Trucks are notorious for the destruction they can cause during an accident. Few things can be more life-changing than facing a crash with a large, heavy commercial truck. For many people, dealing with the aftermath of a collision can be too much to handle on their own. However, we can help you hold the liable parties accountable for your losses.
At The Queenan Law Firm, we understand how challenging it is to deal with a severe injury after a truck crash. Let our experience, skill, and dedication work for you while you focus on getting better and moving on.
To learn more about our legal services in a free, confidential consultation, call our law offices today at (817) 476-1797.
What Causes Truck Accidents in Flower Mound, TX?
Unfortunately, truck accidents happen frequently in Flower Mound, TX. The size and weight of large commercial trucks make them a real threat on the road. The force of impact and the momentum present during a crash can lead to devastating outcomes. Truck crashes can happen for many different reasons. However, several causes commonly lead to these catastrophic accidents.
Distracted Driving
Commercial truck drivers are expected to exercise the utmost caution when handling their heavy, large vehicles. However, many negligent drivers opt to engage in conduct that may distract them, including texting or using their cellphones while driving.
Just a few seconds can be enough to cause a catastrophic accident. However, many truck drivers might think “this won’t happen to me” until it inevitably does. Under these circumstances, the negligent truck driver would be liable for any damage done. Our Flower Mound, TX truck accident lawyers can help you file your personal injury claim against the liable truck driver.
Speeding
Speeding has always remained one of the leading causes of truck accidents – and other vehicular accidents – in Texas. According to official sources of information such as the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), speeding is responsible for thousands of accidents, injuries, and deaths. According to the NHTSA, in 2018, 9,378 people died in speed-related crashes in the U.S.
Texas has stringent laws that punish this dangerous behavior. However, many truck drivers disregard the law, always pushing to make faster deliveries for their employer’s benefit. If you were injured in a truck accident caused by a speeding trucker in Flower Mound, TX, we can help you fight for your compensation.
Drunk Driving
In numerous instances, drunk truck drivers have caused devastating accidents. Despite Texas’ stringent drunk driving laws, many truck drivers risk handling their large commercial vehicles while under the effects of alcohol. Both the truck driver and the trucking company may be liable if you got injured in a drunk driving-related truck accident in Flower Mound, TX. Our experienced, skilled truck accident attorneys can help you fight for your compensation.
Improper Cargo Securement
Additionally, many truck accidents happen as the result of improper cargo securement. For instance, when cargo is not stored in direct contact with each other, it can shift during transit and cause a truck to rollover or suffer a jackknife accident. Further, cargo that is not adequately secured may cause an accident by falling off the back of a tractor-trailer. Our experienced truck accident attorneys can help determine if your truck accident happened because of improper cargo securement.
Tired Drivers
Federal trucking regulations establish requirements that limit how long truckers can remain on the road without taking a break. Unfortunately, truck drivers may be under pressure from their employers to break hours of service regulations to deliver their cargo on time.
When truckers remain on the road for too long, they can become tired and may commit careless mistakes behind the wheel. For example, tired truck drivers are prone to ignoring traffic signals and veering outside of their lanes. If you were injured as the result of a tired truck driver’s negligence, then the team at our firm can evaluate the strength of your claim against the at-fault driver and their employer.
Improper Lane Changes
Furthermore, many truck accidents happen because drivers commit improper lane changes. Truck drivers can commit improper lane changes by changing lanes without using their turn signal or by changing lanes in illegal zones. Crashes caused by improper lane changes often happen in crowded urban areas and on highways. Still, these types of accidents can happen anywhere.
Improper Left Turns
Improper left turns are another common source of truck accidents. When truck drivers and other motorists fail to yield the right-of-way before making left turns, devastating crashes can occur with other vehicles travelling through intersections. Fortunately, our legal team can help gather evidence to prove that a driver who committed an improper left turn is at fault for their accident.
Tailgating
Finally, tailgating is a common cause of truck accidents. Tailgating refers to the practice of driving too closely behind the car in front of you.
Truck drivers can have an even more difficult time slowing their vehicles down because of their size. Accordingly, many tailgating truck drivers cause rear-end collisions when vehicles in front of them need to slow down or stop. If you were injured because of a crash caused by a tailgating truck driver, then you may be entitled to substantial compensation for the injuries you incurred.
Common Types of Injuries Caused by Truck Accidents in Flower Mound, TX
The injures that result from truck accidents are often severe and can produce many forms of hardship. The following are all common types of injuries caused by truck accidents in Flower Mound:
Whiplash
Whiplash occurs when the head and neck are forcefully thrown back and forth. In a truck accident, sudden impact or collision can cause the victim’s head and neck to jerk, leading to whiplash. Symptoms of whiplash may include neck pain, stiffness, and headaches.
