If you have been involved in a truck accident in Fort Worth and are wondering what your next steps should be, the team at Angel Reyes – Angel Reyes – Reyes Browne Law is here to help. Truck accidents are unfortunately common and can wreak devastating consequences on those involved. When it comes to seeking legal advice on auto accidents of any kind, it’s crucial to arm yourself with the best information possible. This article will discuss the finer details of truck accidents in Texas to help you choose the best Fort Worth truck accident attorney for your situation.
Fort Worth truck accident statistics
According to the Texas Department of Transportation, the local statistics on truck accidents in 2020 are alarming. These figures alone are a strong case for finding a reputable Fort Worth truck accident attorney.
- There were 1,781 truck crashes, with 14 fatalities, in Tarrant County
- Denton County saw 761 truck accidents with 10 fatalities
- Parker County experienced 190 truck crashes with 4 fatalities
- There were 126 truck accidents in Wise County
- 146 truck accidents, including 3 fatalities, occurred in Johnson County
Causes of truck accidents in Fort Worth
Whether it was an 18-wheeler, semi, bus, or other large truck, the causes of auto accidents involving commercial vehicles can be vast and varied. We provide some common examples below:
Driver fatigue: While there are state and federal laws in place to cap the number of hours commercial truck drivers can spend behind the wheel, these laws are often ignored by companies wanting to squeeze extra work out of their drivers. This leads to fatigue, exhausting, and sometimes even falling asleep behind the wheel. Needless to say, these factors greatly impact response times, which can lead to severe truck accidents.
Speeding: Due to size that impacts their stopping and turning times, trucks are often required to drive at slower speeds than regular vehicles. When this caution is not adhered to, especially in examples where drivers are on tight deadlines, tragic incidents can occur.
Equipment failure: State and federal laws indicate strict inspection and maintenance schedules that should be followed by truck companies to ensure the safety of their operators and other motorists. Unfortunately, a common cost-cutting method is skipping out on these maintenance checks, leading to unsafe brakes, tires, and other poorly maintained equipment that can cause catastrophic accidents.
Overweight loads: Similarly to the above, state and federal laws specify the load sizes that commercial trucks can safely carry. When these laws are ignored, braking distance and vehicle handling can be severely impacted, leading to an increased risk of accidents.
Driving under the influence: As with the operation of any vehicle, driving under the influence of drugs, alcohol, or anything else that can impair your concentration can have dire consequences. Many truck drivers also have long days and nights behind the wheel, so stimulant abuse is rife in the industry.
Aggressive driving: We all know that aggressive driving, particularly on highways, is unfortunately common. The results of such behaviour can be especially dangeous when a heavy vehicle is involved.
What to do after a truck accident in Fort Worth
The immediate aftermath of a truck accident is extremely stressful, but if you can manage to follow these steps, you will set yourself up for the best possible outcome. This handy guide ensures that your physical, mental, and financial health will be prioritized and taken care of during the legal process. possible following your crash. We can provide a ballpark estimate of how much your claim may be worth.
Move your vehicle to a safe area
If it is safe to do so and you are able to, moving your vehicle away from the wreckage is an important first step. If you are unable to safely move your vehicle, turn on your emergency lights and wait for emergency services to arrive on the scene.
Call 911
When it comes to auto accidents in Texas, it is important to know your rights in regards to the law. Whether you were the driver or passenger of a vehicle involved, or even a cyclist or pedestrian, you are entitled to police attending the scene of your accident. Emergency operators or police departments may be reluctant to investigate when no party claims injury or requests emergency medical care, but you are within your rights to insist that your accident be investigated and a police report created.
Check that everyone involved is okay
If you are physically able to do so, checking on the health and welfare of other parties involved in the truck accident is the best next step. Not sure how severe your injuries might be? It’s safer to stay in your vehicle and wait for help to arrive.
