial Vehicle Accident
Proving fault in a commercial vehicle accident requires thorough investigation and evidence collection. Key steps include:
- Collecting Evidence at the Scene:
- Take photos of the accident scene, vehicle damage, and road conditions.
- Gather contact information for witnesses and the commercial driver.
- Obtaining Records:
- Driver logs to check for hours-of-service violations.
- Black box data from the commercial vehicle, which records speed, braking, and other critical details.
- Maintenance records to identify neglected repairs.
- Consulting Experts:
- Accident reconstruction specialists can help establish the cause of the crash.
- Medical experts can testify about the severity of your injuries.
Why Hire a San Antonio Attorney for a Commercial Vehicle Accident?
Handling a commercial vehicle accident claim without legal representation can be overwhelming. Here’s how a local attorney can help:
- Investigating the Case: Attorneys gather evidence, review corporate policies, and analyze regulations to build a strong case.
- Dealing with Corporate Insurance: Commercial insurers often have aggressive legal teams. An attorney can negotiate on your behalf to secure fair compensation.
- Litigating When Necessary: If a fair settlement cannot be reached, an attorney can represent you in court.
A San Antonio-based attorney brings valuable knowledge of local laws, accident trends, and court procedures to your case.
Conclusion
Commercial vehicle accidents in San Antonio require a deeper understanding of both state and federal laws, as well as the complexities of corporate liability. If you’ve been injured in such an accident, it’s essential to act quickly to preserve evidence and protect your rights. Consult an experienced San Antonio attorney to guide you through the process and help you secure the compensation you deserve.
