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07/26/2022

Truck drivers are crucial for our economy. They transport necessary goods from one coast to another, making sure that all the stores and supermarkets are stocked with everything consumers need. However, these drivers are also subject to a lot of stress and tight deadlines given by the trucking company. As a result, truck accidents in Texas happen daily on highways and interstates. If you were involved in such a horrific accident, a Houston truck accident lawyer at Calhoun Meredith might be able to help you prepare and file your insurance claim and get fair compensation from all the responsible parties.

We know that, among all motor vehicle accidents, commercial truck accidents are especially challenging, both from a legal perspective and also in terms of the severe injuries victims suffer. Truck accident injuries in Texas can range from spinal cord injuries and traumatic brain injuries to chemical burns and exposure to dangerous fumes. Also, we know that any truck company will do its best to avoid being named a liable party in your personal injury claim. From stating that their truck drivers are independent contractors to claiming that truck accident victims were more at fault for the crash than their driver, these big companies will stop at nothing to protect their profits. This is why you should consider hiring an experienced Houston truck accident lawyer to help recover all your eligible damages from the insurance company that offers coverage to the trucking company.

Statistics on Truck Crashes You Need to Know

Unfortunately, commercial vehicle accidents are common all over the US and in the state of Texas. According to the Texas Department of Transportation, 536 semi-trucks and tractor-trailers were involved in fatal crashes statewide in 2021. Also, 168 simple trucks caused crashes resulting in fatalities.

As for the most common causes of this kind of automobile accident, driver error is the main factor. Here are the top causes of truck accidents in Texas, according to statistics collected and compiled by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration: 

  • speeding
  • distracted driving (especially texting and driving)
  • impairment (driver fatigue, drunk driving, illness)
  • failure to yield
  • careless or reckless driving
  • improper lane using
  • failure to obey traffic signs

The FMCSA report also focuses on other key aspects that may have played a role in crashes involving commercial truck drivers, including the absence of a required license to operate large vehicles and drug use. The report also gives details on the number of fatalities in various types of truck accidents over a period of 10 years. In Texas, these numbers have constantly been increasing from year to year, from 318 fatalities in 2009 to 666 victims in 2018. In 2019 we had the first slight decrease in the number of fatalities to 652.

The Most Common Injuries From Truck Accidents in Texas

Truck accident victims almost always need emergency medical care, as well as extensive medical treatment in the hospital, including surgeries. These are the most frequent types of injuries sustained in road accidents involving trucks:

Broken Bones

Bone fractures are a very common consequence when the victim is crushed inside their vehicle in head-on collisions or jackknife accidents. In the worst situations, doctors may have to amputate a crushed limb.

Head and Neck Injuries

Severe or fatal accidents involve injuries to the cervical spine (that runs through the neck), skull fractures, brain damage, or traumatic brain injuries. Some victims never make a full recovery, being left with paralysis, reduced motor and nervous system functions, as well as disfiguring scars.

Back and Spine Injuries

The spine is literally and figuratively our backbone. Its roles are two support the erect position of the body and to protect the spinal cord - a bundle of nerves starting at the base of the brain and running to all the parts of the body. An experienced Houston truck accident lawyer knows that a sudden and violent impact can lead to fractures of the spine, muscle tears, and other catastrophic injuries resulting in paralysis or debilitating chronic back pain.

Severe Burns

Truck accident fatalities and injuries from burns can occur in two ways:

  • burns caused by a fire breaking out at the accident scene
  • burns caused by chemicals and other hazardous materials leaking from the truck

Who Is Liable for Truck Accidents in Texas?

The issue of liability is complex in commercial vehicle accidents. While the negligent driver is the primary responsible party, other entities may have to share this responsibility. These may be:

  • the trucking company employing the driver
  • the company that loaded the cargo, if improper loading caused the accident
  • the truck maintenance shop if a malfunctioning vehicle caused the crash

A skilled Houston truck accident lawyer will always look for all the potential liable parties in a semi-truck crash in order to maximize the compensatory amount you may collect.

Why Should You Hire a Houston Truck Accident Lawyer?

Fighting your own battle against big trucking companies and their insurance carriers is nearly impossible while you are in the hospital, recovering from horrific injuries. At Calhoun Meredith, we know just how difficult it is for accident victims and their families, so we strive to fight their battle and win. We have extensive experience in similar cases and are committed to using innovative techniques to obtain the maximum compensation you deserve for your economic and non-economic damages.

We are not afraid to take on a legal battle against the largest corporations. We encourage you to contact us as soon as possible after your truck accident to see if we can help you win the fair compensation you deserve: 855-664-0273!

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