Spinal Cord Injuries
Spinal cord injuries are another common type of harm caused by truck accidents. These injuries are often severe and can lead to complete or partial paralysis. Accordingly, the road to recovery can be very long and complex after suffering a spinal cord injury. If you sustained a spinal cord injury as the result of your truck accident, then our attorneys will help recover the damages you are owed.
Traumatic Brain Injuries
Traumatic brain injuries are common in truck accidents, particularly when the head strikes a hard surface or experiences a strong jolt. These injuries range from concussions to more severe conditions such as hemorrhages or skull fractures. Symptoms can include headaches, memory loss, dizziness, and cognitive impairments.
Like spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain injuries can severely affect peoples’ abilities to work and enjoy their lives. Fortunately, victims with traumatic brain injuries may be able to pursue payment for the economic and non-economic damages they incurred.
Broken Bones
Broken bones are also a common type of harm caused by truck accidents. The sheer size and weight of trucks can exert enormous force on the human body during a collision. This force can lead to bone fractures and breaks, affecting various body parts such as arms, legs, ribs, and pelvis. Fractures may require surgical intervention and a lengthy recovery period.
Internal Injuries
The impact of a truck accident can cause internal organs to be damaged or ruptured. Organs such as the liver, spleen, kidneys, and lungs are particularly vulnerable. Internal injuries may not be immediately apparent and require prompt medical attention to prevent further complications.
Soft Tissue Injuries
Soft tissues, including muscles, ligaments, and tendons, can also suffer damage in a truck accident. Strains, sprains, and tears are common soft tissue injuries that can result in pain, swelling, and limited mobility. These injuries can range from mild to severe, requiring physical therapy or even surgery.
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Truck accidents can cause significant psychological trauma, leading to PTSD. Survivors may experience flashbacks, nightmares, anxiety, depression, and a fear of driving or being near trucks. Psychological support and therapy are essential to help individuals cope with the emotional aftermath of such accidents.
Who Is Liable in a Truck Accident in Flower Mound, TX?
Truck accidents are different from crashes involving passenger cars or motorcycles because of the professional relationship between the truck driver and their employer – the trucking company. While there may be situations where a commercial truck driver may work as an independent contractor, many of these drivers work for trucking companies. Due to the nature of this relationship, the trucking company – also known as the carrier – may share liability for the actions carried out by their employees.
For instance, a carrier is responsible for hiring people who know how to operate large commercial vehicles. This includes making sure they have the required permits and licenses and performing background checks to determine whether they are apt to take on the job.
Additionally, trucking companies are also responsible for ensuring all trucks in their fleet are safe to drive. Federal regulation requires trucking companies to comply with strict guidelines to ensure safety. However, many negligent carriers decide to cut corners and risk using trucks with defective or worn-out tires, faulty brakes, or trucks in need of oil and filter change. Unfortunately, these practices often lead to otherwise preventable accidents.
In addition to the trucking company and its employees, you may also have a cause of action against the truck’s manufacturer and its parts. In some situations, rushed production, bad designs, or errors during manufacturing have led to severe truck accidents. Our Flower Mound, TX truck accident attorneys can help you hold these manufacturers liable for their negligence and fight for the compensation you deserve.
How Much Compensation Can I Get from a Truck Accident Claim in Flower Mound, TX?
Getting compensation will depend on your ability to show the defendant’s negligence. To achieve this, it is critical to hire a skilled Arkansas truck accident attorney who can help you through the process. With your attorney’s assistance, you should be able to provide the court with all necessary evidence proving the existence of your claim’s elements. These elements are known as legal duty, breach, causation, and damages. Once you have shown the existence of these elements, the court may grant you compensation for your losses, which may include your medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
It is critical to make sure you file your claim within the time limit known as the statute of limitations. Under Arkansas law, you have up to three years to file your claim. Our Flower Mound, TX truck accident attorneys can help you file your claim on time and ensure you don’t miss your chance at fighting for the compensation you need.
Flower Mound, TX Truck Accident Lawyers Offering Free Consultations
If you or a loved one was injured in a truck accident caused by a negligent truck driver in Flower Mound, TX, we can help. For many years, our team at The Queenan Law Firm has handled countless cases involving negligent truck drivers in Texas. We understand how challenging and overwhelming dealing with your injuries after a truck crash can be. For this reason, we dedicate all of our efforts to fighting aggressively and strategically for the compensation you deserve. To learn more about our legal services in a free, confidential consultation, call our Texas personal injury lawyer today (817) 476-1797.