18-Wheeler Accident Attorney in Texas
The U. S. Department of Transportation National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued statistics that put Texas 18-wheeler truck accidents at the top of the list of fatal truck crashes by state. According to the U.S. DOT, there were 5,040 fatal traffic accidents in Texas in 2003, of which 438 were 18-wheeler accidents in Texas.
Since a fully loaded commercial truck can weigh as much as 80,000 pounds, compared to a 3,000 pound passenger vehicle, big rigs can cause tremendous destruction in the event of an Texas truck accident.
If the 18-wheeler accident in Texas happens to involve flammable or hazardous cargo or a fiery crash, the damage can be catastrophic and result in an accidental death.
Common causes of big rig accidents
Besides dangerous weather or road conditions, other common causes of big rig accidents include the following:
- Truck driver fatigue
- Unbalanced or excessive cargo loads
- Poor truck vehicle maintenance or mechanical failure
- Fraudulent or inadequate commercial driver qualifications
- Driving impaired by texting, medications, or alcohol
Laws governing truck safety are complex, so it is advantageous to seek the help of the attorneys at Derryberry & Zips PLLC who have experience representing victims of major truck accidents and filing wrongful death claims on their behalf.
Texas Truck Accident Attorney
Damages caused by 18-wheeler accidents often reach millions of dollars. Victims of Texas 18-wheeler accidents can experience all types of casualties that include the following:
- Wrongful death
- Severe spinal cord and traumatic brain injuries and burns
- Property damage
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
When traveling at high speed on Texas highways, massive 18-wheelers require a tenth of a mile to come to a full stop. They can also roll over or jackknife very easily when swerving to avoid hitting vehicles or other obstructions. And many fatal truck accidents result from the mounting financial pressure to push drivers beyond their limits and falsify operating logs.
Contact us
The attorneys at Derryberry & Zips PLLC know how to handle claims and litigation stemming from truck accidents and they conduct a vigorous defense on behalf of truck accident victims. Derryberry & Zips PLLC. also represent truck accidents involving semi trucks and tractor trailer trucks. Contact us today for skilled legal support.
