Texas Trucking Accident Lawyer
Serving all of texas

Accidents involving large trucks are usually more devastating than any other accidents on the road. Any truck weighing over 10,000 pounds is considered “large.” Semis, buses, tractor-trailers and 18-wheelers carrying heavy loads easily weigh 10,000 pounds and routinely up to 80,000 pounds. When a large truck crashes into the average car or SUV, the impact is enormous, generally demolishing the car and seriously injuring the passengers. Every year an estimated 10% of people injured in large truck collisions die.  Tractor trailer accidents cause a disproportionate number of deaths. Because of the vast difference in size and weight between a semi truck and a passenger vehicle, these crashes are much more destructive and devastating than a collision involving two passenger vehicles. 

What Causes Truck Accidents? 

Here are some of the reasons:

• Speeding: When a trucker rushes to meet a deadline, he is recklessly attempting to move an 80,000 pound road monster. It is very hard to stop the 40 ton 18-wheeler when it is speeding.  Accidents usually occur when traffic laws or safety regulations are violated.

• Over-storage: When a trucker is carrying an unusually heavy load, then it is that much harder to stop the vehicle from speeding and from moving. Furthermore, when the loaded down truck crashes into another car or a pedestrian, the damage is twice as severe.  The results can be fatal.

• Lack of maintenance: Maintaining the brakes, suspension, and engine is required by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), especially if one hopes to avoid an accident. If a truck is not properly maintained mechanically, then even the safest trucker in the world is at a much greater risk of causing an accident. All it takes for one horrific accident to happen is for the brakes or the suspension system to fail.

• Lack of sleep: Truckers are only human and when they are overworked or sleep-deprived, they make mistakes. Most experienced truckers are paid by the mile they travel and so want to work as much as possible to earn a better paycheck. When they sleep, they lose out.  Many truck drivers push themselves too far and work to the point of exhaustion, falling asleep as they drive.  The U.S. Department of Transportation regulations state that truckers cannot drive for over 11 hours after 10 hours of off-time. Truck drivers are mandated by law to record their hours of work in their diver’s log book.  Unfortunately, truckers lie about the hours they work and increase the risk of truck accidents.  Some drivers are relying on medication to fight off fatigue.

• Highway Hypnosis: A trucker driving thousands of miles watching the same monotonous road scenery can enter into a sort of “trance.” Eventually they zone out and fail to register minor visual details necessary to avoid a collision.

• Blind Spots: Truckers have numerous blind spots, because the mirror systems on trucks do not allow the trucker a full view of the area behind them. Loud engine noise also tends to drown out any honks from concerned motorists. This is why an accident can occur quickly and without warning.  The truck driver never saw you.

• Texting While Driving: In 2010 alone, over 3,000 people were killed in distracted driving crashes.  U.S Transportation Secretary and the Department of Transportation federal guidelines expressly prohibit texting by drivers of commercial vehicles such as large trucks and buses.  The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) research shows that drivers who send and receive text messages take their eyes off the road for an average of 4.6 seconds out of every 6 seconds while texting. At 55 miles per hour, this means that the driver is traveling the length of a football field, including the end zones, without looking at the road.  This happens because truckers are always communicating with their home office.

• Carelessness/Recklessness: Last but not least some truckers just have a negligent attitude and think that every other motorist should yield to them because of their massive size. Not everyone does-and the results can be deadly.

Why Do I Need a Lawyer?

The trucking companies leave you no choice. At many accidents nowadays, the trucking company investigator or insurance adjuster will arrive at the scene of the accident.  They will take photographs, recorded statements, and gather evidence to protect the company.  You need to protect yourself. 

For your own protection, do not try to negotiate with the company on your own. Trucking companies are ruthless when it comes to scaring victims away from court. They will try and minimize your claims and distort the facts. Do not bargain or accept their terms. Contact LoyaLaw to speak with a truck accident lawyer today.

How Do I Win or Settle my Case?

Aggressive Case Preparation – A Team of Experts

At LoyaLaw our injury lawyers are very skilled in dealing with tractor-trailer collisions and work vigorously on behalf of our clients to recover the compensation they deserve. We delve into the underlying cause of the accident by employing the services of nationally recognized experts to carefully investigate the accident scene, interview witnesses, take photographs and dig up evidence regarding the truck driver and trucking company.

Accidents usually occur when traffic laws or safety regulations are violated or drivers drive negligently.  Frequently drivers are speeding to meet deadlines, working excessive hours and driving beyond authorized schedules.  Some drivers are relying on medication to fight off fatigue.

LoyaLaw and its team of experts are specially trained to investigate and litigate against a truck driver and trucking company.  Immediately, our trucking experts evaluate the case –the who, what, when, where, how, and why.  Engineers, forensic scientist, and accident reconstructionists employ advanced technology to re-create the crash in order to evaluate all factors.  We will find out who is at fault and hold them responsible.  We will act quickly to put together a winning strategy and to negotiate a settlement or win at trial.

If you or someone you love has been injured by a serious trucking accident Contact LoyaLaw to speak with a truck accident lawyer today at 800-276-4309.