Complexity of Houston Truck Accident Claims

It comes as no surprise that an 18-wheel truck, weighing up to 80,000 pounds, can cause significant damage in a collision with the average-sized motor vehicle. A major truck collision can also do significant physical damage to the driver and passengers riding in that average-sized vehicle.

It is not uncommon to see such physical injuries as broken bones, neck injuries, traumatic brain injury, spinal cord injuries, and temporary or permanent paralysis to the limbs. In addition, victims often suffer serious lacerations and burn injuries from chemicals and fires.

If your loved one suffered serious injury in an 18-wheel truck accident, the trucking company, or other entity, responsible for the accident should pay your family the financial compensation you deserve. To prevail on your demand for justice, your family needs a law firm that understands the complexity of Houston truck accident claims.

Federal Laws Applying to the Trucking Industry

The federal laws that impact the U.S. trucking industry complicate matters. An intricate web of rules and regulations exercise control over large truck accidents, like those involving semi- and 18-wheel trucks. Regulators designed the Motor Carrier Safety Regulations to keep U.S. drivers safe on the road. Unfortunately, careless or negligent trucking companies or truck drivers may cause accidents in spite of those efforts. Injured persons have long-term physical recovery efforts on their minds, and they do not need the struggle of relating the regulations to the accident cause.

Another complicating factor is that many causes of accidents are out of the truck driver’s control. There are, however, several important tasks that the trucking company and the drivers can undertake to minimize the chance of accidents. The trucking company has a responsibility to maintain its vehicles in safe condition. The company also has a responsibility to train its drivers in safe driving protocols and adopt safety procedures. Drivers, on the other hand, have a responsibility to observe no-visibility zones and maintain safe speeds and distance. A best practice is to check the truck’s maintenance record and safety checks before starting a trip.

Liability Is a Complex Question

The trucking industry makes the assignment of liability a complex issue. That is because more parties play a role in the large trucking accident than in an average motor vehicle accident. Here are the potential violators:

• Vehicle parts manufacturer creates a defective part
• Vehicle manufacturer sells a defective vehicle
• Truck driver
• Truck owner
• Leasing company
• Loading employees who negligently loaded cargo that shifts during the trip

In addition, the driver and owner of the passenger vehicle may also have contributed to the accident’s cause. For example, they may have ignored the truck’s blind spot, not maintained a safe distance, or ignored truck turning or brake signals.

Hire a Houston Attorney to Handle the Complexities of Truck Accident Claims

The personal injury lawyers at the Schechter, Schaffer, and Harris law firm know how to navigate the complexity of Houston truck accident claims. We know how to parse the complex federal laws to the facts at hand, and understand how to present evidence in court or in negotiations with trucking company lawyers to get you the compensation you deserve.

Call us today to arrange a free consultation. Your lawyer will review the facts of your accident and assess the value of your lawsuit, ready to guide you on the appropriate path to prevail in your demand for just financial compensation.