Duncanville, Texas Truck Accident Attorney

When commercial trucks collide with other vehicles, people may suffer devastating injuries. The size and weight of 18-wheelers, delivery trucks, and other large vehicles can cause people in passenger vehicles to suffer catastrophic injuries in a collision. People in Duncanville, Texas who have suffered harm in truck accidents can take steps to obtain the compensation needed to rebuild their lives.

Truck accident cases often involve multiple liable parties, federal and state regulations, and aggressive insurance carriers that work to minimize payouts. At Jerry D. Andrews, P.C., we have decades of trial experience in personal injury cases, and we provide compassionate guidance to our clients while protecting their rights at every step. Attorney Jerry Andrews has a Board Certification in Personal Injury Trial Law, and he can provide the representation needed to resolve these cases successfully.

Parties Who May Be Liable for a Truck Accident

Truck accidents differ from typical car wrecks, because liability often extends beyond the driver who was responsible for causing a collision. Several parties may be held accountable for their negligence or failure to comply with safety regulations, including:

• Truck Drivers: Violating traffic laws or engaging in other forms of negligence can make drivers directly responsible for a collision.
• Trucking Companies: Employers may be liable for unsafe hiring practices, inadequate training, or pressuring drivers to meet unrealistic schedules that lead to violations of federal hours-of-service regulations.
• Cargo Loaders: When items have not been properly loaded on a truck, they can cause rollovers or a loss of control for a truck driver. Parties responsible for loading cargo may be liable for their failure to follow the correct procedures.
• Maintenance Contractors: Failing to properly inspect, repair, or service a truck can lead to mechanical failures, and mechanics or other providers may be liable for accidents that occur as a result.
• Truck Manufacturers: Defective parts, such as faulty steering systems or trailer hitches, can lead to accidents, and victims may be able to recover compensation through product liability claims.

Negligence in Truck Accident Cases

Truck wrecks are often caused by preventable errors and failures to follow safety standards. Common examples of negligence that can lead to commercial truck accidents include:

• Driver Fatigue: When truck drivers spend extended periods on the road, they can become drowsy, or they may even fall asleep while behind the wheel.
• Distracted Driving: Using mobile devices or other distractions while operating a large vehicle can have deadly consequences.
• Driving Under the Influence: The use of drugs, alcohol, or some types of medications can affect a truck driver's reaction times, coordination, and vision, making it impossible for them to avoid accidents.
• Speeding or Reckless Driving: When truck drivers engage in unsafe behaviors while behind the wheel, the likelihood of a collision will increase.
• Inadequate Vehicle Maintenance: Worn-out brakes, tire blowouts, or faulty lights may be an issue when a truck has not been properly maintained, and these issues can increase the chances of an accident.
• Improper Loading Practices: Overloaded cargo or uneven cargo distribution can destabilize a truck. Shifting or falling cargo can lead to accidents that injure people in other vehicles.