Alamo Commercial Vehicle Accident Legal Guidance

Common Causes of Commercial Vehicle Accidents

Commercial vehicle accidents can have profound and far-reaching consequences, impacting the lives of victims and their families. These incidents are often the result of various factors.

Below are some common causes of these accidents: 

• Driver fatigue and hours of service violations: Driver fatigue is a prevalent cause of commercial vehicle accidents. Long hours on the road can lead to exhaustion, impaired reaction times, and diminished focus. Violations of hours of service regulations, which dictate the maximum driving and mandatory rest periods for commercial drivers, can exacerbate the risk of fatigue-related accidents.
• Distracted driving and mobile device usage: Distracted driving, often linked to mobile device usage, is another major cause of commercial vehicle accidents. When drivers divert their attention from the road to engage with phones or other distractions, their ability to react quickly to changing road conditions diminishes. This increases the likelihood of collisions, endangering the driver and other road users.
• Poor vehicle maintenance and equipment failure: Inadequate vehicle maintenance and equipment failure 
• an result in catastrophic accidents involving commercial vehicles. Neglected maintenance can lead to brake failures, tire blowouts, and other mechanical malfunctions that compromise a driver's control over the vehicle.
• Overloading and improper cargo securement: Overloading a commercial vehicle or failing to secure cargo properly can lead to accidents due to altered vehicle stability and compromised handling. Overloaded vehicles have longer stopping distances and are more susceptible to rollovers or loss of control.

Considerations in Commercial Vehicle Accidents

Commercial vehicle accidents involve regulations, liability considerations, and unique challenges that require careful examination.

Regulations and Licensing Requirements

Navigating the legal landscape of commercial vehicle accidents involves a deep understanding of commercial driver regulations and licensing requirements. Commercial drivers are held to specific standards and are often subject to regulations that dictate factors such as service hours, rest periods, and vehicle maintenance. An in-depth knowledge of these regulations is essential for assessing whether violations contributed to the accident and establishing liability.

Liability of Employers and Other Parties

Determining liability in commercial vehicle accidents can be intricate. It's not just the individual driver who may bear responsibility; the company the driver was working for and other relevant parties can also be liable. Understanding the potential liability of these parties is vital for building a strong case and pursuing rightful compensation.

Preserving Evidence After an Accident

Preserving evidence is a critical aspect of handling commercial vehicle accident cases. Evidence such as accident reports, witness statements, vehicle data records, and surveillance footage can provide crucial insights into the circumstances of the accident. Swift action to secure and document this evidence is essential to accurately support the case and establish fault.

Unique Challenges in Commercial Vehicle Cases

What sets commercial vehicle accident cases apart is their unique set of challenges. Delivery drivers, for instance, often face tight schedules that may lead to disregarding traffic laws in pursuit of meeting deadlines. Additionally, pinpointing the party at fault can be intricate, especially when the driver is operating under a company's employment. The company's potential liability adds a layer of complexity to the case. These factors make it imperative to have a personal injury lawyer help navigate these matters effectively.

At Anthony M. Ortega, PLLC, we understand the intricacies of commercial vehicle accident cases in Alamo and throughout Hidalgo County. Our insights into the legal considerations surrounding these accidents allow us to represent our clients comprehensively.

How Our Firm Can Help

Central to our approach is our dedication to thorough investigation and constructing robust cases. In the aftermath of a commercial vehicle accident, understanding the circumstances surrounding the incident is crucial. Our investigative process involves delving into the specifics of the accident, seeking answers about the driver's actions leading up to the collision. We aim to uncover crucial details that can help us build a compelling case on your behalf.

At Anthony M. Ortega, PLLC, we take pride in our comprehensive and client-focused approach to handling commercial vehicle accident cases in Hidalgo County. Contact us at (956) 300-1402 today.