Commercial trucks usually weigh up to 20-30 times more than what an average passenger vehicle weighs. This alone makes their accidents more catastrophic and likely to result in fatalities. A collision involving a semi-truck and a smaller vehicle will always have devastating effects on the latter since the laws of physics often favor the big truck. As such, the passengers of the smaller car stand a higher risk of sustaining serious injuries or dying compared to the occupants of the commercial truck.
Understanding how these accidents occur even with the numerous measures in place to curb them may help you avoid falling victim to similar collisions. Our Alief fatal truck accident lawyers handle these cases daily and are the premier attorneys in Texas for truck accident cases. If you are grieving the loss of a loved one whose accident involved another party’s breach of duty, it’s time to speak with us.
Causes of Fatal Truck Accidents
The most common causes of fatal truck accidents in Alief are:
Speeding
Excessive speeding is commonly attributed to many auto wrecks in Texas including those involving heavier vehicles. Speeding in bad weather and poor road conditions such as rain, ice, fog, mist, and smoke increase the likelihood of an accident due to poor visibility and road traction.
Overloading
Most commercial trucks plying Alief roads carry heavy goods. When such cargo is not properly loaded in line with state and federal regulations, accidents are bound to occur. For example, overloading often causes the truck to cover an additional distance before stopping during braking in what is referred to as overtaxing braking systems. This makes it hard to completely stop the vehicle within a short distance.
Distracted Driving
Distracted driving when operating a vehicle or any other machine refers to any actions that take the driver’s attention away from the road. Truck drivers may be distracted due to the use of cell phones, GPS systems, eating, drinking, or even navigating through maps for a prolonged time. A second of distracted driving can make it difficult for the driver to react or stop in case of an emergency.
Driver Fatigue
Long-haul truck drivers are often fatigued due to the hundreds of miles they cover every day over long distances without enough breaks. When a driver is drowsy, he or she takes a longer time to react or recognize impending dangers such as changes in the flow of traffic or obstructions. Trucking companies with disregard the Federal Hours of Service regulations may be liable for fatal truck accidents stemming from driver fatigue.
For a free legal consultation with a fatal truck accident lawyer serving Alief, call (832) 449-8230
Who Can File a Claim Following a Fatal Truck Accident?
Under Texas law, the only party or persons allowed to file a wrongful death claim following a fatal accident are the administrators of the deceased’s estate. He or she can be appointed by the court and represents the surviving estate. Because not everyone related to the deceased can bring a claim, it is important to discuss your case with a qualified Alief fatal truck accident attorney about your eligibility. Spouses, children, and parents of a deceased person are often the automatic parties that qualify to bring a wrongful death lawsuit for compensation.
These parties may go in all alone or hire a wrongful death attorney to represent them. Most people choose to work with established legal teams owing to the unimaginable emotional, physical, and financial burden that follows a sudden loss. Besides, the plaintiff may not be best suited to handle the case alone since the grief of losing a loved one to someone else’s carelessness may leave them mentally incapacitated to objectively focus on the legal expectations they must meet to have a successful outcome.
Alief Fatal Truck Accident Lawyer Near Me (832) 449-8230
How a Fatal Truck Accident Lawyer May Help
Hiring an attorney will ultimately leave an indelible mark on your case. Although you may decide to self-litigate, statistics show that plaintiffs with legal representation stand a better chance of making a recovery. Your team will help with:
- Investigating the accident to determine the fault
- Determining whether to sue or settle
- Negotiating with insurance adjusters
- Representing you in court
- Collecting facts and evidence about the fatal accident
- Preparing necessary legal paperwork and documentation
You don’t have to worry about legal fees since our Alief fatal truck accident lawyers represent our clients on a contingency fee arrangement. Our structure allows your case to go on without paying upfront fees. We listen to you for free and only collect attorney’s fees if you are compensated. To discuss your case confidentially, please call our firm right away to schedule a no-risk evaluation with our compassionate attorneys.
Call or text (832) 449-8230 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form