Austin Truck Accident Attorney
LEGAL HELP FOR TRUCK ACCIDENT VICTIMS IN TEXAS
Every day, millions of Americans travel on roads throughout the country. During these trips, it is virtually impossible to avoid sharing the road with a large truck, otherwise known as a semi-truck or 18-wheeler. While most of the time these vehicles are operated responsibly and carefully, there are far too many instances in which innocent drivers and other parties suffer devastating harm in an accident as a result of truck driver negligence, manufacturing errors, or trucking company negligence.
When a person sustains serious physical harm and emotional trauma from a trucking accident, they should not also be left with the financial burden of medical costs and recovery expenses. At the Law Offices of Vic Feazell, P.C., we devote ourselves to providing comprehensive support to truck accident victims, and we help them fight to obtain the justice and compensation they both need and deserve after an accident.
Contact a truck accident lawyer at our Austin office for a free consultation. Call (254) 938-6885 to schedule an appointment.
HOW THE LAW OFFICES OF VIC FEAZELL, P.C. CAN HELP
There are times when a truck collision is nothing more than an accident that simply could not have been avoided; however, there are also many cases in which a truck driver or another party acts irresponsibly, causing unsuspecting drivers to be involved in serious collisions. Because we know how devastating the effects of these accidents can be, we are committed to representing all types of truck accident victims, including but not limited to:
- Garbage truck accidents
- Drunk driving truck accidents
- Truck defects / malfunctions
- Rock hauler accidents
Do not feel as though you have to face the aftermath of a truck accident alone. Our legal team is here to help protect your interests and fight against the individuals responsible for your accident.
REPRESENTING VICTIMS OF SERIOUS 18-WHEELER COLLISIONS
An accident with an 18-wheeler—a large commercial truck consisting of a tractor and trailer, typically with 18 wheels in total—is likely to have devastating consequences. Due to the immense size, weight, and power of these vehicles, collisions often result in massive damage, catastrophic injuries, and death. The lasting effects of 18-wheeler accidents on victims and their families are devastating; legally speaking, these are also some of the most complex motor vehicle accident claims.
Pursuing compensation after an 18-wheeler accident requires an exhaustive investigation into how the accident occurred, as well as what impact it has had on the victim’s life and/or the lives of victims’ loved ones. Our Austin 18-wheeler accident attorneys work with a team of accident reconstruction experts, medical professionals, and other specialists in order to determine exactly how an accident happened, who is liable, and what potential sources of compensation are available.
We represent victims of all types of 18-wheeler crashes, including:
- Rear-end collisions
- Jackknife accidents
- Rollovers
- Head-on collisions
- Intersection crashes
- Highway accidents
- Left- and right-hand turn impacts
We understand the serious nature of these accidents, and we are ready to fight for the full, fair recovery you are owed.
COMMON CAUSES OF TRUCK ACCIDENTS
Truck accidents can result from various factors, and identifying the common causes is crucial for understanding and preventing these incidents.
Here are some of the typical reasons behind truck accidents:
- Driver Fatigue: Long hours on the road, demanding schedules, and inadequate rest can lead to driver fatigue. Fatigued truck drivers may experience impaired concentration, slower reaction times, and a higher likelihood of making errors, contributing to accidents.
- Speeding: Excessive speeding is a significant factor in truck accidents. Trucks require longer stopping distances, and high speeds reduce the driver's ability to react to sudden changes in traffic conditions or obstacles on the road.
- Distracted Driving: Distractions such as mobile phones, GPS devices, or in-cab entertainment systems can divert a truck driver's attention from the road. Distracted driving increases the risk of accidents due to delayed reactions and impaired situational awareness.
- Improper Lane Changes: Truck drivers changing lanes without signaling or checking blind spots adequately can result in collisions with other vehicles. Due to their size, trucks have larger blind spots, making proper lane-change procedures crucial for safety.
- Vehicle Maintenance Issues: Poorly maintained trucks are prone to mechanical failures, such as brake malfunctions, tire blowouts, or steering problems. Inadequate maintenance can lead to accidents caused by equipment failures on the road.
- Inexperienced Drivers: Lack of experience or inadequate training can contribute to accidents. Drivers who are not familiar with handling large trucks may struggle with maneuvering, braking, and other critical aspects of safe driving.
- Weather Conditions: Adverse weather conditions, such as rain, snow, ice, or fog, can pose significant challenges for truck drivers. Reduced visibility and slippery road surfaces increase the risk of accidents if drivers fail to adjust their driving behavior accordingly.
- Overloaded or Improperly Loaded Cargo: Trucks carrying loads that exceed weight limits or are improperly loaded can experience handling issues. Cargo shifts or spills can lead to loss of control and accidents on the road.
- Reckless Driving by Other Vehicles: Actions of other drivers, such as sudden lane changes, cutting off trucks, or aggressive driving behavior, can contribute to accidents involving trucks.
- Failure to Obey Traffic Signals and Signs: Disregarding traffic signals, signs, and other road regulations can lead to collisions at intersections or other areas where compliance with traffic rules is crucial.
- Drug or Alcohol Use: Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol is a serious safety hazard. Substance abuse impairs judgment, coordination, and reaction times, increasing the likelihood of accidents.
