Why Commercial Vehicle Wrecks Are Different Than Standard Car Crashes
Houston is a massive commercial hub, meaning our highways—like I-10, Highway 59, and the Hardy Toll Road—are constantly packed with 18-wheelers, delivery vans, and big rigs. When a passenger vehicle collides with a commercial truck, the results are often catastrophic.
If you are injured in an accident involving a commercial truck, you aren’t just dealing with another everyday driver. Here is why these cases are uniquely complex:
1. Multiple Liable Parties
In a standard car accident, you usually sue the at-fault driver. In a truck accident, liability might extend to:
- The truck driver (for fatigue, speeding, or DUI).
- The trucking company (for negligent hiring or forcing unrealistic deadlines).
- The cargo loading company (for improperly secured, unbalanced loads).
- The maintenance facility (for faulty brakes or skipped inspections).
2. Strict Federal Regulations
Commercial trucking is governed by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). There are strict laws regarding how many hours a driver can be on the road without a break (Hours of Service regulations), drug testing, and weight limits. Proving a violation of these federal laws requires an attorney who knows exactly where to look.
3. The Trucking Company’s Rapid Defense
Major trucking corporations have “Go-Teams” of lawyers and investigators who deploy to the scene of an accident almost immediately to protect their bottom line. You need someone in your corner doing the exact same thing for you.
At PM Law Firm, we know how to secure black box data, driver logs, and maintenance records before they disappear. If you’ve been hit by an 18-wheeler in the greater Houston area, don’t wait to get legal representation.