Truck or Commercial Vehicle Accident: Why Your Case Is Worth More
Truck and commercial vehicle accidents in Texas usually carry higher value than a car-to-car crash because there can be several liable parties (the driver, the trucking company, the truck owner, the company that loaded the cargo) and because trucks are governed by federal rules. Key evidence — like the truck's black box — can be erased within days, so act fast.
When an 18-wheeler, a delivery vehicle, or any company vehicle hits your car, the consequences are usually far more serious than in an ordinary accident. These cases are also legally different — and, handled correctly, can be worth much more. Here's why, and what you should do.
Why a truck case is worth more than a car case
There are three main reasons these cases carry higher value:
- 1More severe injuries. A loaded truck can weigh 20 to 30 times more than a car. The physical damage tends to be greater, which means higher medical bills, more time off work, and a higher-value case.
- 2Multiple potentially liable parties. It's not only the driver who may be at fault — the trucking company, the truck owner, the maintenance company, or whoever loaded the cargo may share responsibility. More parties means more insurance policies to recover from.
- 3Much larger insurance policies. Commercial vehicles carry policies worth hundreds of thousands or millions of dollars, far above a private driver's policy.
Trucks follow special federal rules
Commercial trucks and their drivers are regulated by federal law (the FMCSA). These rules govern how many hours a driver can drive without rest, how the truck must be maintained, and how everything is logged. When a company breaks these rules and causes a crash, it strengthens your case significantly.
Many truck accidents happen because of driver fatigue. Modern trucks store electronic logs of hours driven — powerful evidence if obtained in time.
Evidence disappears fast — this is urgent
Unlike a car-to-car crash, a truck case involves evidence that can be lost within days if no one secures it:
- The truck's black box (records speed, braking, driving hours).
- Maintenance records and the driver's logbooks.
- Cameras on the truck or from nearby businesses.
- The cargo and how it was secured.
Trucking companies have lawyers and adjusters who show up at the scene the same day to protect their interests. That's why it's so important to have someone on your side as soon as possible, to send an evidence-preservation letter before it's erased.
What to do after a truck accident
- 1Call 911 and seek medical care immediately, even if you feel fine.
- 2Photograph the truck, the plates, the company logo, and the scene.
- 3Note the company name and the truck number (usually on the door).
- 4Don't give recorded statements to the company's insurer without a lawyer.
- 5Talk to an accident lawyer right away to secure the evidence.
At Ruiz & Associates we connect you with doctors who treat you now and get paid from your final settlement. You pay nothing out of pocket, and we start documenting your injuries from day one.
With more than 30 years of experience in Texas courts, Ruiz & Associates knows how to take on trucking companies and their insurers. We work on contingency: you pay nothing unless we win your case.
Frequently asked questions
Who pays if a company truck hits me?+
Several parties may be responsible: the driver, the trucking company, the truck owner, or the maintenance provider. A lawyer investigates every available policy to maximize your recovery.
How long do I have to file a claim in Texas?+
Generally you have 2 years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. But truck evidence can be lost within days, so it's best to act immediately.
Does this apply to delivery vans and company vehicles, not just 18-wheelers?+
Yes. Any vehicle owned by a business — delivery vans, service vehicles, company trucks — can involve the business's liability and larger commercial policies.
How much does it cost to hire a lawyer for this?+
Nothing up front. The consultation is free and we work on contingency: you only pay if we win your case.
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This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Every case is different; past results do not guarantee future outcomes. Reading this content does not create an attorney-client relationship.