Houston Commercial Vehicle Accident Lawyers Who Mean Business
Fighting for Texans injured by company trucks, vans, and delivery vehicles
Commercial vehicles move through Houston every hour of the day, from delivery trucks along the Katy Freeway to company vans navigating Midtown. When these large, heavy vehicles collide with passenger cars, the results are often devastating. Truck accident victims face severe injuries, lost income, and months or years of recovery. What seems like a simple accident claim quickly becomes complicated when multiple parties are involved, the driver, the employer, the trucking company, and their insurers, all pointing fingers to avoid responsibility.
For more than 30 years, Smith & Hassler has fought for injured Texans and their families after serious commercial vehicle and truck accidents. We understand the toll these crashes take and know how to hold corporations accountable when negligence causes harm. Whether you were hit by a delivery truck, a company vehicle, or an 18-wheeler, you deserve full compensation for your medical care, lost wages, and future needs. With more than $1 billion recovered for accident victims, we make the process straightforward and fight to get you the justice you deserve.
Contact Smith & Hassler today for a free consultation. And remember: you pay no fee unless we win your case.
FAQs about Houston Commercial Vehicle Accidents
- What qualifies as a commercial vehicle in Texas accident claims?
- How are commercial vehicle accidents different from regular car crashes?
- Who can be held liable for a commercial vehicle accident in Houston?
- What types of commercial vehicles are most often involved in serious crashes?
- Why are commercial truck and delivery vehicle accidents so common in Houston?
- What evidence helps prove fault in a Texas commercial vehicle accident case?
- How can multiple parties share responsibility in a commercial truck crash?
- What should I do immediately after being hit by a commercial vehicle?
- What damages can I recover after a commercial vehicle or truck accident?
- How do insurance companies try to reduce payouts in commercial vehicle claims?
- Can I still file a claim if the commercial driver was on a delivery route or ‘off the clock’?
- What are the most common causes of fatal commercial vehicle accidents in Houston?
- How long do I have to file a commercial vehicle or truck accident lawsuit in Texas?
- Can a trucking or delivery company be held responsible for hiring unsafe drivers?
- Why should I hire a Houston truck accident lawyer after a commercial vehicle crash?
What qualifies as a commercial vehicle in Texas accident claims?
In Texas, a commercial vehicle is any vehicle used for business purposes, whether it’s an 18-wheeler hauling freight on I-10 or a delivery van running routes through Midtown Houston. This includes rideshare cars, construction trucks, oilfield haulers, and vehicles owned by companies for employee use. Because these vehicles operate under state and federal regulations, accident claims often involve both the driver and their employer. A Houston commercial vehicle accident lawyer can determine whether a vehicle meets this definition and identify all liable insurance policies available to you.
How are commercial vehicle accidents different from regular car crashes?
Commercial vehicle accidents often involve more complex investigations, higher insurance limits, and multiple liable parties. These vehicles are operated for business purposes, which means both the driver and their employer can be held accountable. Understanding these distinctions is key to building a strong case for compensation.
Key differences include:
- Multiple layers of liability: Trucking companies, maintenance contractors, and insurers may all share fault.
- Stricter federal and state regulations: Commercial drivers must follow safety laws enforced by the FMCSA and TxDOT.
- More severe injuries and damages: Large vehicles cause catastrophic harm, requiring higher compensation claims.
- Aggressive insurance defense: Corporations often have legal teams working immediately after the crash.
Because of the legal and financial complexity, hiring an experienced Houston commercial vehicle accident lawyer ensures you don’t face these challenges alone.
Who can be held liable for a commercial vehicle accident in Houston?
Determining liability in a commercial vehicle accident requires investigating all parties involved in the operation, ownership, and maintenance of the vehicle. More than one entity is often responsible for what happened.
Common liable parties include:
- The driver: For negligence such as speeding, distraction, or fatigue.
- The employer or trucking company: For unsafe policies, poor training, or pressuring drivers to meet tight schedules.
- Vehicle or parts manufacturers: For brake or tire defects that contribute to the crash.
- Maintenance providers: For failing to properly inspect or repair the vehicle.
- Cargo loaders or shippers: For unbalanced or unsecured loads that cause rollovers.
