Frequently Asked Questions About Semi-Truck Accidents: Answers by Walker Texas Lawyer
Semi-truck accidents can be devastating, causing catastrophic injuries and significant damage. If you or a loved one has been involved in a semi-truck accident, you likely have many questions and concerns about your rights, legal options, and the best course of action to take. At Walker Texas Lawyer, we understand the complexities of semi-truck accident cases and are here to provide you with the answers and guidance you need to navigate through this challenging time. In this article, we have compiled some frequently asked questions about semi-truck accidents, along with informative answers provided by Walker Texas Lawyer. Read on to gain clarity and understanding about semi-truck accidents and how to protect your rights.
How Often Do Truck Accidents Happen?
Truck accidents are a significant concern in Texas, where the state is known for its high volume of commercial trucking traffic. Here are some statistics on truck accidents in Texas:
- In 2019, there were 685 fatalities in Texas due to truck accidents.
- The number of fatalities in Texas due to truck accidents has increased over the past few years, from 560 in 2015 to 685 in 2019.
- Texas has the highest number of large truck fatalities in the United States.
- The leading cause of truck accidents in Texas is driver error, followed by tire blowouts, equipment failure, and weather-related issues.
What Is A Commercial Truck?
Commercial trucks are often referred to as “big rig”, “semi-truck”, or “tractor-trailer”. They are used by businesses to transport goods. Unlike other trucks, however, commercial trucks require a commercial driver’s license to operate and often serve a specific purpose. Examples include eighteen-wheelers, tractor-trailers, tanker trucks, cement trucks, delivery vehicles, and other large freight trucks. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration refers to them as trucks weighing over 10,000lbs.
What Do I Do If I Am In A 18 Wheeler Accident?
If you have been in a truck accident, make sure to get any medical attention you may need. Your health should be your first priority. After getting medical attention and filing a police report, collect contact information for all parties and witnesses. Also, take time to write down all the events leading up to the accident and the accident itself while they are still fresh in your mind. Talk with an 18-Wheeler Accident Attorney about what to do next; do not fight the insurance companies alone! They will try to get you to make statements that relieve them of responsibility. Make sure you contact a trucking accident law firm that knows how these cases work.
If You Have Questions, Call Walker Texas Lawyer Today! 713.552.1117
Should I Report A Truck Accident To The Police?
Yes. In general, it is a good policy to have the police come to the accident and document the scene. Not all police are trained in truck accident investigations, but they do provide a valuable starting point to your case. They can provide emergency assistance, document the scene, and question the witnesses.
What Is The Difference Between A Car Accident And A Truck Accident?
Commercial trucks as well as their drivers are more regulated than owners and operators of other types of vehicles. This is due to its size and purpose. For instance, licensed drivers of commercial trucks are required to follow the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) rules and regulations. These regulations are intended to prevent driver fatigue, maintain vehicle safety, and provide accountability. For example, the FMSCA requires that drivers log in a book their hourly and weekly driving hours. Another difference is that commercial truck companies must carry at least $750,000 of insurance to cover the big rig. If the truck carries hazardous materials, then they must have $5,000,000 in insurance coverage.
What Laws And Regulations Apply To Truck Drivers?
Yes, the FMSCA and Department of Transportation (DOT) have set forth regulations governing truck drivers. These include a driver’s hours on the road, training, licensing, and more. You can learn more about the Truck Driver Regulations here. Additionally, there are state regulations that drivers must abide by, such as speed limit, weight, and height on roadways. A good trucking accident law firm will know all the laws and regulations that may have been violated in an accident.
What Are Common Causes Of Truck Accidents?
Due to their size and what they carry there are many causes of truck accidents. Commercial trucks cannot accelerate, brake, slow down or stop as quickly as smaller, lighter vehicles. Common causes for serious commercial truck accidents include Overloaded or oversized trucks, poorly maintained trucks, poor driving conditions (fog, snow, rain, or smoke). Also, Inadequate safety systems, negligent operation, jackknifes, unsecured cargo, driver fatigue can attribute to accidents.
Who Is At Fault In A Truck Accident?
At the scene of an accident, a police report may determine the fault of the accident. However, an experienced commercial vehicle accident attorney would investigate a full truck accident. This would include eyewitness testimony, investigation of the driver, and the trucking company. As well as review all the logs and more. Therefore, while the police report may say one thing, fault can’t be determined until a proper investigation is provided.
If You Have Questions, Call Houston’s Semi-Truck Accident Lawyer – Walker Texas Lawyer
What Is A Truck Accident Investigation?
