Truck crashes can cause a lot of damage. If you were injured in a collision with a truck, you probably have serious injuries and the expensive medical bills that go with them. If you are thinking about pursuing compensation, know that you do not have to try and make things right on your own. A San Angelo, Texas truck accident lawyer can help you sue for damages and hold all liable parties accountable.
The Most Common Causes of Truck Accidents
While many truck crashes can be blamed on a truck driver, they are not always the sole party to blame. In many instances, multiple people or factors can contribute to a collision and cause injuries.
Truck Driver Negligence
- Speeding or aggressive driving
- Driving while fatigued
- Driving in violation of the hours-of-service rules
- Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- Driving while distracted
- Inadequate training or experience
- Ignoring traffic signs
Trucking Company Negligence
- Encouraging or failing to address hours of service violations
- Failure to conduct necessary background checks
- Poor hiring practice
- Failure to train drivers
- Imposition of unrealistic delivery schedules
- Inadequate supervision
Mechanical and Equipment Failure
- Inadequate vehicle maintenance
- Defective parts
- Brake or tire malfunctions
- Broken lights or signals
Cargo-Related Issues
- Improperly loaded or secured cargo
- Overloading trailers
- Failure to properly secure hazardous materials
Road and Environmental Conditions
- Poor weather conditions
- Unsafe road designs
- Poorly maintained roads
- Construction zones
Why Truck Crashes Often Cause Severe or Fatal Injuries
Any motor vehicle collision can cause serious injuries, but crashes that involve trucks can often result in catastrophic and devastating injuries due to the fact that:
- A fully loaded commercial vehicle can weigh up to 40 tons (20-30 times more than passenger vehicles)
- Stopping distances for commercial trucks are significantly longer – often the length of two football fields
- High-impact collisions result in a massive transfer of force
- Smaller vehicles absorb the majority of the impact
Common Injuries Sustained in Truck Accidents
Due to the nature of truck accidents, you may suffer serious, permanent injuries. This includes:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- Internal organ damage
- Amputations or crush injuries
- Broken bones
- Severe burns
- Spinal cord injuries
- Permanent scarring or disfigurement
Who May Be Legally Responsible for a Truck Crash?
Unlike a standard car accident involving passenger vehicles, multiple parties may face liability for injuries resulting from a truck collision in Tom Green County.
Potentially Liable Parties
- The truck driver
- The trucking company or the driver’s employer
- The company responsible for loading the cargo
- Vehicle or parts manufacturers
- Mehcanics
- Inspection providers
Ensuring you understand the parties that can face liability is critical to ensure you can recover the full scope of the compensation and justice you deserve.
What If a Truck Collision Results in a Fatality?
Unfortunately, due to the nature of these collisions, fatalities from truck crashes in Texas are far too common. As such, if a loved one has been killed in a truck accident, family members may be able to pursue a wrongful death claim in Texas.
Who May File a Wrongful Death Claim in Texas
Texas, like many states, limits who is eligible to bring forth a claim on behalf of a loved one killed by negligence.
- Surviving Spouse
- Children of the deceased
- Parents of the deceased
- An estate representative if eligible, surviving family members choose not to file
Potential Recoverable Damages
- Funeral and burial expenses
- Medical costs incurred before death
- Loss of financial benefits
- Loss of companionship
- Emotional suffering
How Long Do I Have to File a Lawsuit After a Truck Collision in Texas?
You should also know that you do not have an unlimited amount of time to sue after a crash injures you. You must file a claim within two years of the date of the injury. Failure to file a claim within this statute of limitations will result in losing your right to recover compensation, even when damages and negligence are apparent.
Contact an Experienced San Angelo Personal Injury Attorney Today
If you or a loved one has suffered injuries due to the negligence of a truck driver, their employer, or any other party, working with an experienced attorney with the Mathis Law Firm, PLLC, is in your best interest. Our firm understands that collisions involving commercial vehicles can be life-altering, which is why we will do everything in our power to help you recover the justice and compensation you deserve. Contact us today to learn more about your legal options.
