Houston Truck Accident Lawyers: Pursuing Justice and Compensation

Houston Truck Accident Lawyers: When it comes to commercial trucking hubs, Houston, Texas, is undoubtedly one of the busiest. The city witnesses a constant flow of semi trucks, essential for transporting goods across the nation. While the trucking industry operates under extensive regulations, the bottom line often takes precedence for companies responsible for cargo transportation. This financial focus can sometimes lead to shortcuts, resulting in accidents that harm innocent individuals.

At Patrick Daniel Law, we understand the complexities of commercial trucking accidents. If you or a loved one has suffered serious injuries or lost a family member in an accident involving an 18-wheeler, our experienced attorneys are here to help you seek the compensation you rightfully deserve.

Contact Patrick Daniel Law at (713) 999-6666 for a FREE consultation. Our dedicated team of Houston truck accident lawyers serves clients not only in Houston but throughout Texas and across the United States.

Why You Need a Houston Truck Accident Lawyers? 

While it’s not mandatory to hire an attorney immediately after a truck accident, it’s essential to understand the uphill battle you face without qualified legal representation. Truck accident claims are vastly different from typical car accident cases. They involve a range of complexities that necessitate the expertise of a seasoned attorney.

Here’s why hiring a truck accident lawyer is crucial for a successful outcome:

• Multiple Defendants: Truck accident cases often involve multiple defendants, including the truck driver, the trucking company, manufacturers of truck components, and others. Each defendant typically has its own insurance company, complicating matters.
• Federal and State Regulations: Truck drivers must adhere to federal regulations as well as state and local laws. This can lead to multiple agencies being involved in accident investigations, each with its own set of rules, legislation, and procedures.
• Severe Injuries: Truck accidents tend to result in more extensive injuries compared to regular car crashes. Consequently, the damages sought in truck accident lawsuits are generally much higher.

Given these complexities, it is in your best interest to hire an attorney who comprehends the nuances of truck accident litigation and can champion your case effectively.

What a Truck Accident Lawyer Can Do for You? 

If you’re unsure about whether you need a Houston truck accident lawyer, consider the following conditions where seeking legal representation is particularly important:

• Involvement in a fatal truck accident.
• Suffering severe injuries, such as broken bones, paralysis, amputation, burns, blindness, or long-term physical impairment.
• If there’s even a slight chance you could be found at fault.
• If the accident involved multiple vehicles.
• If the accident occurred in a construction or school zone.
• When the official accident report is incomplete or inaccurate.

A proficient 18-wheeler accident attorney can also investigate the root causes of the truck accident. These accidents have various triggers, and identifying them often requires expertise. The better the attorney, the more capable they are of pinpointing these causes with solid evidence.

Understanding the Causes of Trucking Accidents

The size and power of big rigs don’t inherently make them dangerous. Still, when driven recklessly, inadequately maintained, or exposed to hazardous conditions on busy interstates, they pose substantial risks to everyone on the road. Vigilance, whether in driving, maintenance, or troubleshooting, is of paramount importance.

The margin for error with an 18-wheeler is notably smaller than with smaller vehicles. A moment of inattention by the driver can lead to a lane change, resulting in a side-swiped car. An abrupt stop by a fully-loaded truck traveling at 65 miles per hour requires approximately 525 feet to come to a halt, making rear-end collisions a common occurrence. These aren’t mere fender benders; they can result in catastrophic consequences.

The responsibilities associated with operating and owning an 18-wheeler are substantial and should never be taken lightly. Neglecting these responsibilities can lead to catastrophic accidents.

Common driver errors that can lead to trucking accidents include:

• Truck Driver Drowsiness: Fatigue affects reaction time, threat perception, and cognitive reasoning, making it a significant factor in accidents. Drivers often face pressure to meet tight delivery schedules, which can lead to excessive hours on the road, falsified driver logs, and, ultimately, accidents.
• Impaired Truck Driving: It’s concerning that operators of 80,000-pound vehicles may operate them under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Data from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration revealed that a substantial number of truck drivers involved in fatal crashes had a blood alcohol concentration above the legal limit.
• Truck Speeding and Driving Too Fast for Conditions: While not always exceeding posted speed limits, some truck drivers drive too fast for the road conditions, which is both dangerous and illegal. Speeding significantly contributes to truck accidents.
• Reckless and Vindictive Truck Driving: While not a common occurrence, aggressive driving or road rage can occasionally lead to accidents. It’s challenging to prove such behavior in court, often requiring third-party witnesses.
• Distracted Truck Driving: Truck drivers may text, talk on the phone, or use the internet while driving, leading to distracted driving accidents. According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, nearly 6% of fatal truck accidents involved some form of driver distraction.
• Other Types of Truck Driver Errors: Numerous other factors can contribute to accidents, including distracted driving, lane departure, failure to yield, overcorrecting, obscured vision, failure to obey traffic signs, tailgating, improper passing, and failure to execute turns and lane changes properly.

