{"id":5128,"date":"2023-09-30T08:44:31","date_gmt":"2023-09-30T08:44:31","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/jleedslawfirm.com\/?page_id=5128"},"modified":"2023-12-09T09:37:44","modified_gmt":"2023-12-09T09:37:44","slug":"big-rig-accidents","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/jleedslawfirm.com\/big-rig-accidents\/","title":{"rendered":"Houston Big Rig Accident Attorney"},"content":{"rendered":"
In the sprawling landscape of legal matters, Leeds Law Firm stands as a stalwart ally for those entangled in the aftermath of big rig accidents in the heart of Texas. Our Houston big rig accident attorney understands the unique challenges that victims of such accidents face, and we’re here to provide a guiding hand through the legal maze.<\/span><\/p>\n At Leeds Law Firm, we are committed to delivering the justice and compensation you deserve. We will champion your rights and tirelessly advocate on your behalf, ensuring that the responsible parties are held accountable.<\/span><\/p>\n Our track record of success speaks for itself. We have secured fair settlements and judgments for countless clients who have suffered due to big rig accidents. When you are grappling with the aftermath of a big rig accident in Texas, turn to Leeds Law Firm for the steadfast legal support you need.<\/span><\/p>\n Our dedicated legal team is ready to stand by your side, employing every available legal avenue to secure the best possible outcome for your case. <\/span>Your path to justice begins with us<\/span>, and together, we can navigate the complexities of the legal system and help you reclaim your life after a big rig accident.<\/span><\/p>\n A big rig accident, also commonly referred to as a semi-truck accident or a tractor-trailer accident, is a type of vehicle collision involving a large commercial truck. These trucks typically consist of a tractor unit (the front part of the truck) and a trailer (the rear part).<\/span><\/p>\n Commercial truck drivers and trucking companies are bound by a multitude of regulations and laws, both at the federal and state levels. When these rules are breached, it can lead to severe accidents and harm to other drivers on the road. Those responsible for breaking safety laws and causing injuries must be held accountable for their actions.<\/span><\/p>\n Typically, law enforcement officers will arrive at the scene of a truck accident and assess whether the truck driver violated any laws during the incident. Additionally, the trucking company and the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) should conduct their investigations in the days and weeks following the collision.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) establishes and upholds a diverse range of rules that are relevant to all commercial vehicles traveling across state lines in the United States.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n These vehicles encompass various types, such as semi-trucks, hazardous materials (hazmat) carriers, tanker trucks, flatbed trucks, buses, and others. These regulations define the expected conduct in many facets of the trucking industry, including:<\/span><\/p>\n Every commercial truck operator <\/span>must possess the appropriate commercial driver’s license (CDL)<\/b> and <\/span>receive training specific to the type of vehicle they operate<\/b>. Some specialized trucks, like those carrying hazardous materials (HAZMAT), may require an additional endorsement on the CDL.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Companies must ensure that only properly licensed drivers operate their commercial trucks.<\/span><\/p>\n Licensed medical professionals must conduct thorough examinations<\/b> of CDL applicants and renewal applicants to confirm they do not have any medical conditions that could compromise their ability to operate trucks safely.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Conditions such as untreated heart disease, diabetes, seizure disorders, musculoskeletal problems, sensory impairments, or untreated sleep disorders are disqualifying.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n To combat fatigued driving, regulations dictate limits on the consecutive hours and days a driver can work without mandatory rest and sleep breaks. These rules, while complex, are essential for preventing drowsy driving accidents, and drivers and companies should be well-informed and compliant.<\/span><\/p>\n Commercial drivers face stricter regulations regarding intoxicated driving, with a <\/span>legal blood alcohol content (BAC) limit of 0.04 percent<\/b>, <\/span>lower than the 0.08 percent limit for non-commercial drivers<\/b>. A DUI conviction, even outside of commercial driving, can lead to CDL suspension or revocation.