Trucking accidents include crashes involving semi-trucks, 18-wheelers, big rigs, tractor-trailers, flatbeds, and other commercial vehicles. Truck accident claims are complicated personal injury cases involving some issues that you do not encounter in car accident claims. An experienced Houston truck accident lawyer can help you navigate the differences between trucking accidents and car accidents, including:
Truck Drivers Are Professional Drivers Subject to Regulations and Safety Requirements
Drivers in Texas must obey traffic laws, including truck drivers. However, commercial truck drivers are professional drivers. To operate a large truck, they must have special training and a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL).
Therefore, the trucking industry has an extensive set of state and federal trucking regulations that it must follow. The regulations apply to all parties involved in the trucking industry. Truck regulations govern matters such as hours of service, inspections, weight limits, and driver substance screenings.
Violations of the safety regulations could contribute to the cause of a truck accident. Experienced Houston truck accident attorneys understand these regulations and how they impact truck accident cases.
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The Size and Weight of the Vehicles Involved in the Accident
A commercial truck can weigh 80,000 pounds. In some cases, the truck might weigh even more than that if it has a special permit to carry heavy loads.
Large trucks are also very long. Depending on the unit, the tractor and trailer could be more than 72 feet long.
The result is enormous blind spots. Additionally, large trucks require longer stopping distances, and there is a significant risk of rollover if cargo shifts.
The size and weight of trucks result in catastrophic accidents. Multiple vehicles are often involved, and the risk of death and life-threatening injuries is higher than in the average car accident.
The Losses Incurred by Truck Accident Victims
Because of the size and weight of a commercial truck, occupants of passenger vehicles often sustain catastrophic injuries. The risk of death is much higher for occupants of other vehicles when a large truck is involved in the crash.
The losses incurred depend on the severity and type of injuries sustained by the victims. However, a young victim sustaining permanent impairments could incur millions of dollars in current and future damages because of the truck accident.
Examples of economic and non-economic damages in a truck accident case include:
- Past and future medical bills, including long-term personal care and skilled nursing care
- Extensive rehabilitation costs, including occupational and physical therapies
- Past and future lost wages, including decreases in future earning capacity
- Out-of-pocket expenses and costs
- Permanent disabilities, scarring, disabilities, and disfigurement
- Emotional distress and mental anguish
- Diminished quality of life
- Physical pain and suffering
- Loss of enjoyment of life
Family members can sue for wrongful death damages if a truck accident results in the death of a loved one. The amount you can receive for a truck accident case depends on the facts of your case. However, a Houston truck accident lawyer can help you hire medical specialists and other expert witnesses to build a strong case for maximum compensation.
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The Involvement of a Trucking Company and Third Parties
In many cases, the trucking company can be held liable for damages caused by a truck driver. The trucking company could be responsible under strict liability laws in some instances. However, that means the trucking company and its insurance provider will use all their resources to investigate and fight the claim.
Other parties could share liability for a trucking accident. Shippers, loaders, government agencies, other motorists, repair facilities, and truck manufacturers might also be defendants in the case. Sorting out liability can be challenging.
You need to balance the power by hiring experienced truck accident lawyers to handle your case. An attorney has the resources to investigate and pursue the truck accident case against all parties involved.
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The Deadline To File a Truck Accident Lawsuit in Texas
The statute of limitations for most personal injury cases is two years, including truck accident cases. However, the complexity of truck accident cases means it takes longer to investigate and gather evidence proving causation and fault. Therefore, seeking legal counsel as soon as possible after a trucking accident is wise.
The trucking company immediately begins investigating the truck crash and gathering evidence. An experienced truck accident attorney takes steps to preserve evidence, such as the information from the truck’s black box and other data recorders.
You should not worry about these matters while healing from truck accident injuries. When you hire an attorney, you put the law firm’s resources to work for you while you focus on healing and getting your life back after a tragic truck accident in Houston.
Contact the Houston Truck Accident Lawyers at Attorney Brian White Personal Injury Lawyers For Help
Contact the Houston personal injury law firm of Attorney Brian White Personal Injury Lawyers at (713) 500-5000.
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About the Author Brian White
Brian White earned his J.D. from South Texas College of Law in Houston and is licensed to practice in Texas. He is a Board-Certified Personal Injury Trial Lawyer.
Dedicated to giving back, he actively supports local charities and community initiatives.
Client testimonials highlight Brian’s compassion, open communication, and dedication to achieving the best outcomes for those he represents.
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