When a truck crashes into a smaller vehicle, and let’s face it most vehicles are smaller than trucks, it is not a pretty sight usually. The smaller vehicle often tries to jump into the lane where the truck is without realizing how close they are to the truck, or maybe they do not signal and end up in an accident. Or it may simply be the truck driver’s fault. If that’s the case, a truck accident lawyer should be contacted.
Large trucks are actually more commonly involved in deadly multi-vehicle crashes than passenger vehicles. The top 5 states for fatal truck accidents include California, Texas, Florida, Georgia, and Pennsylvania.
In 2010 over 500,000 commercial vehicles and large trucks were involved in crashes. Over 100,000 individuals sustained serious injuries in these crashes, with over 5000 people dying as a result of the accident. These numbers will probably continue to rise as over 20% more trucks are expected to be on the roads within the next 2 years.
Here are some reasons for contacting a truck accident lawyer
1. A truck driver ran you off the road and your car is damaged. If the driver has insurance, the company may accept liability and pay directly for your expenses. However, if the company balks at paying or if the driver has no insurance, you should contact an attorney to assist with a lawsuit.
2. If your vehicle was hit by a truck and you are injured, this may range from muscle or ligament sprain/strain to a serious broken bone or worse. You could be at risk of losing your job and/or lose the ability to work in your chosen profession. It would be wise to locate an experienced truck accident lawyer as you will probably want to sue even if insurance is involved.
3. If you are being sued by a truck driver an accident that was not your fault. This may often turn into a “he said she said” situation for which an attorney could help you tremendously. There may be a need to contact witnesses, police officers, and the insurance companies. Innocence is your best weapon, but an attorney can help you present it in the best method.
Hopefully this issue will never be presented, but if it does you should have a low threshold for contacting a truck accident attorney. Ask for recommendations from your family and friends, and then check references. Make sure you have a face to face meeting with the prospective attorney, and do not agree to meeting with a “contract runner.”
Texas Truck Accidents
On average, truck accidents occur 17,000 times a year in the state of Texas alone. Nationwide, this number is a startling 140,000. These accidents can result in serious injuries or even fatalities. About 400-500 of the accidents in Texas are fatal and 5,000-6,000 result in injuries, numbers which continually grow as more vehicles continue to crowd our roads. With the number of trucks on our highways, it can be difficult to protect yourself from the dangers of truck accidents.
Due to their large size, particularly in relation to the size of the cars around them, trucks can pose serious dangers. Many of these large trucks tend to carry heavy cargo which can be hazardous in the event of an accident. They can be filled with flammable products or large pieces of equipment that could come off and be instantly fatal, leaving no time to react and protect yourself.
While laws and regulations are being passed to protect drivers, there is no way to eliminate the problem altogether. More and more trucks are on the road every day, and many drivers continue to operate under fatigue, drive recklessly, and speed. Accidents can also be the result of a failure to maintain the truck properly. Truck crashes are much more serious than everyday car crashes, often involving a higher number of vehicles. In the event that you or a family member ends up involved in one of these accidents, you should obtain legal guidance.
In the unfortunate instance that someone is injured or killed in an accident with a truck, you can contact a Texas truck accident lawyer to discuss what your rights are. Many families have filed personal injury suits against major trucking companies after an accident. Others have filed suits to cover the costs of injuries and emotional damage. Either way, talking to a Texas injury lawyer will help you understand what your possible courses of action are.
The number of truck crashes and fatalities has not been experiencing a decrease. While many wish there were a way to protect Texas drivers from these accidents, they have become one of the risks of everyday driving. Should it occur, know your rights and consider hiring a lawyer to help you.