When you drive, you expect that other drivers on the road will also make safe, responsible decisions. Unfortunately, in collisions that involve tractor trailers, the consequences may prove to be especially serious, particularly for those in smaller vehicles.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), more than 106,000 people suffered injuries involving large trucks in the U.S. in 2018, and 4,415 lost their lives as a result of their injuries.
While transporting goods through heavy Houston traffic, even those in outlying areas can suffer the effects of these collisions. As such, the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) notes that 255 truck accidents occurred in Brazoria County alone in 2018.
If a negligent driver caused the semi truck collision that led to your injuries or the loss of your loved one, a tractor trailer accident lawyer serving Alvin, TX can help you pursue financial recovery. Contact D. Miller & Associates, PLLC™ today at (713) 850-8600 to speak with our legal team about your case.
The Dangers of Tractor Trailer Accidents
All motor vehicle accidents have the capacity to cause serious or fatal injuries, but those involving tractor trailers carry an increased risk. Because of the vehicle’s size and weight, truck drivers must have a special license called a commercial driver’s license (CDL) to operate such a large vehicle. They must undergo rigorous education and hands-on training to prove their ability to operate a tractor trailer safely and effectively.
According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), large trucks often cause serious accidents because they:
- Weigh 20 to 30 times more than other vehicles on the road
- Require a 20 percent to 40 percent longer distance to come to a stop
- Have a high ground clearance that makes it possible for cars to slide underneath in accidents
Truck drivers have an obligation to practice safe driving habits to protect those around them on the road. If you suffered injuries or lost a loved one in a tractor trailer accident in Alvin, TX, an attorney can help you pursue financial recovery.
Reasons for Tractor Trailer Accidents
Truck accidents can have more than one cause, and researchers at the Texas A&M Transportation Institute (TTI) explored the issue to determine some of the factors that lead to these kinds of collisions.
In 2018, they published their findings, which examined data from nearly 2,800 truck accidents that occurred between 2011 and 2014 in 20 counties across Texas. In some cases, driver error played a major role. Some of the most common behaviors researchers observed in the accidents included:
- Driving while fatigued
- Failing to stop
- Failing to yield the right of way
- Speeding
- Improper lane usage
The study notes that even basic measures such as increased awareness, advanced training, and trucking system technologies could help minimize the number of tractor trailer accidents that occur in Texas. If you or someone you love has suffered severe injuries in a truck accident in Alvin, TX, D. Miller & Associates, PLLC™ can help you pursue financial recovery. Call us today at (713) 850-8600 to discuss your case with our legal team.
How a Tractor Trailer Accident Lawyer Serving Alvin, TX Can Help You
You have the right to file a claim against the at-fault driver in your tractor trailer accident case, but you may find it difficult to navigate the process on your own, especially during this time of recovery. An attorney can help relieve some of the burden by:
- Investigating the details of your case
- Establishing the liability of the at-fault driver
- Gathering evidence to strengthen your claim
- Handling all communication and negotiations with the insurance company
- Taking your case to trial, if necessary
By managing your case on your behalf, providing you with legal support, and keeping you updated on your case every step of the way, a lawyer can help simplify your role in the process so you can focus on what matters most.
Financial Recovery in Tractor Trailer Accident Cases
The types of financial recovery you may qualify for vary based on the circumstances of your case, such as the severity of your injury, whether you had to take time off work, and the insurance coverage available to you.
However, they may include awards for:
- All medical care, equipment, and other healthcare-related expenses resulting from the accident
- Lost wages
- Loss of potential earning capacity
- Pain and suffering, such as loss of consortium, mental anguish, or permanent disfigurement
- Funeral and burial expenses for your loved one you lost from the accident
A lawyer cannot guarantee that you will receive certain types or amounts of financial recovery, but they can evaluate your damages and help you seek adequate awards.
Texas Statutes of Limitations on Tractor Trailer Accident Claims
Every state has its own time limits, known as statute of limitations, by which a victim or their family member can file a claim against the liable party in a tractor trailer accident case. Under Texas law, claimants have up to two years to file a personal injury or wrongful death claim for financial recovery. However, exceptions sometimes apply. A tractor trailer accident lawyer serving Alvin, TX can determine how much time you have left and help you get started on your claim as soon as possible.
Contact D. Miller & Associates, PLLC™ Today
At D. Miller & Associates, PLLC™, our lawyers understand the lasting physical, emotional, and financial effects a tractor trailer accident can have on victims and their families. If you have suffered injuries or lost a loved one in an Alvin, TX truck collision, we can help you seek the financial recovery you deserve. Contact us today at (713) 850-8600 to talk to our legal team about your case.