  

These decisions rarely occur in isolation, often involving an employer’s influence on the driver, expanding the scope of the case to include multiple defendants.

Negligent Truck Maintenance: A Recipe for Disaster

Truck maintenance is essential to ensuring the safety of these massive vehicles. However, negligence in maintenance can lead to accidents, and brake failure is a prime example. Brake failure is particularly dangerous on steep grades, and it can result from overheating, hydraulics issues, or other mechanical problems. Such failures due to poor maintenance should never happen.

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulates the safety and maintenance requirements for equipment and components on 18-wheelers and other commercial vehicles. The braking system, in particular, must have automatic adjustments to account for wear and tear. Moreover, manual inspections are required, and records of repairs, replacements, and installations of brakes must be available.

Negligent maintenance can have catastrophic consequences. For instance, brake failure can result in accidents that are often fatal, affecting not only the truck driver but also other drivers on the road.

Parties Liable in Trucking Accidents

Truck accidents aren’t solely the fault of truck drivers. Identifying responsible parties is a crucial aspect of investigating semi-truck accidents. It often extends beyond the driver on the scene and may involve the trucking company, other drivers, maintenance contractors, manufacturers, and more.

Common parties liable in trucking accidents include:

• Truck Drivers: If the truck driver’s negligence or recklessness caused the accident, they are typically held liable. This may include actions like speeding, impaired driving, or failing to obey traffic laws.
• Trucking Companies: Trucking companies are often held responsible for accidents caused by their drivers. This is known as vicarious liability, where the employer is liable for the actions of its employees in the scope of their employment.
• Maintenance Companies: If inadequate maintenance, repairs, or inspections contributed to the accident, the maintenance company may be liable.

Sometimes, the truck’s design or manufacturing may be flawed, leading to accidents. In such cases, the truck’s manufacturer or parts manufacturers could be held responsible.

• Shippers and Cargo Loaders: Overloaded or improperly loaded cargo can affect the truck’s balance and handling. If this leads to an accident, the entity responsible for loading the cargo may be liable.

  

• Other Drivers: It’s not uncommon for other drivers to be at fault in truck accidents. They may engage in reckless behavior, drive in the truck’s blind spots, or make sudden maneuvers that lead to an accident.
• Government Entities: Poorly designed or maintained roadways, signage, or inadequate traffic control can contribute to truck accidents. In some cases, government entities responsible for road maintenance may be liable.
• Third Parties: Independent contractors, brokers, and intermediaries involved in the trucking operation may also be held liable in certain circumstances.

Identifying all liable parties is essential for maximizing your potential compensation. An experienced Houston truck accident lawyer can help you navigate this complex process

Seeking Compensation for Truck Accident Injuries

The compensation you may be entitled to after a truck accident can vary depending on the specifics of your case. Potential compensation may cover the following:

• Medical Expenses: This includes past and future medical bills, rehabilitation, and any other healthcare costs related to your injuries.
• Lost Income: If your injuries result in lost wages or diminished earning capacity, you may be eligible for compensation.
• Property Damage: Compensation can extend to cover damage to your vehicle or other personal property.
• Pain and Suffering: Non-economic damages such as physical and emotional suffering may also be compensated.

• Wrongful Death: If a loved one lost their life in a truck accident, you may be eligible for compensation for funeral expenses, loss of companionship, and more.
• Punitive Damages: In cases of extreme negligence or intentional misconduct, punitive damages may be awarded to punish the responsible party and deter future wrongdoing.

How a Houston Truck Accident Lawyers Can Help ?

Experienced truck accident attorneys can provide essential assistance throughout your case, including:

• Investigating the accident thoroughly to establish liability.
• Gathering evidence to support your claims.
• Identifying all potentially liable parties.
• Negotiating with insurance companies to ensure you receive fair compensation.
• Preparing a strong case for trial if necessary.
• Choose Patrick Daniel Law for Your Truck Accident Cas

  

When dealing with the aftermath of a truck accident, the last thing you want to worry about is navigating a complex legal process on your own. At Patrick Daniel Law, we have the expertise and resources to handle your truck accident case effectively. Our attorneys understand the unique challenges posed by these cases and are dedicated to pursuing justice on your behalf.

If you’ve been injured in a truck accident or lost a loved one in such an accident, don’t hesitate to seek legal representation. Contact Patrick Daniel Law at (713) 999-6666 for a FREE consultation. We’re here to help you pursue the compensation you deserve and hold the responsible parties accountable. Our Houston truck accident lawyers serve clients not only in Houston but throughout Texas and across the United States.