Unlike passenger cars, 18-wheelers, tractor-trailers, or semi-trucks can weigh more than 80,000 pounds and can stretch over 70 feet long—making a tremendous difference in size and weight. Therefore, crashes involving 18-wheelers are usually catastrophic.
Causes of Truck Crashes
One of the largest factors that contribute to trucking collisions not only in Texas but throughout the U.S. is driver fatigue. With drivers working around the clock, falling asleep behind the wheel of a truck has become a common cause of trucking crashes.
However, this reveals negligent behavior on behalf of the truck driver, as they have a responsibility to pull off the road in such a situation to avoid injuring another driver. If not, the negligent behavior of the truck driver can cause vehicle collisions on the highways and city streets while also putting pedestrians and other motorists at risk of injury or death.
Sadly, after a trucking crash already occurs, there is no way to fix the damages from the incident. Many times, victims are seriously injured or killed. The trucking company must also make sure its drivers are not driving while tired.
Additionally, the size and configuration of over-sized trucks are unique, and it takes a tremendous effort to stop the vehicle. For instance, if an 18-wheel truck is driving 10 miles above the lawful speed limit, it takes an additional 100 feet for the truck to brake successfully. In many cases, this failure to correctly calculate the amount of space needed to brake can lead to a rear-end collision with another vehicle. Semi-truck drivers and other large vehicle drivers have a duty and responsibility to uphold safe driving practices without putting innocent drivers, motorists, or pedestrians at risk.
The Complexity of Truck Crash Cases
Truck crash cases are often more complex than car crash cases, especially because the trucking industry is heavily regulated. However, claims filed by injured victims can be brought against both the company employing the truck driver and the driver themselves. Our lawyers at Samples Ames PLLC have experience representing both trucking crash victims and family members. Injured individuals are entitled to compensation for monetary damages that may cover property and vehicle damage, medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and further medical care for chronic treatment.
Contact Us For Texas Truck Accidents
We understand that being in a trucking crash is traumatizing and emotionally straining. We want to relieve all your stress related to the legalities so you can focus on your health care. If you know someone that has been impacted by a Farmer's Branch, Carrolton, or Dallas-Fort Worth area tragedy, please let them know they can contact us for a free strategy session to answer any questions they might have. Our dedicated truck accident attorneys will make sure they get compensated to the full extent available under the law, and that those reckless individuals caused who caused such a preventable tragedy are held completely responsible and brought to full justice. Contact us online today, or call (469) 466-2600 (Dallas) / (817) 605-1505 (Fort Worth) to schedule your free consultation right away. Remember — you don't pay unless we win!
