Temple Truck Accident lawyers
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The truck driving industry is highly regulated, for over 12 million trucks actively operate across the United States, many with overworked drivers carrying hazardous material. Truck driver fatigue is a known crash risk, and factors such as slippery roads and poorly maintained brakes can increase the chances of a large truck causing a crash. Statistically, passenger vehicle occupants sustain the most damage in these crashes. Our Temple truck accident lawyers can help you.
Anyone in Temple who has driven next to large commercial vehicles knows they are intimidating. Crashes with them typically result in multi-car accidents, devastation, expensive medical bills, and lost wages. Moreover, due to the enormous size of these vehicles, injuries sustained from collisions with them are usually serious and sometimes deadly.
Have you or a loved one been involved in a truck accident in Temple? If so, call Zinda Law Group at (800) 863-5312 for a 100% free consultation with skilled Temple truck accident lawyers.
Trucks and Commercial vehicles
In Texas, a commercial motor vehicle is defined as any motor vehicle used to transport passengers or property that:
1. Has a gross vehicle weight or a gross vehicle weight rating of 26,001 or more pounds;
2. Has a gross combination weight or gross combination weight rating of 26,001 or more pounds;
3. Is designed to transport 16 or more passengers, including the driver; or
4. Is transporting hazardous materials and is required to be placarded under section 49 of the Code of Federal Regulations.
The Texas Transportation Code defines weight rating as the value specified by the manufacturer as the loaded weight of a single vehicle. The Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) represents the maximum amount of weight that a vehicle can handle safely; the weight rating for a vehicle can be easily located on the motor vehicle, and it must be. The GVWR is used to calculate the maximum towing capacity of a vehicle, and if it is disregarded when loading passengers or cargo, the safety of the vehicle is compromised.
Common Types of Large Trucks
Each type of commercial truck poses a unique danger to the other vehicles on the road; some larger vehicles have inherent blind-spot issues as a result of their size. Other types of commercial vehicles are dangerous because they do not require a higher-class driver’s license to operate. Below is a list of common types of commercial vehicles along with a description of the dangers they present to other motorists.
Tractor-trailer Trucks
Tractor-trailer trucks, often referred to as “semi-trucks,” are compound vehicles, comprised of a motorized vehicle in front, hitched to tractor unit in the back; these types of vehicles are specifically designed to carry freight and almost always meet the Texas definition of a commercial vehicle. Despite these trucks being so large, they can travel as fast as most other cars on the motorway. They also must take very wide turns as a consequence of their size, which may cause damage to the property or vehicles around them.
Dump Trucks
Dump trucks are another common type of commercial vehicle, which often fill the role of collecting curbside garbage. There are several factors that make dump trucks dangerous, including frequent stops, the bulk size of the vehicle, and distraction due to the truck being used for its utility. The utility of this truck makes it particularly dangerous because often time the crew using the truck will be focused on their task and may not have their eyes on the road.
Tanker Trucks
Tanker trucks are essentially tractor-trailer trucks that carry liquid or gaseous material; these materials are often extremely explosive or chemically toxic, and thus accidents involving tanker trucks are inherently dangerous. Operating this type of vehicle in a negligent manner can lead to catastrophic events; for these reasons, tanker trucks are heavily regulated by federal and state governments.
Tow Trucks
Tow trucks are commercial vehicles whose primary function is to tow damaged vehicles that are no longer operational; there are several different types of tow trucks: hook and chain, wheel-lift, flatbed, etc. An important aspect of all these types of tow trucks is that they are extremely heavy, and the load that they are carrying may make the vehicle unstable. Additionally, there is a risk that the object they’re towing may become loose and fall off into the roadway.
Buses
Buses are vehicles specifically designed to carry many passengers; in an accident involving a bus, there is not only a danger to the vehicle they collide with but also to the great number of passengers inside of the bus. Because of the large size of the bus, they are difficult to turn and operate, and this difficulty can be compounded by a bus driver who is negligent behind the wheel.