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Random and post-accident drug and alcohol testing is also mandatory for commercial drivers, with consequences for failed tests.<\/span><\/p>\n Commercial drivers are prohibited from text-based messaging and face strict rules for hands-free communications. Activities like eating, drinking, using a smartphone, talking on a CB radio, grooming, and more can all be distracting. While some distractions may not violate regulations, they remain highly dangerous.<\/span><\/p>\n Both drivers and companies are legally obligated to inspect and maintain their trucks regularly. Neglecting inspections or maintenance to save costs can result in dangerous situations, as a malfunctioning truck can lead to accidents due to factors like tire blowouts or brake failures.<\/span><\/p>\n The FMCSA establishes maximum weight limits for fully loaded trucks based on size and axles. In the United States, the standard <\/span>maximum weight for commercial trucks is 80,000 pounds<\/b>, barring special exceptions. Compliance with these weight limits is enforced through mandatory weigh stations to prevent accidents caused by overloaded trucks.<\/span><\/p>\n Big rig accidents, also known as semi-truck accidents, can involve a variety of collisions and incidents on the road. These incidents can result from many different factors and conditions, leading to a variety of accident types. Below are some of the different categories of big rig accidents:<\/span><\/p>\n These occur when a <\/span>big rig crashes into the back of another vehicle<\/b>. They often result from factors like distracted driving, tailgating, or poor road conditions. Rear-end collisions can lead to serious injuries and vehicle damage.<\/span><\/p>\n A jackknife accident happens when <\/span>a semi-truck’s trailer swings outward<\/b>, <\/span>forming an L or V shape with the cab<\/b>. This often occurs due to sudden braking or slippery roads and can involve multiple vehicles.<\/span><\/p>\n These tragic accidents happen when <\/span>a smaller vehicle becomes trapped beneath the rear of a semi-truck’s trailer<\/b>. Inadequate underride guards on the truck can contribute to the severity of these accidents.<\/span><\/p>\n A big rig may roll over onto its side<\/b> due to factors like speeding, sharp turns, or shifting cargo. Rollover accidents can have catastrophic consequences, often affecting multiple lanes of traffic.<\/span><\/p>\n Large commercial trucks have significant blind spots, which can result in accidents when other vehicles are not visible to the truck driver. These accidents <\/span>may occur during lane changes or merging onto highways<\/b>.<\/span><\/p>\n When a big rig’s tires blow out, it can lead to loss of control, swerving, and potential accidents. Tire blowouts can be caused by factors like worn-out tires, overloading, or road debris.<\/span><\/p>\n Semi-trucks require a significant amount of space to make wide turns, and sometimes, they may collide with vehicles in adjacent lanes while turning. These accidents often happen at intersections.<\/span><\/p>\n Malfunctioning or poorly maintained brakes can lead to accidents where a semi-truck cannot stop in time to avoid a collision.<\/span><\/p>\n Improperly secured or overloaded cargo can shift during transit, causing the truck to become unstable or spill its contents onto the roadway, posing a danger to other vehicles.<\/span><\/p>\n Big rig accidents can be caused by a variety of factors, including:<\/span> Human mistakes can lead to serious accidents, especially when driving a large and heavy vehicle like a big rig.<\/span><\/p>\n Big rig accidents can cause serious injuries, including:<\/span><\/p>\n While many drivers are familiar with handling regular collisions, not everyone is aware of the proper procedure for dealing with a big rig accident. After a big rig accident, <\/span>it is important to take the following steps during your recovery<\/b>:<\/span> Parties that could potentially be held responsible in a big rig accident case may comprise:<\/span><\/p>\n Engaging in distractions, driving under the influence, operating while tired, breaking FMCSA rules, violating Texas traffic regulations, and other careless actions can result in determinations of negligence and responsibility on the part of truck drivers.<\/span><\/p>\n Trucking companies can be held liable for accidents caused by their negligence, such as hiring unqualified drivers, failing to maintain their trucks, or encouraging unsafe driving practices.