subject: What You Need to Know about Truck Accidents [print this page] What You Need to Know about Truck Accidents
When a truck accident results in an injury, a number of variables have to be assessed before proceeding with a personal injury suit. Here are a few things your Austin truck accident lawyer will consider and discuss with you during the initial stages of your personal injury claim.
Truck Accident Causes
There are a number of reasons a truck accident may occur. Most commonly, the driver is simply exhausted from their extensive route and long hours; then, they fall asleep at the wheel, swerve or suffer blurred vision, resulting in an accident. They may also be speeding, trying to keep to a tight schedule.
Road conditions and signage can also affect drivers' safety. If signs are hidden from view or are inaccurate; if construction is underway; or if the road is not properly maintained, drivers may not be able to control what happens to their vehicle. Because the weight of a truck greatly reduces its ability to quickly maneuver or stop, truck driver's run a higher risk of having an accident related to these circumstances.
Improperly loaded cargo can also affect a truck's safety on the road. When a truck's load is imbalanced or the fastening was secured incorrectly, the truck may spin or lean, endangering the cars around it.
Truck Accident Consequences
A truck accident can result in extensive personal damage, though generally, the truck driver gets out unharmed. It's the surrounding vehicles that typically sustain the most damage. Possible truck accident related injuries include burns, brain damage, head injuries, spinal cord injuries, and even wrongful death.
Victims of truck accidents have mounds of bills to pay off car repair, hospital bills, lost wages, and often long-term physical therapy. Additionally, there is the emotional trauma experienced by you and your family. In the unfortunate instance of a truck accident related death, the family not only has the bills to take care of, they also have to live with the incident every day during this potentially long and painful process.
Call an Austin Personal Injury Lawyer Immediately
A lawyer's assistance in tackling all the legal intricacies will reduce the stress related to dealing with a truck related accident. A number of state and federal regulations apply to the trucking industry, and hence, to truck accidents; a lawyer knows how to navigate these regulations. Retaining a lawyer immediately after an accident helps to assure your case is handled effectively and efficiently. By doing so, the attorney is able to immediately consult with witnesses and experts.
McMinn Law Firm offers personal injury services for truck, auto, bicycle, or pedestrian related accidents in Austin, TX and the surrounding areas. For more detailed legal information, consult with a professional lawyer.
