Whether you call them mack trucks, 18 wheelers, tractor trailers, or something else, many vehicle accidents in Texas involve these big trucks. Big rigs are used to transport materials of all kinds across not just the U.S., but all through Texas. Unfortunately, these trucks can cause devastating accidents. According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s Large Truck And Bus Crash Facts Annual Report issued with 2017 data, there were nearly 650 fatal crashes involving 18 wheelers that year.
Crashes involving big rigs often leave victims with more and more serious catastrophic injuries than car accidents. Part of this is due to the size and weight of a fully loaded commercial truck, which can weigh as much as 80,000 pounds.
One Texas Monthly report found that 62 percent of truck accidents within the state happen on highways and interstates. That being said, truck accidents can and do happen anywhere that big trucks are transporting property.
Texas is a big state, but accidents are more common on certain roads than others. For example, Interstates 10 and 20 in Texas are some of the most dangerous in the nation when it comes to fatal crashes. These roads are very well traveled and the risk of accidents and injuries is higher as a result.
One of the most dangerous areas overall in Texas is in Western Texas at Odessa. While this area doesn’t have as much traffic on it, this area has an extremely high rate of distracted driving and drunk driving. One theory is that the high number of oil jobs in this area attracts inexperienced drivers, who then get on the road operating big trucks.
The causes of trucking accidents are numerous, but there are several types of accidents that are more common than others. From speeding to try to make a new destination quickly to overloading the truck, bad driver behavior can increase the risk of a commercial truck accident.
In fact, according to the FMCSA, driver-related factors play a part in the vast majority of semi truck accidents in Texas and all over the country.
The state of Texas gives victims a maximum of two years after a serious trucking accident to come forward with a lawsuit. Given all that’s at stake, hire a Texas truck wreck lawyer immediately after discovering the scope of your medical injuries.
These cases are often very complex and require going up against experienced professionals on the other side. Many trucking companies know that their risks of accidents are higher and invest in talented Texas trucking accident lawyers to help them. Make sure you show that you’re taking your case seriously by hiring your own Texas 18 wheeler accident lawyer. These cases can involve unique aspects like multiple liable parties, improper vehicle maintenance, or even hazardous materials.
Especially if you’re proceeding without the help of a Texas trucking accident lawyer, you can expect that the other side will lowball your claim. If they offer a settlement at all, it will be very low. You’ll want to speak with your Texas truck accident attorney to determine the numerous issues in your case so that you have clarity over a fair settlement amount.
Trucking companies are much more familiar with personal injury lawsuits than most victims, which means you need an advocate on your side as soon as possible. If you’ve been hurt in a semi-truck accident, make sure you get your own legal counsel immediately. You need an attorney to help you with many aspects of your claim, including communicating with the insurance company.
The best thing you can do right now is to protect your interests by working with an accident lawyer who has experience with large truck crashes. Show the other side you’re serious by hiring an experienced litigator.
No! When you hire a personal injury attorney, they accept your case at no initial cost or charge because we have contingency fees. Your attorney will help you start the legal process without worrying about any additional financial stress.
You can start today with a free consultation if you were injured in a truck accident or need help with a wrongful death claim on behalf of a family member.
Contingency fees are the financial payments made to your lawyer if and when your case settles or receives an award in court. Charged as a percentage, this is collected by the attorney only if your case ends with an award given to you. At the outset of your working relationship with your Texas truck accident lawyer, they’ll give you an agreement letter that details the percentage of the final award they are entitled to; keep this in mind during any settlement negotiations since they will also receive the stated percentage of those.
Whether you’ve been in a truck accident in Houston, San Antonio, Fort Worth, Dallas, Austin, or elsewhere in Texas, you need to have an experienced truck accident law firm dedicated to your case. An attorney who defends your rights means that he can work towards maximum recovery.
Contact the Mario Davila Law Office as soon as possible to take advantage of your free consultation with a Texas truck accident attorney.
We can help you in case of an accident. Personal injury attorney Mario Davila has been fighting for the rights of our community in Texas for the past 20 years. No matter your immigration status, you can make a claim.
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