Semi-trucks are common in Houston, and they work to keep the economy functioning smoothly. Unfortunately, the massive size of these vehicles makes them dangerous in an unexpected collision.
If you were involved a wreck with a large commercial truck that was caused by someone else’s negligence, a hardworking personal injury attorney from our firm could help you seek compensation for your losses. A Houston truck accident lawyer could hold the negligent parties responsible for the harm they caused and fight for a substantial settlement.
Common Kinds of Truck Accidents
Trucks are responsible for a disproportionate number of highway fatalities and severe injuries. In fact, Texas has more truck accident fatalities than any other state in the nation according to the Texas Department of Transportation. There are many different varieties of commercial vehicle accident that could occur on local highways.
Blind Spot Accidents
Trucks could cause substantial damage when they collide with a vehicle that enters their blind spot. Truckers are ultimately responsible for knowing the location of other vehicles in their proximity, but sometimes they might lose attention or change lanes without checking carefully. If the trucker’s negligence did cause the blind spot wreck, an injured driver would likely have options for pursuing damages.
Driver Fatigue
Long haul truck drivers often have to drive long hours to get cargo across the country. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration limits the number of hours that a truck driver can operate a commercial vehicle for the safety of others on the road. Unfortunately, many companies put others in danger by not following these regulations and allowing their drivers to operate a vehicle while fatigued. Driving while fatigued slows the operator’s reaction time and can even cause them to fall asleep at the wheel. A seasoned trucking lawyer knows the regulations and how to hold trucking companies accountable for not following them.
Crashes Caused by Spilled Cargo
When a truck’s cargo spills onto a road, it creates a hazard that might cause serious and unnecessary crashes. For example, spilled liquids could make the road surface slippery. Solid cargo could smash into other vehicles, damaging them and injuring the occupants. In other cases, loose items might obstruct the road, forcing other motorists to swerve. In these situations, the person or company that loaded the commercial vehicle improperly might need to assume liability for any resulting harm.
Jackknife
Jackknife truck crashes happen when a commercial vehicle’s trailer moves across lanes of traffic at a right angle to the cab. The trailer might hit vehicles in the adjacent lane and the force of the trailer’s swing could cause the entire big rig to topple over.
Speeding, ignoring dangerous weather conditions, or hitting a slippery patch in the road could cause a truck to jackknife. Poorly loading heavy or hazardous cargo could also cause a trailer to slide on the highway. When these collisions happen, a hardworking attorney could investigate the cause and provide valuable guidance.
Mechanical Failure
Some trucking companies maintain their fleet well, and others unfortunately cut corners on maintenance. The reality is that a poorly maintained tractor trailer is much more likely to crash and cause severe injuries. If this happens, the party responsible for the vehicle’s maintenance could be liable for a plaintiff’s suffering and expenses.
Rollover
Since a truck’s center of gravity is so high, many big rigs are prone to flipping. Rollover crashes often happen when a commercial vehicle driver speeds, brakes suddenly, or takes turns too quickly. Shifting cargo or inclement weather conditions could also cause rollovers. If a trucker’s carelessness caused one of these collisions, an injured plaintiff might be able to hold them accountable.
Regardless of the kind of truck accident in a particular case, a diligent attorney could investigate the cause and help an injured plaintiff determine the best next steps for their situation. Establishing that a truck driver’s negligence caused the crash is a crucial part of the claims process, and our dedicated legal representatives in Houston could take the lead and hold the truck driver, and their company, responsible
Common Monetary Damages Associated with Truck Accident Cases
After proving that a defendants reckless or negligent conduct definitely caused the commercial vehicle crash in question, an injured plaintiff can usually begin the process of collecting financial compensation. Since truck wrecks are usually severe, monetary damages can be substantial. Generally speaking, common examples of financial payments awarded in big rig cases include reimbursement for:
- Initial Medical Expenses
- Vehicle and property damage
- Future treatment costs
- Lost wages
- Reduced earning capacity
- Physical or emotional therapy sessions
- Reduced enjoyment of daily life
- Loss of consortium
- Wrongful death, if applicable
While these repayments would not necessarily help an injured plaintiff forget the emotional toll of a truck accident, they could certainly help with the recovery process. Our resourceful Houston attorneys from Kirk Law Firm, PLLC could fight to maximize the monetary damages that their client collects.
Take your Case to a Houston Truck Accident Attorney
Since commercial vehicles are so large and heavy, any wreck deserves careful attention. Regaining your health after a severe truck accident might require months of rest and rehabilitation. Healing the emotional scars associated with the crash might take even longer.
Fortunately, a Houston truck accident lawyer could handle all aspects of your case. One of our legal representatives could investigate the accident scene, collect evidence of negligent truck driving, and fight to protect your rights in court. Reach out to our office today to get started on your case.