Fighting for the rights of commercial vehicle accident victims
Being injured in a commercial vehicle accident can be a life-altering, traumatic experience. Due to the complex nature of pursuing claims against commercial drivers and the companies that employ them, it is critical you turn to experienced personal injury attorney Jonathan C. Kieschnick for legal representation. Jonathan is ready to fight for your legal rights and aggressively pursue a fair settlement on your behalf.
What is considered a commercial vehicle in Texas?
Commercial vehicle classification is not always straightforward and can vary from state to state. Here in Texas, there are a wide variety of vehicles that operate with a commercial vehicle designation. This list includes:
- Vehicles used for rideshare operations, such as taxis, limousines, and personal autos that may be used for Uber®, Lyft®, and similar services.
- Vehicles used for deliveries, such as cars, trucks, vans, and trailers that are owned by and/or used for company operations
- Buses
- Heavy-duty equipment vehicles for mining, construction, oil fields, or farming
- Hazardous material vehicles
- Passenger vans and minibuses for transporting more than 15 passengers at a time with compensation (FMCSA/Department of Transportation)
- Passenger vans and minibuses for transporting more than 8 passengers for compensation (FMCSA/Department of Transportation)
- Vehicles that weigh over 26,000 pounds, self-propelled or towed
- Large box trucks
- 18-wheelers & tractor trailers
- Pickup trucks
What leads to commercial vehicle accidents in Houston and in Texas?
While there are many causes for commercial vehicle accidents, many of them boil down to one thing: unscrupulous companies that are willing to do whatever it takes to make a dollar, even if its putting the public (and their own drivers) at risk. Jonathan is determined to fight for those that have been victims of commercial vehicle drivers (and their employers) that have no business being on Houston-area roads.
According to the US Department of Transportation’s Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), additional causes of commercial vehicle accidents in Texas include a mix of driver and mechanical errors such as:
- Drivers that are often poorly trained or unqualified, usually due to bad hiring practices
- Incentives for commercial drivers that push them to do more in less time, often leading to improper operation of the commercial vehicle, other negligent driving behaviors, and hours of service violations
- Improperly loaded cargo
- Driver fatigue, a common result of hours of service violations
- Defective truck parts, components, and equipment, usually the result of poor maintenance and inadequate inspections
- Driving while under the influence/intoxicated with drugs and/or alcohol
- Distracted driving, including using personal and company communication devices
- Traffic and speeding violations
If you have been involved in a commercial vehicle accident, call Jonathan today
Do not try to file your claim without the experience of a personal injury attorney. It is absolutely critical you have experienced, aggressive legal representation fighting on your behalf. As a Super Lawyer, Jonathan has been recognized as one of the leading personal injury lawyers in the Greater Houston area, with an impressive track record of delivering fair settlements for his clients. Contact the law office of Jonathan C. Kieschnick today.
There are many factors that can lead to commercial vehicle accidents in Houston and in Texas. Some common causes of such accidents include:
- Driver fatigue: Commercial truck drivers often work long hours and may be at risk of fatigue, which can impair their ability to operate their vehicles safely.
- Distracted driving: Distractions such as cell phones, GPS devices, and other electronic devices can cause commercial drivers to lose focus and be involved in an accident.
- Improperly maintained vehicles: Commercial vehicles are subject to strict maintenance standards, and failure to properly maintain a vehicle can lead to mechanical failures and accidents.
- Overloaded or improperly loaded vehicles: Overloading or improperly loading a commercial vehicle can make it more difficult to control and can lead to accidents.
- Poor weather conditions: Inclement weather such as rain, snow, and ice can make it more difficult for commercial drivers to operate their vehicles safely, leading to accidents.
- Speeding: Commercial drivers who operate their vehicles at excessive speeds are at greater risk of being involved in an accident.
Overall, a combination of factors can contribute to commercial vehicle accidents in Houston and in Texas. It is important for commercial drivers and their employers to take steps to minimize these risks and prevent accidents from occurring.
Commercial vehicle accidents are a significant concern in Houston and in Texas. These accidents can cause serious injuries and fatalities, and can also result in significant property damage and disruptions to traffic and commerce. Understanding the causes of commercial vehicle accidents is important for preventing them and protecting public safety.
One of the leading causes of commercial vehicle accidents in Houston and in Texas is driver fatigue. Commercial truck drivers often work long hours and may be at risk of fatigue, which can impair their ability to operate their vehicles safely. In order to prevent fatigue-related accidents, it is important for commercial drivers to get sufficient rest and to avoid working excessive hours.
Another common cause of commercial vehicle accidents is distracted driving. Distractions such as cell phones, GPS devices, and other electronic devices can cause commercial drivers to lose focus and be involved in an accident. In order to prevent distracted driving accidents, it is important for commercial drivers to avoid using these devices while operating their vehicles.
Improperly maintained vehicles are also a major factor in commercial vehicle accidents in Houston and in Texas. Commercial vehicles are subject to strict maintenance standards, and failure to properly maintain a vehicle can lead to mechanical failures and accidents. To prevent accidents caused by improper vehicle maintenance, it is important for commercial vehicle owners and operators to regularly inspect and maintain their vehicles.
Overloaded or improperly loaded vehicles are also a common cause of commercial vehicle accidents. Overloading or improperly loading a commercial vehicle can make it more difficult to control and can lead to accidents. In order to prevent these types of accidents, it is important for commercial vehicle operators to carefully load and secure their cargo in accordance with applicable laws and regulations.
Poor weather conditions are another factor that can contribute to commercial vehicle accidents in Houston and in Texas. Inclement weather such as rain, snow, and ice can make it more difficult for commercial drivers to operate their vehicles safely, leading to accidents. In order to prevent weather-related accidents, it is important for commercial drivers to be cautious and to slow down in adverse conditions.
Speeding is another factor that can lead to commercial vehicle accidents in Houston and in Texas. Commercial drivers who operate their vehicles at excessive speeds are at greater risk of being involved in an accident. To prevent speeding-related accidents, it is important for commercial drivers to observe posted speed limits and to drive at a safe speed for the conditions.