Seguin Truck Accident Lawyer

The south-central location of Texas means trucks pass through it to transport cargo around the nation. This makes truck accidents a significant problem in the state.

If you or a loved one had been injured in a trucking accident, you may feel like you are fighting an uphill battle. The physical recovery is complex, the emotional trauma is taxing, and trucking companies, with their big insurance companies, may seem like they have all the power. You are not alone, and the battle is not unwinnable. A Sequin truck accident lawyer can help you collect damages when the trucker — or a third party — is at fault. Reach out to our personal injury attorneys to discuss your case.

Causes of Truck Accidents

Like other types of motor vehicle accidents, negligence is the leading cause of truck wrecks. In some instances, multiple parties are to blame. For example, another motorist may cut off a trucker, causing the trucker to change lanes in order to avoid a collision erratically. Even if a person’s own negligence helped contribute to the accident, Texas Civil Practice & Remedies Code § 33.001 allows people to recover as long as they are not 51 percent or more responsible for the accident.

A driver does not have to be reckless in order to be negligent. All it takes is a few moments of distraction to speed or run a stoplight or a stop sign. However, negligence is often part of a pattern of behavior. Distracted driving, speeding, drowsy driving, driving under the influence, aggressive driving, and tailgating are all examples of negligent patterns of behavior.

While all drivers may be negligent, truckers have a higher standard of care. They are professionals with specialized training. Their vehicles are oversized, which means blind spots surround them, requiring extra vigilance. They must be careful in any high-traffic situation, check carefully before making any lane changes, and beware that there could be a car in a blind spot in front of them.

While truckers may know of the more significant risks and responsibilities they have, they also face a tremendous amount of pressure. Their employers have them under tight time constraints to make deliveries, so any unexpected issues like weather or lousy traffic can result in delays. There are almost always unexpected issues — truckers may be tempted to take risks in order to make deadlines. An attorney in Seguin can determine the cause of a truck wreck and who is responsible.

How Does the Size of a Truck Make a Difference in a Crash?

The size difference is the main reason trucks are much more dangerous than other vehicles. Passenger vehicles weigh around 4,000 pounds. Even large passenger trucks that are hauling loads may weigh around 10,000 pounds. In contrast, a tractor-trailer can weigh around 80,000 pounds with a full load. If the trucker has permission to haul an oversized load, it can be even heavier.

The large size means two things. First, it increases the chances of an accident. The larger a vehicle, the longer the stopping distance and the more difficult it is to maneuver. A trucker cannot react or stop their vehicle as quickly as other drivers.

The second issue is that the bigger size means trucks cause more damage in an accident than other vehicles. Force equals mass times acceleration. Weight is a good stand-in for mass, which means a truck weighing ten or more times what a passenger vehicle weighs will have that much more force in a wreck. Collisions that would be nothing more than fender benders if both vehicles were passenger cars can become deadly.

That risk is uneven. Truckers usually walk away from truck accidents. They are protected in a sturdy big rig cab. The height and construction of the rig usually help them avoid severe injuries. However, that same height and weight makes them particularly dangerous to other people on the road. A Seguin lawyer can factor all injuries and losses into a truck accident claim.

Talk to a Truck Accident Lawyer in Seguin

If you have been hurt in a truck accident, you may be facing tremendous financial and emotional pressure. The resulting injuries may leave you struggling to pay bills while also trying to recover. You may also be a family member dealing with the loss of a loved one or having to adjust to a new role as a caretaker. It can feel lonely and overwhelming. A Seguin truck accident lawyer can help. Schedule a consultation to learn more about your potential remedies after a truck wreck.