Texas Truck Accident Lawyer

Truck accidents are surprisingly common in Texas. According to the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT), there are tens of thousands of accidents involving commercial motor vehicles each year. Hundreds of those crashes prove fatal. 

Many of these accidents are caused by a driver’s negligence or recklessness, entitling the injured party to compensation. However, without the help of a Texas truck accident lawyer, they may not get the financial recovery they deserve. 

Proving liability or legal responsibility in a truck accident case can be difficult, let alone dealing with one or more insurance policies and the truck operator’s employer. Because of the complexities involved in truck accident claims, it is generally in your best interest to consult with an attorney as soon as possible.

Who Is Liable in a Truck Accident Case?

In most truck accident cases, the truck driver might be held liable if they are shown to have breached their duty of care, thereby causing the plaintiff's injuries and damages. The trucking company might also be liable if they are found to have violated trucking regulations.

Demonstrating negligence in a truck accident case can be challenging without the help of an attorney. For example, the insurance adjuster may try to place you to blame for the accident or may attempt to downplay your injuries.

However, even if you were partially to blame for the accident, you might still be able to recover damages against a negligent party. At Bailey Cowan Heckaman PLLC, our experienced lawyers understand the complexities of truck accident cases and have the skills needed to prove negligence.

A truck driver might be held liable if:

• The driver was speeding, driving recklessly, or distracted while driving, such as by using their cell phone at the time of the accident.
• The driver violated traffic laws, such as failing to yield the right of way or running a red light.
• The driver was fatigued or under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
• Evidence from eyewitness statements, police reports, or accident reconstruction reports demonstrate that the driver breached their duty of care.
• The driver or the company loaded their cargo improperly, leading to cargo shift that caused an accident.
• The driver's driving history demonstrates a pattern of negligence, including previous accidents, traffic violations, or drug or alcohol use.

The trucking company might be held liable if:

• The company violated safety regulations, such as failing to perform regular maintenance on the truck or overloading the cargo.
• The company used bad hiring practices, such as neglecting to conduct background checks and hiring inexperienced or unqualified drivers.
• The company failed to provide adequate training or supervision to their drivers, leading to the driver's negligence.
• The company pressured drivers to violate safety regulations or to drive for longer hours than legally allowed.
• Evidence from company records, such as maintenance logs or driver logs, establishes a pattern of negligence or noncompliance with safety regulations.

In some cases, a truck part defect or malfunction might have caused the accident, which might give cause for a product liability claim.

In conclusion, proving negligence in a truck accident case requires a thorough investigation, strong evidence, and a deep understanding of the law. At Bailey Cowan Heckaman PLLC, our lawyers have the experience and resources needed to help truck accident victims receive the compensation they deserve.

What Are Common Injuries Related to Truck Accidents?

Large trucks are generally considered vehicles with a GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating) of 10,000 lbs or more. Their size makes it more likely that a collision will be severe and result in serious injuries.

Common injuries related to truck accidents include:

• Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
• Damage to the spinal cord
• Broken bones 
• Damage to the internal organs
• Amputation and disfigurement
• Burn injuries
• Facial lacerations and skull fractures
• Broken teeth or jaw
• Crushing injuries
• Wrongful death

Depending on the situation, there may be one or more parties that can be held responsible for your injuries. It is important to act quickly as you may only have a limited amount of time to file a claim for damages. Retaining a Texas truck accident lawyer immediately after the crash is the best way to protect your rights and your recovery. 

Injured in a Truck Accident? Contact Bailey Cowan Heckaman.

Were you injured in a truck accident in Texas? Contact our office at (888) 367-7160 to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation. We have recovered millions of dollars on behalf of clients statewide. Call our office today to discuss your case directly with an attorney. There are no fees unless we win.