Coppell, TX Truck Accident Attorney

Collisions involving large commercial trucks are among the most dangerous types of motor vehicle accidents. These vehicles, which can weigh up to 80,000 pounds when fully loaded, have the potential to cause devastating harm when something goes wrong. In Coppell, where commercial trucks frequently travel along corridors like State Highway 121 and Interstate 635, crashes involving 18-wheelers, delivery trucks, and freight carriers are a serious concern. People involved in these accidents may suffer severe physical injuries, and they are likely to experience financial instability and long-term emotional trauma.

At Jerry D. Andrews, P.C., our attorney can provide critical legal guidance for people who have been injured in truck accidents. With our experience handling commercial vehicle injury claims, we understand how to investigate these accidents thoroughly and build strong cases on behalf of truck accident victims. We can take action against negligent drivers, trucking companies, maintenance providers, cargo handlers, and manufacturers that may share liability, helping to ensure that victims will receive the full compensation they deserve.

Truck Accidents Caused by Mechanical Failures

Commercial trucks are complex machines that require regular maintenance and inspections to ensure that they will continue to operate safely. When critical components fail due to poor maintenance or defective parts, serious accidents can occur. Mechanical issues that can lead to truck crashes include:

• Brake System Failures: Worn or defective brake components can drastically increase a truck's stopping distance, especially when traveling at high speeds or descending steep grades.
• Tire Blowouts: Improper tire maintenance, including failure to replace worn or underinflated tires, can cause blowouts that may lead to a loss of control for a truck driver, making it impossible for them to avoid a collision.
• Steering and Suspension Defects: Malfunctioning steering systems or damaged suspension components may impair a driver's ability to navigate curves or respond to traffic changes.
• Lighting or Signal Malfunctions: Broken taillights, headlights, or turn signals may prevent other drivers from anticipating a truck's movements, increasing the risks of a collision.

When a mechanical failure contributes to a crash, multiple parties may be legally responsible. A trucking company could be liable for failing to perform routine inspections, while a maintenance provider might face accountability for incomplete or negligent repairs. If a component was defectively designed or manufactured, the parts manufacturer could also be named in a product liability claim. Our attorney can examine maintenance records, inspection logs, and engineering reports to identify all potential sources of liability.

The Dangers of Improperly Loaded or Unsecured Cargo

Commercial trucks often carry thousands of pounds of cargo, which must be carefully loaded and secured in compliance with federal safety standards. When these standards are ignored, improperly loaded cargo can create hazardous conditions on the road. Some common cargo-related issues include:

• Shifting Cargo: When cargo is not properly secured, it may move during transit, altering the truck's center of gravity and increasing the likelihood of a rollover or another situation in which a truck driver loses control and is involved in a collision.
• Overloaded Cargo: Exceeding the maximum allowable weight for a commercial truck can affect issues such as braking distance, steering, and tire performance. This will make the truck more difficult to control, increasing the likelihood of a truck wreck.
• Falling Cargo: If cargo is not properly fastened, or if doors are not latched securely, items can fall onto the roadway, causing dangerous obstacles for other drivers.

Responsibility for cargo-related accidents often extends beyond the truck driver. Third-party shipping companies, warehouse personnel, and freight loaders may be held liable if their actions or omissions led to the unsafe condition. In these cases, a detailed investigation may be required to determine who handled the cargo and whether they complied with industry regulations and guidelines.