Texas Trucking Industry
According to the Texas Department of Transportation, trucks carry 1.5 billion tons of freight worth $1.2 trillion to, from, and within Texas annually.
Another 195 million tons and $664 billion in value passed through Texas. Around two-thirds of freight tonnage and nearly one-half of freight value moved between origins and destinations in Texas.
The trucking industry is an integral part of interstate, intercontinental, and international commerce.
According to data provided by Statistica, the U.S. trucking industry was worth $732.3 billion in 2020.
Though trucking is undeniably necessary, accidents involving large commercial vehicles can cause severe and even fatal injuries.
There were 5,601 fatalities involving at least one large truck in 2021.
Common Causes of Longview Truck Accidents
There are a number of reasons that trucking accidents occur. In the moment, the cause may seem trivial compared to the aftermath.
An experienced Longview truck accident attorney will be able to conduct an independent investigation to determine what happened.
Distracted Driving
One of the biggest causes of accidents across all vehicles is distracted driving. This could mean paying attention to other passengers, something outside the truck, or the radio.
The most notable distraction is the use of a smartphone while driving.
Driving While Fatigued
Truck drivers are on the road for long periods of time, although there are legal restrictions on how many hours drivers are allowed to be behind the wheel.
Sometimes routes can extend for hundreds of miles with minimal change in scenery. This can make it easy to become fatigued.
Excessive Speed
It is never safe to exceed the legal speed limit, but trucks take even longer than passenger vehicles to stop.
If they are forced to brake suddenly, it is likely already too late to completely achieve their desired slower speed.
Substandard Maintenance
Trucks are required to undergo maintenance and address any potential issues. Drivers are required to do pre and post-trip checks to make sure everything is up to par.
Driving Under the Influence
No one should use drugs or alcohol while driving. The legal limit for driver blood alcohol concentration is a higher standard for commercial truck drivers at a maximum of .04.
Drugs that cause the body to stay awake have been an ongoing problem in the trucking industry.
Road and Weather Conditions
Inclement weather can impede visibility and can cause roads to be slick. Icy or wet roads can cause trucks to slide out of control.
Roads that are not properly maintained can also cause trucks to move in unpredictable ways.
Inadequate Driver Training
Driving a semi-truck is not like driving a passenger vehicle. There are a lot of things to learn, and failure to properly train drivers can have serious consequences.
Uneven Cargo Load
How cargo is stacked on a truck impacts the load balance.
If a load is too heavy in one direction or not properly secured, it can cause the trailer to shift weight and potentially tip over or jackknife.
Types of Injuries in a Longview Truck Accident
Injuries sustained in a collision with a semi-truck are likely to be serious for everyone involved. Common injuries may include:
- Bone fractures;
- Back and neck injuries;
- Head injuries including traumatic brain injuries;
- Lacerations;
- Spinal cord injuries and paralysis;
- Rib and torso injuries, and
- Internal injuries.
It is important to seek medical attention as soon as possible following a truck accident. Keep track of all expenses associated with medical care and treatment.
This will help your Longview truck accident lawyer determine the value of your case and prove the association between your injuries and the accident.
Filing a Truck Accident Lawsuit in Texas
Your first step is to file an insurance claim, but before you do this, it is important to understand who is liable for the accident. In some cases, it may be multiple parties.
For example, if there was something wrong with the truck’s equipment, it could be the fault of the mechanic responsible for repairs.
But if the issue should have been noticed during the driver’s pre-trip inspection, the driver could also be liable.
Because the trucking company hired and is responsible for the driver, they may also be liable.
Longview truck accident attorneys can help you determine exactly whose negligence was responsible for the pain you have endured.
If an adequate settlement cannot be reached, you will want to file a lawsuit, in which case, a Longview truck accident lawyer can help gather evidence, submit proper documents, and prepare your case for trial.
The statute of limitations for personal injury in Texas extends for two years from the date of the accident.
Longview Truck Accident Lawyers
Do not go up against trucking companies alone. Many Texas trucking companies already have legal counsel on retainer.
The compassionate Longview truck accident lawyers at Armstrong Lee & Baker LLP, are more than qualified to represent you against these companies.
We put our client’s interests first and understand the Texas legal system.
It is important to understand that what you have been through has a greater effect than just medical bills or personal property.
Lost wages, disability, pain and suffering, anxiety, and depression, are just some of the ways you can be impacted by a truck accident. You deserve meaningful compensation.
Contact us to schedule your free case consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Absolutely nothing. At Armstrong Lee & Baker LLP, our attorneys work on a contingency fee basis. This means that you owe us nothing unless we win your case, whether that’s in the form of a settlement or a judgment. We offer a free consultation to anyone who thinks they might have a personal injury case.
We suggest speaking with an attorney as soon as possible after your injury. Something to keep in mind is that all personal injury cases need evidence, and that evidence often degrades over time. As a result, many jurisdictions have a strict statute of limitations (or time limit) for filing a claim. In Texas, most victims have only two years from the date of injury to file, so it is important to start building your case immediately.
In the state of Texas, employers have the option of filing for workers’ compensation insurance. This policy covers them in case an employee suffers an injury on the job. However, some employers choose to be non-subscribers, which means they opt out of this coverage and lose certain legal protections. This means that if an injured employee sues them after a work injury, they may end up paying more damages. In addition, they may be liable for pain and suffering, punitive damages, and medical benefits. Learn more about non-subscriber injuries here.
The Texas Department of Insurance (TDI) keeps track of employers that report their non-subscriber status. Currently, you can find a spreadsheet of every reported non-subscriber business in Texas under TDI’s workers’ compensation insurance coverage verification page. This includes the business address, business name, and filing dates. Learn more here.
There are a few different ways to manage your bills while waiting for your case to settle. For medical treatment, it is common to arrange a lien with the doctor’s office or hospital. A medical lien is essentially an agreement to pay back your treatment costs with a portion of your potential settlement. Another option for miscellaneous bills, such as rent, utilities, or other essential expenses, is lawsuit funding. Much like a lien, you pay these loans back with a portion of your settlement or judgment. However, these loans have high interest rates and fees, so be sure to discuss this option with your attorney.
