Commercial Vehicle Accident Attorneys in Big Spring

Big Spring and the surrounding Permian Basin are home to a high concentration of commercial vehicles, driven by the region's vast industrial and oil and gas activity. Every day, drivers encounter oilfield trucks, hotshots, water haulers, sand haulers, refinery contractors, and oversized loads navigating highways, service roads, and rural routes. These vehicles are larger, heavier, and often traveling at higher speeds with substantial cargo, which makes accidents more severe and complex than typical passenger vehicle collisions. Victims of commercial vehicle accidents in Big Spring face not only serious injuries and property damage but also complicated legal issues that require experienced guidance. At Anderson Alexander (A2X), we fight tirelessly for workers, families, and drivers impacted by commercial vehicle accidents, helping them navigate the complexities of liability, insurance, and compensation. 

What Is a Commercial Vehicle and How Is It Different? 

A commercial vehicle is any vehicle used for business purposes, typically to transport goods or passengers for profit. These vehicles differ from regular passenger cars in size, weight, design, and regulations. In Big Spring, drivers encounter commercial vehicles on major highways, industrial access roads, and routes connecting oilfield sites, supply depots, and refineries. Examples include semi-trucks, 18-wheelers, tanker trucks, flatbeds, dump trucks, delivery vans, and company-owned pickups used for industrial work. Oversized loads, heavy equipment haulers, and specialized oilfield trucks present unique risks due to their weight, length, and maneuverability. Understanding the difference between commercial and passenger vehicles is crucial because accident laws, liability rules, and regulatory compliance differ significantly, making legal guidance essential. 

Common Causes of Commercial Vehicle Accidents 

Accidents involving commercial vehicles often result from a combination of factors. Driver error is a leading cause and can include speeding, distracted driving, fatigue, failure to follow traffic laws, or impaired driving. Mechanical failures, such as brake or tire malfunctions, can also contribute to collisions, especially when vehicles carry heavy loads. Improper cargo securement and overloaded trucks increase the likelihood of rollovers, jackknifing, or load shifting, which can cause severe crashes. Additionally, non-compliance with federal and state trucking regulations, including FMCSA rules on hours of service, maintenance inspections, and safety protocols, can indicate negligence and significantly affect liability. In Big Spring, where traffic includes a mix of passenger vehicles and industrial trucks, even minor errors can result in catastrophic consequences.

Common Injuries in Commercial Vehicle Accidents 

Accidents involving commercial trucks or oilfield vehicles often result in severe and life-altering injuries due to the size and weight of these vehicles. Victims commonly experience traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, paralysis, broken bones, and internal organ damage. Soft tissue injuries, whiplash, and chronic pain are also frequent, alongside emotional and psychological trauma from the accident. The severity and complexity of these injuries often require long-term medical care, rehabilitation, and ongoing support, which can significantly impact your finances and quality of life. At A2X, we carefully document all injuries and their effects on your life to ensure that your compensation accounts for both immediate and long-term medical needs, lost wages, and overall pain and suffering. 

Who Can Be Held Liable 

Liability in commercial vehicle accidents can be complex because multiple parties may share responsibility. The driver can be held liable for negligent operation, including speeding, distracted driving, or failing to maintain control. The trucking or industrial company may bear responsibility under vicarious liability if the driver was acting within the scope of employment, or directly if they failed to properly hire, train, or supervise the driver, or neglected vehicle maintenance. Vehicle manufacturers and maintenance providers may also be liable if mechanical defects or improper repairs contributed to the accident. Even cargo loaders or shippers can share responsibility when improper loading leads to instability or accidents. Determining who is liable requires a thorough investigation of the accident, including regulatory compliance records, driver logs, maintenance reports, and other evidence. At A2X, we specialize in uncovering these details, gathering critical evidence such as accident scene photos, dashcam footage, witness statements, and police reports, and working with experts to build a strong case for our clients. 

The Role of Insurance Companies 

After a commercial vehicle accident, insurance companies play a central role in determining compensation, but their interests often conflict with yours. Commercial vehicles are usually insured under multiple policies, including the driver’s personal insurance, the company’s liability coverage, and, in some cases, additional umbrella policies. Insurance adjusters may contact you soon after the accident, attempting to gather statements or minimize the payout. This can be confusing and even risky if done without legal guidance. At A2X, we handle all communication with insurers, ensuring your rights are protected and that you are not pressured into accepting a settlement that fails to cover your medical bills, lost wages, or long-term damages. Early involvement of our team allows us to review policies, evaluate claims, and negotiate on your behalf to maximize recovery. 

What to Do After a Commercial Vehicle Accident 

If you are involved in a commercial vehicle accident, your safety and health should always come first. Seek medical attention immediately, even if injuries seem minor, as some trauma may not be apparent right away. Document the scene when possible by taking photos, gathering witness contact information, and recording details about the vehicle, cargo, and road conditions. Report the accident to the police and obtain a copy of the official report. While you may need to notify your insurance company, remember it is important to avoid giving recorded statements about fault before consulting with our team. Contacting A2X as soon as possible is critical, not only for guidance but also to ensure compliance with statutes of limitations, which set deadlines for filing claims. These deadlines can vary depending on the type of commercial vehicle involved, and missing them can jeopardize your right to compensation. Early involvement of our team allows us to preserve evidence, investigate liability, and protect your rights from the start. 

Compensation Available in Commercial Vehicle Accidents 

Victims of commercial vehicle accidents in Big Spring may be entitled to a wide range of compensation. This includes medical expenses for treatment, rehabilitation, and future care; lost wages and diminished earning capacity; pain and suffering; and property damage to vehicles or other personal property. In severe cases, compensation may also cover long-term care, home modifications, and emotional distress. At A2X, we work to maximize every client’s recovery by carefully documenting injuries, calculating present and future financial losses, and pursuing all responsible parties, including drivers, companies, manufacturers, and maintenance providers. Our team advocates relentlessly to ensure victims receive the full compensation their circumstances warrant. 

Serving Big Spring and the Surrounding Regions 

A2X proudly serves Big Spring, Howard County, and the surrounding areas of the Permian Basin, including Coahoma, Stanton, Colorado City, Midland, Odessa, and the Midland-Odessa industrial corridors. We are dedicated to helping victims of commercial vehicle accidents, whether they are oilfield workers, local drivers, or families affected by company truck crashes. If you have been injured in a commercial truck or company vehicle accident, contact A2X today to request a consultation. Acting promptly ensures we can assess liability, protect your rights, and take immediate steps to secure the compensation you need while focusing on your recovery.