Lubbock Truck Accident Lawyers

Traffic accidents involving trucks, semi-trucks, and 18-wheelers are the deadliest of all roadway collisions. Unfortunately for the occupants of passenger cars, their risk of injury or death as opposed to the truck driver’s is significantly higher. That is because of the enormous size and weight of large commercial trucks; some weigh over 80,000 pounds and extend 72 feet long. Their overwhelming bulk can easily crush smaller vehicles in traffic crashes, leaving motorists and their passengers seriously or catastrophically injured or killed. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 71 percent of the 2020 large truck accident fatalities were the occupants of smaller vehicles. 

If you or a loved one has been injured in a truck or semi-truck traffic accident in or around Lubbock, it is critical that you turn to a competent personal injury lawyer. These accident claims are much more complex than standard motor vehicle claims for many reasons. At The Gorilla Law Firm, we are here to ensure that your legal rights and best interests are aggressively pursued when going up against the well-funded resources of large trucking companies and their insurers. We will work thoroughly and tenaciously to help you seek the justice you deserve in these claims and lawsuits.

Discuss your rights and options with a Lubbock truck and semi-truck accident attorney in a free case evaluation. You can reach The Gorilla Law Firm via our online contact form or at (806) 375-3855 to get started. 

Understanding Truck Accidents in Texas: Your Rights and Options

According to the HHTSA, Texas saw the highest truck accident fatalities of all states in 2020. Texas also had the highest number of both truck occupants as well as other vehicle occupants who were killed in these accidents. 

Large commercial trucks are much more dangerous on the road than other vehicles due to many factors. These factors include their inability to stop quickly due to their size and weight, their cumbersome maneuverability, and their large blind spots that make it difficult to see other vehicles. Many of these trucks also carry hazardous materials that can be flammable or toxic. 

Common Causes of Truck Accidents in Lubbock

• Driver fatigue. While drivers are subject to federal regulations regarding hours of service, these rules may be flaunted in the interests of tightened schedules to make their targeted deliveries.
• Improperly loaded trucks. If cargo is improperly loaded or overloaded, it can raise the risk of accidents.
• Poor vetting or training of drivers. Trucking companies are responsible for hiring and training safe drivers. When these actions are not taken seriously, they can become a safety danger.
• Poor truck maintenance or defective equipment. Those who manufacture or maintain trucks and their parts can be guilty of negligence, leading to equipment dysfunction or failure that causes or contributes to accidents.
• Drivers who fail to follow traffic laws. Violations of traffic laws can range from speeding to failing to yield, following too closely, failing to obey traffic signs and signals, distracted driving, or driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. 

The Complexities of Truck Accident Claims in Lubbock

Truck accident claims are more complex because many entities may be at fault or have contributed to your injuries, from the driver to the trucking company, cargo company, or truck manufacturer. Additionally, the trucking industry must comply with state and federal trucking regulations. This aspect of the truck accident must be investigated to see if these regulations were violated.

Furthermore, trucking companies often have their own accident response teams that are sent out to the site of a truck accident as well as their own legal teams whose sole job is to protect the financial interests of the trucking company. These employees are likely working against you to limit or deny the trucking company’s liability. You will need a knowledgeable and skilled attorney who knows how to counteract any moves they make to minimize or refute what you are truly owed in your claim or lawsuit.