Richardson Truck Accident Lawyers

Fighting for Your Rights After a Commercial Truck Accident

Semi trucks are the giants of the road, and when a collision occurs between one of these massive machines and a regular car the consequences can be devastating. Surviving such an accident is often a miracle, but the injuries sustained are frequently severe, resulting in substantial medical bills and long-term recovery. At MAS Law, our injury lawyers are dedicated to helping you fight for the compensation necessary to cover these costs. With a proven track record of securing millions in compensation for our clients, we possess the in-depth knowledge and insights essential for a favorable outcome in your case. Our experienced truck accident lawyers can guide you through the legal process and help you seek the compensation you deserve for your injuries and losses. Contact us today; MAS Law is available 24/7.

Dial (972) 460-9339 to schedule your free injury consultation with our Richardson, Texas truck accident lawyers.

Commercial Insurance Carriers

Because of the huge consequences involved in an accident with an 18-wheeler truck, commercial drivers are insured by large policies that are heavily monitored. The insurance carrier’s goal is to avoid paying out any more than necessary for their case, and that means they often minimize a victim’s injuries to make them seem less deserving of a full settlement. In order to avoid paying too much, trucking insurance companies may argue that:

• The victim was partially or equally at fault.

• The statute of limitations has passed, or the plaintiff took too long to file their case.

• The victim’s injuries were not as severe as they claimed.

• The accident was caused by a party other than the commercial driver.

In all these cases, a judge may rule in favor of the truck driver, preventing you from receiving the care you need for your injuries. Let MAS Law help. Our award-winning truck accident lawyers have the experience and tenacity to fight effectively on your behalf. We understand how to tell your side of the story and help you obtain the best possible outcome for your situation.

What Are the Hours of Service Regulations?

Truck drivers are required to follow more regulations than other motor vehicles since trucks can cause so much damage in the event of an accident. One of these rules is called the hours of service regulation which dictates how long a trucker can be on the road and when they must take time off work. These set of rules also protects truck drivers from being overworked, which helps prevent fatigued driving accidents. According to these rules:

• Truck drivers can work up to 14 hours in a day but can only be on the road for 11 of those hours.

• Drivers must rest for at least 10 hours before starting a new day at work.

• Truck drivers must take days off work at regular intervals.

Who is Liable After a Truck Accident?

The driver of a truck is not always the one who is held liable for a truck accident, in fact more often than not the trucking company is held responsible. There are many reasons for this, a main one being that trucking companies are often caught asking their drivers to break truck regulations to save their company money.

A truck driver can be held liable, however, particularly if the accident was directly caused by their negligence, such as driving while drunk. Although it happens less often, there are additional parties that can be held liable such as a truck manufacturer or cargo loading team.

What is the Most Common Type of Truck Accident?

In Richardson, Texas, as in many other places, truck accidents can take various forms, each with its unique set of circumstances and causes. Understanding the most common types of truck accidents in is essential to raise awareness and promote safety on our roadways.

• Rear-End Collisions: One of the most prevalent types of truck accidents in Richardson occurs when a commercial truck collides with the vehicle in front of it. These accidents can have catastrophic consequences, as the sheer size and weight of the truck can lead to severe damage and injuries. Common causes of rear-end collisions include distracted driving, fatigue, and inadequate braking distance.

• Jackknife Accidents: Jackknifing is a frightening scenario where the trailer of a semi truck swings out to the side, forming an angle similar to a folding knife. These accidents typically happen during sudden braking or loss of control, often due to slippery road conditions or equipment failure.

• Rollover Accidents: Rollover accidents involve a truck tipping over onto its side or roof. These incidents can result from various factors, including speeding, improper cargo loading, or sharp turns taken at high speeds. Rollovers are particularly dangerous because they can lead to a spill of hazardous materials or debris on the road, posing risks to other drivers.

• Underride Accidents: Underride accidents occur when a smaller vehicle gets trapped underneath the rear of a semi truck or trailer. These accidents often result in severe injuries or fatalities for the occupants of the smaller vehicle. Poor visibility, sudden stops, or insufficient safety equipment on the truck can contribute to underride accidents.

