Injured in a truck accident in Texas?

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) statistics state there were 330,000 large trucks involved in traffic accidents across the country in 2012. Those large truck accidents resulted in 104,000 injuries and 3,921 deaths. Of those fatalities, only 18 percent were occupants of the large trucks. The rest were occupants of other vehicles or non-occupants. Clearly, if you are involved in an accident with a large truck, the odds are not in your favor.

Unfortunately, Texas leads all states in accidents involving these large vehicles. The NHTSA statistics show that the Lone Star State had 543 large trucks that were involved in those fatal accidents. That’s about 14% of the entire total in the country. Sure, Texas is a large state but those numbers are over TWICE the amount of California, the state with the second highest number. It is almost triple the amount of the third most deadly state for fatal large truck accidents, Florida. An article published in the Houston Chronicle points to the increase in fracking and the oil boom for the large amount of large truck incidents in the state. Whatever the reason, Texas by far, is the most dangerous state when it comes to large truck accidents.

Large Truck Accident Causes

In a separate study, the NHTSA was able to determine that large truck crashes are caused by a variety of factors including drug and alcohol abuse, weather and road conditions, visibility, and distracted driving. They were also able to determine that some of these accidents are caused by mechanical failures on these large vehicles. While certainly not all accidents involving large trucks are the fault of the driver, when it appears it is, there are steps you should take.

What to Do If You or a Loved One Is Injured

If you or someone you love is involved in an accident involving a large truck resulting in injuries or death, you should seek legal representation quickly. An attorney experienced in accidents involving large trucks can help determine the value of your case, and determine the proper steps to take to protect your interests and seek appropriate compensation.

Compensation can come as the result of a variety of factors.

• Medical Expenses – Injuries sustained in a truck accident can be extremely expensive and they could be long-term. An experienced accident attorney can help you get the medical attention you need in the short and long term, and seek compensation to pay for those expenses.
• Lost Wages – You might understand that you may be entitled to compensation for the wages you would have earned had you not been involved in a large truck accident. But you also may be entitled to compensation lost if you can’t return to a job that paid as well as your previous one. An attorney experienced in this area of law can look at all aspects of your claim.
• Pain and Suffering – Not only can injuries result in significant medical expenses, they can result in significant pain and suffering. An experienced accident injury lawyer can help ensure a victim is fairly compensated.
• Wrongful Death – If a family member has been killed in a large truck accident, a wrongful death suit can help you recover financially for medical and funeral expenses, loss of income, and other non-monetary causes.

Why Representation is so Critical

An insurance company may try to settle with you quickly. This can be a very large mistake as you may be waiving future rights. When you contact an attorney experienced in dealing with injury accidents involving large trucks, you get professional representation that knows how, and where, to seek compensation. Beyond the truck driver, the trucking company itself may be at least partially responsible. In case of a mechanical failure a part or vehicle manufacturer may have liability. Don’t wait. Get the representation you need. It starts with a free case evaluation. Contact us today.

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