A big concern of trucking firms and other transportation businesses in Texas is having to defend themselves against claims following a motor vehicle accident.
A transportation business’s concern about major liability lawsuits after an accident is valid.
People often perceive trucking companies as both having lots of money to pay claims and taking little regard for the safety of others. Without a solid defense, this misperception can lead to unfair legal consequences that can bankrupt a trucking business.
Without losing their focus on protecting themselves from this legal risk, it is also important for transportation companies to pay careful attention to other legal issues that can also seriously cut into even an established business’s bottom line:
- Internal disputes or arguments about the control of a business can erupt into litigation between the company’s leadership and other stakeholders or even among factions within a company’s leadership.
- Like any other business, transportation companies in and around the Dallas area must follow local, state and federal employment laws, including laws regarding workers’ compensation, unemployment benefits and provisions regarding wages and mandatory leaves of absence.
- If the business extends credit to others or owes money, it may have to assert its in a commercial debt collection case.
- Especially if a business needs to expand or remodel, it may face construction disputes or disputes related to real estate.
- The business will need to ensure they remain in compliance with many detailed federal, state and local regulations, including rules about taxation. Disputes with a government body can be just as serious as a major lawsuit.
- Shipping goods or providing transportation services will require knowledge of contract law, including the Uniform Commercial Code. On the flip side, a transportation business will likely enter contracts to buy the equipment, supplies and services it needs to operate.
- The business will need to understand their insurance contracts and agreements with banks and other lenders or investors. They may need to litigate to protect their rights under these contracts.
Growing trucking businesses will need a comprehensive legal strategy
As they grow and work to achieve prosperity, Texas transportation businesses will need a comprehensive legal strategy to stay on track.
Often, thoughtful preventative measures can head off costly litigation. For those situations where litigation is difficult to avoid, understanding a business’s rights and options is the key to a good result.