Farmers Branch Truck Accident Lawyer

When 18-wheelers and other large trucks are involved in collisions, people in other vehicles may suffer devastating injuries. These accidents can be complex, and various factors may need to be evaluated to determine who was responsible. Victims who have suffered harm in truck wrecks will need to understand their legal options, and they can do so with the help of an experienced attorney.

At Jerry D. Andrews, P.C., we have extensive experience in cases involving truck accidents. Our lawyer has a Board Certification in personal injury law from the Texas Board of Legal Specialization, and he has worked with numerous clients to address serious injuries in truck wrecks and other situations. He can take steps to identify the parties who may be liable for a truck accident and hold them responsible for the damages suffered by a victim.

The Role of Driver Fatigue in Truck Accidents

One of the most significant contributing factors to truck accidents is driver fatigue. Commercial truck drivers are often under immense pressure to meet deadlines, and this may lead them to attempt to continue driving when they are tired or drowsy. They may ignore the regulations that have been put in place by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) to prevent fatigue.

The hours of service rules that apply to commercial vehicle operators limit the number of hours that a person can continue driving without taking a break. When these rules are violated, drivers are at a higher risk of making errors. A driver who is exhausted may fail to notice traffic changes, they may have delayed reaction times, or they may even fall asleep at the wheel.

Driver fatigue significantly increases the likelihood of accidents, especially on long-haul routes that pass through Farmers Branch and the surrounding areas. Jerry D. Andrews, P.C. can investigate whether a driver had violated hours of service rules, gathering evidence such as log books, electronic logging device data, and driver schedules to demonstrate that a driver was acting unsafely.

Improperly Loaded Cargo

Cargo-related issues can be another major factor that may contribute to truck accidents. Improperly loaded or secured cargo can cause the vehicle to become unstable, leading to a loss of control. There are several ways improper loading can lead to accidents:

• Overloading: When a truck is carrying more weight than it is rated for, this can affect a driver's ability to stop quickly, especially when traveling at high speeds or during inclement weather. Overloading can also increase tire wear and the risk of a tire blowout.
• Cargo Shifting: If the cargo is not properly secured, it can shift during transit. This can change the vehicle's center of gravity, making it more likely to roll over, especially when engaging in sharp turns or sudden maneuvers.
• Falling Cargo: Items that are not properly secured on a truck may fall off during transit, creating hazards for other vehicles on the road. Falling cargo can lead to deadly collisions if other drivers cannot avoid the debris.

Our attorney can investigate the cargo loading procedures that were followed, looking for signs that safety precautions were not followed or that weight limits were violated. If improper loading or inadequate cargo securing was a factor, we will take steps to determine whether parties such as the truck carrier, the loading crew, or the manufacturer of cargo containers or securement devices may be held liable for a truck accident.