Being involved in any vehicle accident can be anxiety-inducing on many levels. You may be injured—sometimes severely or catastrophically—and could be unable to return to work and make a living. If you are involved in a vehicle accident with a commercial driver, you may be even more anxious. After all, most commercial drivers have the full weight of a large corporation behind them. You may wonder how you will prove liability, and whether you will be able to secure a full settlement for your injuries. It is very normal to feel stressed and overwhelmed at a time like this.
Having a strong Fort Worth commercial vehicle accident lawyer from Noteboom—The Law Firm on your side can make a significant difference in the outcome of your accident. Our goal is not only to make you feel protected during this difficult time but to ensure that you are protected and that your rights and your future are being looked after by someone who truly cares. No matter how big the company behind your commercial vehicle accident is, our legal team will advocate zealously on your behalf.
We stress the need to retain a Fort Worth commercial vehicle accident lawyer who is experienced in handling such matters. Your choice of counsel can have an impact on the outcome of your case. This is why we suggest that you retain a lawyer who is board certified and who employs their own investigator. On this page, we will discuss a topic that arises more than one may think – the involvement of commercial vehicles (such as those used by delivery drivers) in such accidents. If you or a loved one need assistance, then contact counsel immediately.
You have many choices when searching for a Fort Worth commercial vehicle accident lawyer. At Noteboom—The Law Firm, we know this, but we also believe that once you speak to one of our highly experienced attorneys your choice will be clear. Our firm has been in business since 1982. This in itself should give you peace of mind, knowing that we have built a solid, exemplary reputation since we began. We are highly client-centric, resulting in satisfied clients who refer our firm to their friends, relatives, and co-workers. At Noteboom—The Law Firm, we have specific benefits over many other firms. Not only are we highly experienced, but we also have a full-time investigator on staff who will immediately begin investigating your accident.
Our attorneys will gather all the evidence associated with your accident, then begin comprehensively building a case on your behalf. We prepare every single case as though it were going to trial. What this means in practical terms is that we are never caught unaware and are always ready for anything unexpected that may arise. Our legal team settles more than 90 percent of our cases—an impressive track record that benefits you during this challenging time. We are so sure that you will not be disappointed in our dedication and commitment to your case that we tell prospective clients, “If you can find a better law firm, hire them.”
A commercial motor vehicle is one that operates for business or commercial purposes rather than for personal reasons. A commercial vehicle could carry products, or passengers and must meet certain weight requirements to be classified as a commercial vehicle. Large semi-trucks are considered commercial vehicles, but many smaller trucks and vans—or, in some cases, a pickup truck with a trailer—may be considered commercial vehicles, depending on weight. Under the FMCSA, a commercial vehicle falls under one or more of the following:
Drivers of commercial vehicles are required to adhere to specific commercial driving laws. Some vans, as well as buses, qualify as commercial vehicles. Your child’s school bus is considered a commercial vehicle as is the church van that can seat more than 15 passengers. Some tow trucks are classified as commercial vehicles, as well as most delivery trucks, cement trucks, flatbed trucks, vehicles that transport passengers for money, and garbage trucks. If a vehicle is considered a commercial vehicle, then the driver of that vehicle must possess a commercial driver’s license, or CDL.
To obtain a CDL license, the driver must pass a driving skills test as well as a written knowledge test. The license may designate intrastate vs. interstate and likely comes with hours-of-service regulations. Some CDL licenses require endorsements for certain vehicles, and most require a medical certification as well. In the state of Texas, emergency vehicles, fire trucks, farm vehicles, military vehicles, and recreational vehicles driven only for personal use do not require a CDL license.
Some of the most common causes of commercial vehicle accidents include the following:
Adverse weather conditions or poor road maintenance or design may also have caused or at least contributed to the accident.
In most cases, even if the driver caused or contributed to the accident, the commercial company is likely to be held responsible. Considering the range of liable parties above, one or more of these may be held liable for your damages. It is essential that you have a highly experienced Fort Worth commercial vehicle accident lawyer representing you since most commercial accidents have a large company with many lawyers behind them. At Noteboom—The Law Firm, we will fight zealously for you and your future.
Employers in Fort Worth, and elsewhere in Texas, are generally liable for the acts of their employees. This liability extends to car accidents. If the driver of a delivery vehicle, or any other car or truck being driven in the course of business, causes an accident due to their negligence, then the employer will be responsible for that act as well. Furthermore, the victim may have additional causes of action against the employer. These possible causes of action stem from the employer’s duty to adequately train and supervise their employees and responsibility not to hire anyone who poses a danger to society.
The aforementioned concepts are best explained by way of example. Say a local restaurant hires a delivery driver but does not check the individual’s background. Now say that the driver has a long list of past driving infractions (such as speeding tickets). Also, suppose that the employer does not put procedures in place to ensure that the delivery driver is following proper safety precautions. If the driver violates traffic laws and causes an accident while in the scope of the restaurant’s employment, then the employer may be sued along with the driver. Under this scenario, the possible causes of action against the employer may include negligence (for the accident itself), negligent hiring, and negligent supervision. It is important to understand that the causes of action to be brought in any given matter, however, will depend on the specific facts of the case.
If you or a loved one have been hit by a commercial vehicle, then it is important that you retain a Fort Worth area car accident attorney who will fully investigate the matter. Such cases may involve multiple defendants. The failure to name a party can result in a victim not receiving the full amount of compensation to which they should be entitled. By retaining a lawyer who will leave no stone unturned, you improve your chances of maximizing your recovery.
The legal team at Noteboom—The Law Firm is dedicated to providing the highest level of service to each and every client, taking pride in our knowledge and experience. We will help you navigate through the aftermath of your Fort Worth commercial vehicle accident in the best way possible. We have vast resources that allow us to handle complex disputes and we will use these resources to your advantage. It can be overwhelming to find the right personal injury attorney when you are physically injured and perhaps unable to work. Our legal team will communicate with you consistently throughout the process, always ensuring you are protected. Contact Noteboom—The Law Firm today.