Austin Commercial Vehicle Accident Lawyer

Experienced Commercial Vehicle Accident Attorney Austin, TX

ups-electric-hybrid-610_0Commercial vehicle accidents are similar to motor vehicle accidents. However, commercial vehicle accidents involve a company owned vehicle. Many commercial vehicles solely operate within your city. If you or a loved one have been injured in a commercial vehicle accident, contact our Austin Commercial Vehicle Accident Lawyer because you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries.

Your Commercial Vehicle Accident Champion: Joe Lopez

When you’re facing the aftermath of a commercial vehicle accident, you need more than just any lawyer—you need an advocate with a proven track record. Joe Lopez brings over two decades of trial experience to your case, including his early victory against corporate giant Exxon Mobil Corporation before the 3rd Court of Appeals. Since founding Joe Lopez Law in 2005, he has dedicated his practice to fighting for injury victims against well-funded corporations and insurance companies.

Credentials that Matter:

  • Texas Super Lawyer (2019–Present) – Top 5% of attorneys statewide
  • Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum Lifetime Member
  • Fluent in English and Spanish, serving Austin’s diverse community
  • 20+ years specializing in catastrophic injury cases

Commercial Vehicles

Commercial vehicles include the following:

Clearly, a commercial vehicle accident has great potential to cause great harm. Most of the time these vehicles are driven by employees of the company, making the companies liable. A company will be able to compensate you for any injuries you sustained from the accident and further damages that may continue for the rest of your life. A commercial vehicle accident claim can be confusing. You may not understand how the process works. An Austin Commercial Vehicle Accident Lawyer can best advise you on whether the driver or the driver’s company will be liable to you for any negligence on the driver’s part.

Common Causes and Injuries of Commercial Vehicle Accidents

According to the NHTSA a number of outside circumstances can lead to commercial vehicle accidents, such as:

  • Severe weather
  • Mechanical issues
  • Distractions
  • Driver intoxication
  • Sleep deprivation
  • Texting or cell phone use

Many of these accidents could be prevented if the driver was operating the commercial vehicle in a conscientious manner. The weight of commercial vehicles leads to severe injuries such as the following:

  • Broken bones
  • Concussions
  • Burns
  • Brain and spine injuries
  • Nerve damage
  • Amputations

Placing a commercial vehicle next to a typical passenger car can often lead to terrible and traumatic accidents that require extended hospital stays and the potential to lose your job as a result of weeks out of the office, or the inability to continue your current job. Our dedicated Austin commercial vehicle accident lawyer can help.

The Complexity Behind Commercial Vehicle Claims

After two decades of fighting corporate defendants, Joe Lopez understands that commercial vehicle accidents aren’t just “bigger car accidents”—they’re entirely different battles. These cases involve multiple layers of liability, from the driver to the company to maintenance contractors. Joe’s experience includes navigating:

  • Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations
  • Texas Transportation Code violations specific to commercial vehicles
  • Corporate liability structures designed to shield companies from responsibility
  • Insurance policies that can exceed $1 million but often require litigation to access

Joe’s first major victory against Exxon Mobil taught him that corporations will use every resource to minimize their responsibility. That’s exactly why you need an attorney who’s not intimidated by corporate legal teams.

Real Challenges Joe Has Faced in Commercial Vehicle Cases

In his practice, Joe has seen how commercial vehicle accidents create unique complications:

The “Independent Contractor” Defense: Companies often claim their drivers are independent contractors to avoid liability. Joe knows how to pierce through these arrangements and hold the true responsible parties accountable.

Hours of Service Violations: Commercial drivers have strict federal limits on driving time. Joe routinely uncovers logbook falsifications and electronic monitoring data that proves dangerous fatigue was a factor.

Inadequate Training Cases: When companies rush drivers onto the road without proper training, Joe ensures victims receive compensation not just for the accident, but for the systemic negligence that caused it.

Common Questions About Commercial Vehicle Accidents in Texas

  • How long do I have to file a claim in Texas? Texas law generally gives you two years from the date of the accident, but Joe recommends acting immediately. Critical evidence can disappear quickly, and some commercial vehicles are required to preserve certain data for only limited periods.
  • What if the driver says they were an independent contractor? Joe has extensive experience challenging these arrangements. Many companies incorrectly classify drivers as independent contractors to avoid liability. The actual relationship matters more than the label.
  • How are commercial vehicle accident settlements different from car accidents? Commercial vehicle policies are typically much higher—often $1 million or more. However, these companies also have more resources to fight claims. Joe’s experience with multi-million dollar cases ensures you have an advocate who can match their legal firepower.

Your Path Forward with Joe Lopez Law

Based on Joe’s 20+ years of experience handling commercial vehicle cases, here’s what you can expect:

Immediate Action (First 48 Hours):

  • Preservation of critical evidence, including electronic logging device data
  • Investigation before the scene is altered or witnesses disappear
  • Communication with insurance companies to protect your rights

Thorough Investigation:

  • Review of the company’s safety records and inspection history
  • Analysis of driver qualifications and training records
  • Examination of vehicle maintenance logs and mechanical inspections

Personal Attention: Joe understands that a commercial vehicle accident can change your life forever. Having secured multi-million dollar settlements for clients with catastrophic injuries, he knows these cases require both legal expertise and genuine compassion.

Serving Austin’s Commercial Vehicle Accident Victims

As a longtime Austin resident who completed his undergraduate degree at St. Edward’s University, Joe Lopez understands our city’s unique traffic challenges. From I-35 delivery truck accidents to commercial vehicle incidents on MoPac, Joe has helped Austin families recover from life-changing injuries.

His bilingual practice ensures that all members of Austin’s diverse community receive the representation they deserve, regardless of language barriers.

Call our Austin Commercial Vehicle Accident Lawyer

If you or a loved one have been injured in a commercial vehicle accident, do not hesitate to contact attorney Joe Lopez. Joe Lopez is an experienced commercial vehicle accident attorney and has years of practice in assisting clients to receive compensation for their injuries in commercial vehicle accidents. Negligent drivers should be held responsible for any injuries their reckless behavior has caused you. Commercial vehicles have the potential to inflict serious injuries on other drivers given their weight and any inexperience on the part of the driver. Do not drown in medical bills and unemployment. Contact our Austin office today for your initial free consultation.