Driving next to a semi-truck on the highway can be absolutely nervewracking — even frightening, depending on the road conditions. The size of a big rig or tractor trailer alone is enough to feel intimidated by. It’s important to be aware of the dangers presented by sharing the road with large commercial trucks, and why you should be extra alert when driving near one. Especially in Texas. According to the NHTSA, in 2017, Texas reported the highest number of fatal crashes involving large trucks across the country at 621.
Commercial truck drivers face increasing pressures to meet unrealistic job deadlines, which lead to risks of unsafe driving behaviors. While there are many different factors that play into the causes of truck accidents, it’s an unfortunate truth that the majority could be prevented. Some of these include:
Long road trips and oversized vehicles can quickly become a bad combination. Drivers who neglect to properly maintain or inspect their vehicles or loads, poor road conditions or weather warnings are more likely to cause an accident. No matter what the cause, it’s important to work with an experienced personal injury attorney to better understand who to hold responsible for your injuries after such an accident.
Due to their size, an accident with a large commercial truck can have serious, even deadly, consequences. The injuries sustained can cause both short-term and long-term harm. Some common injuries include major bodily harm such as:
Not to mention the emotional distress caused by overwhelming medical costs and extensive recovery periods that can impact your family’s financial future. If you or a loved one has suffered injuries from an accident with a semi-truck, you’ll want informed legal guidance on your side so you can focus on what matters most: recovery.
It’s all too common for these types of accidents to involve multiple cars and drivers. When you’re one of the vehicles involved it can be confusing to understand where the fault ultimately lies, and who to hold responsible for your damages. While you want to be sure to cooperate with all parties involved, you want to be sure never to admit fault.
Additionally, with the many complex laws and regulations surrounding the trucking industry, it can be tough to build a case on your own and you don’t want to cut yourself short. Getting legal representation on your side as soon as possible can help you navigate the necessary processes of learning your rights and fighting for any fair compensation you may be entitled to.
The Dallas-based law firm of William A. Smith is ready to tackle your semi-truck accident case. With decades of experience, I want my knowledge of the legal system to help victims rebuild and recover. So if you are suffering from injuries after an accident with a semi, call me today to schedule a consultation and learn how I can help.