An attorney can identify all liable parties and pursue each for their share of responsibility, which often increases the total recovery available to victims.
What types of commercial vehicles are most often involved in serious crashes?
Houston’s busy roads see a wide range of commercial vehicles, many of which are large, heavy, and difficult to maneuver. These vehicles can cause catastrophic injuries in even low-speed collisions.
Common commercial vehicles involved in accidents include:
- Delivery trucks and vans: Frequently involved in crashes along routes like I-10 and FM 1960.
- 18-wheelers and tractor-trailers: Heavy cargo and long stopping distances lead to devastating results.
- Rideshare and company cars: Used by employees for business travel throughout Houston’s urban corridors.
- Construction and utility trucks: Common around roadwork sites and fast-growing suburbs like Katy or The Woodlands.
- Box trucks and moving vehicles: Often involved in side-impact or rear-end crashes on congested roads.
Knowing what type of vehicle was involved helps your lawyer determine which regulations apply and who bears responsibility for the crash.
Why are commercial truck and delivery vehicle accidents so common in Houston?
Houston’s combination of heavy freight traffic, congested highways, and nonstop construction makes it one of the most dangerous metro areas for commercial vehicle crashes. Routes like I-45, Beltway 8, and U.S. 59 see constant truck traffic connecting the Port of Houston, refineries, and distribution centers. Many accidents occur because of driver fatigue, tight delivery schedules, or distracted driving in high-traffic areas. A lawyer familiar with Houston’s busiest corridors can use local crash data and regulatory records to prove negligence and secure full compensation.
What evidence helps prove fault in a Texas commercial vehicle accident case?
Strong evidence is necessary when going up against powerful trucking companies and insurers. Much of it must be preserved quickly before it disappears or gets altered.
Important evidence includes:
- Driver logs and electronic data: Reveal hours of service, speed, and rest compliance.
- Vehicle maintenance records: Show whether the company ignored repairs or inspection requirements.
- Dashcam or surveillance footage: Captures the moment of impact or reckless driving behavior.
- Black box (ECM) data: Provides technical information about braking, speed, and steering prior to the crash.
- Witness statements and accident reports: Support your version of events and help establish liability.
A Houston truck accident lawyer can issue preservation letters and subpoenas to secure this evidence before companies destroy or hide it.
How can multiple parties share responsibility in a commercial truck crash?
Commercial truck crashes often involve several entities beyond the driver. The trucking company, cargo loaders, maintenance contractors, or even vehicle manufacturers can all share fault for what happened. For example, a logistics company might overload a trailer while the driver speeds to meet a deadline, causing a rollover on the Katy Freeway. Texas law allows multiple parties to share liability, which can increase available compensation. An attorney can sort through contracts, logs, and inspection records to assign fault accurately and hold every responsible party accountable.
What should I do immediately after being hit by a commercial vehicle?
The steps you take right after a crash can make or break your case. Your priority should always be safety and documentation.
Key steps include:
- Call 911 immediately: Report the accident to police and request medical assistance.
- Seek medical treatment: Even if injuries seem minor, they may worsen later.
- Document the scene: Take photos of vehicles, injuries, road conditions, and company logos.
- Get witness information: Neutral accounts are powerful in proving fault.
- Avoid speaking with insurers: Anything you say could be used to minimize your claim.
Having a lawyer handle communication and investigation early helps ensure your rights are protected from day one.
What damages can I recover after a commercial vehicle or truck accident?
Commercial vehicle crashes often cause catastrophic injuries that lead to overwhelming financial losses. Victims deserve full compensation for both economic and non-economic damages.
Recoverable damages may include:
- Medical expenses: Hospitalization, surgery, rehabilitation, and long-term care.
- Lost income: Paychecks missed during recovery or reduced earning potential.
- Pain and suffering: Compensation for physical pain and emotional trauma.
- Property damage: Costs to repair or replace your vehicle.
- Loss of consortium: Impact on relationships and family life.
- Punitive damages: In cases of gross negligence or reckless corporate conduct.
An experienced attorney can calculate the full value of your claim and prevent insurers from offering unfair settlements.
How do insurance companies try to reduce payouts in commercial vehicle claims?