• Blind Spot Accidents: Large commercial trucks have significant blind spots where smaller vehicles can become hidden from the truck driver's view. Accidents can occur when a truck changes lanes or makes a turn without realizing a vehicle is in its blind spot.

• Tire Blowouts: Tire blowouts on trucks can lead to loss of control and accidents. Inadequate tire maintenance, overloading, and road hazards can all contribute to tire blowouts.

• Wide Turns: Large trucks require more space to make turns, and sometimes, a truck may swing wide to complete a turn, inadvertently colliding with other vehicles in the process.

What Happens to a Body When Hit by a Semi Truck?

When a person is involved in a collision with a semi-truck in the consequences can be catastrophic. The sheer size and weight of these commercial vehicles can result in life-altering injuries and, in some tragic cases, even loss of life. Understanding what happens to a body when hit by a semi truck is not only important for awareness but also emphasizes the critical need for safety and precautions on our roadways.

• Severe Trauma: The impact of a collision with a semi-truck can cause severe trauma to the human body. The force generated in such accidents is enormous, often leading to injuries that affect various parts of the body. Common injuries include fractures, dislocations, and traumatic brain injuries, which can have long-term consequences.

• Crush Injuries: The weight of a semi truck can lead to crush injuries when a person is caught between the vehicle and another object, such as a guardrail or another vehicle. These injuries can result in extensive tissue damage, organ injuries, and the potential loss of limbs.

• Internal Injuries: The sudden deceleration and impact of a collision can cause internal injuries, such as damage to organs, blood vessels, and internal bleeding. These injuries may not always be apparent immediately after the accident and may require immediate medical attention.

• Spinal Cord Injuries: Collisions with an 18 wheeler can lead to spinal cord injuries, which can result in partial or complete paralysis. The spinal cord is highly vulnerable to trauma, and any damage can have a profound impact on an individual's quality of life.

• Whiplash and Neck Injuries: Even at lower speeds, the impact of a semi truck can cause whiplash and neck injuries. These injuries may not be immediately noticeable but can lead to long-term pain and discomfort.

• Psychological Trauma: It's important to note that the effects of being hit by a truck extend beyond physical injuries. Survivors may experience psychological trauma, including anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

• Long-Term Rehabilitation: Survivors of such accidents often face a long and challenging road to recovery. Extensive medical treatment, rehabilitation, and ongoing care may be necessary to regain a semblance of normalcy in their lives.

• Fatalities: Tragically, collisions with semi trucks can result in fatalities. The weight and size disparity between a semi truck and a passenger vehicle can lead to catastrophic outcomes in some cases.

It's important to emphasize that safety on the road is a shared responsibility. Both truck drivers and other motorists must adhere to traffic laws and exercise caution to prevent accidents. Adequate maintenance of trucks, reasonable driving hours, and the proper loading of cargo are critical factors in reducing the likelihood of these devastating accidents.

What Factors Contribute to Truck Accidents?

Trucking accidents, unfortunately, are not rare occurrences in Richardson, Texas. The frequency of these accidents can have a significant impact on the safety of our roadways and the lives of those involved. Trucking accidents, which involve commercial vehicles such as 18 wheelers, tractor-trailers, and delivery trucks, are relatively common due to various factors:

• High Traffic Volumes: Texas’s significant population density and high levels of commerce tend to have more vehicles on the road, increasing the likelihood of truck accidents.

• Weather Conditions: Weather plays a crucial role in accident rates. States with adverse weather conditions, such as winter storms or heavy rain, may experience more accidents.

• Driver Fatigue: Long hours on the road, tight schedules, and demanding routes can lead to driver fatigue, impairing a driver's ability to react to changing traffic conditions.

• Distracted Driving: Like all motorists, truck drivers can be prone to distractions, such as texting, using GPS devices, or eating while driving.

• Speeding: Excessive speed, often associated with the pressure to meet tight delivery deadlines, can lead to accidents.

• Vehicle Maintenance: Poorly maintained trucks can experience brake failures, tire blowouts, or other mechanical issues that increase the risk of accidents.

