Truck accidents in Temple, Texas can leave you with unimaginable injuries and financial worries. Most of these events happen because of someone else’s negligence or human error, but almost all of them leave catastrophic consequences in their wake. If you or a loved one was recently injured in a truck accident, you have legal rights and options. Contact a Temple truck accident lawyer at The Zimmerman Law Firm today.
Common Causes of Truck Accidents
Truck accidents can occur for many reasons, similar to any motor vehicle accident. However, a handful of causes of truck accidents are unique to and more commonly seen in the commercial trucking industry.
Lack of Driver Rest and Sleep
Big rig drivers spend most of their time behind the wheel, often for long stretches without rest. Federal and state regulations mandate a certain amount of breaks, rest, and sleep that commercial truck drivers must get. However, drivers often feel pressured to meet delivery deadlines to maintain job security and will ignore or stretch these guidelines.
Unqualified Drivers
Commercial truck drivers must have a valid commercial driver’s license (CDL) to operate these trucks legally. However, certain trucks, such as those that are exceptionally large or carry dangerous cargo loads, often require additional driver qualifications. Despite these requirements, trucking companies hire unqualified drivers by failing to complete thorough driving records and background checks on potential employees.
Mechanical and Manufacturer Defects
Like any motor vehicle, commercial trucks can encounter mechanical or manufacturing defects, perhaps even more so because of the substantial amount of operational time on the road. These trucks must be adequately maintained and inspected for potential defects or hazards.
Dangerous Cargo Load or Improper Loading
Improperly loading cargo in tractor-trailers can lead to a dangerous truck on the road and, ultimately, an accident. If the weight of the cargo is not evenly distributed, it can lead to a rollover accident.
Other common causes of truck accidents include:
- Distracted driving (e.g., texting while driving),
- Speeding,
- Adverse weather conditions, and
- Driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
Our experienced truck accident attorneys will investigate the cause of the accident to maximize the strength of your claim.
Types of Truck Accidents
Similar to the unique causes of commercial truck accidents are the distinctive types of truck accidents. Of course, truck accidents can be similar to any kind of car, such as private passenger vehicle accidents like a rear-end fender bender, t-bone scenario, or single-vehicle crash. However, big rigs’ design, size, shape, and weight make them susceptible to certain types of crashes. Understanding these can help you identify the liable parties and the best course of action for your case.
Jackknife Accidents
A jackknife accident happens when the big rig’s trailer swings out to its side at a 90-degree angle to the cab, forming an L shape. This can happen when the truck tries to stop suddenly. Because the trailer swings out, it often abruptly blocks the road and causes pile-ups.
Rollover Accidents
If a trailer is improperly loaded, with weight unevenly distributed, the truck makes a sharp turn or blows out a tire, the entire truck can roll over, which poses a substantial risk to other vehicles on the road.
Underride Accidents
Underride accidents are some of the most horrific, occurring when a smaller car gets wedged under the truck. These usually result in death or catastrophic injuries.
Override Accidents
An override accident is precisely as it sounds and is the opposite of an underride crash. Override accidents occur when a truck runs over the top of a smaller vehicle, crushing it. These accidents are also catastrophic, resulting in severe injuries and even death.
What Should I Do After a Truck Accident?
You never wake up in the morning expecting to be involved in a commercial truck accident, but unfortunately, they happen each day. After calling 911 and receiving emergency medical care, you may be left to wonder, now what?
If you find yourself in the hospital or recovering at home, unable to work and participate in daily activities, you are probably feeling scared, sad, and overwhelmed. Here’s a quick list of the steps you should take after a truck accident.
Seek Medical Attention
Injuries from a truck accident are usually extensive and multiple and require many forms of medical attention. It is imperative to seek medical treatment from the necessary physicians and healthcare providers. It is common to require diagnoses and treatment from several different providers.
Gather Evidence
While the nature and severity of your injuries may prevent you from gathering evidence at the scene, you should put together all relevant information and documents related to the crash. If you can gather evidence at the scene, you should try to collect the following:
- Eyewitness contact info and statements,
- Photos and video,
- Location of possible video surveillance footage, and
- The truck driver and company info.
If your injuries render you unable to do this, don’t worry. Request and keep copies of your medical records and accident report. Your attorney can help you gather additional evidence later.
Consult an Experienced Temple Truck Accident Lawyer
Consulting with a seasoned truck accident attorney as soon as possible is essential. You should do this before speaking with insurance adjusters or defendants to the claim to avoid making a potentially damaging statement. An attorney can also provide advice and guidance about navigating the claim process and whether filing a lawsuit is in your best interest.
At The Zimmerman Law Firm, we will assess your case to determine your legal options and preserve your rights!
How We Can Help You
Navigating the aftermath of a truck accident and how to obtain the financial compensation you deserve is difficult. A seasoned truck accident lawyer can be the difference in the success of your case.
At The Zimmerman Law Firm, we can help you:
- Investigating the accident,
- Identifying liable parties,
- Negotiating with insurance companies,
- File your civil complaint,
- Represent you in court,
- Maximize your compensation, and
- Provide compassionate support every step of the way.
Our team is committed to ensuring you receive the compensation and justice you deserve.
How Long Do I Have to File a Truck Accident Claim?
Texas’ statute of limitations for filing truck accident claims is generally two years from the accident date. This timeframe is crucial as failing to file within the statute of limitations can result in losing your right to seek compensation.
Notably, there are exceptions to be aware of that may allow you more or less time to initiate your claim. A truck accident attorney in Temple can assess your case and advise you on how much time you have to file your claim.
Who Is Liable for a Truck Accident?
Determining liability in a truck accident can be complicated. Unlike private passenger vehicles where generally the other driver is the only other liable party, in commercial truck accidents, liability can extend far beyond the truck driver.
There may be several potentially liable parties including the driver, trucking company, truck manufacturer, mechanic, warehouse, and shipping company. One or more parties may bear partial responsibility for the accident and injuries. Identifying the liable parties and proving their fault contribution is crucial to ensuring you receive the maximum compensation.
Respondeat Superior
In Texas, employers can be held liable for the consequences of their employee’s actions under the doctrine of respondeat superior. In other words, the trucking company may be liable for negligence by its driver-employee.
Temple Truck Accident Lawyers
With almost a century of combined knowledge and experience, we have an outstanding track record of success. If you or a loved one was recently injured in a commercial truck accident, it is time to explore your legal options. Contact us today to schedule a no-cost, no-obligation consultation with one of our skilled personal injury lawyers.
Where You Can Find Our Temple Office
Additional Practice Areas We Handle
In addition to truck accident cases, our experienced team also handles other personal injury cases in Temple. If you’ve been injured and need legal guidance, explore our other services: