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Heath, Texas, is a strategically located area that’s situated near major highways and interstates. With so many large commercial trucks passing through, the chance of collisions or injuries is significantly heightened.
Truck accidents can lead to severe consequences due to the size and weight of these vehicles. Commercial trucks are significantly heavier than a passenger vehicle. The massive difference in size and weight makes the damage caused by truck accidents much more devastating. If you’ve been involved in such an accident, a Heath truck injury lawyer can help guide you through the process of seeking justice and compensation.
Truck accidents happen for various reasons, often due to negligence on the part of the driver or the trucking company. It’s important to understand the key factors contributing to these accidents, as they often lead to severe injuries.
Truck drivers must adhere to strict hours-of-service regulations set by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. These rules limit the number of hours a driver can be on the road without taking a break. For example, drivers are prohibited from driving more than 11 hours after taking 10 consecutive hours off duty. They must also take a 30-minute break after 8 hours of driving.
However, fatigue is still a common problem. Truck drivers often push past their limits, sometimes due to pressure to meet deadlines, leading to exhaustion behind the wheel. When a driver fails to follow these regulations and drives while fatigued, they put everyone on the road in danger. If an accident occurs due to fatigue, a truck accident lawyer can help prove negligence and build a strong case for compensation.
Truck drivers often spend long hours in their vehicles, and over time, their rigs can feel like a second home. This comfort can lead to distractions, such as texting, eating or even using entertainment systems, all of which divert their attention from the road.
In many cases, distracted driving can cause accidents that might otherwise have been preventable. A truck injury lawyer can help investigate the cause of the distraction and hold the driver accountable for their actions.
Due to tight schedules, truck drivers may feel pressured to drive faster than the speed limit, risking both their safety and that of others on the road. Speeding increases the likelihood of losing control of the vehicle, especially in emergency situations. An experienced truck accident lawyer can examine the driver’s speed at the time of the accident and work to prove that speeding contributed to the crash.
If a truck is carrying more weight than it’s allowed to, it can have difficulty stopping and controlling the load. This increases the chances of an accident. Additionally, improperly secured cargo can shift during transit, causing the driver to lose control. In such cases, a Heath truck injury lawyer can investigate whether the cargo was overloaded or improperly secured and ensure that the parties responsible for these violations are held accountable.
Heath, TX, can experience various weather conditions, including rain, fog and icy roads. These weather changes can make it difficult for truck drivers to maintain control of their vehicles.
However, determining fault in such situations may be difficult, especially if local government entities are responsible for maintaining road conditions. In these cases, it is essential to have a skilled accident lawyer by your side who can help identify who is responsible.
Despite the risks, some truck drivers drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs, which can severely impair their ability to operate their vehicles safely. Driving under the influence is a serious violation of traffic laws, and if it’s a factor in the accident, a lawyer can assist in bringing this negligence to light.
Independent truck drivers or owner-operators are responsible for maintaining their vehicles in good working order. If they neglect routine maintenance or repairs, it can lead to mechanical failures that contribute to accidents. In cases where a truck is leased from a company, the maintenance responsibilities may vary, adding complexity to the case. A truck accident lawyer can help determine who should be held liable.
Due to the massive size and weight of commercial trucks, the injuries sustained in a truck accident can be catastrophic. For example, semi-trucks in the United States are typically around 72 feet long, 8.5 feet wide and 13.5 feet tall, with a gross weight of up to 80,000 pounds. This immense force can cause permanent disability or even death in the event of a collision.
Some of the most common injuries include:
Victims of truck accidents may also experience significant emotional distress, including post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety and depression, all of which can further impact their quality of life.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a truck accident, consult with an accident lawyer to help fight for a fair settlement that covers medical costs, lost wages, pain and suffering and all other expenses related to the accident.
Truck accidents are complicated, often with multiple potential causes and parties responsible for the crash. However, a skilled truck injury lawyer from Fielding Law can handle the claim while you focus on recovery.
If you’ve been injured in a truck accident in Heath, TX, contact us today for a free consultation. We are here to help you get the justice you deserve and hold the responsible parties accountable for their actions.
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