A truck accident investigation is an important piece to the puzzle in determining fault in a commercial vehicle accident. An experienced truck lawyer will request the driver qualification file from the company the driver works for. This file is a requirement by the Federal Motor Safety Administration. It includes the driver’s historical records and medical test results. Additionally, your lawyer should request the driver’s hours log.
Your commercial vehicle accident attorney will also review the on-board recorder and collect eye witness statements. Your lawyer should also look at recalled parts, truck inspection records, and may hire an expert to review the accident scene.
Knowing what to look for and how to handle a truck accident investigation is why you need to be careful in the attorney you hire.
What Is A Truck's "No Zone"?
The “No-Zone” is a term used by commercial truck drivers to describe the blind spots behind and beside a commercial truck. These areas are where the truck driver has limited or zero visibility. The “No-Zone” is typically the left rear quarter, the right rear quarter, and directly behind the truck.
What Can I Recover From A Truck Accident?
Truck accident cases are tough to resolve. There are a variety of reasons for their occurrence. For instance, weather conditions, negligence of either party, faulty equipment, just to name a few, can cause or contribute to the cause of an accident.
If your vehicle was damaged in a truck accident, it is likely that you would be compensated for the costs to repair. Also, if you are hurt as a result of a truck accident, your attorney can pursue compensation for medical bills and related expenses. This all depends on the cause of your injuries. When people are killed in trucking accidents, lawyers typically seek to restore lost income, funeral expenses, and lost comfort costs to their loved ones. The key to what you can recover depends on the specific details of the case. No two cases are the same.
What Is My Time Limit In Filing A Truck Accident Claim?
In Texas, the statute of limitations for bodily injury claims related to a person’s recklessness or negligence is two years from the date of injury (or the date when the injury could have been reasonably discovered). In some cases, this period may be “tolled” because the victim had a legal disability, including being a minor at the time of the accident. If both parties agree on the matter, the time allotted for filing an accident lawsuit may be shortened or lengthened.
If you have been in an accident, call a trucking accident law firm today: 713.552.1117
An Insurance Agent From A Trucking Company Wants A Statement. Should I Give Them One?
No. Protect your legal rights. Please do not speak with the trucking company’s claims adjusters. Also, DO NOT agree to sign anything. Politely refuse and have your attorney speak with them instead. No matter how concerned for your well-being an insurance adjuster may seem, their ultimate priority is to protect the interests of their company, not yours.
Should I Accept My Truck Accident Insurance Settlement?
No. A truck company’s insurer will offer what they feel is the lowest reasonable amount. This is often not enough to cover the lifetime expenses of your injuries. Hire a semi-truck accident lawyer to get the maximum possible compensation for your injuries.
When Should I Hire A Lawyer For My Truck Accident?
Immediately. Federal regulations require certain evidence from a truck to be held for a short period of time. For instance, a driver’s logbook can be destroyed after six months. Also, many trucks contain a black box that records driving information. If you wait too long, that information could be lost. It is best to hire an attorney that is experienced with a semi-truck accidents immediately.
If you have questions, Call Walker Texas Lawyer Today! 713.552.1117
Need a personal injury lawyer in Houston? Walker Texas Lawyer can help you. Contact him today.
James Walker is a Personal Injury Attorney in Houston, Texas. He has over 40 years of legal experience and has helped over 25,000 clients. This means he has demonstrated his extensive knowledge of legal procedures. He knows how to handle insurance companies. If insurance companies refuse to give you a fair shake, they will take the insurance companies to court. He knows the law inside and out. He knows what he’s doing.
GET THE COMPENSATION YOU DESERVE
Walker Texas Lawyer is a Houston personal injury attorney that can help you if you are the victim of an accident. He will seek compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, travel expenses, and all the other ways the accident cost you as a victim.
In addition to the financial impact of an accident, you may experience non-economic losses such as psychological and emotional stress, loss of enjoyment in life, or pain and suffering. These damages are not financial in nature, but you may still be able to seek monetary compensation for them.
Walker will try to settle your case without going to court. But if that doesn’t work, he is ready and prepared to take your case before a judge. He is Houston’s Personal Injury Lawyer for a reason; he will fight for you, seek the maximum compensation on your behalf, and make sure you get what you deserve after an accident.
Areas We Serve
Walker Texas Lawyer is located in Houston, just off the southwest freeway near the corner of Edloe St and West Alabama St. We serve clients throughout Texas. Injured in a car accident, motorcycle accident, offshore accident, or industrial accident? We can help you get the compensation you deserve. The following are some areas we serve:
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