Tractor Trailer Accident Lawyer

Frequently, we may encounter tractor-trailers on the road and may give little thought to the valuable service they provide to communities across the State of Texas. Tractor-trailers make up the network constantly transporting goods across the land – a vital service in our society. 

However, tractor-trailers can create a heightened risk for serious accidents involving other drivers on the road. Due to their size and weight, accidents involving tractor-trailers far too often result in catastrophic or fatal injuries for innocent victims.

If you have been injured or have suffered the loss of a loved one in a tractor-trailer accident, contact the compassionate lawyers of Fielding Law. The assistance provided by a tractor-trailer accident lawyer with our law firm can help to lessen your anxiety and stress. Call us at (877) 880-4090 for a free consultation.

The Differences Between a Tractor-Trailer Accident and a Car Accident 

Most people may not be aware that there are considerable differences between an accident involving just two cars and an accident involving a commercial truck. Some of the major differences include the following.

Damages and injuries

Damages from accidents involving just automobiles can range from fender-benders to total loss, with victims suffering injuries from mild to severe. However, since a tractor-trailer can weigh 20 to 30 times more than a car, the force it creates on impact can result in catastrophic damage to multiple vehicles. Victims typically are left with horrific or even fatal injuries.  

Insurance policies

Navigating the insurance process after a tractor-trailer accident can be extremely complicated and time-consuming. In car accidents, typically just two policies are involved. Commercial truck accidents involve several policies including the truck driver, the trucking company, the maintenance company, and the loading company. These policies carry much higher limits than auto policies.

Liable parties

With car accidents, usually only one party is found to have been negligent and thus liable for damages. With tractor-trailer accidents, though, several parties may be found liable in addition to the driver. For example, if the cause of the accident was a faulty part, the manufacturer or the maintenance company could be found liable. As such, establishing liability can be a complex process.

Extensive investigation

After being involved in a car accident, most people are familiar with the process of exchanging information, taking pictures, and getting a copy of the police report. The investigative work after a commercial truck accident is not that simple. Information must be gathered from data logs, the truck’s own black box, repair records, inspection reports, and statements from any who witnessed the crash. 

Traffic laws

Tractor-trailer drivers must adhere to federal laws in addition to state laws. For instance, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) is the institution that stipulates safety regulations for commercial truck drivers. Truck drivers who fail to follow the safety rules that have been outlined by the FMCSA could be found liable for damages resulting from an accident.    

Clearly, the assistance of an experienced tractor-trailer lawyer is crucial in seeking fair compensation for losses suffered in a trucking accident. Simply trying to navigate the complex legal process alone would only increase any stress you may already be feeling. Instead, let Fielding Law’s knowledgeable lawyers do the work for you. 

Common Causes of Tractor-Trailer Accidents 

Tractor-trailer accidents result from a variety of factors. By far, the majority are caused by driver error. 

Driver error

Some of the most common causes include:

• Driving while drowsy: When a driver fails to get proper rest, he or she runs the risk of falling asleep behind the wheel. In some cases, the side effects of medications may contribute to a tractor-trailer driver’s drowsiness.
• Reckless driving: Sometimes, in an effort to meet deadlines, a big-rig driver may engage in reckless driving such as speeding, tailgating, or failing to yield to other vehicles. Reckless driving also includes disregarding the safety laws stipulated by the FMCSA.
• Distracted driving: Tractor-trailer drivers often engage in forms of distracted driving such as eating and drinking, talking on the phone, or adjusting the radio. These activities can divert the driver’s attention from concentrating on the road. 
• Driving under the influence: Sadly, tractor-trailer drivers will sometimes get behind the wheel while under the influence of alcohol or drugs and impaired senses. 

Other causes

Apart from driver error, there are other causes of accidents involving tractor-trailers. Some of these include:.

• Improper maintenance: When maintenance workers fail to properly inspect and correct or replace worn out parts, they could be found liable for an accident
• Defective parts: The manufacturer of tractor-trailer parts has a legal responsibility to ensure those parts are safe and in working order 
• Poorly loaded cargo: When loading cargo on the truck, the workers must make sure it is properly balanced so the truck is less likely to rollover 

The above list is by no means comprehensive. There are many other causes of tractor-trailer accidents. In order to pursue fair compensation, all responsible parties must be identified and held liable for damages. 

Proving liability requires extensive investigative work. Fielding Law’s lawyers, with years of experience in gathering and analyzing facts, can assist you in finding the negligent party (or parties) and holding them responsible for compensation.  

Common Injuries From Tractor-Trailer Accidents

Due to their immense size and weight, victims of tractor-trailer accidents are usually left suffering severe to catastrophic injuries. Some common injuries include: 

• Broken bones
• Internal organ injuries
• Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
• Spinal cord injury (SCI)
• Loss of limbs
• Back and neck injuries
• Permanent scarring and disfigurement
• Emotional trauma
• Wrongful death

Types of Compensation You May Be Entitled to Receive

You should not have to suffer a loss for the negligent acts of another person. Texas law states that you have a legal right to be compensated for your loss. Our lawyers can help you pursue compensation for the following.

• Present and future loss of income 
• Present and future medical expenses
• Property damage
• Pain and suffering
• Funeral and burial expenses (in the case of wrongful death)

Our Tractor-Trailer Lawyers Are Ready to Help!

Although the assistance of an attorney isn’t required to pursue compensation for loss after suffering a tractor-trailer accident, trying to go it alone can be a nightmare. Insurance adjusters are trained to use tactics to lessen the amount of your claim. 

Additionally, trucking, manufacturing, and maintenance companies usually have teams of highly skilled lawyers at their disposal. These attorneys have the goal to minimize any liability claims against their clients. 

Don’t leave yourself vulnerable to them. Protect yourself by becoming Fielding Law’s client. 

If you have been injured in a tractor-trailer accident, or suffered the loss of a loved one, you need to focus on healing, not try to deal with a complicated litigation process. Armed with extensive legal knowledge and experience, the lawyers of Fielding Law know how to combat the tactics insurance adjusters use. Our lawyers can help negotiate a fair settlement for your losses and will even argue your case in court if necessary. 

Let Fielding Law’s personal injury attorneys put their years of legal experience to work for you and get you every penny you deserve. Call us at (877) 880-4090 for a free consultation.