A collision involving a commercial vehicle can create complicated questions about who is responsible and how an injured person can recover from the consequences. Commercial vehicles can include large trucks, delivery vehicles, company cars, work vans, and other vehicles being used for business purposes. When one of these vehicles causes a serious accident, the legal issues may extend beyond the individual driver.

At Anderson Alexander, also known as A2X, we represent individuals involved in serious personal injury and wrongful death cases throughout Texas, including the Weslaco area. Our experienced trial lawyers take a hands-on approach to complex cases and work to hold negligent parties accountable.

We understand that an injured person may be focused on medical treatment, lost income, and taking care of family responsibilities after a crash. Our role is to help investigate the accident, identify potentially responsible parties, and pursue the legal remedies available under the circumstances.

Commercial Vehicle Accidents Are Not All the Same

A commercial vehicle accident can happen in many different ways. A delivery driver may collide with another vehicle while making a route stop. A company employee may cause a crash while traveling between job sites. A commercial truck may strike a passenger vehicle on a busy roadway. The type of vehicle and circumstances surrounding its use can affect the legal analysis.

Potential commercial vehicle accidents may involve:

• Delivery trucks and vans
• Company-owned passenger vehicles
• Construction vehicles
• Commercial trucks
• Tractor-trailers
• Service vehicles
• Rideshare or business-use vehicles
• Other vehicles being operated for commercial purposes

We look beyond the label placed on the vehicle and focus on how the accident happened and who may bear legal responsibility.

Identifying the Responsible Parties

One of the most important differences between an ordinary car accident and some commercial vehicle cases is the number of parties that may potentially be involved.

The driver may be responsible for negligent conduct. However, depending on the facts, an employer, vehicle owner, maintenance provider, contractor, manufacturer, or another party may also have legal responsibility.

For example, questions may arise concerning whether a company properly trained or supervised its driver, whether a vehicle was adequately maintained, or whether the driver was performing work-related duties when the collision occurred.

We investigate these issues rather than automatically assuming that the individual driver is the only party responsible.

Investigating the Cause of the Crash

Commercial vehicle accident cases can depend heavily on evidence.

Our attorneys work to develop an understanding of what happened before, during, and after the collision. Depending on the circumstances, relevant evidence may include accident reports, photographs, witness statements, vehicle information, medical records, employment information, and other available documentation.

The investigation may also involve examining the circumstances under which the commercial vehicle was being operated.

Our goal is to establish a clear picture of the accident and determine whether negligence contributed to the injuries or losses our client experienced.

Driver Negligence Can Take Different Forms

A commercial driver has a responsibility to operate a vehicle safely. When a driver’s conduct falls below the required standard of care and causes an accident, the resulting injuries can be devastating.

Potential examples of negligent driving may include:

• Distracted driving
• Speeding
• Failing to yield
• Unsafe lane changes
• Following too closely
• Running traffic signals
• Fatigued driving
• Driving while impaired
• Other unsafe driving behavior

The specific facts matter. We do not assume that a particular behavior caused an accident without examining the available evidence.

Employer Responsibility May Become an Issue

When a commercial vehicle is being used for work, the employer may become an important part of the investigation.

Depending on the circumstances, questions may arise about hiring practices, driver qualifications, training, supervision, vehicle maintenance, or company policies.

An employer may have legitimate explanations for its conduct, and the presence of an employer does not automatically establish liability.

However, when a company played a role in creating or contributing to the circumstances that caused a crash, that relationship may need to be examined.

Preparing for Insurance Disputes

Insurance companies may become involved quickly after a commercial vehicle accident. An insurer may investigate the collision and seek information about liability and injuries.

An injured person may feel pressured to provide statements or evaluate a settlement before fully understanding the extent of their losses.

We can help clients navigate these communications and evaluate the legal issues surrounding their claims. Our goal is to ensure that important considerations are not overlooked simply because an insurance company wants to resolve the matter quickly.

Contact A2X Today

If you or a loved one has been seriously injured in a commercial vehicle accident in Weslaco, taking action can be an important step toward protecting your interests. The driver, employer, insurance company, and other parties may have competing interests, making it important to understand your options.

At Anderson Alexander, we provide assertive, hands-on representation to individuals facing serious personal injuries and wrongful death. We investigate the circumstances, examine potential sources of liability, and work to hold negligent parties accountable.

If you are dealing with medical expenses, lost income, permanent injuries, or other consequences after a commercial vehicle crash, contact A2X today. Reach out to our Weslaco commercial vehicle accident lawyers to discuss your circumstances and learn how our experienced trial attorneys can help you pursue justice.