Moving Trucks
Moving Trucks pose a unique danger because they are large vehicles that ordinary citizens can rent out for a fee. Despite their large size and that they often carry a lot of weight, there is no specific licensing that is required to drive such a vehicle. The average motorist is likely to underestimate the difficulty in operating a vehicle of this size and may experience more difficulties than they anticipated in their rental contract.
These types of vehicles are typical in Temple Truck accident scenes. Temple accident lawyers are aware of this reality and are ready to assist if one of these vehicles crashes into you.
If you have been in an accident caused by one of these vehicles, you may be thinking, “I need to find a personal injury attorney near me.” Please look no further, as a Temple injury lawyer from Zinda Law Group would be glad to assist you in seeking maximum compensation for your injuries.
Common Types of Large Truck Accidents
Commercial vehicles are often involved in the most devastating accidents that occur on the highway. Due to their size alone, these vehicles can cause massive property damage and inflict severe injuries. There is no doubt that the trucking industry plays a vital role in the American economy, but their utility is matched by the danger that they pose to the vehicles around them.
The unique features of commercial trucks provide their utility, but they also make for unique types of accidents. Usually, an accident involving a commercial vehicle involves multiple vehicles; for example, a tractor-trailer may hit the car in front of it and as a result, its cargo unit may become detached and hit another vehicle. Below are some common types of large truck accidents.
Jackknife Accidents
Jackknife accidents occur when a semi-truck driver brakes quickly and as a result, the cargo unit skids and forms a 90-degree angle with the tractor. Essentially, the tractor and the trailer stop moving in unison and start to go in different directions. This type of accident may block an entire road, and the consequences can be devastating.
Rear-end Collisions
Rear-end Collisions occur when a driver fails to stop in time, and as a result, they end up hitting the vehicle in front of them. Due to the size of commercial vehicles, a driver must begin breaking considerably earlier than common passenger vehicles. If the driver of a commercial vehicle fails to consider the additional time needed to slow down their commercial vehicle, then a rear-end collision is almost certain to occur.
Underride Accidents
Underride accidents are particularly terrifying because they involve smaller passenger vehicles being pinned underneath the larger commercial vehicle. This accident occurs when a commercial truck stops suddenly and the vehicle behind them gets wedged under the tractor-trailer. When this occurs, the momentum of the vehicle forces it underneath the truck.
Wide-turn Collisions
Wide-turn collisions are a result of large commercial vehicles lacking maneuverability. You may have witnessed a semi-truck swing their vehicle out to the left before making a right turn around a corner. Or, you may have witnessed the difficulty commercial vehicles have when making a U-turn; this type of motion may confuse other drivers and lead to an accident.
Rollover Accidents
Rollover accidents occur when a truck driver loses control of the front part of their vehicle, and the hitched cargo tips and rolls over to the side. When there are other parties on the road, this is a dangerous situation for everyone involved. When a rollover accident occurs, the trailer of the truck can crash into and may even completely crush surrounding passenger vehicles.
Due to the unique nature of a commercial vehicle, when they are involved in an accident the results can be destructive and extremely injurious. Because there are a wide variety of commercial vehicles with great utility, the damage that they are capable of causing is often unpredictable. When a crash occurs, the individual circumstances of the crash are important in the determination of liability; that is why if you or a loved one has been involved in a crash in Temple, it is important to hire an who is experienced in this field of law.
Common causes of Large Truck Accidents in Temple
Crashes involving large commercial vehicles are complex because there are so many factors at play. Driver training and experience, highway conditions, and vehicle design all influence the chances that a crash occurs. Rarely is crashing a result of a single factor; below are some of the common causes of large truck accidents.
Drunk Driving
Drunk driving is illegal in all 50 states, and federal law specifically poses more stringent requirements on commercial truck drivers. Whereas the legal limit for a civilian’s blood alcohol content (BAC) is .08%, the Federal Motor Carrier Administration sets the limit for commercial truck drivers at .04%. This standard is in force because we can all recognize the inherent danger of operating a large commercial vehicle while under the influence of alcohol.
Fatigued/Drowsy Driving
Fatigued/Drowsy Driving is the result of mental or physical exhaustion that impairs performance. Fatigue is a major factor for motor vehicle crashes overall, but in the context of commercial vehicles, driver fatigue poses a host of additional dangers. For these reasons, federal and state governments impose restrictions on the number of hours that a commercial driver can consecutively work.