Commercial insurers are skilled at limiting what victims receive. They often act quickly after a crash to shift blame or devalue injuries.
Common tactics include:
- Blaming the victim: Arguing you were speeding, distracted, or didn’t yield.
- Delaying the process: Hoping you’ll accept a smaller settlement out of frustration.
- Requesting recorded statements: Using your words against you later.
- Questioning medical treatment: Claiming certain procedures weren’t necessary.
- Offering lowball settlements: Before the full cost of recovery is known.
A Houston truck accident lawyer can handle all communication with insurers, ensuring you don’t get pressured into a settlement that falls short of your needs.
Can I still file a claim if the commercial driver was on a delivery route or ‘off the clock’?
Yes. Even if a driver claims they were “off the clock,” their employer may still be liable if the crash occurred during work-related activities, such as making deliveries or returning company property. In Houston, this issue often arises in delivery and rideshare accidents, where drivers blur the line between personal and company use. Employers can be held responsible under the legal principle of respondeat superior, which means they’re accountable for actions performed within the scope of employment. A lawyer can investigate time logs, GPS data, and delivery schedules to prove the driver was still working when the crash occurred.
What are the most common causes of fatal commercial vehicle accidents in Houston?
Fatal commercial vehicle crashes in Houston are often the result of negligence, unsafe driving, or corporate shortcuts. These collisions frequently occur on high-speed routes and in heavy traffic.
Common causes include:
- Driver fatigue: Long hours behind the wheel without adequate rest.
- Distracted driving: Phone use, dispatch communication, or GPS adjustments.
- Improper loading: Shifting cargo that destabilizes the vehicle.
- Speeding and aggressive driving: Common on I-45, U.S. 59, and Beltway 8.
- Mechanical failure: Poorly maintained brakes or tires.
When negligence leads to tragedy, families have the right to pursue wrongful death claims for justice and financial security. A lawyer can take on the investigation while you focus on healing.
How long do I have to file a commercial vehicle or truck accident lawsuit in Texas?
In most cases, Texas gives victims two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. However, cases involving government-owned vehicles or public contractors may have much shorter notice requirements, sometimes just a few months. On high-traffic routes like U.S. 290 or I-610, key evidence such as surveillance video or dashcam footage can disappear within days, making early legal action critical. A Houston truck accident attorney can ensure your claim is filed on time and that no vital evidence is lost.
Can a trucking or delivery company be held responsible for hiring unsafe drivers?
Yes. Texas law allows victims to hold companies accountable for negligent hiring, training, or supervision if they put unsafe drivers behind the wheel. Many Houston trucking companies operate under pressure to meet delivery deadlines, sometimes overlooking red flags such as prior DUI arrests, poor driving records, or lack of certification. If a company failed to conduct background checks or ignored safety regulations, they can be found liable for the resulting crash. A lawyer can access driver qualification files, safety audits, and employment records to prove corporate negligence and strengthen your case.
Why should I hire a Houston truck accident lawyer after a commercial vehicle crash?
Commercial vehicle accidents involve powerful corporations, multiple insurance policies, and strict deadlines. Without experienced legal representation, it’s easy for victims to be overwhelmed or underpaid.
A Houston truck accident lawyer can:
- Investigate thoroughly: Collect records, witness accounts, and evidence before it disappears.
- Handle insurers directly: Protect you from tactics designed to devalue your claim.
- Maximize compensation: Ensure medical, financial, and emotional losses are fully covered.
- Prepare for trial: If insurers refuse to pay fairly, a skilled firm can take your case to court.
Having a trusted law firm like Smith & Hassler on your side ensures you have the resources and experience to hold negligent companies accountable and get the recovery you deserve.
Tell them you mean business
When a commercial vehicle accident turns your life upside down, you need a law firm that knows how to win and won’t back down until justice is served. Our Houston commercial vehicle accident attorneys at Smith & Hassler have recovered millions for injured Texans by holding trucking companies, insurers, and corporations accountable.
We deliver results because we’re passionate, professional, and prepared to win. If you were hurt or lost a loved one in a crash involving a commercial vehicle, contact Smith & Hassler for a free consultation. You pay nothing unless we win, and we don’t stop until you get every dollar you deserve. Contact us today.