Commercial trucks are seen daily on Texas roads as they play a vital role in the state’s economy, conveying goods to, from, and around the state. However, the more commercial trucks there are on Texas roads, the greater the chances of accidents involving them. When a commercial truck collides with a passenger car, the latter is often worse off, as trucks are larger and can cause significant damage.
The passenger car driver will likely sustain severe to catastrophic injuries and, in worst cases, may die. So, what do you do if you find yourself in this situation? Here we cover what you need to do if a commercial truck driver injures you. We’ll also discuss the common causes of commercial truck accidents in Texas.
For more information, contact Terry Bryant Accident & Injury Law now at (713) 973-8888 or toll-free 1 (800) 444-5000 for a free and confidential consultation.
Why Choose Our Truck Accident Attorney to Help With Your Texas Truck Accident Claim?
At Terry Bryant Accident & Injury Law, we understand the complexities of truck accident claims in Texas and are dedicated to fighting for the rights of accident victims. We have done this since 1985, have a successful track record, and have 98% positive online reviews from past clients. We understand the laws affecting commercial truck accident claims and will use this knowledge to advocate for you.
Our truck accident lawyer will leave no stone unturned in building your case. We have access to experts who can help establish the truck driver’s negligence. From the moment you contact us, we will guide you through the legal process and keep you informed of our every step. So, contact us if you want a team that will put you first and prioritize your interests.
We will help you stand up to the truck driver and their trucking company, ensuring you get adequate compensation for your economic and non-economic damages.
What Causes Commercial Truck Accidents in Texas?
The following are the primary causes of commercial truck accidents in Texas:
Driver Fatigue
Fatigue is a feeling of exhaustion or tiredness that makes it difficult to carry out daily activities. It can be physical, mental, or both. When drivers are fatigued, they exhibit behavior similar to that of drunk drivers, making them have slower reaction times, which could cause an accident. Many commercial truck drivers are tired because they try to meet deadlines and they violate the Hours of Service Regulations set by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration.
Distracted Driving
Distracted driving remains a leading cause of accidents, including those involving trucks. It takes about three seconds for a driver to crash. This is why distractions are especially dangerous for truck drivers. Driving requires visual, manual, and cognitive abilities, all of which can be impaired by distracted driving.
Speeding and Reckless Driving
Despite the large size of commercial trucks and the time it takes them to stop, truck drivers still exceed the speed limit to meet deadlines. Speeding is dangerous for trucks, as the driver can lose control or find it challenging to stop in time if they encounter sudden traffic.
Improperly Loaded Cargo
Cargo — goods transported by trucks — must be properly loaded to prevent the vehicle from swaying or losing balance in transit. However, cargo loaders sometimes load goods improperly or overload the truck, causing it to become unbalanced and jackknife. Texas has taken steps to combat the problem of improperly loaded and overloaded trucks, by creating strict weight and load regulations. Nevertheless, violations still occur, leading to accidents.
Driving Under the Influence
Alcohol dulls the senses, which is why there are laws against drinking and driving. Texas has a blood alcohol limit of 0.04% for commercial truck drivers. However, some drivers still exceed the limits, impairing their judgment and leading to accidents. Additionally, some prescription drugs and narcotics can affect cognitive abilities, so truck drivers must avoid using them before getting behind the wheel.
Commercial truck accidents can also be caused by mechanical failures, inadequate training or driver inexperience, and adverse weather conditions. If a truck driver’s negligence in Texas causes an accident, you can file a compensation claim to hold them accountable.
Knowing the causes of truck accidents and the steps to take if you suffer an injury are crucial to building a strong claim and getting a fair settlement.
What to Do If You Are Injured by a Commercial Truck Driver in TX
Injuries sustained in a commercial truck accident can be life-altering, with physical, emotional, and financial consequences. You can file a compensation claim, but success depends significantly on what you do after sustaining the injury. Below, we discuss what to do after getting injured in a commercial truck accident in Texas.
Prioritize Your Safety and Seek Medical Attention
Your health and safety should always be your priority. If you can, move to a safe location away from traffic and call 911 to report the accident. You will receive treatment from the responding EMS team before being taken to the hospital for evaluation and further treatment.
Follow all treatment plans recommended by your doctor, attend follow-up appointments, and keep records of your progress. Ignoring medical advice could weaken your claim and prolong your recovery. Also, in the rare chance you were uninjured in the accident, you still need to be checked to rule out delayed injuries, which can harm your health.
Report the Accident
File a report with the responding police officer. Tell them as much as you can remember about the accident. Provide them with accurate and honest details about what happened, but avoid admitting fault or speculating about the cause of the accident.
Gather Evidence at the Scene
Collect as much evidence as possible from the crash scene, as they will help you prove the truck driver’s negligence in Texas. Try to obtain:
- Photos or videos of the vehicles, road conditions, skid marks, and visible injuries.
- Contact information for the truck driver and their employer. Also, try to get the commercial truck driver’s insurance details.
- Try to get witness accounts while the events are still fresh in their mind, and get their contact information.
Preserve all the evidence related to the accident. Keep all medical records, bills, receipts, repair estimates, and other documentation related to the accident and your injuries. These documents will help you demonstrate the financial and physical impact of the accident when you file a claim.
Consult an Experienced Truck Accident Attorney
Legal representation will protect your rights and help you maximize your compensation. Our truck accident lawyers will do the following when you retain our services:
- Investigate the accident and gather evidence
- Determine liability by examining driver logs, maintenance records, and potential regulatory violations
- Handle negotiations with insurers to fight for maximum compensation
- Represent you in court if necessary.
We will aggressively pursue the commercial truck driver responsible for your accident. If their trucking company is involved, we will also hold them accountable.
What You Shouldn’t Do
Avoid speaking with the insurance adjuster about the accident or your injuries, even if they appear friendly or sympathetic. They may minimize your claim, twist your words, or pressure you into accepting a low settlement. Also, avoid providing recorded statements or signing anything without consulting a lawyer.
We Can Help You Seek Maximum Compensation
Our team at Terry Bryant Accident & Injury Law is committed to helping truck accident victims and will ensure that nothing is overlooked when handling your case. We do not charge upfront fees, so do not hesitate to contact us — call now at (713) 973-8888 or toll-free 1 (800) 444-5000 for a free and confidential truck accident case review.
Attorney Terry Bryant
Terry Bryant is Board Certified in personal injury trial law, which means his extensive knowledge of the law has been recognized by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization, setting him apart from many other injury attorneys. The 22 years he spent as a Municipal Judge, Spring Valley Village, TX also provides him keen insight into the Texas court system. That experience also helps shape his perspective on personal injury cases and how they might resolve. This unique insight benefits his clients. [ Attorney Bio ]
