What To Know About Commercial Vehicle Accidents In Texas

Reynolds and Reynolds Law Firm
18-wheeler on the highwayAccording to the Texas Department of Transportation, just in 2024, there were a total of 39,393 Commercial Motor Vehicle(CMV) involved crashes, and 608 of those crashes resulted in fatalities. When these big commercial vehicles collide with smaller vehicles, the results can be catastrophic. Unfortunately, Texas sees more commercial vehicle crashes than almost any other state.

The Alarming Reality of CMV Crashes in Texas

Unlike standard car accidents, crashes involving CMVs often cause more severe damage due to the size and weight of the trucks involved. Victims are frequently left with life-altering injuries, skyrocketing medical bills, and emotional trauma.

What Causes These Accidents?

Several factors contribute to the high number of commercial vehicle accidents in Texas. Some of the most common causes include:

  • Driver fatigue – Long hours on the road can wear down even the most experienced drivers.
  • Distracted driving – Texting, eating, or adjusting a GPS can lead to deadly consequences.
  • Speeding – Many commercial drivers are under tight deadlines, which can encourage reckless driving.
  • Poor vehicle maintenance – Brake failures and tire blowouts are more likely when trucks aren’t properly maintained.
  • Improper loading – An unbalanced or unsecured load can shift during transport and cause a rollover or jackknife crash.

When negligence plays a role, injured victims have the right to pursue compensation.

Who Can Be Held Responsible?

In a commercial motor vehicle crash, responsibility may not rest solely with the driver. Depending on the circumstances, liability could fall on:

  • The trucking company, for improper training or maintenance
  • The vehicle manufacturer, if a defective part caused the accident
  • A third-party loading company, if cargo was improperly secured
  • The driver, if they acted recklessly or violated federal driving regulations

Because multiple parties could be involved, these cases are often complex. That’s why it’s crucial to work with a personal injury attorney who understands commercial vehicle laws in Texas.

Your Rights After a Crash

After a CMV crash, the clock starts ticking. Texas law gives injured individuals a limited time to file a personal injury claim. Waiting too long could mean forfeiting your right to compensation.

If you’ve been injured, it’s important to:

  1. Seek medical attention immediately
  2. Document everything, including photographs, medical records, and witness contact information
  3. Avoid speaking to insurance companies before consulting a lawyer
  4. Call an experienced personal injury attorney who will fight for your rights

Why Legal Representation Matters

Commercial vehicle companies and their insurers often have legal teams ready to minimize payouts. Without the right representation, accident victims may be left with less than they deserve—or nothing at all.

A skilled personal injury attorney can level the playing field. They will investigate the crash, gather critical evidence, and aggressively pursue maximum compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more.

Don’t Let a CMV Crash Ruin Your Life

If you are involved in a commercial motor vehicle accident, contact the professionals at Reynolds & Reynolds. We can help you through the details of your accident, so contact our attorneys here or call (972) 684-5011 to speak with someone today. Follow us on Facebook for updates and legal tips, and contact Reynolds & Reynolds to discuss your case.