Drivers of 18-wheeler trucks shoulder immense responsibilities. These massive vehicles can weigh up to 80,000 pounds, requiring meticulous operation and a heightened sense of awareness on the road. Due to the extreme size and weight of these trucks, when drivers fail to uphold their duty of care, the consequences can be catastrophic, often leading to severe injuries or even fatalities.
Linebaugh, Dority & Allen is committed to standing by victims of 18-wheeler accidents. Leveraging our extensive experience, we advocate passionately on behalf of our clients. If you or a loved one has suffered, we urge you to reach out and schedule a free consultation with our Baytown 18-wheeler accident attorneys.
Why Choose the Attorneys at Linebaugh, Dority & Allen?
- Our successful track record speaks for itself. With over 59 years of combined experience, our Baytown personal injury lawyers have recovered millions of dollars on behalf of our clients.
- Our founding attorney, Dan Linebaugh, is Board Certified in Truck Accident Law by the National Board of Trial Advocacy, ensuring specialized knowledge in truck accident claims.
- We understand the importance of being heard, especially after a traumatic accident. With bilingual staff and services, both English and Spanish-speaking clients receive the legal guidance they need.
- Our clients’ needs are our top priority. We will be available throughout your case to answer any questions, providing immediate support when you need it most.
Common Injuries in Baytown Truck Accidents
Truck accidents are notorious for resulting in severe, sometimes life-altering injuries. Due to the sheer size and force of commercial trucks, even a minor collision can have catastrophic consequences for those involved, especially for occupants of smaller vehicles.
Some of the most common truck accident injuries include:
- Traumatic brain damage
- Broken bones and fractures
- Internal organ damage
- Spinal cord injuries
- Burns and scarring
- Cuts, bruises, and abrasions
Common Causes of 18-Wheeler Accidents
18-wheeler accidents often occur due to negligence, often on the part of the driver. However, a product manufacturer, a government entity, or the company that owns the truck or employs the driver may also be responsible.
Some of the most common causes of 18-wheeler accidents include:
- Driver Fatigue: Long hours on the road can lead to tiredness, compromising a driver’s reaction time and judgment.
- Distracted Driving: Whether it’s due to electronics, eating, or other distractions, not paying full attention to the road increases risks.
- Inadequate Training: Not all truck drivers receive the comprehensive training needed to operate these large vehicles safely.
- Overloading: Trucks carrying more than their specified limit can become difficult to control.
- Equipment Failure: Brake failures, tire blowouts, or other mechanical issues can lead to accidents.
- Poor Road Conditions: Potholes, inadequate signage, or other road hazards can be especially treacherous for large trucks.
- Too Many Trucks on the Road: Texas is a thoroughfare for truck drivers from across the country, increasing the potential for accidents.
- Reckless Truck Drivers: Drivers may drive recklessly to meet tight deadlines.
- Exhausted Truck Drivers: Although drivers should get enough rest, this isn’t always the case, leading to accidents from drowsy driving.
Why Do You Need a Baytown Truck Accident Lawyer?
Large trucks weigh between 10,000 and 80,000 pounds, whereas most vehicles only weigh about 4,000 pounds. The huge variance makes truck accidents more severe than most.
Even if you drive a pick-up truck, an impact with such a large vehicle can be a disaster. If you find yourself a victim of a truck accident, you could have life-threatening injuries, long-term health effects, and extensive car damage.
A Baytown attorney who specializes in truck accidents from Linebaugh, Dority & Allen can support your case in many ways:
- Specialized Knowledge of Trucking Regulations: Our attorneys are well-versed in federal and state trucking laws. They can pinpoint any violations or negligence that contributed to your accident, enhancing your claim’s strength.
- Thorough Accident Reconstruction: Understanding a truck accident often requires a different level of expertise than a typical car accident. Our firm will collaborate with accident reconstruction experts to fully understand the cause and impact of the collision.
- Experience in Dealing with Multiple Parties: Truck accidents often involve multiple parties—from the driver to the trucking company, and sometimes even third-party contractors. Our attorneys can navigate the complex web of potential defendants to identify all possible sources of liability.
- Commercial Insurance Negotiations: Trucking companies often have complex insurance policies that differ significantly from standard auto insurance. Our lawyers are skilled in negotiating with commercial insurers, fighting for the full extent of the compensation you’re entitled to.
- Comprehensive Damages Assessment: Due to the severe nature of truck accidents, victims may face long-term injuries, require ongoing medical treatment, or even experience loss of livelihood. Our attorneys are skilled in calculating and arguing for damages that fully encompass the extensive impact on your life.
Damages Available in a Baytown Truck Accident Claim
If you’ve been injured in an accident involving an 18-wheeler, Texas law allows you to pursue compensation for your injuries and losses. Depending on the cause of your accident, you could file an insurance claim, a personal injury lawsuit, or a claim against a government entity.
In an 18-wheeler accident claim, you could recover financial compensation to help pay for the economic and non-economic losses that you endured in the collision. These may include:
- Current and anticipated future medical bills related to the accident
- Earnings lost due to time off work or diminished earning capacity
- The physical pain and emotional trauma stemming from the accident
- Damage to your vehicle or other personal property
- Pain and Suffering: These are non-economic damages meant to compensate you for the physical pain and emotional distress you’ve endured as a result of the accident.
- Punitive Damages: In cases where the truck driver’s or company’s actions were particularly egregious, courts may award punitive damages to punish the wrongdoer and deter similar behavior in the future.
Getting the Representation You Deserve
It can be difficult to get compensation for a truck accident. However, Linebaugh, Dority & Allen has the experience to get you results. You deserve compensation for all of your troubles, and we want to help you.
As we work with you, we’ll figure out who is responsible for the accident. In some cases, it could be the driver. But it could also be the truck company or a parts supplier. In any case, someone is responsible. Even if you are partly at fault for the accident, you may have a court case. Everyone deserves a free case evaluation.
A truck accident lawyer in Texas with experience can tell you whether or not you have a case. Finding out is as simple as speaking to a lawyer.
Contact Us Today for a Free Legal Consultation
If you were injured in an 18-wheeler accident, you deserve justice. In these situations, trust Linebaugh, Dority & Allen to protect your rights. Contact us today at (281) 422-0505 to schedule your free case consultation.