You never saw it coming—few victims of semi-truck accidents do. Yet in the aftermath, as medical bills mount and recovery seems distant, understanding precisely why that truck crash occurred becomes essential to your legal case.
Semi-truck accidents rarely have simple explanations. The difference between adequate and full compensation often lies in uncovering the complete chain of causation.
Common reasons for semi-truck collisions
Many factors can lead to a semi-truck crash, often pointing to negligence. Here are some primary causes:
- Driver fatigue: Federal laws, which Texas largely adopts, dictate strict hours of service for truck drivers to prevent tiredness. An exhausted driver possesses impaired judgment and slower reaction times.
- Speeding and aggressive driving: Large trucks require much longer distances to stop. Exceeding speed limits or driving aggressively puts everyone on the road at risk.
- Distracted driving: Using a cell phone, adjusting a GPS or other distractions diverts a driver’s attention. This momentary lapse can cause a catastrophic accident.
- Poor vehicle maintenance: Trucking companies must ensure their vehicles are safe. Texas law also mandates proper upkeep. When companies neglect maintenance, brake failures, tire blowouts or faulty lights often result.
- Improper cargo loading: Unsecured or poorly distributed cargo can shift. This shift can cause a driver to lose control or the truck to overturn.
These common issues highlight the responsibilities drivers and trucking companies hold. When these factors lead to a crash, victims often have a legal claim for their injuries and losses.
Your rights as an accident victim
After a truck accident, you need to understand your legal options. Texas law allows injured victims to pursue compensation for medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering and other damages. The trucking company, the driver and sometimes even the cargo loader might bear responsibility for your injuries.
Insurance companies often contact victims quickly after accidents, offering settlements that seem generous but rarely cover long-term costs. These early offers typically benefit the insurance company, not you.
An attorney experienced with truck accident cases in Texas can be a vital advocate. They can investigate all potential causes of the crash and build a strong case for compensation.
