Truck crashes are often more severe than regular car collisions. The results can be catastrophic when a semi-truck hits a smaller vehicle. It goes beyond just property damage, as people may come away with permanent injuries or worse. If you or someone you care about was hurt in a commercial truck crash, a South Houston truck accident lawyer can help you figure out what to do next and hold the right people accountable.
These cases are tough. Trucking companies have insurance adjusters and legal teams working immediately after the wreck. They know the rules and how to manipulate them. You want a personal injury attorney on your side who has experience handling such cases—someone who can dig through logs, maintenance records, and crash reports to build a strong case. Meet with the legal team at Williams Hart & Boundas to learn how our extensive experience could help you secure a favorable outcome.
What Usually Causes Truck Accidents?
Truck drivers travel long distances under pressure, facing deadlines, traffic, weather, and fatigue. A poorly maintained rig or inadequate training can lead to disaster. Some of the more common reasons these crashes happen include:
- Distractions: Phones, radios, and food all divert attention from driving
- Equipment problems: Brakes, tires, and lights all need regular maintenance
- Speeding: Trucks take longer to stop, and speeding makes that situation worse
- Drugs or alcohol: Even legal substances can impair judgment and reaction times
- Poor training: Not all drivers get the necessary training to handle emergencies
- Lack of sleep: Tired drivers are slower to react, and may even fall asleep behind the wheel
- Overloaded or unbalanced cargo: Shifting weight can cause rollovers or jackknife crashes
Sometimes more than one of these factors is involved. That is why you need a lawyer in South Houston to thoroughly investigate your semi-truck crash case.
Injuries That Cannot Be Ignored
The size difference between an 18-wheeler and a passenger car means even a low-speed crash can cause serious damage. Victims often face a long list of injuries, such as:
- Head injuries, including concussions and brain trauma
- Broken bones, possibly multiple or severe
- Neck and back injuries, from whiplash to spinal cord damage
- Burns, especially in cases involving spilled fuel or fires
- Internal bleeding and damage to organs
- Amputations and crush injuries
Some people recover, while others never do. The costs can include surgeries, rehab, mobility aids, and long-term home care. An injured person should not have to cover those expenses if someone else was at fault. An attorney could work on their behalf if they sustained injuries in a South Houston tractor-trailer wreck.
Who Is Responsible for a Truck Crash?
One of the reasons truck accident cases are complex is that liability is not always limited to the driver. In fact, several people or companies might share the blame, depending on how the crash happened.
The Driver
The driver is responsible if they were reckless, impaired, or violated hours-of-service rules.
The Trucking Company
The trucking company may be liable, especially if they failed to vet, train, or supervise their employee.
Maintenance Contractors
Maintenance contractors can be held accountable if mechanical failure was a factor.
The Loading Company
The loading company may be at fault if unsecured cargo led to the wreck.
The Parts Manufacturer
The parts manufacturer can be responsible in cases involving defective brakes, tires, or other components.
Determining fault goes beyond just a police report. A South Houston lawyer can examine black box data, inspection logs, and other evidence to uncover the full story behind the cause of the truck wreck.
What Damages Can You Recover?
An attorney in South Houston could help an individual file a personal injury claim to cover the direct costs of a semi-truck crash and the long-term fallout. This includes:
Medical Costs
Medical costs include emergency room visits, surgeries, medication, rehabilitation, and ongoing treatment.
Lost Wages
Lost wages cover income missed while recovering.
Future Income Loss
Future income loss applies if the injured person is unable to resume the same job or earn the same living.
Pain and Suffering
Pain and suffering refers to the physical pain and mental strain caused by the injury.
Permanent Disability
Permanent disability compensation is for life-altering injuries.
Property Damage
Property damage covers costs to repair or replace the vehicle.
Wrongful Death
A person can recover wrongful death damages if the crash took the life of a family member.
Depending on the case, punitive damages may also be appropriate—money intended to hold the other side responsible for especially reckless behavior. We have a strong track record of winning such cases in court.
Contact a South Houston Lawyer To Assist With Your Truck Wreck Claim
After a truck accident, you may be facing more than just medical bills. You are dealing with paperwork, insurance companies, and questions you do not know how to answer. A South Houston truck accident lawyer can step in, investigate the crash, handle the legal legwork, and fight to get you the compensation you deserve.
Call us today to discuss your case and find out about your options.