Call us for a free consultation at 1-800-738-WE-WIN (93946). According to the Texas State Department of Transportation, there were 38,149 commercial vehicle accidents across the state of Texas in 2021. Of these 38,000 accidents, there were 705 fatalities and over 14,000 injuries. While the DOT doesn’t track truck accidents specifically, it is reasonable to assume that a large portion of these accidents involved large trucks, if not a majority.

These statistics are startling, but at the end of the day, they’re just numbers. For the people involved in truck accidents, their injuries, their lost income, and their pain and suffering are tragic realities. If you have been injured in a truck accident, a Texas truck accident attorney can help you not only get fair compensation but help you get back on your feet.

A Texas Truck Accident Attorney Handling All Types of Truck Accidents

Truck accidents can include more than semi-trucks or tractor-trailers. However, understanding how the different types of trucks can affect the outcome of your case is important. We work with clients involved in all types of truck accidents including the following:

  • Semi-trucks
  • Garbage trucks
  • Tanker trucks
  • Flatbed trucks
  • Box trucks
  • Panel trucks and panel vans
  • Dump trucks

Each of these types of trucks requires special consideration in how it may have caused your accident. An experienced and knowledgeable Texas truck accident attorney should be able to handle your case no matter what type of truck caused your accident.

Was Your Truck Accident Caused by a Mechanical Failure?

Trucking companies have a duty to ensure that their trucks receive routine maintenance and that they are in good working order when heading out onto the road. Drivers also have a responsibility to inspect their trucks for potential mechanical issues and to stay off the road if they find anything that could be an issue. Unfortunately, truck accidents caused by mechanical failures are more common than many people expect. Some of the most common mechanical failures that result in accidents include the following:

  • Malfunctioning brake systems
  • Worn tires or tire blowouts
  • Trailer hitch failures
  • Power steering failures
  • Burnt out brake lights, running lights, or emergency lights

Some mechanical failures may not be the fault of the driver or the trucking company. Some mechanical failures are the result of a negligent mechanic or defective parts. Whatever the case may be, an experienced Texas truck accident attorney will know how to hold the responsible party accountable for your accident.

Or Was It Caused By Something Else?

Other common causes of truck accidents include the following:

  • The driver’s negligence such as breaking traffic laws, driving while distracted, driving while fatigued, or driving while intoxicated
  • Failure by the trucking company to provide their drivers with adequate training and supervision
  • Improperly loaded trucks
  • Weather or road conditions
  • Defective parts or negligent repairs

Many truck accidents may actually be caused by other drivers – a car may have cut off the truck or done something else that may have precipitated the accident. In that case, you may have a claim against the other driver and the truck driver.

Truck accidents are often complex and identifying the cause can be extraordinarily difficult for non-lawyers. Determining precisely what happened is critical to the success of your claim. For this reason alone, you should contact a Texas truck accident attorney as soon as possible to discuss your options.

How a Texas Truck Accident Attorney from Merritt & Merritt Law Firm Can Help

An experienced truck accident lawyer can do much more than go to court on your behalf. They can help you with every step of your case, from coordinating medical treatment to negotiating a fair settlement. For example:

  • Your lawyer can help gather the documents and evidence you need to support your claim
  • Your lawyer can handle all communications with all of the parties involved including the driver, the trucking company, the insurance companies, and any witnesses
  • Your lawyer can prepare and send the paperwork needed to make your claim and demand payment
  • Your lawyer can handle the negotiation process with the trucking company and their insurance carrier
  • If necessary, they can file a lawsuit on your behalf and handle all aspects of the legal process, including representing you at trial

It is important to keep in mind that you always retain control over your case – you make the important decisions. Perhaps most importantly, your lawyer can provide guidance that is focused on your best interests and provide the information you need to make an informed decision.

When You Should Contact a Texas Truck Accident Attorney

Under Texas law, you have only two years from the date of your accident to file a lawsuit for compensation. This may seem like a long time, but the longer you wait, the harder it will be to prove your case. As the months roll by, memories fade and evidence gets lost. The sooner you contact a lawyer, the better your chances of a successful outcome.

The best time to contact a lawyer is in the days following your accident, even if you don’t plan to go to court. They can help you gather the documents you need and deal with the insurance claim process so that you can focus on your health. And if they are unable to settle your claim, they will already have deep knowledge of your case and therefore be fully prepared to litigate.

Working with People Injured in Truck Accidents Across the State of Texas

Our team of truck accident attorneys works with people across the state of Texas, including those who have been injured in the following cities:

  • Houston
  • Dallas
  • Worth
  • Austin
  • El Paso
  • San Antonio
  • Arlington
  • Corpus Christi
  • Plano

No matter where your accident occurred, we can review your case and help you get fair compensation for your injuries.

Injured in a Truck Accident? Contact a Texas Truck Accident Attorney Today

Merritt & Merritt Law Firm is built upon 45 years of experience in helping truck accident victims get the compensation they deserve. If you have been injured in a truck accident, give us a call at 1-800-738-WE-WIN (93946) to schedule your free consultation – let us help you start moving forward today.