Commercial motor vehicles are a common sight on the roadways of any state, and provide most of us with the products or transportation we require on a daily basis. The rise in commercial motor vehicles on the road throughout Texas have a direct correlation with the oil and gas industry, and therefore often haul hazardous chemicals to and from various sites. Unfortunately, commercial motor vehicles accidents have a high injury rate based on the weight of the vehicle, and the impact of any accident on nearby vehicles. If you or a loved one have been injured in a commercial motor vehicle accident, you may be entitled to receive compensation for your injuries.

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) defines a commercial motor vehicle as a self-propelled or towed motor vehicle used on a highway in interstate commerce to transport passengers or property, when the vehicle has a gross vehicle weight of 10,001 pounds or more, or is designed to transport a certain number of passengers. Commercial motor vehicle drivers are subject to strict federal rules and regulations which govern the safety of drivers and passengers. Nationwide, approximately 5,700,000 commercial vehicle drivers operate vehicles throughout the United States. The FMCSA imposes strict civil penalties and sanctions for drivers who are caught using a hand-held phone or texting while driving. Texas laws also attempt to curb the incidence of commercial motor vehicle accidents, with law enforcement officials on the lookout for erratic behavior and texting while driving in certain regions.

In 2011, nearly 30,000 commercial motor vehicle fatal accidents were reported throughout the country, resulting in nearly 4,000 fatalities. In Texas alone, over 400 fatalities were reported due to commercial motor vehicle accidents in 2011. This is only a fraction of the approximately 1,500,000 nationwide commercial motor vehicle accidents which resulted in injuries in 2011. The number of fatalities in Texas has since increased to nearly 600 in 2014, representing a sharp increase in just 3 years. The total number of commercial motor vehicle accidents has also increased by almost 10,000, from 24,000 accidents throughout the state in 2011, to more than 33,000 in 2014. These numbers should be decreasing, rather than increasing, given the strict commercial vehicle regulations.

Most commercial motor vehicles are owned and operated by large businesses which are responsible for any injuries and accidents that occur to the drivers or victims. As the victim of a commercial vehicle accident, a claim will likely name the company as a responsible party for the accident.

If you or a loved one were injured in a commercial motor vehicle accident, do not hesitate to contact the Malley Law Firm. Tony Malley has years of experience in assisting clients after commercial motor vehicle accidents. Commercial motor vehicle drivers often have extensive training which should curb the incidence of accidents. However, these drivers or their companies should be held liable for any resulting injuries caused by their actions. Contact our Beaumont office today for your initial free consultation.