Truck Accidents
TRUCK ACCIDENT ATTORNEY
Commercial and non-commercial truck accidents are horrific scenes. A loaded truck can weigh up to 80,000 pounds. When a large truck strikes your vehicle, especially at high speeds on a freeway, automobiles can be torn apart. Survivors often suffer catastrophic injuries that may alter their lives forever.
Takla law has handled numerous 18 wheeler claims and continues to do so every single day. There are specific guidelines that 18 wheeler drivers and companies are required to follow. Make sure your attorney is well-versed in federal motor carrier regulations and is consistently staying up to date with FMCSA.
WHAT IS A TRUCKING ATTORNEY?
A truck accident attorney is a lawyer who specializes in representing clients who have been involved in accidents involving large commercial trucks, such as 18-wheelers, tractor-trailers, and other large vehicles.
Truck accident cases can be complex and may involve multiple parties, including the truck driver, the trucking company, and the manufacturer of the truck or its parts. A truck accident attorney has the knowledge and experience to navigate these complex cases and help clients recover the compensation they are entitled to.
If you have been involved in an accident with a large truck, it is advisable to speak with a truck accident attorney to understand your options and determine the best course of action. A truck accident attorney can help you understand the laws and regulations that apply to trucking companies and can provide guidance on how to proceed with your case. They can also help you gather and present evidence, negotiate with insurance companies, and represent you in court, if necessary.
We do not charge any legal fees unless we successfully recover compensation on your behalf.
WHAT QUESTIONS SHOULD I ASK AN ATTORNEY IF I HAVE BEEN INVOLVED IN A TRUCK OR 18-WHEELER ACCIDENT?
If you have been involved in a collision with a large commercial truck, such as an 18-wheeler, and are considering hiring a personal injury attorney, there are several questions you may want to ask:
How much experience do you have handling truck accident cases?
Have you successfully obtained compensation for clients in truck accident cases similar to mine?
- What is your approach to handling truck accident cases?
- Who will be working on my case? Will I be working with you directly, or will other members of your team be involved?
How will you communicate with me throughout the process?
How do you calculate the value of a truck accident case?
What are the potential risks and challenges of my case?
How do you handle fees? Do you charge a contingency fee (a percentage of the settlement or award), or do you charge an hourly rate?
It is important to choose a personal injury attorney who has experience handling truck accident cases and who has a track record of success. You should also feel comfortable communicating with your attorney and trust that they have your best interests in mind. Call Takla Law if you have been involved in a truck accident.
WHAT ARE THE COMMON CAUSES OF TRUCKING ACCIDENTS IN HOUSTON?
Truckers have a difficult job hauling goods all over the country. They are supposed to be specially trained to drive 80,000-pound big-rigs due to the hazards they pose on the roads. When a trucker ignores their safety training, either by driving longer than allowed or driving under the influence of a drug to help them stay alert, thousands of lives a year are lost.
Some of the leading causes of large truck accidents include;
Speed:
Large trucks are heavy and require more time and space to stop or slow.
Fatigue:
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration only allows a trucker to drive up to 11 hours in a 14-hour period. It also states a driver must be off duty for 10 or more consecutive hours before another window.
Impaired Driving:
Truckers are drug tested periodically using outdated urine testing. However, Congress passed the FAST Act 2015 to combat prolonged drug abuse by allowing the Department of Transportation to require hair follicle testing. Traditional urine tests only uncover drugs used in the last three days, while hair follicle testing can show drugs used up to 90 days out. After six years, the Department of Transportation has not implemented hair follicle testing, leaving many drug abusers on the road.
DISTRACTED DRIVING:
Truckers drive long hours and can be tempted to alleviate boredom by using cell phones or other distractions. A truck driver must be aware of their surroundings and in complete control of their large truck.
Failure to Obey Traffic Rules:
Truck drivers must adhere to the same rules as other cars. However, sometimes a distracted truck driver can be impatient to make a turn, relying on the ability of other vehicles to stop.
LACK OF EXPERIENCE AND POOR JUDGEMENT:
New truck drivers can make careless mistakes on the roads or may be too inexperienced to react correctly in hazardous weather conditions.
WHAT ARE THE COMMON INJURIES SUSTAINED IN TRUCKING ACCIDENTS?
Injuries from large truck accidents are often life-altering. After all, the average weight of an empty semi-truck or 18-wheeler is 35,000 pounds. The most common injuries sustained in a Houston truck accident include;
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord damage, sometimes resulting in paraplegia or paralysis
- Severe neck and back injuries
- Broken bones, fractures, and dislocations
- Amputations
- Disfigurement
- Internal injuries like damaged organs or internal bleeding
If you or someone you love has been injured in a car crash involving a large commercial truck, big rig, 18-wheeler, or semi-truck please call a truck accident lawyer at our Houston firm today. Our dedicated truck accident attorneys will go over your options and investigate your case so you can focus on your recovery.
WHAT SHOULD YOU DO AFTER A HOUSTON TRUCK ACCIDENT?
If you have been involved in a collision with a large commercial truck, such as an 18-wheeler, there are several steps you should take:
Stay calm and assess the situation. Call 911 immediately.
Document the collision. Take pictures of the damage to your vehicle and any other vehicles involved in the collision, as well as any other relevant details (such as skid marks on the road or traffic signals).
Move your vehicle to a safe location, if possible. If your car is not safe to drive, turn on your hazard lights and wait for help.
Collect information. Exchange insurance and contact information with the truck driver and any other drivers involved in the collision. Take note of the make, model, and license plate number of the other vehicles, as well as the location and time of the collision. Pro Tip- 19 wheelers have their DOT numbers on their vehicle an attorney can identify this number later.
Call Takla law. Truck accident cases can be complex and may involve multiple parties, including the truck driver, the trucking company, and the manufacturer of the truck or its parts. An attorney can help you understand your legal options and determine the best course of action.
It is important to follow these steps to ensure that you are protected and that any potential claims are handled properly. If you are unsure of what to do after a collision, call Takla Law.
WHAT IS THE AVERAGE SETTLEMENT FOR A LARGE TRUCKING ACCIDENT?
Driving near or around large trucks is unavoidable in Texas. Large 18-wheelers, big rigs, dump trucks, and commercial vehicles are all over the roads. If you or a loved one are harmed in a truck accident due to a driver’s negligent or careless acts, you may be entitled to damages.
HOW DO YOU CALCULATE DAMAGES?
There are several factors that may be considered when calculating damages in an 18 wheeler collision. Some of the key considerations include:
Property damage: This includes damage to the vehicles involved in the collision, as well as any other property that was damaged in the accident (such as a guardrail or a fence).
Personal injury: If anyone was injured in the collision, their medical expenses, lost wages, and other costs associated with their injuries will be factored into the damages calculation.
Pain and suffering: This category includes both physical pain and emotional distress caused by the accident.
Loss of consortium: If the collision resulted in the loss of a loved one’s companionship, support, and other intangible benefits, this may also be included in the damages calculation.
In determining the amount of damages to award, a judge or jury will consider the specifics of the case, including the severity of the injuries and damages, the extent of liability, and other relevant factors. An experienced personal injury lawyer can help you calculate the damages and negotiate a fair settlement with the insurance company.
WHAT ARE PUNITIVE DAMAGES?
There is a misconception that punitive damages are derived from your injuries. However, punitive damages are meant to punish the driver. Usually, punitive damages are awarded in cases of gross negligence. Gross negligence could be if the driver was under the influence or driving recklessly.