<\/span><\/p>\n Big rig manufacturers can be held liable for accidents caused by defective truck parts.<\/span><\/p>\n Other parties, such as mechanics or cargo loaders, can also be held liable for accidents caused by their negligence.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n It’s crucial to investigate whether there are responsible parties beyond the truck driver or the trucking company in such cases.<\/span><\/p>\n In Texas, you must file a <\/span>personal injury lawsuit<\/span><\/a> within two years from the accident’s date<\/span><\/a>. If you do not file your lawsuit on time, the court will likely dismiss your case.<\/span><\/p>\n Consequently, you lose your chance to pursue compensation in court permanently. This is why it is important to contact a Houston big rig accident attorney as soon as possible after your accident.<\/span><\/p>\n To prove negligence in a big rig accident injury claim, you must show that the following elements were present:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n The defendant (typically the truck driver and\/or their employer) owed you a duty of care. In the context of a big rig accident, this duty typically involves following traffic laws, maintaining control of the vehicle, and operating the truck safely.<\/span><\/p>\n The defendant breached their duty of care. This can involve providing evidence that the truck driver engaged in negligent actions, such as speeding, reckless driving, distracted driving, or driving while fatigued.<\/span><\/p>\n You must establish a direct link between the defendant’s breach of duty and your injuries. This means proving that the defendant’s actions were the proximate cause of the accident and your resulting injuries.<\/span><\/p>\n You must show how the accident has harmed you, both financially and physically. This could include medical bills, property damage, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other economic and non-economic losses.<\/span><\/p>\n Considering the extensive range of state and federal regulations and the intricate nature of these claims, our legal team has a good grasp of trucking rules, relevant state statutes, and the basics of accident inquiry. This experience allows us to identify and gather crucial evidence.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n This evidence is essential for uncovering the accident’s causes, and reasons behind it, and identifying those who might be responsible for the collision. Some of the evidence we may use in your case includes:<\/span><\/p>\n If you or someone you care about has been injured in a big rig accident in Texas, you may be able to recover the following damages:<\/span><\/p>\nWhat is a Big Rig Accident?<\/span><\/h2>\n
What Are Trucking Laws in Houston?<\/span><\/h2>\n
What Are the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration Regulations?<\/span><\/h2>\n
Licensing<\/b><\/h3>\n
Health Conditions<\/b><\/h3>\n
Hours of Service<\/b><\/h3>\n
Intoxicated Driving<\/b><\/h3>\n
Distracted Driving<\/b><\/h3>\n
Truck Inspections<\/b><\/h3>\n
Size and Weight<\/b><\/h3>\n
What Are the Different Types of Big Rig Accidents?<\/span><\/h2>\n
Rear-End Collisions<\/b><\/h3>\n
Jackknife Accidents<\/b><\/h3>\n
Underride Accidents<\/b><\/h3>\n
Rollover Accidents<\/b><\/h3>\n
Blind Spot Accidents<\/b><\/h3>\n
Tire Blowouts<\/b><\/h3>\n
Wide Turn Accidents<\/b><\/h3>\n
Brake Failure Accidents<\/b><\/h3>\n
Cargo Spills<\/b><\/h3>\n
What Causes Big Rig Accidents in Texas?<\/span><\/h2>\n
\n<\/span><\/p>\nDriver Error<\/b><\/h3>\n
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Company Error<\/b><\/h3>\n
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Other Factors<\/b><\/h3>\n
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What Are the Most Common Big Rig Accident Injuries?<\/span><\/h2>\n
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What to Do Following a Big Rig Accident in Texas?<\/span><\/h2>\n
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Who Can Be Held Liable for My Big Rig Accident Injuries?<\/span><\/h2>\n
Semi-Truck Drivers<\/b><\/h3>\n
Trucking Firms<\/b><\/h3>\n
Big Rig Manufacturers<\/b><\/h3>\n
Other Parties<\/b><\/h3>\n
What is the Texas Statute of Limitations for Big Rig Accident Injury Claims?<\/span><\/h2>\n
How Can I Prove Negligence in My Big Rig Accident Injury Claim?<\/span><\/h2>\n
Duty of Care<\/b><\/h3>\n
Breach of Duty<\/b><\/h3>\n
Causation<\/b><\/h3>\n
Damages<\/b><\/h3>\n
What Evidence Do I Need?<\/span><\/h2>\n
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What Are the Damages I Can Get for My Big Rig Accident Injury Claim?<\/span><\/h2>\n
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