Dallas Truck Accident Lawyer

The Most Common Causes of Semi Truck Accidents in Texas

Semi-truck accidents are often caused by the reckless actions of one or more drivers. Often, the truck driver’s actions (or lack thereof) are the cause of an accident. We would like to think that the drivers of these enormous trucks, given their size and weight, are more likely to act responsibly while operating them. Sadly, this is not at all the case. Instead, semi-truck accidents continue to leave a large number of drivers in our state with grave injuries, sometimes even resulting in death. Here are seven common causes of truck accidents in Texas:

• Speeding: A truck driver is operating irresponsibly when they speed to meet a deadline. It’s never a good idea to try to drive an 80,000-pound vehicle faster than the posted speed limit. When you have so much bulk and weight behind you, it is difficult to stop.
• Blind Spots: When taking a semi-truck driving exam, one of the first lessons new drivers are taught is how to avoid blind spots. The majority of truck mirror systems do not give the driver a complete picture of what is behind them. Any honks from worried drivers are also often drowned out by loud engine noise. They can easily side-swipe other vehicles unintentionally because they are unable to see them.
• Carelessness or Recklessness: Some truck drivers simply have no regard when they presume that because of their enormous size, other drivers must yield to them. Their actions are careless and reckless. Not all drivers who share the roadways with these massive trucks do yield to them, and the consequences can be fatal.
• Highway Hypnosis: When a driver travels hundreds of miles while staring at the same dull roadside scenery, they develop this condition, which is characterized as a trance-like mood or state. A motorist may eventually lose focus, which can prevent them from reacting appropriately.

• Heavy Loads:An 18-wheeler truck’s balance may be compromised by heavy loads. Even at normal speeds, it becomes more difficult for a trucker to navigate and stop the truck when hauling an extremely large load. Additionally, when a loaded-down truck crashes into a much smaller passenger vehicle, the damage is significantly worse. Although dump trucks and garbage trucks are frequently just as dangerous, tractor-trailer trucks and tanker trucks are known for carrying heavy loads.
• Inadequate Maintenance: It’s essential to maintain semi trucks to prevent mechanical breakdown. If a truck is poorly maintained, even the safest truck driver runs a far higher risk of getting into an accident. Unfortunately, all it takes for an accident to be fatal is a mechanical issue with the suspension or brakes.
• Sleep Deprivation: Like everyone else, truckers are human, and when they are overworked or exhausted, they make mistakes. It’s crucial to understand that many experienced truckers are compensated per mile and hence desire to strain their bodies to the absolute limit in order to earn a higher salary. As a result, many commercial truck drivers overextend themselves and wind up dozing off behind the wheel. Truck drivers are currently permitted to drive for up to 11 hours at a time by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). It has been found that several truck drivers fabricated their hours-of-service records to please their employers or earn more money. Unfortunately, truck driver fatigue is frequently a contributing factor in a considerable number of tractor-trailer crashes in our state.

If you were harmed due to a commercial truck crash, you might have legal options available to help you move forward. You must seek the assistance of an experienced truck accident attorney as soon as possible to ensure you can get justice. By scheduling a free consultation with our team at Rasansky | McKenzie Law, we can determine the best approach to help you get justice.

Types of Truck Accidents

Underride accidents: Underride accidents are some of the most dangerous types of truck accidents. They occur when a smaller vehicle collides with the rear or side of a tractor-trailer, and the smaller vehicle becomes wedged underneath the trailer. Underride accidents can be devastating, resulting in severe injuries or even death.

Several factors can contribute to underride accidents, including:

• A smaller vehicle traveling too fast for conditions or failing to brake in time
• Commercial trucks making a sudden stop or lane change
• Large trucks turning without signaling
• A defective underride guard on the rear or side of large commercial trucks

Sideswipe accidents: Sideswipe accidents with large trucks are among the most common truck accidents. These accidents occur when the side of a truck collides with another vehicle. Sideswipe accidents are often caused by large trucks making wide turns or changing lanes without checking their blind spots.

Head-on collisions: Head-on truck crashes can occur when the fronts of large trucks crash into the front of other vehicles. These large truck crashes are often a result of truck driver fatigue. When drivers fall asleep while operating their vehicles, they can enter the opposite traffic lanes and crash into other vehicles. They are also caused by drivers who drift into other lanes due to speeding or distracted driving.

Why are 18-Wheeler Truck Accidents So Deadly?

The Dallas truck accident lawyers at Rasansky | McKenzie Law evaluate each 18-wheeler truck accident thoroughly, looking at every possible angle and every potential party that may share in the blame. Potentially-liable parties can include the trucking company operating the semi, the manufacturer of your car or the 18-wheeler, road construction companies’ failure to provide appropriate notice of road defects or road hazards, fleet maintenance companies for failing to maintain the vehicle, and others.

Common Truck Accident Injuries

Truck accidents in Texas leave thousands of people injured every year. In some cases, only minor injuries occur that require minimal to moderate amounts of medical care. In more severe cases, an injured truck accident patient may remain hospitalized for several days and must follow up with months of therapy and rehabilitation.

