Every year, concrete trucks are involved in multiple accidents in Texas and throughout the country. The size, weight and cargo that these trucks carry make for catastrophic and fatal collisions. If you get hurt in a concrete truck accident, it’s important to understand your rights and legal options. Our truck accident attorneys serving Houston and the greater state of Texas can help.
Common Causes of Concrete Truck Accidents in Texas
Concrete trucks are uniquely designed to carry liquid concrete. This specific type of cargo means that these commercial vehicles have heavy weights, higher centers of gravity and special truck designs that can all increase the risk of accidents.
The most common causes of concrete truck accidents in Texas include:
- Truck driver negligence
- Speeding or reckless driving
- Roadway rule violations
- Truck driver fatigue
- Driver distraction
- Failure to check blind spots
- Inadequate truck driver training
- Incompetent or unqualified drivers
- Poor truck maintenance
- Overturned trucks (rollovers)
- Concrete spills from improper loading
Since Texas is an “at-fault” car insurance state, not a no-fault state, it is necessary to determine the cause of a concrete truck accident before a claim can be filed.
Injuries From Concrete Truck Accidents
Concrete truck accidents can be disastrous due to the size and weight of these vehicles. They can inflict life-changing injuries on victims, especially people in smaller passenger vehicles. Examples of injuries include broken bones, traumatic brain injuries, whiplash, spinal cord injuries, soft-tissue damage, internal injuries, crush injuries and amputations. Many concrete truck accidents each year involve one or more fatalities.
Who Pays for a Concrete Truck Accident in Texas?
When a concrete truck crashes and causes damage, one or more parties may be held accountable. If the driver of the truck was negligent or failed to use proper care, he or she could be held independently liable. In many cases, however, trucking companies can be held vicariously responsible for the errors of their drivers. Part manufacturers, truck maintenance crews, cargo companies and government agencies are also possible defendants, depending on the situation.
Financial Compensation Available
Filing a claim for a concrete truck accident in Texas could lead to the recovery of financial compensation for victims’ injuries and losses. In Texas, a trucking accident claim can result in payment for past and future medical bills, property damage, lost wages, lost earning capacity, emotional distress, out-of-pocket costs, loss of consortium, and punitive damages (in cases involving gross negligence).
It’s important to consult with an attorney to learn the true value of your concrete truck accident case before accepting a settlement from an insurance provider. An attorney’s help can prevent you from accepting a lowball settlement that underpays you for significant injuries and losses.
Contact a Concrete Truck Accident Lawyer for Assistance
If you or someone you love has been involved in a recent concrete truck accident in Texas, a qualified attorney in Texas can help you with the claims process. You may be eligible for an insurance settlement or compensation from a personal injury lawsuit, depending on the circumstances.
A truck accident lawyer can investigate the wreck, collect evidence of negligence, file a claim for you against the at-fault parties, negotiate a fair settlement from a claims adjuster and – if necessary – take your case to court in pursuit of justice. Meanwhile, you can spend your energy on healing from serious injuries.
To discuss a concrete truck accident case with an experienced personal injury lawyer in detail at no cost, contact the Doan Law Firm to arrange a free consultation.