Bryan-College Station Truck Accident Attorney

State and federal motor carrier safety regulations provide specific rules that truckers and trucking companies must follow. They include everything from keeping detailed driver’s logs of driving hours and service, preservation of records, drug and alcohol testing, commercial driver’s licenses, maintaining minimum levels of liability insurance, driver’s qualifications, inspection, repair, and maintenance of trucks and trailers, and detailed requirements for specific driving situations.

Thus, trucking crash cases require an attorney with specialized experience and knowledge of state and federal motor carrier safety regulations, trucking industry standards, and the intricacies of dealing with different insurers to be effective. We will work to show that the truck driver or his trucking company failed to adhere to trucking industry standards. These standards are shown through state and federal motor carrier regulations, CDL manuals, truck driver schoolbooks, defensive driver courses, and company handbooks and driver manuals.

Negligence in Truck Accident Cases

At Paradowski Law, we have the knowledge and experience you need in making effective truck accident claims. In most cases, we find that fault goes beyond the truck driver. It typically lies primarily with the motor carrier that made decisions that eventually led to or caused the crash that could have been avoided. 

We often find systemic company failures that lead to either an unsafe truck or an unqualified truck driver. While truck drivers often do make mistakes that cause crashes due to driver error, distraction, or driver fatigue, our investigations often uncover unsafe companies and motor carriers that make decisions with profit in mind rather than safety. 

Motor carriers cut corners in many areas including truck maintenance, driver qualification, and driver training. Trucking companies look to deliver goods in the fastest time and cheapest mode possible, thereby placing all users of the roadway in grave danger.

Common Claims Stemming from Texas Truck Accidents

Injury claims stemming from truck accidents can involve various issues.

Claims against 18-wheeler drivers can include:

• Speeding
• Driver distraction or inattention
• Hours of service violations/fatigue
• Overloaded or excessive weight
• Failure to properly warn when disabled on the roadway
• Driver error

Direct negligence claims against trucking companies can include:

• Negligent hiring and qualification of the truck driver
• Failure to have and implement a good safety program
• Negligent supervision and oversight of its truck drivers
• Negligent retention of drivers known to be unsafe
• Negligent maintenance of the truck or its equipment

Other parties potentially at fault can include brokers, shippers, equipment owners, and more. They are all potentially liable in a catastrophic truck accident case. These third parties can be held accountable under agency, joint enterprise, negligent hiring of independent contractors, and statutory employment theories. 

Brokers, sometimes called third-party logistic companies, are used more and more and function as a contact point between shippers and motor carriers, placing shipments that need to be delivered with hired motor carriers. 

Investigating the role these third parties played in the shipment of goods involved in a truck crash is necessary to provide an additional source of insurance or funding to compensate those injured or killed in crashes. 

Due to all these complexities, it's essential to work with an experienced truck accident attorney who understands the nuances of commercial truck accident claims and is well-equipped to navigate the legal process on your behalf.

Common 18-Wheeler Accident Injuries & Compensation

Trucking accidents are known to cause severe and often deadly injuries, which can include:

• Traumatic brain injuries
• Spinal cord injuries
• Broken bones
• Internal injuries
• Lacerations and contusions
• Whiplash and other neck injuries
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

Such injuries can lead to various types of damages, depending on the severity of the injuries and other related losses. These damages generally include past and future medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and property damage (such as if your vehicle was damaged in an accident). 

Other damages may be available as well, especially in cases of catastrophic injuries. Wrongful death damages may be available for families who have lost a loved one in a negligence-based truck accident. 

The value of your truck accident case will depend on several factors, including the severity of your injuries, the amount of property damage, and the extent to which the accident has affected your life. We can help you determine the potential value of your claim after reviewing your case.

What Should You Do After a Commercial Truck Accident?

If you are involved in a truck accident in Texas, take the following recommended steps:

• Seek medical attention: Your health should be your top priority. Even if you don't feel injured, it's essential to see a doctor, as some injuries may not manifest for hours or even days. Your medical records will also provide proof of your injuries. 
• Call the police: It's crucial to have an official record of the accident. The police report will be an essential piece of evidence in your claim.
• Gather evidence: Take photographs of the accident scene, your injuries, and any property damage. Collect contact information from witnesses and involved parties.
• Contact your insurance company: Notify your insurer about the accident as soon as possible.
• Consult with an attorney: Speak to our lawyer who is highly experienced in truck accident cases to discuss your legal options and protect your rights.

At Paradowski Law, we have the resources needed to successfully prosecute 18-wheeler and other commercial truck injury and death cases. Our resources include experts on trucking industry standards, engineers and crash reconstruction professionals, safety engineers, highway and traffic control engineers, economists, and medical professionals, all of whom we can use to investigate, prosecute, and seek maximum compensation in your case.