Truck accidents can lead to devastating consequences, often causing life-altering injuries or even fatalities. These accidents are more complex than typical car crashes because they often involve multiple parties and intricate legal regulations. At Reynaldo Diaz Accident Injury Attorney PC, we understand the challenges you face and are committed to helping you recover the compensation you deserve.
Pursue justice for injuries caused by large trucks
Truck accidents involve collisions with large commercial vehicles such as 18-wheelers, tractor-trailers, or delivery trucks. Due to their immense size, often weighing up to 80,000 pounds, these vehicles can cause catastrophic damage when they collide with smaller vehicles. Victims of truck accidents often suffer severe injuries, including traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, and even fatalities. Unlike standard car accidents, truck crashes often involve multiple responsible parties, including the driver, the trucking company, and the maintenance provider.
Texas has strict regulations governing commercial truck drivers under the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSR). These rules limit the hours a driver can be on duty to prevent fatigue, set standards for vehicle maintenance, and require regular inspections. Violating these regulations can result in severe consequences for the driver and the trucking company. If you or a loved one has been injured in a truck accident, contact Mr. Diaz to discuss your legal options.
Common reasons
for truck accidents:
- Driver fatigue due to exceeding legal driving hours
- Distracted driving from mobile devices or other activities
- Speeding or driving too fast for road conditions
- Poor vehicle maintenance leading to mechanical failure
- Improperly loaded cargo causing instability
- Inexperienced or inadequately trained drivers
- Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- Aggressive or reckless driving behaviors
- Adverse weather conditions impairing visibility and control
- Failure to follow Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations
Common types of truck accidents we handle
Truck accidents can vary significantly in their causes and consequences, but all of them have the potential to cause serious injuries or fatalities. Reynaldo Diaz handles a wide range of truck accident cases, ensuring that victims receive the justice and compensation they deserve. Below are some of the most common types of truck accidents Mr. Diaz can assist with.
18-wheeler accidents
18-wheeler accidents involve large tractor-trailers with 18 wheels, often causing significant damage due to their size and weight. These can occur for various reasons, including driver fatigue, adverse weather conditions, or inadequate maintenance. Given the complexity of these cases, it’s essential to work with an experienced attorney to investigate all contributing factors.
Commercial truck accidents
Commercial truck accidents often involve vehicles used for business purposes, such as those used for cargo transport, deliveries, or service. These accidents can occur due to driver error, improper loading, or failure to follow safety regulations. Commercial trucks are often large and heavy, making collisions more dangerous and increasing the likelihood of catastrophic injuries.
Delivery truck accidents
Delivery truck accidents usually occur when trucks are transporting goods locally or regionally. These trucks are smaller than 18-wheelers but can still cause significant damage due to their size and load. Often, delivery truck drivers are under pressure to meet strict deadlines, which may contribute to unsafe driving behaviors.
Improperly loaded cargo or lost load
Improperly loaded cargo or lost loads can lead to dangerous accidents, especially when items shift or fall off the truck. Overloaded trucks may struggle to stop or maintain stability, increasing the risk of rollover accidents or jackknifing. Investigating the loading procedures and ensuring adherence to safety protocols is crucial in such cases.
Jackknife truck accidents
A jackknife accident occurs when the trailer of a truck swings out to the side, forming an angle with the cab of the truck, resembling a folding knife. This can happen when a trucker brakes suddenly, or when the trailer is improperly loaded. These accidents are particularly dangerous as they can block multiple lanes of traffic and cause pile-ups, resulting in severe injuries.
Rear-end truck accidents
Rear-end truck accidents happen when a commercial truck collides with the back of a smaller vehicle. Due to the size and weight of the truck, these collisions can cause severe damage and injuries. These types of accidents can be particularly dangerous when trucks are unable to stop in time, often due to insufficient following distance or driver distraction.
Rollover truck accidents
Rollover truck accidents occur when a truck overturns, either on its side or completely onto its roof. The cause of a rollover can be excessive speed, sharp turns, or improperly loaded cargo. Determining the exact cause and whether the trucking company or driver contributed to the crash is vital for securing compensation.
Tractor trailer accidents
Tractor trailer accidents involve large semi-trucks that pull long trailers filled with cargo. These trucks often travel on highways at high speeds, which can lead to devastating crashes when accidents occur. Investigating the maintenance and driver history is essential to understanding the causes of these serious accidents and identifying sources of compensation.
Underride truck accidents
Underride truck accidents occur when a smaller vehicle crashes into the rear or side of a large truck and slides underneath it. This type of accident is often fatal due to the significant height difference between the truck and the vehicle. Victims of underride accidents often suffer devastating injuries, including head and neck trauma.
Steps to take immediately after a truck accident:
- Seek medical attention for any injuries
- Call 911 and report the accident to law enforcement
- Document the scene with photos of vehicles, injuries, and surroundings
- Exchange contact and insurance information with all involved parties
- Obtain witness statements and contact details
- Avoid admitting fault or making statements to the truck driver or their company
- Secure a copy of the police report for your records
- Contact a truck accident attorney to begin the legal process
- Do not sign any documents from insurance companies without consulting an attorney
Why choose Reynaldo Diaz after truck accidents?
Reynaldo Diaz is a dedicated personal injury attorney with decades of experience handling complex truck accident cases across Texas. He understands the unique challenges these cases present, ranging from federal trucking regulations to insurance defense tactics. Mr. Diaz works closely with his clients, offering personalized attention and ensuring every angle is explored to maximize compensation. If you’ve been involved in a truck accident, schedule a consultation today to discuss your case and explore your legal options.
