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You suffered catastrophic injuries in a collision with a commercial semi-truck that was not your fault, and you want the truck driver and his employer to pay. In order to hold them accountable, you will have to prove that their negligent actions were the direct cause of the crash and your injuries. This is not easy to do, especially considering that big trucking companies have teams of lawyers to protect them from negligence lawsuits.
However, the catastrophic injury attorneys at Terry & Thweatt, P.C., don’t back down from a fight. We work hard to prove liability by investigating the crash and determining what caused it. When faced with undeniable proof, trucking companies have to pay up.
How Houston Truck Drivers and Trucking Companies Cause Crashes
Accidents involving trucks can occur due to various factors, including human error, negligence, or equipment failure. Common forms of negligence and the evidence we will gather to establish it include the following.
Distracted Driving
Truck drivers may engage in activities such as texting, talking on the phone, eating, or using in-cab technology while driving, diverting their attention from the road. To prove the driver was distracted, we will obtain phone records, witness statements, surveillance video, and other hard evidence.
Fatigue
Truck drivers often work long hours and may exceed legal limits for driving without adequate rest. Fatigue can impair their reaction times and decision-making abilities, leading to accidents. By examining driving logs and the crash scene, we can find evidence that the driver was fatigued.
Speeding and Other Traffic Offenses
Truck drivers may exceed speed limits or drive too fast for road and weather conditions, increasing the likelihood of accidents and reducing their ability to stop in emergencies. Failing to provide adequate following distance, yield the right-of-way, or obey construction zone restrictions could also cause a crash. Our investigators will obtain the truck’s data recorder and additional evidence to prove the driver was not complying with traffic laws.
Impaired Driving
Some truck drivers may operate their vehicles under the influence of drugs or alcohol, impairing their judgment and motor skills. Drug testing should be required by the trucker’s employer after any accident. We will obtain those results to prove drunk or drugged driving.
Inadequate Training
Insufficient training or experience can lead to mistakes in handling large commercial vehicles, including failure to brake properly, navigate curves, or react to sudden changes in traffic. When drivers are not properly screened and trained, the trucking company might be found to be negligent when a crash occurs. We will obtain hiring records, training schedules, and employee testimony to prove negligence.
Improper Loading
Incorrectly loaded cargo or unsecured loads can shift during transit, causing a loss of control for the truck driver or leading to cargo spilling onto the road. If a cargo problem caused the crash, the individuals or companies responsible for loading the truck could be held liable. We will investigate that possibility and gather evidence.
Equipment Failure
Neglecting to maintain or inspect trucks regularly can result in mechanical failures, such as brake malfunctions, tire blowouts, or steering problems. If a mechanical problem is found to be the cause of the crash, we will obtain maintenance records, inspection paperwork, and testimony from experts to hold the maintenance company responsible.
Whatever form of negligence caused the crash that left you injured, we will uncover the truth and prove who is liable for compensating you.
Catastrophic Injuries Caused by Crashes With Semi-Trucks in Texas
Crashes with commercial trucks are often difficult to resolve because of their potential value. Collisions between cars and semi-trucks can result in catastrophic injuries for car occupants due to the significant size and weight disparity between the two vehicles. These kinds of injuries can cause life-long disabilities that are very expensive to manage. Trucking company insurers will push back when claims involve catastrophic injuries such as the following.
Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs)
High-impact collisions can cause traumatic brain injuries, including concussions, contusions, and more severe injuries, which may lead to long-term cognitive impairments or disabilities.
Spinal Cord Injuries
These injuries can result in paralysis, either partial (paraplegia) or full (quadriplegia), depending on the location and severity of the spinal cord damage.
Multiple Fractures
High-impact collisions can cause multiple bone fractures, which may require extensive surgeries, including those to repair broken limbs, ribs, and facial bones.
Amputations
Severe injuries may necessitate limb amputations due to trauma or as a result of complications during treatment and recovery.
Internal Organ Damage
Blunt force trauma can lead to damage to internal organs such as the liver, spleen, kidneys, or lungs, potentially causing internal bleeding and requiring surgical intervention.
Crush Injuries
When cars are crushed or severely deformed in truck collisions, occupants may suffer crush injuries, which can cause severe soft tissue damage and complications.
Severe Burns
Collisions can result in vehicle fires, leading to severe burns that may require extensive skin grafting and rehabilitation.
Facial and Eye Injuries
Airbag deployment and impact with vehicle components can cause facial fractures, lacerations, and severe eye injuries, including blindness.
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Car occupants involved in traumatic truck collisions may develop PTSD, experiencing debilitating psychological and emotional distress.
Nerve Damage
High-impact collisions may cause nerve injuries, leading to long-term sensory or motor deficits and chronic pain.