Reckless Driving
Reckless Driving can be incentivized by the economic nature of the commercial trucking industry. Trucking companies want to make as much money as possible, so they put their drivers on tight turnaround times. Feeling the pressure to perform and earn his employer more revenue, a commercial truck driver may be compelled to travel above the speed limit and engage in a style of driving unsafe for the motorists around them.
Inclement Weather
Inclement weather is an important consideration for commercial truck drivers. Because of the nature of commercial vehicles, truck drivers must exercise extreme caution when driving in dangerous weather conditions. While all drivers must exercise caution in bad weather conditions, commercial vehicles are more vulnerable to small weather changes by virtue of their weight and the instability of the load they may be carrying.
Tire Blowouts
Tire blowouts are especially dangerous when a passenger is traveling next to a commercial vehicle; when this happens, the truck driver could be able to continue traveling without realizing the damage they have caused. In the worst-case scenario, a blowout on a large commercial vehicle could lead to the driver losing control and causing accidents. Commercial trucks have a higher likelihood of their tires being blown out than most other vehicles, so it is important to avoid traveling alongside a commercial vehicle for an extended period.
Because crashes are rarely a result of a single factor, it is important that experienced Temple accident lawyers are aware of your case. An experienced accident lawyer is cognizant of contributing factors and is keen on ensuring the preservation of evidence. Trust Texas’ premier accident attorneys; contact Zinda Law Group and follow the steps below to give yourself the best chance of obtaining financial recovery.
AFTER A TRUCK ACCIDENT, WHAT ARE MY FIRST STEPS?
The first, and most important step after a truck accident is to seek any necessary medical treatment. Seeking emergency medical attention remains the first line of action, even if your injuries are not readily apparent. Next, contact the local authorities in Temple, and, if possible, wait for a police officer to arrive on the scene.
Then, you should contact a truck accident lawyer as soon as possible. The experienced Temple truck accident attorneys at Zinda Law Group will ensure the preservation of vital evidence, which is often lost, misplaced, or purposely destroyed by the trucking companies. You have a right to discuss the accident with an attorney who can go over your options and can help you file a personal injury claim or lawsuit; contact Zinda Law Group at (800) 863-5312 to find an injury lawyer near you.
NEVER ADMIT FAULT AFTER AN ACCIDENT
There are several reasons why you should not admit fault after an accident, even though you may feel pressure to assign blame at the scene of the accident or the other party may make assertions that put you in an uncomfortable position. You are probably not aware of all the factors that may have caused the incident, and neither are the other parties.
Avoid admitting fault by:
- Allowing your attorney to speak to all parties on your behalf
- Not embellishing facts or other information
- Not stating any personal opinions
Many factors could have led to the accident. For example, the truck driver may have been using his cellphone or been under the influence of drugs or alcohol. The at-fault party and their insurance company are looking for statements that will help them deny your claim. Avoid making this mistake by contacting a Temple injury lawyer to engage other parties on your behalf, including law enforcement, eyewitnesses, the at-fault party, and the insurance company.
GET HELP FROM OUR TEMPLE TRUCK ACCIDENT LAWYERS
At Zinda Law Group, our experienced team of attorneys focuses on protecting your rights and preparing your case after a truck accident. A lawyer can help you and your family pursue maximum compensation for medical bills, property damage, lost income, pain and suffering, and much more.
Truck accident injuries can be life-threatening or have a lengthy recovery period. A Zinda Law Group attorney can work to seek awards for your losses and hold negligent parties accountable. We offer 100% free initial consultations, and you will pay nothing unless we achieve a favorable settlement, judgment, or verdict for your injury case; that is our No Win No Fee Guarantee.
A lawyer from our firm would be honored to serve you during this challenging time. If you or a loved one has suffered an injury in a truck wreck, call Zinda Law Group at (800) 863-5312 to schedule a free consultation with our Temple truck accident lawyers.
Meetings with attorneys are available by appointment only.
