Over the past 5 years, Houston has seen a stark increase in the number of 18-wheelers and big rigs on the road. Most experts point to the meteoric growth of e-commerce and soaring shipping demands. Unfortunately, more congestion brings a greater risk for serious accidents. Now more than ever, Houstonians face dangers from these large trucks on Texas roadways.
According to the most recent data available from the FMCSA, there were over 4,479 fatal crashes involving large trucks in the country. Texas has had the largest number of truck accidents involving fatalities for over a decade.
The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) keeps a record of all commercial vehicle accidents in the state. Their research indicates that there were over 30,000 accidents involving commercial vehicles last year.
Last year the TxDOT reported:
At the Mayday Law Office, we help individuals and their families obtain compensation for their truck accident injuries. Our experienced legal team can handle even the most complex cases, always fighting to maximize damages and get the outcome our clients deserve.
Truck drivers are under increasing pressure to deliver goods in a short period of time. Next-day and two-day shipping guarantees have put trucking companies under immense stress to have their drivers get goods where they need to go at any cost. Drivers are expected to work longer and drive more, despite state and federal regulations designed to prevent fatigue.
When a driver’s fatigue, inattention, or negligence, causes an accident, the driver and their employer may be held liable. If you are injured or lose a loved one in a truck accident, you might be entitled to compensation. It is essential to consult with an attorney as soon as possible to determine whether the truck driver or another party was at least partially at fault for the accident and can be held legally responsible.
Determining liability in a trucking or big rig accident can be challenging without the help of a lawyer. A truck accident lawyer can conduct an independent investigation to determine fault.
Parties commonly held liable in trucking accidents:
An investigation into the 18-wheeler accident may reveal that more than one party is to blame for the accident. A Houston truck accident lawyer can ensure that all potentially liable parties are named in the litigation and that claims are filed against any applicable insurance policies.
Truck accidents may be caused by several factors. If you are involved in an accident with a semi-trailer or other commercial vehicle, it is best to consult with a truck accident lawyer as early as possible. A lawyer can subpoena evidence and help determine who or what caused your injuries.
Common causes of truck accidents resulting in liability include:
Immediately after the crash, it can be difficult to know what caused the collision. Injured parties often incorrectly assume that they must have done something wrong.
Making a statement or signing something that admits fault can reduce your chances of receiving the financial compensation you deserve. A person injured in a truck accident or any auto accident should consult with a lawyer before making a statement to an insurance company or another party.
Truck accidents rarely result in minor injuries. A semi-truck with an empty trailer generally weighs approximately 35,000 pounds; a loaded trailer can easily exceed double that weight. Because of the size and weight of the vehicle, even low-speed collisions can have devastating results.
Severe injuries often seen after truck accidents:
In most cases, it is an occupant of another vehicle and not the truck driver that is injured or killed. According to a recent study by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), 67% of the people who died in truck accidents were occupants of cars and other passenger vehicles. Another 15% were pedestrians, bicyclists, or motorcycles.
While not required, it is strongly recommended that you hire a lawyer if you are injured in a truck accident. A lawyer can ensure that you understand the legal process, obtain fair and full compensation, and meet all required deadlines.
Without the help of an attorney, you may not be able to access necessary evidence, such as the “little black box,” which contains critical information about the truck’s speed and brakes. An attorney can also subpoena a truck’s dashcam, which may provide video evidence of what happened immediately before the collision.
A Houston truck accident lawyer can also make sure that all liable parties are held accountable. One thing that makes obtaining compensation difficult is that a truck driver or other negligent party may have multiple insurance policies or even several different insurance carriers. A lawyer will do in-depth research to file the claim against all parties that may be held legally responsible.
Finally, your legal team will help you to maximize your damages. An attorney will pursue the largest recovery possible for your case, aggressively advocating for the compensation you deserve.
If you were injured because of someone else’s negligence or wrongdoing, you deserve to have an experienced injury lawyer on your side. Reach out to Mayday Law Office today to discuss your legal options in a free consultation.
