An accident involving a commercial vehicle can cause devastating, even life-altering injuries and leave you facing a mountain of questions you never expected to deal with. These collisions often involve larger vehicles, higher speeds, and more severe damage than in a typical passenger car crash. Between the medical bills, the lost income, and the stress of trying to recover, it is easy to feel like the situation is out of your control.
Our attorneys at Sharma Injury Law are here to help you understand your rights and take the next step with confidence. Call us at 281-893-8644 to schedule a consultation, or connect with us online to speak with a Houston commercial vehicle accident lawyer.
Why Choose Sharma Injury Law to Represent You?
Commercial vehicle cases are not like standard car accident claims. They involve federal safety regulations, corporate defendants, and insurance carriers with significant resources devoted to minimizing what they pay out. You need a team that knows how to go up against such parties and has done it before.
At Sharma Injury Law, we have spent more than 30 years building a practice rooted in one principle: that injured people deserve the same level of preparation and commitment that corporate defendants bring to the table. Every client at our firm works directly with an attorney, not a case manager or support staff, from the first call through the final resolution. We assist commercial vehicle accident clients by:
- Investigating every angle of the crash
- Preserving key evidence before it disappears
- Identifying all responsible parties, including corporate defendants
- Managing all communications with insurance adjusters
- Pursuing full compensation through negotiation or trial when necessary
We do not move faster than the case requires. Our goal is for every client to feel informed and confident throughout the process, never rushed or left in the dark. These values were established by founder Bash Sharma, who continues to practice alongside his daughters as they build on the firm’s legacy together.
What Constitutes a Commercial Vehicle Accident?
A commercial vehicle accident occurs when a vehicle used for business purposes is involved in a collision that causes property damage or bodily injury. Violations of the federal and state safety standards that govern these vehicles, including those required under Texas Transportation Code Chapter 644, can serve as direct evidence of negligence in a crash claim.
Types of Commercial Vehicles
Commercial vehicles share Houston roads with everyday drivers and can range from massive 18-wheelers to standard company cars. Any vehicle operated for business purposes can qualify. Common types include:
- 18-wheelers and tractor-trailers
- Delivery trucks and vans
- Box trucks
- Tanker trucks
- Buses and shuttles
- Company cars
- Tow trucks
- Garbage and waste collection trucks
- Construction vehicles
- Rideshare and taxi vehicles
- City and school buses
Accidents involving these vehicles tend to cause more serious injuries due to the size and weight difference between commercial and passenger vehicles.
Common Causes of Commercial Vehicle Accidents
Most commercial vehicle crashes are preventable. Human error, poor maintenance, and pressure to meet tight deadlines all contribute to collisions on Houston highways. Frequent causes include the following:
- Driver fatigue and hours-of-service (HOS) violations
- Distracted driving
- Speeding or aggressive driving
- Improper loading or unsecured cargo
- Mechanical failure or poor vehicle maintenance
- Driving under the influence
- Inadequate driver training
Many of these accidents occur along high-traffic highways like I-10 and I-45, where commercial trucks share the road with commuters during peak hours. Holding the right parties accountable starts with determining exactly what went wrong and why.
Who Can Be Held Liable in a Commercial Crash?
Commercial vehicle accidents often involve multiple parties who may share responsibility. Unlike a standard car accident, liability can extend well beyond the driver behind the wheel. Potentially liable parties are as follows:
- The commercial driver
- The trucking or transportation company
- The vehicle owner (if different from the operator)
- Cargo loading companies
- Vehicle maintenance providers
- Parts manufacturers (in defective equipment cases)
Claims filed in Harris County courts may involve corporate defendants with large legal teams and significant insurance coverage. Identifying every party that played a role in the crash strengthens the foundation of your claim and maximizes your recovery.
What Damages Are Available After a Commercial Vehicle Accident in Houston?
Texas law allows you to seek compensation for the full range of damages caused by a commercial vehicle accident. Damages fall into economic and non-economic categories, and recoverable damages may include:
- Past and future medical expenses
- Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Psychological trauma
- Emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Property damage
- Rental car expenses
- Household service costs
- Loss of consortium and companionship
- Home and vehicle modifications
- Disability and disfigurement
Not all injuries carry the same value. Catastrophic injuries such as spinal cord damage, traumatic brain injuries, or amputations typically result in higher compensation because they require extensive long-term care, multiple surgeries, and permanent lifestyle changes. The more your injury affects your ability to work and live independently, the greater its impact on the overall value of your claim.
What Options Does My Family Have if a Loved One Dies in a Commercial Vehicle Crash?
When a commercial vehicle accident results in a fatality, surviving family members may have the right to file a wrongful death claim. Under Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code § 71.002, a wrongful death action can be brought when another party’s wrongful act, neglect, carelessness, unskillfulness, or default caused a person’s death. Eligible family members may seek compensation for the following damages:
- Loss of financial support and earning capacity
- Loss of companionship and consortium
- Mental anguish and emotional suffering
- Funeral and burial expenses
- Medical costs incurred before the death
No amount of money can ever replace a loved one. However, a wrongful death claim can help provide financial stability and hold the responsible parties accountable for their actions.
FAQ: Answers for Commercial Vehicle Accident Victims
Is There a Deadline for Filing a Commercial Vehicle Accident Lawsuit in Texas?
Yes. Under Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code § 16.003, you have two years from the date of your collision to file a lawsuit in most cases. Missing that deadline typically means losing the right to pursue compensation entirely, which is why speaking with an attorney early can make a real difference.
Why Do Insurance Companies Try to Blame Me After a Commercial Vehicle Accident?
Insurers might do this because shared blame directly reduces what they have to pay. Texas follows a modified comparative fault rule, meaning your compensation is reduced by whatever percentage of fault is assigned to you.
If an insurer can shift enough blame your way (more than 50 percent), your recovery is barred entirely. Even pushing you to 20 percent or 30 percent fault saves them significant money. This is why recorded statements, early settlement offers, and quick phone calls from adjusters after a crash are rarely in your interest. The right attorney can challenge any unfair accusations of blame.
Have You Been Injured? Speak to Our Commercial Vehicle Accident Lawyers Today
Time is working against you after a commercial vehicle collision. Records can be lost, black box data can be overwritten, and the statute of limitations does not pause while you weigh your options. Our attorneys at Sharma Injury Law are ready to help you understand what your claim may be worth and take action before it is too late. Call us at 281-893-8644 to schedule your consultation with a trusted Houston commercial vehicle accident lawyer, or reach out to us online today.