In too many cases in Austin and throughout Central Texas, truck accidents are the result of an individual or a business acting negligently. In too many cases, the accident could have been prevented if rules had been followed and the proper precautions had been taken by the negligent party. Our experienced lawyers are here to see that negligent parties are held accountable. With more than three decades of experience on our side, semi-truck crash victims can count on us to stand up for their rights.
Negligent Truck Driver Accidents
When our lawyers review a case for the cause of a truck accident, we frequently find clear evidence of negligence on the part of the driver. That negligence could involve speeding, driver fatigue or substance abuse, as well as a variety of other issues.
These cases often become complex because we will take action against the driver’s employer. After all, trucking companies are required to make certain that the drivers they hire will perform safely on the road, and if they fail to do so, they should be held accountable. Unfortunately, it is not uncommon for the trucking company to say that the driver is an independent contractor, not an employee. That argument doesn’t work with us.
Accidents Caused by Negligence Trucking Companies
In addition to negligent hiring practices, there are many other ways in which a truck company’s negligence can lead to an accident. Some of the ways may not involve the driver of the vehicle at all. Accidents may be caused by poor maintenance of the truck, including failure to check brakes or replace tires at the appropriate time. They can also be caused by the way that the truck is loaded. An overweight or improperly loaded trailer can cause serious accidents. We hold trucking companies accountable for all forms of negligence.
Driver Fatigue – Truck Accident Attorneys
With more than three decades of experience focused on helping victims of truck accidents and other catastrophic injury victims, our attorneys are well aware of the common causes of these accidents.
When we begin investigating a truck accident claim in Austin or elsewhere in Texas , one of the first things we look at is the number of hours the driver had spent on the road prior to the collision. We will start by reviewing the driver’s log book, where hours are recorded.
Our experience means we are well aware of the fact that the numbers in these books are frequently inaccurate. We know that many drivers keep two sets of books. One book makes it look like the driver was following the rules in terms of number of hours on the road. This is the book they show to police, and to us. The other book shows the number of hours they really drove. This is the one they show to their employer to make certain they are paid properly. This is the one we will work hard to get.
Who is Responsible for Accidents Caused by Truck Driver Fatigue?
If the driver was too tired to be behind the wheel of a truck, then the driver should be held responsible for the accident, right? Yes, but the driver is not the only party that should be held responsible. Our lawyers may also take action against the truck company that employs that driver.
We know that truck companies put a great deal of pressure on drivers to make certain that loads are delivered on time. They push and they push, but then they don’t want to be held accountable when they push so hard that the driver causes an accident while trying to do the job in the time frame required. We will work hard to see that they are held responsible.
Truck Accidents Caused by Substance Abuse
Our attorneys have more than three decades of experience. That experience has been focused on helping victims of truck accidents and other catastrophic accidents. Because of this focus, we are well aware of the common causes of these accidents.
One of the first things we look at when we begin the investigation of a truck accident claim in Austin or elsewhere in Central Texas is whether or not the truck driver was under the influence of drugs or alcohol at the time of the accident.
Not only will we look at the driver’s condition at the time of the accident, but we will look at the driver’s history as well. Does the driver have a record of drunk driving arrests or drug crime arrests? Has the driver attended substance abuse counseling in the past? All too often we discover a clear pattern of drug abuse or alcohol abuse that makes it clear that the driver should not have been entrusted with such a dangerous vehicle.
Who is Responsible for Accidents Caused by Intoxicated Truck Drivers?
Of course, truck drivers need to be held responsible for their own actions. Our lawyers will not hesitate to file lawsuits against truck drivers, but they are not the only parties we file lawsuits against in these serious accident cases. We also file claims against the trucking companies that employ them when necessary.
Truck companies have guidelines to follow regarding the hiring of drivers. If they hired someone who had a history of substance abuse, they should be held accountable. These companies also are required to do periodic checks to make certain that their drivers are not driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol. If they fail to conduct these checks, or if they fail to act on negative results, they should be held accountable. We will see that they are.
Austin Overloaded Truck Accident Attorneys
Truckers and trucking companies are required to follow size, weight and load regulations. When trucks are overloaded or loaded improperly, items can fall off the trucks and cause injury or death to other motorists. We provide skilled legal help to people who have been injured by overloaded trucks. We seek maximum compensation for injuries, medical bills, lost wages and other losses.
Federal Truck Laws and Load Restrictions
Our Central Texas overloaded truck accident lawyers have extensive knowledge of federal trucking regulations. We are well-versed in the restrictions placed on the size, weight and loads of tractor trailers. The federal limitations are designed to ensure safe trucks, prevent unnecessary damage to the roadways and keep motorists out of harm’s way.
When a truck is overloaded, the length and width of the load can exceed federal regulations, the weight may be over the limit and materials can fall off the truck more easily. This presents many types of hazardous conditions that can result in trucking accidents.
Items can fall off the trucks, crashing into the cars behind and around it. Materials can block the roadways, causing accidents. Trucks can tip over due to the weight. Multiple dangers exist, all of which can result in serious injury and death.
We provide effective legal representation to people who have been injured in a semi truck crash due to overloaded and improperly loaded trucks. We dedicate our skills, time and resources to securing maximum compensation on your behalf.
Contact Us for a Free Consultation
Our attorneys welcome the privilege of consulting with you about your truck collision claim. We accept cases on a contingency basis. We will advance all costs necessary to successfully prosecute your case. We are only paid for our services if we get results for you. Contact us.