Truck accidents can result in catastrophic injuries and substantial property damage. The aftermath of such accidents can be overwhelming, with insurance companies and other parties involved looking to protect their interests. Having a skilled big rig accident attorney in Arlington on your side can make all the difference.
If you or a loved one has been involved in a truck accident in Arlington, it's important to seek the help of a knowledgeable big rig accident lawyer. At the Law Offices of Mark M. Childress, we have a team of dedicated attorneys who can help you navigate the complex legal system to get the compensation you deserve.
Call (817) 497-8148or contact us online today to schedule a free consultation with our truck accident attorney in Arlington.
Understanding Truck Accidents
Trucks, especially semi-trucks or tractor-trailers, are significantly larger and heavier than passenger cars. A typical semi-truck can weigh up to 80,000 pounds (36,287 kilograms) when fully loaded, whereas a passenger car typically weighs around 3,000 to 4,000 pounds (1,361 to 1,814 kilograms). The sheer size and weight difference can result in catastrophic collisions.
In addition, the momentum generated by a truck traveling at highway speeds is substantial, and when it collides with a smaller vehicle, it imparts a tremendous amount of force. This force can lead to severe damage to both vehicles and occupants.
Lastly, many trucks carry hazardous materials or cargo that can pose additional dangers in the event of an accident. Spills, leaks, or explosions can lead to fires, chemical exposure, and environmental damage.
Common Types of Truck Accidents
Common Types of Truck Accidents Include:
Rear-End Collisions: Trucks may fail to stop in time, leading to rear-end collisions with smaller vehicles.
Jackknife Accidents: This occurs when a truck's trailer swings out to the side, resembling the shape of a folding pocket knife, often due to sudden braking or loss of control.
Rollover Accidents: Trucks, especially when carrying heavy loads or negotiating sharp turns at high speeds, can tip over onto their side.
Underride Accidents: These occur when a smaller vehicle becomes trapped underneath the rear of a truck, often due to inadequate underride guards on the truck's trailer.
Tire Blowouts: The large, high-pressure tires on trucks can experience blowouts, which can lead to loss of control and accidents.
Wide Turns: Trucks need more space to make turns, and they may collide with vehicles in adjacent lanes during turns.
Cargo Spills: Accidents involving cargo spills can lead to dangerous conditions on the road, including hazardous materials leaks and debris.
Drowsy Driving Accidents: Truck drivers are often on the road for extended periods, and fatigue-related accidents can be more common.
What to Do Immediately After a Truck Accident
If you've been involved in a truck accident, your immediate actions can significantly affect the outcome of any legal proceedings. First, ensure that all parties receive medical attention. Even if injuries seem minor, getting a thorough medical check is crucial. Documentation from healthcare providers can serve as essential evidence of injuries related directly to the accident.
Gathering as much evidence as possible at the scene is equally important. Take photographs of the accident scene, vehicle damages, road conditions, and any visible injuries. Keep track of all communications related to the accident, including those with the truck driver, witnesses, and insurance companies. This collected information can be pivotal when your legal team builds your case, showcasing the accident's impact on your life and supporting your compensation claims.
Who is Liable for a Truck Accident in Texas?
Determining liability in a truck accident can be complex, as there are multiple parties involved in the operation and maintenance of commercial trucks. Liability may be shared among several individuals or entities, and it often depends on the specific circumstances of the accident.
Here are some parties that can potentially be held liable in a truck accident:
Truck Driver: The truck driver is often the first party examined for liability. If the driver's actions, such as speeding, distracted driving, impaired driving, or reckless behavior, contributed to the accident, they may be held personally liable. Additionally, if the driver was in violation of federal regulations, such as exceeding the maximum allowable driving hours, it can be used as evidence of negligence.
Trucking Company: The trucking company that employs the driver can also be held liable. If the accident occurred while the driver was acting within the scope of their employment, the company can be held vicariously liable for the driver's actions. The company can also be directly liable if it was negligent in hiring, training, or supervising the driver, or if it failed to properly maintain the truck.
