Have You Been Injured in a Commercial Trucking Accident?
If you have driven around commercial tractor-trailers before, you may have an understanding about how their size and weight can cause violent collisions. Sadly, each year, thousands of Americans die in truck accidents, while tens of thousands of people are injured. Of the approximately 500,000 truck accidents occurring in the U.S. each year, about one out of every eight involves a fatality.
Aside from death, injuries associated with truck wrecks include spinal cord injuries, lost limbs, broken bones and traumatic brain injuries (TBIs). Each of these can cause extensive pain and suffering, and mental and emotional anguish, as well as result in pricey medical bills.
Let us review your case at no charge by submitting our contact form. (Your information will remain private.) Or call 1-800-460-0606.
Causes of Commercial Truck Accidents
With this in mind, having quality legal counsel is important following a truck accident. An attorney can investigate your accident and determine if negligence played a role. Unfortunately, there are many reasons why a truck accident can occur, including:
- A driver’s lack of instruction
- Dangerous or reckless driving
- Overloaded trailers
- Poor weather conditions
- Mechanical defects (faulty tires, safety systems, lights)
- Aggressive driving
- Speeding
- Driver fatigue
- The failure to install underride protections
- Drunk or drugged driving
- Wide, unbalanced turns
- Jackknife incidents
Texas Truck Accidents
Sadly, some recent studies by the Texas Department of Public safety have indicated that up to 25 percent of 18-wheelers the Lonestar State have significant safety problems. In one study, safety violations included poorly adjusted brakes, tire or wheel issues and running light malfunctions.
Issues with commercial trucking seem to be making Texas roads less safe. In fact, recently the Houston Chronicle reported that from 2009 to 2013, Texas traffic fatalities climbed 8 percent from 3,122 to 3,378, as commercial vehicle accidents increased by 51 percent.
Who is Responsible for a Truck Accident?
If you are injured in a truck accident or you have had a loved one killed, you may be able to hold multiple parties responsible for the collision. These parties include:
- The driver
- The trucking company
- Insurance companies
- The manufacturers of the truck and/or its component parts
Remember, if a truck wreck has caused you harm, it may be important to work with an attorney who understands Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSR) and the laws that govern the commercial transportation industry.
Keep in mind, it is not uncommon for transportation companies to try to do everything they can to avoid paying a victim compensation. We have read stories about companies that have closed and reopened under a different name to skirt litigation costs. Making sure that you have excellent guidance during the legal process may prove to be vital in the outcome of your case.
Additionally, recent stories have come out indicating that many tractor-trailers on the nation’s roads are driven faster than the 75 mph their tires are designed to handle, a practice that has been linked to wrecks and blowouts, which has largely escaped the attention of highway officials.
Who Should I Call If I am Injured in a Trucking Accident?
If you have been injured or a loved one killed in a commercial truck wreck, please contact our office today. We offer a free initial consolation, so there is no payment required upfront for us to review your case and determine if you may be entitled to damages. Call us at the number listed above or fill out a request form located at the top of this page.
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