
With a growing economy, the number of transport companies has also grown during the recent decade. Information you need to know about truck accidents is that, unfortunately, serious injuries and fatal semi truck accidents have increased as well. However, it is worth noting that the rules of the road differ significantly for passenger cars and pickup trucks compared to professional truck drivers. For example, a truck accident involves the application of commercial truck driver regulations, unlike a car accident that involves only the application of state traffic laws.
Truck accident cases often involve substantial insurance claims, significant medical issues, and substantial compensation claims due to the extensive damage an 80,000-pound semi-truck can inflict on any vehicle it hits. Even a low-speed accident with a semi truck can easily lead to serious injury and needs to be investigated in a big way and as early as possible.
The victim should immediately contact the authorities and take photos with their cellphone if they are able. Victims should also seek medical guidance and follow their doctor’s orders to recover as quickly as possible after an injury accident.
Another major point is to seek assistance from a reputable and experienced big truck accident attorney as soon as possible after the truck wreck. Some critical evidence can include black box or onboard computer data (which can show speed and braking activity of the truck driver), skid marks and other physical evidence at the scene (which can help in the reenactment), and the condition of the truck itself, which can be a big issue if the truck is out of service.
Additionally, there can be other critical information or evidence about the truck driver himself. Trucking companies are only required to keep data for a certain length of time regarding the truck driver’s record, experience, and training. Hiring a real truck accident attorney can be very beneficial when applying the rules to the accident.
Texas juries have not been very sympathetic to rule violations by commercial truck drivers and trucking companies. In fact, some of the most important evidence in the case, other than the injuries and damages of the innocent victim, can be the experience and training offered by the trucking company to the truck driver, and whether or not the company followed the rules.
In the most serious of cases, a thorough investigation of the big rig, the professional driver, and the accident scene can be very important to fully develop a personal injury or truck accident wrongful death case.
Our Houston 18-Wheeler accident lawyer offers free consultations on injury accidents in Texas. We have been helping victims and their families since 1985 and remain undefeated in commercial vehicle accident cases. Call us at (281) 893-0760.
Related Resources:
What Causes Houston Truck Accidents?(Opens in a new browser tab)
How do I File a Claim After a Truck Accident? Critical Evidence to Win 18 Wheeler Accident Cases(Opens in a new browser tab)