Houston Truck Accident Lawyer
Trucking accidents can occur anywhere, and some locations are more prone to deadly and debilitating collisions in Houston. For instance, oilfields in West Texas have become dangerous areas for trucks. When oil prices surge, it increases the need for more truckers to handle huge vehicles that can carry everything from steel pipes to fuel.
In addition, the following dangerous roadways and intersections in Houston experience frequent crashes and fatal accidents:
Gessner Rd and Long Point Rd
W Bellfort St and Fondren Rd
Bissonnet St and Wilcrest Dr
If you were harmed in a Houston trucking accident because of another person’s wrongful acts, you must verify that you have enough time to file your claim. In Texas, the statute of limitations to file a trucking accident claim is two years from the date of the accident.
However, with the numerous exceptions that can impact this filing period, it is essential to reach out to a Houston truck accident lawyer as soon as possible after your accident to collect compensation for the injuries and losses you sustained. An experienced personal injury attorney can review the incident, figure out how much time you have to file your case, and ensure that all the necessary legal documents are correctly prepared and filed before time runs out.
Know Your Rights When Involved in a Truck
or Semi-Truck Accident in
Houston
According to the National Highway Safety Administration (NHSA), “Texas had the highest number of large trucks involved in fatal crashes at 621, and the largest number of total vehicles involved in fatal crashes.”
That is why it is imperative that tourists and residents in Houston understand their rights and what they must do after a trucking collision.
However, before you take any action after a crash or truck accident, your health is the top priority. Everyone involved in an accident should seek immediate medical help to ensure the absence of hidden but dangerous injuries, such as brain trauma.
Once you have seen a doctor, you should take action to claim compensation.
What are the common causes of truck accidents?
Trucking accidents occur for a variety of reasons. The most common include:
Speeding
Truckers often face pressure to meet delivery and pickup deadlines so companies across the country can receive the products they need in time. Consequently, truckers often travel at excessive speeds to meet these goals, which can lead to catastrophic crashes. Keep in mind that the impact force will be significantly higher at an increased pace.
Drunk Driving
If a trucker is under the influence of drugs, alcohol, or certain prescription medications, it can impair their judgment and ability to make sound decisions on the road. As a result, collisions are more likely to occur when a trucker gets behind the wheel while intoxicated.
Driver Fatigue
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration has established regulations regarding how long a truck driver can drive in one shift and how many breaks they must take. Unfortunately, truckers do not always follow these rules. When companies have strict deadlines or truckers have to make up time, they often forgo mandatory breaks to meet these stringent demands. A trucker might drive through the night to meet a deadline and experience extreme drowsiness and fatigue, which can slow their reaction time.
Distracted Driving
Driving a large truck for hours on end and across long distances can be tedious and lead to distracted driving. Distracted driving happens when any activity takes the driver’s attention away from the road. This includes texting, changing the radio station, or eating while behind the wheel. If a driver glances away from the road for even an instant, it can lead to fatal collisions.
Inexperienced or Unqualified Truck Drivers
Semi-truck drivers must meet specific training requirements before driving a large commercial vehicle. However, sometimes drivers who are not ready end up driving massive semis or 18-wheelers on the roadways in Houston. Many rookie truckers may not know how to deal with specific issues that can come up while driving, which can cause dangerous and deadly accidents.
Inadequate Truck Maintenance
Trucking companies should inspect their vehicles to ensure proper working order before their drivers hit the road. Yet, it is common for companies to avoid these maintenance checks because of the time it takes to make these inspections and the costs involved. An incomplete examination can lead to unsafe conditions for the driver, which might cause an accident.
Mechanical Defects
Just like passenger cars, trucks can have unexpected mechanical problems. Sudden brake or engine failure while on the road can easily lead to a crash.
Overweight Trucks/Improper Cargo Load
Just like passenger cars, trucks can have unexpected mechanical problems. Sudden brake or engine failure while on the road can easily lead to a crash.
Who is liable in a truck accident?
When it comes to trucking accidents, several entities might be at fault. They include:
- The truck driver: If the trucker caused the accident because of reckless or negligent actions, they could be held responsible for the damages that result.
- The trucking company: The company that employed the truck driver at the time of the collision could also be liable for the accident.
- A truck manufacturer: If faulty truck parts cause a crash, the manufacturer of these parts can be held liable for the collision and injuries.
- Third parties: If another party is involved in the accident and their actions caused the collision, they can be held at fault for the losses and injuries that resulted.
- The shipping company: The loading or shipping company that loaded the truck could also be at fault if the materials were not packaged appropriately, the truck was misloaded, or the load was not properly secured.
What if I’m partially at fault for the truck accident in Texas?
Texas follows a modified comparative negligence rule, which means that if you were partially at fault for a trucking accident, you are still entitled to compensation for the injuries you sustained – as long as you were not more than 50% to blame for the accident.
If you believe you were somewhat at fault for your trucking accident but still feel that you deserve compensation for your losses, contact a truck accident lawyer as soon as possible. An attorney can review the facts of your case, determine if the comparative negligence regulation applies, and help you go after the damages you deserve.
When should I contact a lawyer after a Houston truck accident?
Contact an experienced Houston truck accident lawyer as soon as possible after a trucking accident. Although your priority should be your health, you should reach out to an attorney promptly. The sooner you call, the sooner your attorney can start gathering the evidence needed to build the most robust case on your behalf.
What does Lanier Law
Firm look for when working on
a truck accident case?
When it comes to truck accident claims, the process is often complex, with many moving parts and different parties. That is why Lanier Law makes sure to work on your behalf to obtain and review the evidence that proves what happened and who was involved in the accident. The evidence can include black boxes, training records, logbooks, maintenance records, and anything else your attorney can find to help you obtain maximum compensation.
You can aid in this process by gathering other evidence from the accident and saving any records you have related to the incident. For instance, after a trucking collision, you must be able to account for all your injuries. You should:
- Save all receipts related to your medical bills and ongoing care, as well as documents showing the time you missed from work.
- Take pictures of all your visible injuries following the accident.
- Gather as much evidence from the scene as you can, including photos and videos of the incident, witness information if available, and any other evidence that can reveal what happened.
Why should you hire a personal injury lawyer after a Houston truck accident?
Hiring a personal injury lawyer after a Houston trucking collision puts your case in the hands of experienced professionals who know how to navigate Texas’ complex laws. They understand the litigation process and have the resources to gather the evidence required to support your case.
More specifically, once retained, your attorney can:
- Go over the accident with you in detail, evaluate your legal claim, and determine your legal options
- Answer your questions and concerns regarding the accident and the legal process
- Thoroughly investigate the collision and secure the photos, videos, and documents required to prove fault and damages.
- Bring in experts, such as accident reconstructionists, financial specialists, and medical professionals who can substantiate your claim.
- Ensure that legal motions are appropriately prepared and filed before time runs out
- Handle all the negotiations with the insurance company and demand a just settlement offer
- Take your case to trial if the other side is unwilling to settle your case for a fair amount
- Fight for maximum damages
If you or a loved one was harmed in a truck accident, do not wait to secure the legal help you need. Contact us today for a free case evaluation. Let us show you how we can fight for you and defend your rights.
The Lanier Law Firm, P.C.
- 10940 W. Sam Houston Pkwy N, Suite 100 Houston, Texas 77064
- (713) 659-5200 main
- 800-723-3216 toll free
