Texas Trucking Accident Injury Attorneys

Texas Truck Accident Lawyers

Texas has over 14,170 miles of highways. Harris County has a number of accident injuries every year; even Brazoria County, Galveston County, Fort Bend County, and Matagorda County, sees its fair share of truck accidents. Many occur on the I45, I10, the 610 Loop, Beltway 8 and State Highways 288, 35, 36, 59,69, and 6. Truck accidents are a serious matter, causing hundreds of deaths and taking an economic toll on survivors and the families. According to the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT), in 2017 alone, there were 433 fatal truck-tractor or semi-trailer accidents and 879 suspected serious injuries. 

Our compassionate truck accident attorneys can’t change the past. However, if you or a family member were involved in a truck accident, we can advocate for you as you seek compensation. Our goal is to obtain the financial recovery you deserve to help you move forward after your injuries.

Causes of Truck Accidents

Many different factors can cause truck accidents. Some of them are the same factors that apply to other motor vehicle accidents. Some are unique to the truck driving industry.

Fatigued or Drowsy Driving

It’s normal for truck drivers to drive long distances over numerous hours, getting little rest along the way. Understandably, truck drivers face a lot of pressure to deliver the load within a short window of time. Many of them sleep as little as possible and press on to get the job done. The sleep they do get often isn’t quality sleep. Their fatigue can cause them to lose concentration and coordination behind the wheel. Some even end up falling asleep while driving. Even though federal laws address how often they have to have rest periods and how long they should be, it’s easy for them to ignore the laws.

Substance Use

Many truckers use alcohol and other drugs while working. Some use or buy substances while they are in town, and others bring them along for the trip. Either way, it’s illegal and puts all motorists at risk. Even some prescription drugs can lead to impaired driving.

Lack of Proper Training

Truck drivers can’t operate large commercial vehicles on public roadways until they have met minimum training requirements. They must have a specific number of behind-the-wheel practice hours as required by law. However, many truck drivers don’t get the training that they need to drive safely. Trucking companies frequently ignore this fact to get more drivers on the road.

Poor Truck Maintenance

Truck drivers are legally required to ensure that their vehicles are in top condition before getting on the road. Since this takes additional time and can cost money, many truckers would instead focus on getting their job done. They ignore their responsibility to maintain their truck, increasing the risk that an accident will happen.

Speeding

Truck drivers can get to their destination quicker by speeding. While this makes sense logically and for profitability, it puts many lives in severe danger. Speeding is especially concerning for big rigs. Being larger, heavier vehicles, trucks need more time and distance to stop. 

Distracted Driving

Driving for many hours over long distances often causes drivers to become bored. Naturally, they search for something to keep them occupied, but it leads to distracted driving. To kill the boredom, they might:

• Read or reply to text messages

• Make phone calls

• Visit social media sites

• Change the car radio station

• Program their GPS

• Eat

Distracted driving is performing any action behind the wheel other than driving. When truckers divert their attention away from driving and the road, even for a fraction of a second, it significantly increases the chance of an accident. 

Sometimes multiple factors result in semi-truck accidents. All of these causes are rooted in negligence. Truck drivers owe a duty of care to other motor vehicle operators on the road. They should drive the speed limit, slowing down when road or weather conditions aren't ideal. They should maintain their trucks and be sure they are safe to drive. They should devote all of their attention to the serious task of driving. When they make bad decisions, no matter the reason, they should be held accountable for the damages they cause. You can trust a dedicated Brazoria County truck accident lawyer from our firm to do just that.

Who Is Liable for Your Truck Accident?

To receive fair compensation for your injuries, you must determine who is liable or legally responsible for causing your injuries. A truck accident lawyer can investigate your accident to find out who should be held accountable. Truck accidents can be complicated as there could be one or several parties negligent in causing your accident. 

Each at-fault will be responsible for paying a percentage of the injured party’s damages according to their degree of fault. Suppose one party is 20 percent liable and the other party is 80 percent liable for $100,000 in damages. In that case, they will each pay $20,000 and $80,000, respectively.

At-fault parties in a truck accident claim might include any or all of the following parties:

• The truck driver

• The trucking company

• Other motorists

• The manufacturer of the truck or its parts

• Government entities responsible for road conditions and maintenance

A truck accident attorney will research and piece together all the critical facts of the accident to determine who is liable. Their investigation can include interviewing witnesses, video surveillance footage, pictures or videos, or even using an accident reconstructionist. Once they determine which parties caused the accident, they can pursue financial recovery from them on your behalf.

Texas Truck Accident Attorneys

Being injured in a truck accident was not part of your plan; however, consulting with a seasoned truck accident lawyer should be. At TX Injury Group, our attorneys will stand up for your rights as a victim and secure the best possible outcome.  

If you or someone you love was recently injured in a truck accident, you likely have many questions and uncertainties. A lawyer can answer your questions and help protect your interests. Get your case started today by scheduling a consult with an attorney by calling our office.