Houston Company Vehicle
Accident Lawyers

Name: Definately Recommend
Item: Thomas J. Henry Law
Rating: 5
Author: Jose H.

Company Vehicle Accident Attorneys Serving Injured Clients in
Houston and Surrounding Communities

713-581-8623 · info@tjhlaw.com 4265 San Felipe #1200 Houston, TX 77027

Company vehicle drivers travel as much as 25,000 miles or more each year, putting themselves at much greater crash risks when on the roadways. When you are sharing the roads with them, though, you are also at risk for collisions with these vehicles. If you are injured in an accident where a company vehicle is involved, Houston company vehicle accident attorneys at Thomas J. Henry can assist you in getting the compensation that you deserve.

Company vehicle accidents must be handled differently than regular collisions, as multiple parties may be held accountable. The negligence of both employees and employers can result in devastating, and even fatal, accidents. Attorneys at Thomas J. Henry are experienced in handling cases that involved company vehicles and employees, and have the expertise necessary to help you win your case. We are available to you 24/7, nights and weekends to hear your claim.

Who is Responsible When a Company Vehicle Accident Occurs?

Employees are agents of the companies they work for when they are on the job, which is especially true when they are responsible for operating a company-owned vehicle while sharing the roadways with other drivers. Therefore, companies can be held accountable for their employees’ actions. Employees that are guilty of negligent driving practices can be responsible, while the company can be at fault for negligent supervision, negligent hiring practices, lack of proper licensing or certification, failure to properly train employees, failure to complete proper vehicle inspections, and more.

What Are Common Causes of Company Vehicle Accidents?

A commercial or company vehicle is any vehicle that is owned and operated by a company and used by employees or agents of that company to carry work equipment, haul goods, or transport passengers. They may also be used for work-related employee transportation. The following list has been cited by OSHA as the most common causes of commercial vehicle crashes:

Failure to use seat belt
Distracted driving
Alcohol & drug-impaired driving
Fatigued driving
Aggressive driving
Employing young drivers

Commercial Vehicle Accident Statistics

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has reported the following from 2016 commercial motor vehicle crashes:

At least 39% of large truck occupants killed in crashes were not wearing a seatbelt
Speed was a factor in 17% of truck crashes with at least one large truck occupant fatality
61% of fatal crashes involving a large truck occurred in rural areas
27% of fatal crashes in work zones involved a large truck
6% involved large truck driver distraction as a factor, of which 16% was related to cell phone use

Contact Thomas J. Henry Law to Speak with a Company Vehicle Injury Attorney in Houston

Have you been injured in a company vehicle accident? Our company vehicle injury lawyers in Houston are available 24/7, nights and weekends to evaluate your case. It is important to retain an attorney as soon as you can following a crash with a commercial vehicle. Our firm will take immediate action on your case and ensure that evidence pertaining to your case is protected.

Our Houston Personal Injury Law Offices

Phone number: (713) 581-8623 (attorneys available 24/7 to assist you)
Address: 777 Post Oak Blvd #800, Houston, Texas 77056 (walk-in Monday through Friday)

Contact Us for a Free Case Review

713-581-8623

info@tjhlaw.com

Contact Us for a Free Case Review

713-581-8623
info@tjhlaw.com

Your Questions Answered

We have straight answers to difficult questions
to help you make critical decisions, navigate
legal process and help you get justice.

Following an accident, there are always more questions
than answers. At Thomas J. Henry, we’re here to answer
any questions you have about your injury case.

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.

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.

Among the commercial vehicles that most occupy public roadways are:

Large trucks
Box trucks
Delivery trucks
Semi-trucks
Tractor-trailers
Travel trailers exceeding 10,000 pounds
Large vans (intended to carry more than 15 passengers)
Taxicabs
Coaches
Buses
Heavy equipment (backhoes, bulldozers, large farm equipment, etc.)

Commercial vehicle and truck accident cases can be complex because there are multiple parties that could be held liable for your injuries, including the vehicle’s driver, the company that owns or operates the commercial motor vehicle, or the vehicle’s manufacturer. Companies are generally responsible for the actions of their employees. Unqualified management of a commercial vehicle fleet could lead to unqualified drivers. Employers may be liable for:

Failure to properly train drivers
Failure to maintain vehicle
Negligent hiring practices
Failure to verify proper driver licensing or certification
Negligent supervision

Deciding who to sue (and where to sue) largely depends on the facts surrounding your case and how the accident was caused. An attorney with experience handling commercial vehicle accidents understands how to determine who the negligent party is. Thomas J. Henry has helped victims in commercial motor vehicle accidents stand up against large companies and corporations and get them the compensation they deserve. When up against a law firm with extensive legal and financial resources and a proven record of winning big cases, companies are more apt to offer an appropriate settlement amount.

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.

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

Why Choose Us

No Win, No Fee

Thomas J. Henry offers a "No Fee Promise." We work on a contingency fee basis which means you do not pay our firm any fees unless and until we win your case. Learn more.

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Help with Bills

If you've been hurt, you may have a damaged vehicle or be unable to work. We can help get you a rental car if your vehicle is damaged and even advance money on qualified cases.

Full-Service Injury Firm

We handle all types of injury cases, including vehicle accidents, slip and falls, medical malpractice, vehicle recalls, product recalls, pharmaceutical cases, mass tort, and more.

We Come to You

If you've been hurt, you may not be able to come into our offices to speak to an attorney. Don't worry, we will come to you wherever you are – at home, work, or hospital.

Why Choose Us - Over 250 Attorneys Available

Largest Injury Firm in Texas

We have 250+ personal injury attorneys available 24/7 to help you and your family. We have the power and resources to handle any case. Call now for your free case review.

Nationally Recognized

Our firm wins top verdict awards each year and has been featured in Texas Monthly, Bloomberg BusinessWeek, Newsweek.com, Forbes, Fortune, Parenting Magazine and more.

Top Verdicts & Settlements

We win some of the top verdicts, settlements, and judgments in the country. Recent recoveries include $50 million for a trucking accident, $35 million for a trucking accident and $30.2 million for a vehicle recall accident.

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