Truck Accident Lawyers in Pearland Helping Injured Clients Fight Back After a Collision with a Commercial Truck
According to a report by the NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration), the state of Texas has some of the highest numbers of fatal accidents involving commercial trucks, accounting for as much as 12.6% of all fatal motor vehicle accidents in the state in 2019, with countless other nonfatal accidents occurring every day. Learn the facts about truck accidents in Texas and see why working with a skilled truck accident lawyer is indispensable for a successful case.
What Causes Most Truck Accidents in Texas?
The causes of truck accidents in Texas are also common in the rest of the country. Many accidents are said to have been caused by distracted driving, fatigue, driving while under the influence of drugs and alcohol, and mechanical failures. Errors made by drivers of smaller passenger vehicles also contributed to many accidents.
Truck drivers are under a lot of pressure to keep up with a demanding schedule and make deliveries on time. This sometimes causes truckers to work long hours without taking required breaks, which results in fatigue and distraction. In addition, poorly maintained trucks with defective parts or trailers that have been improperly loaded can cause a truck to jackknife or collide with other vehicles. Finally, the use of drugs, alcohol, or controlled substances can impair a person’s ability to control a vehicle and cause many preventable collisions.
What Makes Truck Accident Claims More Challenging Than Other Motor Vehicle Accident Cases?
In a perfect scenario, a truck accident victim could file an insurance claim and receive a settlement check just a few weeks later. In reality, things rarely work out that way. First, a truck accident can have more than one responsible party, as some truckers work as independent contractors for a company rather than employees. An accident may mean the trucker’s insurance company and the trucking company may share liability for any damages.
Second, determining liability may be considerably more complex, as most trucking companies are prepared to defend themselves against potential lawsuits and may be quick to destroy or get rid of crucial evidence such as EDR (Event Data Recorder) data. Other times, the logistics company responsible for loading and securing the cargo may be at fault as well as the trucking company, and gathering the evidence needed to establish each party’s responsibility requires the knowledge and skills of a professional who can act quickly to prevent crucial data from being destroyed. These are some reasons why working with a truck accident lawyer is key to any case.
What Types of Evidence Are Available to Determine Liability for a Truck Accident?
If you were involved in a truck accident, it is important to know what kind of evidence may be available to help you build a strong case in your favor. Most modern trucks have a device onboard called an EDR (Event Data Recorder), informally referred to as a black box. This device works much like a memory card recording important data about how the truck was being operated before, during, and after the accident.
Like in any motor vehicle accident, it is vital to gather information at the scene of the crash whenever possible, such as the truck driver’s insurance information as well as information about the trucking company. In addition, other items such as police reports and pictures or videos of the accident site may also be helpful.
Why Is It Essential to Hire a Truck Accident Lawyer for My Case?
Truck accident victims often find the process of seeking compensation for their damages more complex than expected. Trucking companies are prepared with a team of Pearland personal injury lawyers that will do all they can to exempt the company from any liability.
You can increase your chances of securing top compensation by letting a seasoned truck accident lawyer handle your case. At the Kahn Law Firm, P.C., truck accident victims in Pearland, Texas, and surrounding areas can get the legal help they need to win. Call us at 713-999-6549 to learn more.