Galveston Commercial Vehicle Accident Lawyer

Galveston Commercial Vehicle Accident Attorney

Galveston is one of many ports within Texas’s web of trucking routes. Because of the prevalence of commercial vehicles along roads like the Gulf Freeway, accidents involving large commercial vehicles are common. A skilled Galveston commercial vehicle accident lawyer can walk you through the steps of filing a claim and fighting for your settlement.

Why Hire a Commercial Vehicle Accident Lawyer

Since the 1980s, the law firm of Stevenson & Murray has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for their clients. They have a small-firm style, investing their care and time into your case. They are committed to getting you the most from your settlement through their integrity, honesty, and personal interest in you and your case.

Commercial Vehicle Accidents in Galveston

In 2024, 229 accidents in Galveston County involved a commercial vehicle. While each reported accident is unique in its circumstances and outcomes, there are some common causes for commercial vehicle accidents:

• Lack of experience
• Negligence
• Errors
• Speeding
• Distracted driving
• Aggressive driving
• Driving under the influence
• Failure to follow traffic laws
• Malfunctioning or defective vehicle components
• Drowsy driving
• Other motorists
• Overloaded or improperly loaded and secured cargo
• Inadequate vehicle maintenance
• Poor or hazardous conditions

One of the challenging aspects of a commercial vehicle accident claim is having multiple parties involved. Along with determining the cause of the accident, it is also important to establish who is at fault.

Having multiple parties involved in your claim can confuse liability. Several parties may share liability, depending on the evidence provided. Liability can fall on any one of the following parties:

• Owner of the commercial vehicle
• Driver of the commercial vehicle
• Employers and trucking companies
• Government entities
• Other motorists
• Repair and maintenance facilities
• Vehicle and parts manufacturers
• Loaders and shippers

Texas follows a modified comparative negligence law, also known as the 51% rule: the amount of compensation you are owed is limited by your degree of fault in the accident. If the Galveston Police Department determines you are more than 51% at fault, you are no longer entitled to recover all damages.

Steps to File a Commercial Vehicle Accident Claim

After your commercial vehicle accident, there are steps you can take immediately that will boost your chances of winning a claim:

1. File a police report. In Galveston, you have 10 days from the day of the accident to file a police report with the Galveston Police Department. If law enforcement takes a report at the scene of the accident, they will file one for you. A police report can help during negotiations with insurance companies.
2. Get checked by a medical professional. Even if you initially feel fine, symptoms may be delayed. Records of a medical evaluation at a hospital like John Sealy Hospital or UTMB Health strengthen your case and can be crucial if your claim includes compensation for medical expenses.
3. Gather evidence to support your case. Photos from the scene of the accident, repair estimates, and medical records are some of the most important pieces of evidence to collect to validate your claims.
4. Contact a Galveston commercial vehicle lawyer. Because these cases often involve several parties and multiple insurance companies, it is highly recommended that you hire a commercial vehicle accident lawyer from Stevenson & Murray for your case. They can help investigate your case and gather evidence. They can also negotiate on your behalf, which may speed up a resolution.

Factors That Can Affect Your Settlement

Accidents involving commercial vehicles often result in serious injuries or fatalities. During 2024, there were 31 accidents involving commercial vehicles that resulted in injuries and one that resulted in a fatality. Statewide, there were 608 fatalities from commercial vehicle accidents. The Galveston County Courts take the severity of the accident into account when determining a settlement amount. Besides that, they may also consider:

• Cost of medical bills
• Cost of vehicle repairs
• Degree of pain and suffering
• Lost wages
• Insurance policy limits
• State laws

To get the most successful outcome possible for your claim, it’s important to gather as much evidence as you can. Working with a knowledgeable Galveston commercial vehicle accident lawyer can improve your chances as well.

FAQs

How Much Are Most Commercial Truck Accident Settlements in Galveston?

How much a commercial truck accident settlement is in Galveston depends on several factors in the case. Minor crashes tend to have smaller settlements, while more serious accidents can have settlements above six figures. Before the courts decide on your settlement amount, they take into consideration the cost of damages in your case, the extent of your injuries, state and local laws, lost wages, and insurance policy limits.

Can You File a Claim Against a Commercial Vehicle in Galveston?

Yes, you can file a claim against a commercial vehicle in Galveston in the event of an accident. Per Texas’s statute of limitations, you must file your claim within two years of when the accident occurred. First, file a police report. If the accident involves injuries, fatality, or property damage, you must report to the police within 10 days of the accident.

Can You File a Claim Against a Car Company for Negligence in Galveston?

Yes, you can file a claim against a car company if a defective or dangerous part was used in one of the vehicles. If you choose to file a claim against a car company, you need to prove four things:

1. The company owed you a duty of care.
2. The company breached its duty of care.
3. The breach directly led to the accident and damage.
4. Because of the accident, you suffered actual losses.

Is a Company Car Considered a Commercial Vehicle?

Yes, a company car is considered a commercial vehicle if it is being used for business purposes. Regardless of the size of the vehicle, if it is registered to the company as a company vehicle, it’s used by employees for business purposes, and it is classified as a commercial vehicle in the registration and insurance policy. This includes private passenger cars, taxis, rideshare vehicles, delivery vans, and more.

Filing your commercial vehicle accident claim doesn’t have to impede your recovery. Stevenson & Murray in Galveston are here to fight for the settlement you are entitled to. Schedule a consultation today and start the financial healing process.