Truck Owner: In some cases, the truck owner may be a different entity from the trucking company. If the owner of the truck is different and they were negligent in maintaining the vehicle (e.g., failure to repair faulty brakes), they can be held liable for the accident.
Maintenance and Repair Contractors: If a third-party company or contractor was responsible for maintaining or repairing the truck, and their negligence or substandard work contributed to the accident, they could be held liable.
Cargo Loaders and Shippers: If the accident resulted from improper loading or securing of the cargo, the company responsible for loading the truck or the shipper of the goods may be held liable.
Manufacturers: If a defective truck component, such as faulty brakes or tires, played a role in the accident, the manufacturer of those components may be liable. This could involve product liability claims.
Government Entities: In some cases, poor road conditions or inadequate signage maintained by government entities may contribute to an accident. In such instances, a government agency might share liability.
Other Drivers: If other vehicles on the road were also involved in the accident, their drivers might share liability if their actions contributed to the collision.
Frequently Asked Questions About Truck Accidents
Can I Sue a Trucking Company in Arlington?
Yes, filing a lawsuit against a trucking company is possible if you can demonstrate that their actions or lack thereof contributed to the accident. This might involve proving negligent hiring, poor driver training, or failure to adhere to federal trucking regulations. It's essential to retain a qualified Arlington big rig accident attorney who can advise on the merits of your case and the best course of action. Gathering comprehensive evidence and expert testimony can significantly enhance your claim's legitimacy.
How Does Arlington's Climate Affect Big Rig Driving?
Arlington’s climate can greatly impact big rig driving. The area experiences heavy rain and occasional icy conditions during winter months, affecting road grip for large vehicles. It is crucial for truck drivers to adapt their driving behaviors, such as reducing speed and increasing following distance, during such conditions. Failure to adhere to safe driving practices in adverse weather can result in severe accidents, thus becoming a factor in determining liability.
What Compensation Can I Expect for a Truck Accident in Texas?
Compensation for big rig accidents in Arlington can consist of economic damages, such as medical expenses and lost wages, as well as non-economic damages, like pain, suffering, and loss of enjoyment of life. Texas law allows for punitive damages in cases where gross negligence is evident. An experienced Arlington attorney can provide detailed guidance on the types of compensation applicable in your unique situation and strategize to maximize recovery being crucial to your financial and emotional recovery.
How Long Do I Have to File a Claim After a Truck Accident?
In Texas, the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury claim after a big rig accident is typically two years from the date of the accident. However, this period might be shortened if a government entity is involved as a liable party. Prompt legal action is crucial to ensure that evidence is preserved and that all procedural requirements are met. Consulting with an attorney shortly after the accident can help ensure that your rights and interests are protected throughout the legal process.
Why Choose Law Offices of Mark M. Childress, PLLC?
As experienced big rig accident attorneys, we understand the unique challenges that come with these types of cases. Truck accidents often involve multiple parties, complex regulations, and large insurance companies that will do everything they can to avoid paying a fair settlement. That's why it's important to have an experienced attorney on your side who can fight for your rights and hold the responsible parties accountable.
We offer a range of legal services for truck accident cases, including:
Investigation and evidence collection
Negotiation with insurance companies
Litigation and trial representation
Medical expense and lost wages recovery
Compensation for pain and suffering
Our team will review your case and provide you with a clear understanding of your legal options and what you can expect from the legal process. With our help, you can get the compensation you deserve and move forward with your life.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a truck accident, don't hesitate to contact us today at (817) 497-8148 for a free consultation with our truck accident lawyer in Arlington.
Our Attorneys personally handle each case themselves. You will have direct access to your attorney to be able to get the answers that you need.
Transparency
Honesty and transparency are critical in building trust with your attorney. You will always know what is going on with your case every step of the way.
Team Oriented
At our firm you're not just a case number, our staff will always know the status of your case and help to make your situation more manageable.
Personalized Approach
Our team understands that no two cases are the same. Your strategy will be tailored specifically to you and your family's goals.
