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October 15, 2024 by Greg Baumgartner
Sideswipe accidents involving commercial trucks are among the most dangerous on Houston roadways. Due to their size, weight, and limited maneuverability, large trucks present a significant threat when they come into contact with smaller vehicles. These accidents typically occur when a truck driver makes an unsafe lane change, fails to check blind spots, or loses control of the vehicle. The impact can cause devastating injuries to passengers in smaller vehicles, often leading to catastrophic damage and life-altering consequences.
While sideswipe accidents can result from various factors, several common causes are frequently seen in commercial truck cases:
Driver Fatigue– Commercial truck drivers often operate under tight deadlines, leading to long hours on the road without adequate rest. Fatigued drivers have slower reaction times and may drift into neighboring lanes without realizing it.
Blind Spots– Trucks have larger blind spots, especially on the sides, which can prevent a driver from noticing other vehicles when changing lanes.
Distracted Driving- Distracted driving is a problem in Texas. Texting, using in-cab devices, or being distracted by the radio or navigation systems can lead truck drivers to make careless maneuvers.
Improper Lane Changes– Failing to signal, misjudging the space needed, or neglecting to check for vehicles in adjacent lanes often result in sideswipe accidents.
Poor Weather Conditions– Houston is no stranger to heavy rain and slick roads, making controlling a large truck even more challenging and increasing the risk of sideswipes.
The force of a sideswipe truck accident can be overwhelming, especially for smaller vehicles. Victims often suffer from a range of severe injuries, including:
Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI)- Impact on the head can result in concussions, brain bleeds, or other forms of traumatic brain injury that may require long-term medical care.
Spinal Cord Injuries– Sideswipe collisions frequently lead to severe back and spinal cord injuries, including herniated discs or paralysis.
Broken Bones– The sudden force of a sideswipe can easily cause fractures in arms, legs, ribs, and other parts of the body.
Internal Injuries– The violent motion of an accident can result in internal bleeding or damage to organs, which may not always be immediately apparent.
Whiplash and Soft Tissue Injuries- Even in lower-impact collisions, victims often suffer from whiplash and other soft tissue injuries that can be painful and debilitating.
Determining liability in a sideswipe truck accident can be complex, but it is crucial to establishing the right to compensation. Most sideswipe truck accidents our Houston truck accident attorneys see involve the semi-truck changing lanes and not seeing the car or pickup due to the large blind spot on the sides of big rigs. Texas law mandates driver’s actions when changing lanes or moving out of their lane.
However, various parties may be held responsible, including:
The Truck Driver- If the driver was negligent, fatigued, or distracted during the accident, they could be liable for the damages.
The Trucking Company– Companies employing truck drivers may be liable vicariously if they fail to enforce safe driving practices, hire inexperienced drivers, or impose unrealistic schedules contributing to fatigue.
Manufacturers– In some cases, defective truck parts or systems, such as faulty brakes or steering mechanisms, may lead to an accident, making the manufacturer liable.
Third-Party Maintenance Providers– If improper maintenance contributed to a truck’s failure, the service provider responsible for maintaining the vehicle could also share liability.
Victims of commercial truck sideswipe accidents in Houston, are entitled to pursue compensation for various damages if they get hurt. These may include:
Medical Expenses– Compensation can cover the cost of emergency care, surgeries, rehabilitation, medications, and ongoing medical treatment.
Lost Wages– If victims cannot work due to injuries, they can seek compensation for past and future lost wages, including diminished earning capacity.
Pain and Suffering– Victims are often entitled to compensation for the physical pain and emotional distress caused by the accident.
Property Damage– Victims can also seek compensation for the damage to their vehicle and other personal property.
Wrongful Death Claims– In the event of a fatal accident, surviving family members can pursue wrongful death compensation for funeral costs, loss of companionship, and other related damages.
Don’t settle for an average settlement. Get a preeminent-rated truck accident attorney to maximize your compensation.
After a sideswipe truck accident, taking the proper steps is crucial to protect your rights and ensure the best possible outcome. The legal process typically includes:
1. Filing a Claim– Victims should contact an experienced truck accident lawyer to help file a claim against the responsible parties after seeking immediate medical attention.
2. Investigation– Attorneys will thoroughly investigate, gathering evidence such as truck maintenance records, driver logs, witness statements, and accident scene photographs.
3. Negotiation with Insurance Companies– Trucking companies often have powerful insurance companies protecting them, and negotiations for a fair settlement can be challenging. An experienced attorney will work to negotiate the maximum compensation for the victim.
4. Litigation– The truck accident case may proceed to trial if a fair settlement cannot be reached. A skilled trial attorney is crucial to presenting a compelling case and securing a favorable verdict.
Make sure you act promptly, as Texas limits the time you have to file a truck accident lawsuit.
Truck accident cases are more complex than typical car accidents due to the regulations governing commercial vehicles, the number of potentially liable parties, and the substantial damages often involved. Victims of sideswipe truck accidents need an 18-wheeler accident attorney who understands the intricacies of trucking laws, has experience handling large-scale cases, and is not afraid to go head-to-head with powerful trucking companies and their insurers. Our undefeated Houston truck accident attorney has won commercial vehicle accident cases since 1985.
Baumgartner Law Firm is committed to aggressively pursuing justice for our clients and ensuring they receive the maximum compensation. Our legal team is equipped with the resources, expertise, and determination to hold negligent truck drivers and companies accountable.
If you or a loved one has been involved in a sideswipe truck accident in Houston, acting quickly to protect your rights is vital. Evidence can disappear, witnesses may become harder to locate, and insurance companies will begin working immediately to minimize liability. Our Houston truck accident law firm will ensure that your case is handled with the urgency and professionalism it deserves so you can focus on healing. At the same time, we fight for the justice and compensation you deserve.
If you’ve been injured in a sideswipe truck accident, you deserve to know your legal options. Our team offers a free, no-obligation consultation to discuss your case and help you understand the best steps forward. Our truck accident lawyers work on a contingency basis, meaning you don’t pay unless we win your case. Contact us today to get started on your path to recovery- (281) 587-1111.
Greg Baumgartner is a preeminent rated personal injury lawyer based in Houston, Texas, with over three decades of experience representing severely injured clients in truck accidents. He founded Baumgartner Law Firm, in 1985, with a mission to provide excellent legal representa-tion and personalized attention to every client.
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