Commercial vehicles keep our economy moving, and they pose real risks to everyone else on the road. At Mendez Isaac Joudi, PLLC, our lawyers fight for the El Paso community every day, with more than 50 years of combined experience handling the aftermath of commercial vehicle accidents.
Who can be liable in a commercial vehicle accident?
Commercial vehicle crashes often involve multiple parties who may be responsible for your damages:
- The driver, when they breach safety regulations or drive recklessly.
- The company, which may be liable for negligent hiring, training, or maintenance practices.
- Manufacturers, when defective truck parts or equipment contribute to the crash.
- Cargo loading companies, when improperly loaded cargo causes an accident.
- Government entities, when poorly maintained roads or inadequate signage play a role.
Because so many parties can be involved, commercial vehicle claims rarely look like ordinary car accident claims. Identifying every responsible party, and every applicable insurance policy, is where an experienced attorney earns their keep.
What to do after a commercial vehicle accident
The steps differ a little from a typical car wreck:
- Contact law enforcement. Report the accident and request assistance from local authorities.
- Seek medical attention. Even if your injuries seem minor, a prompt medical evaluation is essential.
- Preserve evidence. Take photos, collect details, and gather witness statements.
- Notify your insurance company, and consult an attorney before speaking with the other party's insurer.
- Consult an attorney. Given the complexity of commercial vehicle claims, experienced counsel protects your rights from day one.
Injuries from commercial vehicle crashes
Commercial drivers go through extensive training, but they are operating large, heavy vehicles that do not stop or turn quickly. When things go wrong, the injuries are serious:
- Whiplash and neck injuries
- Back and spinal cord injuries
- Head and brain injuries
- Broken bones and fractures
- Internal injuries
- Burns and scarring
- Fatal injuries
These injuries can affect your health and your future. Get medical attention right away after any collision with a commercial vehicle, both for your recovery and for your claim.
Driving safely around commercial vehicles
A few habits reduce your risk around big trucks in El Paso traffic:
- Avoid blind spots: stay out of the no-zones, especially on the right side and directly behind the truck.
- Keep your distance: trucks need far more stopping distance, so leave room to avoid rear-end collisions.
- Signal early: give truck drivers ample time to react to your moves.
- Never cut a truck off: their braking distances are much longer than yours.
Talk to an attorney today
If you have been involved in a commercial vehicle accident in El Paso, the attorneys at Mendez Isaac Joudi, PLLC are here to support you. We offer free consultations to discuss your case, determine the next steps, and help you move forward with your recovery. We proudly serve the El Paso community and clients throughout New Mexico and West Texas.
Call 915-444-1085 or visit our contact page to schedule an appointment.