UNDERSTANDING NO-ZONE TRUCK ACCIDENTS
Every commercial truck driver must contend with the areas surrounding their vehicle, known as “no-zones” or “blind spots.” A truck driver cannot observe these areas while driving, making it essential for Austin truck drivers to exercise extreme caution when passing or suddenly slowing down. A devastating truck accident can quickly occur if a truck driver switches lanes or applies the brakes when another vehicle is in their no-zone.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a no-zone truck accident, help is available. Such an accident's physical, emotional, and financial toll can be overwhelming. Still, our Austin truck accident lawyers are here to support and guide you through seeking compensation.
Drivers of commercial trucks and 18-wheelers should always be mindful of their vehicle’s no-zones. These areas include:
- The small area in front of the truck
- The sizable area behind the truck
- The small area on the driver’s side
- The large area on the passenger’s side
At the Law Offices of Vic Feazell, P.C., we understand how serious car accidents involving a large truck or 18-wheeler can be. We are committed to helping victims cope with their situation and secure the compensation they deserve.
WHO CAN BE HELD LIABLE FOR A TRUCK ACCIDENT?
Every truck accident case is unique, and the at-fault party in your case will depend on the unique set of facts and circumstances involved the wreck. In most personal injury cases, trucking accidents are typically the result of errors committed by drivers, trucking companies, or auto part manufacturers.
Truck Drivers
Driver error is one of the leading causes of preventable truck accidents, which is why truck drivers must abide by numerous state and federal laws regarding their fitness to drive and their actions. For example, truckers must be medically cleared in order to obtain a commercial driver’s license, and they must obey laws that prevent them from posing risks to the public, including risks posed by distracted driving, driving under the influence, and violating hours of service rules, which can cause driver fatigue.
Trucking Companies
Trucking companies are responsible for the actions of their employees and for the vehicles they put onto public roadways. Like drivers, commercial carriers must also abide by many safety regulations, including keeping accurate driver logs, properly maintaining vehicles, and overseeing their employees so as to prevent negligent or unfit drivers from getting behind the wheel.
When truck drivers are pressured to complete their routes in an unreasonably short amount of time, the company may also be held financially accountable. Additionally, when trucking companies do not properly maintain their equipment, they may be held liable for any resulting malfunctions. The following additional forms of negligence may lead to serious truck accidents:
- Hours of service violations
- Negligent hiring
- Failure to train
- Failure to maintain vehicles
It is concerning that, in an effort to increase profits, some companies do not properly train drivers or provide adequate vehicle maintenance. Trucking companies are responsible for training employees as well as taking care of their property. When these standards are not upheld, people could be seriously injured.
Auto Part Manufacturers
In some trucking accident cases, a wreck may have been caused by a defective auto part, such as a defective tire, faulty airbag, or brake defects. When this is the case, victims may be able to recover compensation from the auto part manufacturer, distributor, or other party that made a defective product available to consumers.
Cargo Loaders
Cargo loaders must ensure that the weight of the load is distributed evenly and within legal limits. Overloading or uneven weight distribution can affect the truck's stability, leading to an increased risk of accidents, especially during turns or sudden maneuvers.
Properly securing the cargo is essential to prevent shifting during transit. If cargo is inadequately secured, it can spill onto the road, creating hazardous conditions for other drivers and potentially causing accidents.
Cargo loaders are responsible for adhering to industry regulations and standards regarding the loading and securing of cargo. These regulations are in place to ensure the safe transportation of goods and to minimize the risk of accidents related to improperly loaded trucks.
When it comes to truck accidents, the proper loading of cargo is a crucial factor that can significantly impact road safety. If improper loading of cargo contributes to an accident, the individuals or entities responsible for loading the truck may be held liable for the consequences.
Maintenance Contractors
Maintenance contractors are tasked with performing routine inspections and maintenance on trucks to identify and address potential issues before they escalate. Regular checks on essential components such as brakes, tires, lights, and steering are essential for the overall safety and reliability of the vehicle.
Addressing and rectifying identified issues promptly is crucial. If maintenance contractors delay or neglect necessary repairs, it can lead to mechanical failures that contribute to accidents on the road. Timely repairs are essential for preventing breakdowns and ensuring the safe operation of the vehicle.
In cases where poor maintenance or repairs are determined to be contributing factors to a truck accident, the maintenance contractors and their employing companies may be held liable for negligence. This liability could involve legal consequences and financial responsibility for the damages resulting from the accident.
TRUCK ACCIDENT CLAIMS REQUIRE INVESTIGATION
There are a lot of things that can go wrong with a commercial truck to lead to an accident. There are also many different types of severe injuries that people can suffer in a truck accident. All of the variables add up to a complicated situation that cannot be taken lightly. Our attorneys know as much, which is why we use our experience and network with engineering and medical experts to thoroughly investigate our clients’ truck accident claims.
To name only a few of the things we can use in our investigation:
- Driving records
- Bills of lading
- Hours of service logs
- GPS data
- Emergency responder reports
- Truck maintenance schedules
- Trucking company staff catalogs
- Planned versus actual truck routes
CONSULTATIONS ARE FREE. CALL (254) 938-6885 TODAY.
Victims of truck accidents caused by third party negligence don’t deserve to bear the burdens of the accident entirely on their own. Our Austin truck accident lawyers at the Law Offices of Vic Feazell, P.C., have the skills, experience, and knowledge to help individuals who’ve suffered harm as a result of such an accident.
Contact us today to schedule your free consultation.
Recommended Reading: