According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, large trucks and commercial vehicles were involved in over 500,000 accidents in 2010. Over 100,000 people suffered serious injuries directly related to these accidents, and more than 5,000 died. That is a 36% rise in truck accident fatalities since 2009.
At Amaro Law Firm, our Houston truck injury lawyers understand that every personal injury case is deeply personal and unique. Our legal professionals have collectively worked on thousands of cases and are prepared to help you navigate the legal system during your time of need.
How Much More Serious Are Trucking Accidents?
The forces involved in trucking crashes pose a heightened hazard towards other motorists. The huge steel frame of the cab and trailer puts any passenger vehicle at a serious disadvantage, and the longer braking times cause higher-speed collisions to be more common at the point of impact. These 5,000 deaths caused by trucking accidents represent 13% of all auto fatalities, despite the fact that large trucks make up just 4% of all registered vehicles.
Cabs also give truck occupants a height and strength advantage in impacts, meaning you or your loved ones are far more likely to be injured in a truck accident than the truck driver. 74% of injuries in these cases, as well as 82% of deaths are to the occupants of the passenger vehicle involved in the crash, while truck drivers assume much less risk.
Leading Causes of Houston Truck Accidents
The alarming rise in truck accident fatalities has prompted safety groups to call on the U.S. Department of Transportation for an increase in safety regulations, especially in larger states with significant commercial truck traffic, such as California, Texas, New York, and Florida. A number of factors contribute to trucking accidents, and many can be traced to some form of negligence. The most common contributing factors in a trucking accident include:
- Traffic law violations, including speeding, tailgating, and improper lane changing
- Driving while fatigued
- Driving while distracted
- Equipment failure, resulting from lack of maintenance and upkeep
Claims of negligence in situations such as these can be complex. Many require the expertise of an experienced Houston truck accident attorney. The insurance company for a trucking company may use intimidation tactics to reduce or deny compensation. Our firm understands all aspects of Houston truck-related accidents and injuries. We will work tirelessly to hold all responsible parties accountable and take the right course of action.
Trucking Accident Injuries Can Be Catastrophic
Due to their sheer size and weight—an 18-wheeler weighs 40 tons—truck accident injuries can be catastrophic compared to those sustained in a car accident or motorcycle accident. Besides cuts, lacerations, and broken bones, truck accident injuries can include:
- Head and neck injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Paralysis
- Burn injuries
- Abdominal injuries
- Amputation
Can You Recover from Catastrophic Truck Accident Injuries?
Injuries are classified as catastrophic when they hinder victims from returning to their previous state of health or condition before the accident occurred. For example, damage to the brain and spinal cord, which comprise the central nervous system, is often long-term and sometimes permanent. Therefore, the road to recovery is a difficult journey, accompanied by many challenges and obstacles. However, with the proper support and treatment, you might be able to better manage your injuries or at least reduce their impact.
Most, if not all, catastrophically injured victims find themselves needing emergency medical care. X-rays, MRIs, CT scans, lab tests, sedatives, and analgesics can rack up hundreds of thousands and sometimes millions of dollars in medical expenses.
Contact a Catastrophic Truck Accident Injury Attorney
People who suffer catastrophic injuries will need extensive rehabilitation to regain their physical and cognitive abilities. Treatment may include physical, medical, cognitive, occupational, and even speech therapy. Victims may also suffer psychological trauma, such as post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, or anxiety, and require ongoing therapy. If you or a loved one has been involved in a truck accident and has been injured catastrophically, you shouldn’t have to worry about dealing with the insurance companies too. Contact Amaro Law Firm truck accident lawyers today and let us fight for you while you recover. Call us now at (713) 352-7975 or fill out the free case evaluation form located on the page.