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18-Wheeler Accidents Pose a Deadly Threat for Texas Drivers
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 4,951 people were killed in accidents involving 18-wheelers and large trucks in 2018 alone. 664 of these fatalities were recorded in Texas, more than any other state in the nation and 47% higher than the second state with the second-highest number of 18-wheeler accident deaths, California.
Understanding the danger these large vehicles pose for the average driver, state and federal regulators have enacted strict laws and guidelines meant detailing the actions and orders 18-wheeler drivers and their employers must follow. These include licensing requirements, behavior behind the wheel, limits on consecutive hours worked, and maintenance schedules all meant to reduce the chances of an accident occurring. Unfortunately, not all drivers and not all 18-wheeler companies follow these rules. This is why you need an experienced 18-wheeler accident lawyer.
When the driver of an 18-wheeler or their employer chooses to ignore state and federal regulations, they put everyone at risk – and when an accident occurs, they should be held accountable not only to the regulators they ignored but also to the individuals they have harmed. At Thomas J. Henry Law, we fight for victims of 18-wheeler accidents in order to secure fair compensation for their injuries and prevent future accidents from occurring.
The Importance of Hiring an Experienced Texas 18-Wheeler Accident Lawyer for Your Case
18-wheeler accident cases are particularly complex, especially in states with a large trucking presence like Texas. Trucking and freight is a $700 billion industry in the U.S. and as such, trucking companies have the money and resources to hire the best defense lawyers and teams. When an average Texas resident is involved in an 18-wheeler crash, they are at an immediate disadvantage when it comes to seeking compensation.
The lawyers and attorneys representing the 18-wheeler company will do everything in their power to limit the company’s liability and your recovery. This includes disputing fault, trying to poke holes in your claims and recorded statements, challenging your medical expenses, slow playing your claim, and offering lowball settlements in hopes you will be too intimidated or just too exhausted to pursue a higher recovery.
At Thomas J. Henry Law, we have spent more than 25 years representing Texans who were injured or lost loved ones in 18-wheeler accidents. We employ a team of more than 200 Texas personal injury attorneys and hundreds of supporting staff and have successfully litigated against some of the largest companies in the world, including Fortune 500 and Fortune 100 companies. Our goal is to provide Texas residents and injured clients with legal representation that is superior to that available to large companies and corporations like those found in the 18-wheeler industry. We also do this in an affordable way, working entirely on a contingency fee basis. The means you do not pay us a penny in attorney’s fees unless and until we win your case.
The truth is, smaller law firms may struggle against large 18-wheeler companies despite good intentions. 18-wheeler injury attorneys for small firms can certainly have your best interest in mind while lacking the experience and resources necessary to litigate your case successfully. Do not risk your claim to compensation, call Thomas J. Henry Law now to speak with an experienced Texas 18-wheeler crash lawyer and accident attorney and enjoy the confidence that your case is in capable hands.
Common Causes of 18-Wheeler Accidents in Texas
Like most other traffic accidents, the majority of 18-wheeler accidents are preventable and most often caused by human error and negligence. The difference, however, is in the amount of damage done. While there is no question 18-wheelers are massive, you may be surprised to know that when hauling a trailer, they may weigh up to 80,000 pounds. That is 40 tons.
What may be a minor accident if it involved two passenger vehicles can be catastrophic when an 18-wheeler is involved. And when it comes to a collision between an 18-wheeler and a passenger vehicle, the 18-wheeler is going to win.
This is one of the reasons 18-wheelers and large trucks are subject to more stringent laws and regulations. Another reason is to ensure that transportation companies do not put profit over the safety and health of their drivers and other motorists on the road. Still, violations do occur and cause hundreds of horrific accidents in Texas every year.
Among the most common causes of 18-wheeler accidents in Texas are:
- Driver fatigue and/or drowsiness
- Distracted driving
- Speeding
- Aggressive driving
- Failure to comply with regulations pertaining to hours driven
- Dangerous lane changes
- Improper turns
- Driver inattention
- Unsafe following distance
- Poorly maintained 18-wheelers and equipment
Our Texas 18-wheeler accident attorneys can help determine the cause or causes of your accident and help ensure all parties, including the driver and their employer, are held accountable. Further, we can bring in expert witnesses to investigate your accident and provide additional evidence through their unique experience and knowledge of 18-wheelers, crashes, and 18-wheeler accident regulations.
Injured in an Accident with an 18-Wheeler? Contact Thomas J. Henry Law
Nobody thinks they are going to be involved in an 18-wheeler accident, and nobody looks forward to filing a lawsuit. At Thomas J. Henry Law, we want to aid you in your physical recovery as well as your financial recovery. Our goal is to make the claims process as easy as possible so that you can focus on what really matters, healing and taking care of your loved ones.
Our Texas 18-wheeler accident attorneys have experience taking on 18-wheeler accident companies and understand the complex regulations and laws that commercial vehicles are subject to. We know that time is a critical factor when it comes to 18-wheeler accidents and will take immediate action on your case, securing and protecting evidence, determining fault, and initiating the litigation process. We can even help you get to and from your medical appointments, and we offer cash advances on qualified cases.
If you have been injured or lost a loved one to an 18-wheeler accident or a Texas truck accident, call our offices now. We have 18-wheeler accident lawyers near you ready to review you claim. Our firm has offices in Corpus Christi, San Antonio, Dallas, Austin, and Houston serving clients across Texas and nationwide. We are available 24/7, nights and weekends, to assist you. You focus on getting better. Let our attorneys handle the rest.
Speak with an 18-Wheeler Accident Lawyer in TX:
- Meet with an 18-wheeler accident lawyer in San Antonio:
- Phone number: 210-941-2191 (attorneys available 24/7 to assist you)
- Address: 5710 W Hausman Rd, Suite 108, San Antonio, TX 78249 (walk-in Monday through Friday)
- Meet with an 18-wheeler accident lawyer in Austin:
- Phone Number: (512) 520-0221 (attorneys available 24/7, nights and weekends)
- Address: 4401 West Gate Blvd Suite 200, Austin, TX 78745 (walk-in Monday through Friday)
- Meet with an 18-wheeler accident lawyer in Corpus Christi:
- Phone number: 361-254-7873 (attorneys available 24/7 to assist you)
- Address: 521 Starr Street, Corpus Christi, TX 78401 (walk-in Monday through Friday)
- Meet with an 18-wheeler accident lawyer in Dallas:
- Phone number: 214-646-3953 (attorneys available 24/7 to assist you)
- Address: 6031 Connection Dr #900, Irving, TX 75039 (walk-in Monday through Friday)
