Grapevine Truck Accident Lawyer

A collision involving a commercial truck can instantly alter the course of a person's life. When 18-wheelers and other large trucks are involved in crashes, the results are often catastrophic. Victims may suffer severe bodily harm, permanent disabilities, and financial devastation. In Grapevine, where major highways like State Highway 121 and Interstate 635 are heavily traveled by commercial vehicles, truck wrecks are an unfortunate reality. When a crash occurs, victims will need to work with a truck accident lawyer who understands how to help them recover the compensation they need and deserve.

At Jerry D. Andrews, P.C., our attorney represents people who have been injured in truck accidents. His extensive experience handling truck wreck claims ensures that he can provide effective representation focused on maximizing the compensation victims can receive. Truck accident cases often involve large companies, insurance carriers, and federal regulations, making it essential to work with an attorney who is well-versed in the legal factors that can affect a victim's ability to secure compensation.

Types of Commercial Truck Accidents

Truck wrecks can occur in a variety of ways, including:

• Jackknife Accidents: When a truck driver loses control, their trailer may swing out and form a sharp angle with the cab. These accidents can lead to multi-lane blockages and collisions with nearby vehicles.
• Rollover Accidents: A truck that rolls onto its side or roof may crush smaller vehicles and spill hazardous cargo. These accidents may be caused by excessive speed, sharp turns, or unevenly loaded trailers.
• Underride Accidents: These tragic incidents can happen when a passenger vehicle slides beneath the rear or side of a commercial truck's trailer. These crashes may result in fatal injuries, and they may occur due to inadequate underride guards or poor visibility.
• Multi-Vehicle Accidents: Due to their size, trucks that are involved in crashes can create chain-reaction collisions, resulting in multiple injuries.
• Head-On Collisions: Frontal-impact crashes involving trucks are often fatal. These may result from wrong-way driving, drowsiness, or distractions.
• T-Bone Accidents: Truck wrecks at intersections may be caused by a truck driver failing to yield or running a red light.
• Rear-End Accidents: When a truck collides with a passenger vehicle from behind, the force of impact can cause significant spinal injuries, brain trauma, or even wrongful death. These wrecks may be caused by delayed braking or distracted driving.

Regardless of the type of accident, a person who suffers an injury after being struck by a commercial vehicle may face a long and difficult recovery. Our lawyer helps clients take steps to obtain the full financial recovery they need for medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, and future care.

Causes of Truck Accidents: Understanding the Role of Negligence

Truck drivers and the companies that employ them must follow safety regulations that are enforced by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and state authorities. When these standards are ignored, serious crashes can occur. Some common causes of commercial truck accidents include:

• Traffic Violations by Truck Drivers: Speeding, unsafe lane changes, and following too closely are frequent violations that can lead to collisions between trucks and other vehicles.
• Equipment Failures: Faulty brakes, tire blowouts, and steering system failures can cause trucks to become uncontrollable. These issues may occur due to poor maintenance or defective parts.
• Improperly Loaded Cargo: Uneven or unsecured loads can shift while a truck is in motion, leading to loss of control and rollovers or other types of accidents. In some cases, poorly securedcargo can fall from a truck and cause injuries when items strike other vehicles.
• Intoxicated Driving: Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, including prescription medications, is particularly dangerous for truck operators. Substance use can affect a truck driver's ability to remain in control of their vehicle.
• Truck Driver Fatigue: Federal regulations limit how long truckers can remain on duty. Violations of these regulations or failure to get adequate rest can cause truck drivers to become tired or drowsy. Fatigue can slow a truck driver's reaction time and affect their ability to see and respond to conditions on the road, making it difficult or impossible to avoid accidents.
• Distracted Driving: Cell phone use, eating, or operating on-board systems can take a driver's focus off the road, causing them to collide with another vehicle.

Our attorney can conduct a comprehensive investigation to identify all contributing causes of a truck wreck. An investigation may include reviewing driver logs, maintenance records, black box data, accident reports, and dashcam or surveillance footage. Uncovering the root cause of an accident is the key to determining liability.