• Inadequate Training: Inexperienced or inadequately trained drivers may struggle to handle large commercial vehicles safely.

What State has the Most Truck Accidents?

Truck accidents are a concerning issue not only in Richardson, Texas, but across the United States. When it comes to determining which state has the most truck accidents, it's essential to look at various factors and statistics to gain a comprehensive understanding of the situation.

When it comes to truck accidents, some states consistently report higher incident rates than others. Texas is often recognized as one of the states with a significant number of truck accidents due to its vast size, extensive road networks, and the volume of commercial truck traffic that traverses the state.

Richardson, Texas, Commercial Truck Accident Statistics

Understanding the local statistics of commercial truck accidents in Richardson, Texas, is essential for residents and commuters. These statistics shed light on the frequency and patterns of such accidents, providing valuable insights for safety awareness and measures. The data, derived from the Texas Department of Transportation's (TxDOT) analysis and statistics on vehicle accidents in 2022, offer a comprehensive insight into commercial truck-related incidents that transpired in Richardson, TX, over the course of the year.

Semi Truck Accidents in Richardson, TX:

• Total Crash Count: 27

• Total Number of Injuries: 13

• Total Number of Fatalities: 2

Commercial Truck Trailer Accidents in Richardson, TX:

• Total Crash Count: 9

• Total Number of Injuries: 2

Weekly Patterns: Interestingly, the statistics also reveal that most fatalities and injuries in semi truck accidents occurred on Monday and Tuesday. This information emphasizes the significance of staying vigilant and cautious on the road, especially at the beginning of the workweek when accident rates tend to be higher.

By being aware of these statistics, residents and travelers in Richardson can take proactive steps to enhance road safety and reduce the incidence of commercial truck accidents. If you or a loved one has been affected by such an accident, seeking legal assistance is crucial to understanding your rights and options.

How to Prevent Truck Accidents

Reducing the incidence of truck accidents requires a concerted effort from multiple stakeholders, including trucking companies, drivers, government agencies, and the general public. Safety measures, such as strict enforcement of hours of service regulations, proper maintenance of trucks, and thorough driver training, can help mitigate the risk of accidents.

In Richardson, TX, and throughout the country, awareness and education about safe driving practices are essential to reducing the number of truck accidents. Initiatives to promote defensive driving, avoid distractions, and stay alert on the road can contribute to a safer driving environment. Efforts to reduce the frequency of trucking accidents in involve a combination of safety initiatives, including:

• Law Enforcement: Rigorous enforcement of traffic laws and regulations is crucial to holding drivers and trucking companies accountable for safe practices.

• Driver Training: Proper training and continuing education for truck drivers help ensure they have the necessary skills to navigate the road safely.

• Maintenance Checks: Regular vehicle inspections and maintenance are essential to preventing mechanical failures that can lead to accidents.

• Public Awareness: Public awareness campaigns aim to educate all motorists about safe driving practices when sharing the road with commercial trucks.

While trucking accidents remain a concern in Richardson, TX, these initiatives, along with legal support for accident victims, play a vital role in enhancing road safety and minimizing the frequency of such accidents.

What to do if you have been in an accident with an 18 wheeler?

Being involved in an accident with an 18 wheeler, also known as a semi truck or tractor-trailer, can be a traumatic and challenging experience. These massive commercial vehicles can cause severe damage and injuries. If you find yourself in such a situation, it's crucial to ensure your safety, protect your legal rights, and seek the medical care and compensation you are entitled.

Call MAS Law today and get started on your case. During your free injury case review, we will help you show the negligence and irresponsibility of the other driver. The truth is many commercial drivers are under intense stress and work for long, uninterrupted periods that can make them less attentive behind the wheel. You may be able to show that the other driver:

• Worked too many hours without rest.

• Was under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

• Was distracted at the time of the accident.

• Operated an unsafe vehicle.

• Did not have the proper training.

With the right planning and aggressive representation from our award-winning truck wreck attorneys, you will be able to obtain the best possible outcome for your situation. Get started by contacting MAS Law today.

Schedule your free injury consultation with a Richardson truck accident lawyer by dialing (972) 460-9339 now.