The Federal Carrier Safety Administration reports that about 130,000 people sustain injuries and 5,000 people are killed in truck accidents every year. Accidents that occur most frequently include:

• Truck rollovers
• Underride accidents
• T-bones
• Wide turn accidents
• Blind spot accidents
• Tire blowouts
• Rear-ends
• Jackknifing
• Lost load accidents
• Head-on collisions

Regardless of the type of truck accident you’ve been involved in, you should work with a lawyer experienced in truck accident litigation to learn about your rights and legal options and to initiate a claim for compensation and damages. This is because even though accidents involving big trucks often cause fatalities, insurers and trucking companies fight hard in order to limit the compensation they pay to victims. Without a lawyer by your side to battle these large corporations, their adjusters and lawyers may dupe you into accepting a compensation package lower than what you deserve, or none at all.

Our Kemah truck accident lawyers have handled countless personal injury, wrongful death, and property injury claims against trucking companies and their insurers. Our team is familiar with everything related to trucking accidents, including Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration safety rules.

How Truck Accidents Claims Differ from Car Accident Claims

1. Due to higher risks of damage and injury, truck accident claims involve higher damage, payout, and insurance amounts.
2. There can be multiple defendants in a truck accident claim, including the trucking company, the driver, the freight loader, mechanics, and more.
3. Truckers are usually well insured and have higher insurance claim limits
4. Since the trucking industry is extensively regulated, violation of trucking regulations can apply to your case.
5. Truck drivers usually have a commercial driver’s license and not a private motorist license.

Causes of Truck Accidents

According to the FMCSA, truck accidents most frequently result from:

• Speeding
• Road problems
• Driving under the influence (DUI)
• Driver fatigue
• Irresponsible lane changes
• Brake problems
• Driver unfamiliarity with a road
• A driver’s failure to sufficiently survey the road

Even though a number of truck accidents are caused by carelessness on the part of the driver, a trucking company could be held accountable for:

• Failure to adequately maintain their trucks
• Pushing drivers to speed up or exceed working hours to meet deadlines
• Hiring semi-skilled drivers

The Consequences of Truck Accidents

Due to the huge size of trucks, the accidents they cause lead to devastating injuries and massive property damage to pedestrians, bicyclists, motorcyclists, and people in smaller vehicles with a higher frequency than car accidents. Below are a few of the truck accident injury types that our lawyers will help you seek compensation for:

• Amputations
• Soft tissue damage
• Crushed arms or legs
• Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
• Burns
• Fractured vertebrae
• Spinal cord injuries

Most of these bodily injuries come with long-term consequences and require substantial amounts of money to rehabilitate and treat. Only aggressive negotiations will get you the settlement you need to cover all medical bills and inconveniences that result from a truck accident.

Who Is Liable in a Truck Accident?

You may be able to file a claim against a number of parties after a truck accident, including:

• The trucking company
• The truck driver
• The trucking company’s insurer
• Responsible merchants
• The truck manufacturer
• The truck repair or maintenance technician
• The federal government, county, state, or city if road conditions or poor signage resulted in an accident

Related: What Happens When You Hire a Lawyer for a Car Accident in Houston?

How Do You Prove Fault in a Truck Accident?

For a fair compensation package that covers your damages, you need to prove fault on the responsible party. Our truck accident attorneys will look into your case closely and try to substantiate liability by proving that the accident resulted from an act of negligence such as:

• Distracted driving
• Speeding
• Drunk driving
• An unmaintained truck
• Overloaded cargo
• Cargo improperly secured in the trailer
• A truck that was following your vehicle too closely
• An inexperienced driver
• A fatigued driver

Related: What Does a Personal Injury Lawyer Do in Houston?

Compensation After Truck Accidents

Once the trucking company, driver, or any other guilty party has been proven to be at fault, they will be responsible for your losses, injuries, and any expenses associated with the accident. In most cases, the insurer of the truck will be responsible for paying compensation. Our lawyers will engage such insurers to see to it that you get the maximum compensation amount you are legally entitled to under the rule of law for damages including:

• Pain and suffering
• Treatment expenses
• Emotional distress
• Reduced earning capacity
• Rehabilitation costs
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Lost income
• Damages to your motorcycle, vehicle, or any other property
• Funeral expenses
• Loss of consortium

Related: Should I Settle a Car Accident Claim Without a Lawyer in Houston?

Our Truck Accident Experts Are Here to Help

We have helped countless victims of truck accidents in the past and work to see those innocent victims are able to get their lives back on track and are awarded the compensation they deserve after suffering a trucking accident that was the fault of a negligent third party. Call us today at (713) 677-2159 to initiate a claim and to discuss your case with one of our truck accident experts.