Although no two truck accidents are alike, we see many similarities regarding the types of injuries that happen. Some of the most common injuries from truck accidents include:

Broken bones: Fractures can occur in any bone in the body, but the most common site of fractures in truck accidents is the ribs. The force of the impact can cause the ribs to break, resulting in severe internal injuries. A broken bone can sometimes puncture a lung or other vital organ. In addition to ribs, fractures of the femur and pelvis are common in truck accidents. These types of fractures can be severe because they often require surgery to repair. A pelvis fracture can also cause internal bleeding that can be life-threatening.

Spinal cord injuries: Spinal cord injuries can have a devastating impact on a person’s life. These injuries can occur at any level of the spine, potentially causing paralysis. When it comes to spinal cord injuries, they can either be complete or incomplete. Spinal cord injuries that are complete result in the total loss of function below the level of the injury. When a spinal cord is incomplete, some level of function below the level of the injury can be preserved. The extent of paralysis and other symptoms will vary depending on the severity of the injury and where it occurs on the spine.

Traumatic brain injuries: Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) are one of the most common truck accident injuries. Traumatic brain injuries can range from mild to severe and can have long-term effects on the injured’s physical, cognitive, and emotional health and well-being.

Liable Parties in Texas Truck Accidents

Unlike most auto accidents, those involving commercial transport vehicles often have much heftier insurance policies available. This is because truck accidents often result in catastrophic injuries and extensive damages. Truck accidents frequently have several parties who can be named in personal injury lawsuits in Texas. Some parties who are liable for the injuries and damages in truck accidents throughout Texas include:

Truck Drivers: The truck driver bears the most significant share of liability in most truck accidents. This is because driver error is a leading cause of truck accidents. When truck drivers engage in reckless, negligent, or distracted behaviors while operating their vehicles, they are likely to cause life-altering accidents involving others on the road.

The Truck Owner: The truck’s owner must ensure drivers are qualified, responsible, and diligent while operating their vehicles. Truck owners need to verify licenses, confirm experience, and ensure the driver has a good driving record.

The Trucking Company: Trucking companies are often rushed to hire new drivers to deliver loads that they take shortcuts. When trucking companies fail to ensure drivers are licensed and experienced, they can be held liable for instances where accidents occur.

Cargo Company: Cargo companies must load products onto trailers with care and consideration. It is imperative that the products are evenly distributed to prevent tip-overs from happening. When trucks are not loaded correctly, it can lead to shifts in the load. It is equally important that cargo is adequately secured in the trailer. When cargo companies engage in reckless and negligent practices, it can lead to significant accidents.

Manufacturers: Semi-trucks must function as they are intended. Trucks with faulty brakes, accelerators, and other malfunctioning parts can be impossible to control. As a result, drivers are likely to be involved in collisions. When truck accidents are caused by defective or malfunctioning parts or vehicles, the truck manufacturer and other parties can be held liable for injuries and damages.

Those injured in truck accidents should seek legal guidance from qualified attorneys who have a thorough understanding of federal and state laws and regulations surrounding truck accidents. Our team at Rasansky | McKenzie Law has decades of experience helping our clients maximize their recoveries after being involved in a truck accident. Contact our law firm today to protect your legal rights and get the justice you deserve.

How Our Dallas Truck Accident Lawyers Can Help

After being hurt in a truck accident, you will most likely require medical care that takes up a lot of time and financial resources. Insurance companies tend to take advantage of the vulnerability of those injured in these types of accidents by offering them quick cash after being harmed. Many accident victims are unaware of the negative consequences that accepting a settlement offer immediately after a crash can have. For this reason, you must seek the assistance of a Dallas truck accident attorney as soon as possible. Don’t let the insurance company trick you into signing an agreement that pays you far less than you deserve to be compensated.

Following your crash, our lawyers at Rasansky | McKenzie Law will take all of the legal work off your hands to ensure you can get justice and receive fair compensation for your damages. Throughout the duration of truck accident cases, our legal team offers clients various services to ensure they can protect their legal rights. Some of the services you can depend on from our Dallas truck accident attorney include:

• Investigate your accident: When you hire us, our Dallas truck accident lawyer will investigate your truck crash immediately. We’ll collect evidence from the accident scene, interview witnesses, and review relevant medical records. We’ll also assess the damage to your vehicle and estimate the cost of repairs or replacement.
• Build your case: Once our Dallas truck accident lawyers clearly understand what happened and who is liable, we will start building a strong truck accident case for you. We’ll negotiate with the insurance companies and fight for the full compensation you deserve under the law.
• Educate you with regard to your legal rights: You must understand your legal rights after a truck accident. Our Dallas truck accident lawyers can help educate you about your rights and options. Our team will help you make informed decisions about your truck accident case.

Contact a Dallas Truck Accident Lawyer Today

If you sustained injuries in a truck accident due to another driver’s negligent actions, you must act quickly to protect your legal rights and best interests. There is a statute of limitations on personal injury cases, so the sooner you get the legal support you need, the better.

Do not try to negotiate with the negligent party on your own. The insurance company will no doubt try to minimize your accident claims, distort the facts, and possibly even outright lie to you. Never accept their terms, and do not attempt to negotiate. Doing this only diminishes the value of your case and puts at risk our ability to help you.

Being represented by a knowledgeable attorney gives you the best chance to get the compensation you deserve. Contact Rasansky | McKenzie Law to speak with a Dallas truck accident lawyer. If we take your case, there is no up-front cost to you. We only get paid if we successfully recover compensation. We take all the financial risk so that you can focus on recovery.