Truck accidents unfortunately plague the roadways throughout Texas and do not seem to be slowing down in the numbers of daily accidents. The number of trucks on the roads has greatly increased since 2008 due to the flurry of activity in the oil and gas regions of south Texas. While the increased number of trucks on the roadways signals a boost to the whole Texas economy, it also potentially leads to devastating truck accidents. Many of the trucks on the roads hauling hazardous chemicals to and from job sites are new in the industry and are unable to accurately perceive obstructions on the road or take preventative measures to ensure an accident does not occur. If you or a loved one have been injured in a truck accident, you may be entitled to receive compensation for your injuries.

Truck accidents in Texas are often caused by a variety of reasons including the following:

• Driver distraction
• Cell phone use
• Weather
• Driver intoxication
• Speeding
• Defective brakes

Each accident is unique, and many may include a variety of causes. By far, the highest causes of accidents throughout Texas involves speeding and driver inattention. These seem like relatively minor offenses that could be easily prevented with training and engaged law enforcement. However, despite the efforts of law enforcement officers and trucking companies, many truck drivers continue to speed on roadways and are distracted by objects in their cab, such as cell phones or other items. A victim of a truck accident, which was caused by the actions of the truck driver, is able to look both to the truck driver and the trucking company for recovery.

Texas is a comparative negligence state, and as a result, the victim of a truck accident must be able to prove that they were less than 50 percent at fault for the accident. Some truck accidents are caused by the actions of both drivers, and therefore it is the responsibility of insurance companies, or a court, to determine the percentage of liability each party has in the accident.

The victim of a truck accident is often able to bring a claim for their accident expenses including the following:

• Medical expenses
• Rehabilitation expenses
• Lost wages
• Future earnings
• Pain and suffering
• Loss of consortium

While insurance companies will attempt to settle with an accident victim shortly after the accident occurs, they will often not take into account any future damages that could occur. It is therefore important to speak with an experienced personal injury attorney prior to accepting any insurance settlements after a serious truck accident.

If you or a loved one have been involved in a truck accident in Texas, do not hesitate to contact the Malley Law Firm. Tony Malley has years of experience in assisting clients with their personal injury claims stemming from truck accidents. You should not be responsible for covering all the expenses which occur as the result of a truck accident. Contact our Beaumont office today for your initial free consultation.