An 18-wheeler accident can cause life-changing injuries including emotional harm to the victims and their families. You can protect your health and future. Start by contacting an 18-wheeler and semi-truck accident lawyer in Harlingen, TX.

The right legal representation can mean all the difference in the world. Choose wisely. Call D. Miller & Associates, PLLC at 713-850-8600 to get a free case consultation.

Causes of 18-Wheeler and Semi-Truck Accidents

At D. Miller & Associates, PLLC, we have helped numerous clients who have been injured in 18-wheeler and semi-truck accidents. Common causes we see include:

Speeding

Driving over the speed limit can force cargo to shift, creating unequal weight distribution. This can result in rollovers and other accidents. Also, driving at high speeds makes it more difficult to stop quickly, which can lead to multi-vehicle rear-end collisions.

Driving While Drinking Alcohol or Using Drugs

Some truckers use illegal substances to stay awake and haul cargo for longer hours. Some also abuse alcohol and prescription drugs, which dulls reflexes, impairs judgment, and increases their chances of getting into accidents.

Driver Fatigue

Driving too many hours without a break violates federal truck operating regulations and can lead to major accidents and fatalities.

Distracted Driving

Many serious accidents occur due to the following distracted driving behaviors:

  • Using a smartphone
  • Fiddling with the radio
  • Talking to a passenger
  • Adjusting a GPS device or updating a location
  • Eating or drinking

Unsecured Cargo or Improper Loading

When a trucker does not properly secure their load, there is a risk that cargo will fly out and strike another vehicle or it will land in the roadway, causing an accident. Also, failing to properly load a vehicle can lead to the weight not being balanced equally. Without proper distribution, a truck can become more difficult to maneuver and lead to its brakes locking, increasing its chance of jack-knifing.

Trouble Maneuvering Due to Needed Time and Space

Due to their length, height, and weight, 18-wheelers and semi-trucks need much more room and time than cars do to come to a complete stop. Other factors that impact the amount of time they need to stop may include:

  • Bobtailing (driving a cab without the trailer)
  • Road conditions, such as wet or slippery roadways due to weather
  • The weights of the loads they are carrying

Improper Maintenance

Faulty parts can lead to serious accidents. Federal regulations require 18-wheelers and semi-trucks to be properly maintained, repaired, and inspected.

If you or someone you love was injured in an accident that involved an 18-wheeler or semi-truck, reach out to our firm today. Call us at 713-850-8600 for a free case review.

Recoverable Damages for 18-Wheeler and Semi-Truck Accident Victims

At D. Miller & Associates, PLLC, we help truck accident victims recover damages for their losses. You may be entitled to recover all the following:

  • Medical treatment, therapy, and rehabilitation expenses
  • Hospital stays
  • Lost wages and loss of future earnings
  • Pain and suffering
  • Loss of consortium

Call our firm at 713-850-8600 to begin a review of your 18-wheeler and semi-truck accident case in Harlingen, TX. Our injury lawyers will fight to get justice for you and your family. Let us begin building a strategy for your case today.

What We Do for Clients

After learning the specifics of your case, our lawyers will begin building your case. As we build a strategy, we take the following steps:

  • Gather evidence, like medical, police, and accident reports
  • Interview witnesses
  • Examine the truck driver’s qualifications, as well as accident and employment histories, and results of drug and alcohol tests
  • Review the truck’s inspection records
  • Consult with trucking industry experts

Additionally, we may review the truck’s black box, also known as the electronic control module. This stores information about the truck, its route, and its location when the accident occurred. This data can provide key insight into the cause of an accident. Though the data it can provide varies, it may include:

  • Whether the truck suddenly accelerated or decelerated prior to a crash
  • The truck’s speed moments before an accident
  • If the driver hit the brakes, and when it occurred
  • Whether or not a driver was wearing a safety belt
  • Usage data, which may help determine whether a trucker drove over the maximum permitted driving limits

Give Us a Call Today to Get Started with a Free Case Evaluation: 713-850-8600

Contact D. Miller & Associates, PLLC at 713-850-8600, so we can start your fight for justice. There is no charge or obligation for a case review, and we never collect attorney’s fees unless and until you win your case. There is no risk when you work with the D. Miller & Associates, PLLC team.