Arlington Truck Accident Lawyers

Arlington Truck Accident Lawyers

Truck accidents can have catastrophic and devastating consequences. The sheer size and power of semi-trucks make them extremely dangerous when they are improperly or negligently operated, manufactured, or maintained. If you or a loved one was injured in an Arlington truck accident, Hartley Law Firm can help you hold the responsible parties accountable. Our truck accident attorney has years of experience advocating for truck accident victims. Contact us today to schedule a free one-on-one consultation to discuss your legal options.

Common Types of Arlington Truck Accidents 

Because of their size and design, there are several types of accidents that are common or unique to big rig trucks.  

Rollover Accidents

Tractor trailers are much taller than other vehicles and have high centers of gravity. Big rig trucks can be at an exceptionally high risk of rollover accidents if their cargo is not loaded correctly. 

Jackknife Accidents

It is common to hear about jackknifed tractor-trailers during traffic reports, especially during inclement weather. A jackknife accident happens when a truck’s trailer swings perpendicular to its cab. The trailer usually ends up at a 90-degree angle relative to the cab, creating an “L” shape. Jackknife accidents can be devastating partly because the trailer can wipe out cars traveling in adjacent lanes. The jackknifed trailer can also quickly and unexpectedly block traffic, causing accidents when other drivers suddenly stop or try to avoid the truck. 

Override Accidents 

Override accidents occur when a tractor-trailer truck drives over the top of a car in front of it. Due to the size differences between a big rig and other vehicles, injuries can be severe and devastating when this type of accident happens. 

Underride Accidents

Underride accidents are the opposite of override crashes and can be even more catastrophic. An underride accident occurs when a car rear-ends a tractor-trailer truck and goes underneath it. Typically this happens when a truck is stopped on a highway or is moving slowly, and a car crashes into its rear at a higher rate of speed. The consequences of this type of accident are usually immediate and horrific.  

Common Causes of Arlington Truck Accidents

There can be dozens of causes of a truck accident. However, there are a handful of causes that we see time and time again. The most common causes of Arlington, TX truck accidents include the following.

Distracted Driving

Distracted driving is a leading cause of truck accidents. Distracted driving can be as simple as a driver trying to eat and operate the truck at the same time, texting while driving, or talking on their phone. Because trucks are so large and difficult to maneuver, a truck driver who takes their eyes off the road even for a second can cause an accident that has catastrophic consequences.

Intoxicated Driving

Of course, drunk driving can be especially hazardous when operating a semi-truck. That’s why commercial truck drivers must have a blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.04% or less to legally be allowed to drive compared to the 0.08% BAC limit for non-commercial drivers

Lack of Rest or Sleep

Truck drivers often spend long hours behind the wheel, and while there are regulations requiring a certain amount of rest per hour spent driving, drivers often rush to meet deadlines and ignore sleep guidelines

Unqualified Drivers

Unfortunately, unqualified drivers can end up behind the wheel of a big rig when they have no business being there. If a trucking company fails to do its due diligence and perform a background and driving record check, it could be held liable for any injuries its unqualified driver causes.

Dangerous Cargo Load

Another common cause of truck accidents is improper or dangerous cargo loads. It is crucial that the trailer is properly loaded and that the cargo weight is evenly distributed to avoid rollovers.

Mechanical or Manufacturer Defects

Commercial trucks are complex vehicles with many different parts. A manufacturing defect, inadequate maintenance, or failure to properly maintain a truck can cause an accident. 

Determining Liability After a Truck Accident

Typically, truck accidents are more complex than run-of-the-mill car accidents. There are a few reasons for this, but one of the main reasons is the number of parties that can be liable for damages. Possible responsible parties can include the driver, the trucking company, the manufacturer, the mechanic, and the shipping or cargo company. 

Identifying all responsible parties is critical to help you recover the maximum amount of compensation for your damages. Our law firm has the resources and experience necessary to investigate your truck accident case and identify all of the parties that might be liable for your damages.

Do I Need A Truck Accident Lawyer?

Truck accidents may cause severe damage and injury and often involve multiple parties. Because of this, a truck accident case tends to be complex and challenging to navigate on your own. Having an experienced truck accident attorney on your side can make pursuing a claim easier. A knowledgeable attorney knows how to collect and use evidence to strengthen your claim and can advocate for you during settlement talks and at trial. Our truck accident lawyer knows how to negotiate with insurance adjusters and interact with trucking companies and can handle negotiations on your behalf so that you can focus on your recovery. 

Contact our Arlington Truck Accident Lawyers

If you are considering filing a truck accident lawsuit, contact Hartley Law Firm to speak with a member of our team today. For the past decade, we have dedicated our careers to helping personal injury victims recover the compensation they deserve. A truck accident case can be challenging to manage, especially when you’re trying to heal from your injuries. Let us do the work for you. Contact us today to schedule your consultation.

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