Gather evidence
This step is particularly important for legal and insurance purposes. If you’re in a state to do so, always take pictures of all vehicles (including any logos or branding on the truck), the scene, and the truck driver’s license and insurance card. Make sure that emergency medical staff on the scene examine you for injuries and, if necessary, take you to the hospital for further treatment. The adrenaline caused from auto accidents can mask physical symptoms of life-threatening conditions such as head injuries, spinal fractures, or internal bleeding, so trust the experts to assess the situation.
Secure a Fort Worth truck accident attorney before talking to the insurance company
While an insurance representative for the offending truck driver may come across as well-meaning, their main objective is to defend their client and minimize your potential claim. Hold off on talking to them until you have your own truck accident attorney.
Common truck accident injuries
While auto accidents of all scales can be very distressing, incidents involving trucks carry an increased risk of personal injury due to the sheer size of the vehicle involved. Even minor injuries can impact victims in ongoing ways, so it is important for your lawyer to be aware of any harm you have sustained. As previously mentioned, you may experience a delayed onset of any symptoms of physical injury. Doctors typically will want to minimize their chances of becoming involved in legal proceedings, so watch out. It is vital to seek out medical professionals willing to honestly and effectively evaluate and treat all of your injuries.
Not sure if you were physically affected by a truck accident? Some of the most common injuries that result in these kinds of incidents include:
- Back injury
- Brain injury
- Burns
- Chest injury
- Crushing injury
- Cuts and lacerations
- Eye injury
- Fractures
- Head injury
- Lost limbs
- Neck injury
- Paralysis
- Spinal cord damage
Damages you may pursue in a truck accident lawsuit
Some truck accident victims may emerge relatively unscathed, but many others will suffer serious or even fatal injuries. While the legal system cannot undo the events of the crash, it can provide financial compensation to help people begin rebuilding their lives. Some of the types of damages that are common in truck accident claims include the following:
Past and future medical bills: It is relatively straightforward to calculate past medical expenses, as these are documented and accessible. However, future medical costs are more complex as they require sophisticated analysis and projection. An experienced Fort Worth personal injury lawyer will seek the testimony of experts who can shed light on the severity of your injuries. This testimony might also include your future prognosis and an approximate cost for future medical services that you are likely to require.
Lost wages: Like past medical bills, lost wages are another type of damages that is relatively easy to calculate. That being said, lost wages can include more than just base income or salary— it can also include benefits, vacation, and any employer retirement contributions.
Loss of earning capacity: An experienced lawyer can help you calculate and prove your loss of earning capacity. This is the difference between what you were making and what you would’ve expected to make in the future. For example, you were earning $125,000 in an executive role before the accident. However, your physical and psychological injuries have made it impossible for you to resume your former job. Your only option may be to accept a lower-paying, less demanding position. If your new salary is $50,000, then there would be a $75,000 gap. In that case, you would be compensated by the defendant for that difference.
Pain and suffering: As noted above, some of the injuries of truck accident victims have permanently changed their lives. Everyday activities become challenging or even impossible to perform, and the physical discomfort can be overwhelming.
Loss of consortium and loss of companionship: Severe and disabling physical pain will eventually impact your closest relationships.
Contact the best Fort Worth truck accident lawyers at Angel Reyes – Reyes Browne Law Firm
If you are seeking the best truck accident lawyers in Fort Worth, look no further than Angel Reyes – Angel Reyes – Reyes Browne Law. Our trusted team has been fighting for the legal rights of Texans for more than 30 years, boasting decades’ worth of successful outcomes for our clients. Want proof? Our winning statistics speak for themselves: Our firm has recovered nearly $1 billion in settlements and verdicts on behalf of our clients, and our 98 percent client success rate is a testament to our skills.
If you have been injured in a truck accident here in Fort Worth, call or contact Angel Reyes & Associates 24 hours a day to arrange your zero-cost consultation with an 18 wheeler accident attorney in Fort Worth. Our team is always ready to jump in and argue with tenacity for the best possible outcomes for our clients. You will never receive a legal bill from us unless you win your case because we work on a contingency fee basis, so you can move forward with your case feeling confident and at ease.
