If you have been injured or lost a loved one in a commercial vehicle accident, it is essential that you obtain competent legal representation. Choosing the right attorney to handle your commercial vehicle accident claim can make the difference in you and your family get the financial recovery you deserve.

Here are a few items you should consider when looking for a personal injury attorney to handle your case:

• Hire an attorney with significant trial experience
• Hire an attorney who has access to top expert witnesses
• Hire an attorney with the resources to take on large companies
• Hire an attorney who operates on a contingency-fee-basis

In the United States, a vehicle may be considered a commercial vehicle if:

• It is titled or registered to a company or a corporation.
• Is used for business, but is under the name of a sole proprietor for that business.
• Is a leased vehicle and in the name of the financial institution that owns it.
• Exceeds a certain weight or class, even if it is not used commercially or company-owned. Generally, any vehicle with a weight rating of 26,001 pounds or more is considered a commercial vehicle, regardless of use or ownership.
• Is used in the transportation of hazardous materials.

Note that a vehicle used for business may remain privately licensed depending on the amount of time it is used for business.

In the United States, “commercial vehicle” is a pretty broad term. Many times, when a layman thinks of a commercial vehicle, they think of a delivery truck or an 18-wheeler; however, in the United States, commercial vehicles can also include fleet vehicles, passenger transports, company cars, and other vehicles used for business.

Depending on the size of the commercial motor vehicle and the severity of the wreck, injuries can widely vary. For example, a crash involving an 80,000 lb. semi-truck and a passenger vehicle could result in catastrophic injuries or death. Common commercial vehicle accident injuries include:

• Spinal cord injuries
• Traumatic brain injuries
• Internal organ injuries
• Fractures and broken bones
• Soft tissue injuries (such as whiplash)
• Cuts and lacerations
• Psychological and mental injuries

As long as the truck driver is an employee of a commercial vehicle or trucking company, your lawsuit will seek damages from both the driver as well the company who employs the driver. Texas law is very clear on this, stating that commercial vehicle companies are responsible for the negligent actions of their employees.

In addition to being responsible for driver negligence, commercial vehicle companies are also responsible for ensuring:

• Their drivers have obtained and maintained proper licensing to operate a commercial vehicle
• Their drivers have not committed any disqualifying criminal offenses that would compromise their CDL
• Their drivers understand they are prohibited from using handheld devices while driving
• Their drivers are in compliance with hours of service regulations at all times
• Their vehicles are properly maintained and inspected regularly

Failure to adhere to these regulations or any others coded in Title 49 of the Code of Federal Regulations and the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Act (FMCSA) can result in a trucking company being held responsible for your injuries.

In some cases, your attorney may decide it is best for you to sue the trucking company only and not the driver.  This is because you are seeking compensation for your injuries and any other damages. While you may want to bring the driver to justice, limiting your lawsuit to the company might be the most financially viable action and the most likely to help you in your recovery.