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Who Owns the Fleet? Liability in San Antonio Crashes Involving Leased Commercial Vehicles

Figuring out who to hold accountable for your injuries after a commercial vehicle accident in San Antonio is difficult when the other party leased the truck, van, or bus involved. You may wonder if you should file a claim against the driver, the driver’s employer, or the leasing company. Hiring an expert Texas lawyer can help you determine which party is legally responsible for a leased commercial vehicle so that you can pursue compensation for your losses.

The San Antonio injury attorneys at Carabin Shaw have decades of experience in Texas commercial vehicle law, and we know how to clarify liability when commercial vehicle ownership muddies the waters. Call our toll-free number at 1-800-862-1260 to speak with our professional legal team. Someone is available to speak with you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to book your FREE case review.

Commercial Vehicle Accidents in San Antonio, TX

The highway-focused layout and growing population in San Antonio, Texas, increase the likelihood of accidents involving leased semi-trucks, buses, delivery vans, and other commercial vehicles. Roads like I-10, I-35, and San Antonio’s three freeway loops are frequently congested with personal and business vehicles. In 2024, there were 2,684 accidents involving commercial vehicles in Bexar County.

Commercial vehicle accidents are often severe when the vehicle is oversized, carrying cargo, or traveling at high speeds. Confusion about who is responsible in a commercial vehicle crash involving a leased vehicle makes liability uncertain. Victims of these accidents should promptly hire a San Antonio commercial vehicle accident attorney to seek compensation for their damages.

How Leasing Changes Liability in a Commercial Vehicle Crash

In crashes involving privately owned vehicles, driver negligence often determines liability. Fault is based on the behavior of the driver or the vehicle’s owner. In a commercial vehicle claim, the court may assign liability for leased truck accidents to employers and leasing companies. These parties may be legally responsible for the vehicle's maintenance and operations, depending on the wording of their lease.

In an accident involving a leased commercial vehicle, the owner of the car is the lessor, and the party leasing it is the lessee. A lawyer may file a claim against a lessor for their negligent acts, such as poor vehicle maintenance. The lessee may be the driver or the driver's employer. A personal injury lawyer in San Antonio TX, can help victims sort out these details.

How Texas Law Covers Commercial Vehicle Fleets

There are multiple laws that can impact a personal injury case involving a commercial fleet. Lessors are typically liable for leasing an unsafe vehicle, which makes them negligent. Some laws and regulations your lawyer may refer to in a commercial fleet case include:

  • Respondeat superior: The law that makes employers liable for the actions of their employees.
  • Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations: Outlines safety standards and rules of the road for commercial motor vehicles.
  • Texas Transportation Code: State laws governing Texas roads and the drivers of private and commercial vehicles.
  • Proportionate responsibility: Part of the Civil Practice and Remedies Code that concerns shared fault in cases where more than one party is liable for damages.

At Carabin Shaw, we have decades of experience in personal injury law that allows our attorneys to help you protect your right to compensation. Read our client reviews to find out more about our successful commercial fleet cases.

What to Do After a San Antonio Commercial Vehicle Accident | Contact Carabin Shaw Today to Schedule Your FREE Case Review

In any automobile accident, seeking medical care is essential even if you don’t think your injuries are significant. When a leased commercial vehicle is involved in an accident, collecting evidence at the scene can help to establish the identity of the other party and clarify who is responsible for damages. Calling an attorney as soon as possible can help you prove liability and damages.

At Carabin Shaw, we offer our services on a contingency-fee-basis, and we provide a free case review before you make any commitments. You’ll get the benefit of sound legal advice without any attached financial obligations. We have English- and Spanish-speaking staff available to serve our community and help you understand every step of your legal journey to maximize compensation.

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We are very glad we called Carabin Shaw after our accident. We now recommend them to everyone. - Griselda S.
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In our opinion, no one is better, Carabin Shaw is the Law Firm you want on your side after an accident. - Amanda G.
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The attorneys and staff went out of their way to help us after our accident. Thank you Carabin Shaw. - Melinda F.
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We did our research after our accident and chose Carabin Shaw. They were great. Highly recommend. Joel Y.
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