Houston Sideswipe Commercial Vehicle Accidents
Understanding Sideswipe Truck Accidents in Houston
Sideswipe accidents involving commercial trucks are among the most dangerous on Houston roadways. Due to their size, weight, and limited maneuverability, large trucks pose a significant threat when they collide with smaller vehicles. These Houston truck accidents often fall under the category of Houston sideswipe commercial vehicle accidents. They occur when a driver sideswipes another vehicle, typically due to a truck driver’s mistake, such as an unsafe lane change, failure to check blind spots, or loss of vehicle control. The impact can cause devastating injuries to passengers in smaller vehicles, often leading to catastrophic damage and life-altering consequences.
Common Causes of Commercial Truck Sideswipe Accidents
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, resulting in long hours on the road without sufficient 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, which make controlling a large truck even more challenging and increase the risk of sideswipes.
Injuries Commonly Sustained in Sideswipe Commercial Vehicle Accidents
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.
Liability in Houston Sideswipe Commercial Vehicle Accidents
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 drivers’ 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 that contribute 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.
Call an UNDEFEATED TRUCK ACCIDENT LAWYER IN HOUSTON FOR HELP!
Pursuing Compensation After a Sideswipe Accident with a Truck or Commercial Vehicle
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 are unable to work due to injuries, they can seek compensation for past and future lost wages, including any 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.
Legal Process for a Houston Sideswipe Truck Accident Case
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:
- 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.
- Investigation – Attorneys will thoroughly investigate, gathering evidence such as truck maintenance records, driver logs, witness statements, and photographs of the accident scene.
- Negotiation with Insurance Companies – Trucking companies often have powerful insurance companies protecting them, making it challenging to negotiate a fair settlement. An experienced attorney will work to negotiate the maximum compensation for the victim.
- Litigation – If a fair settlement cannot be reached, the truck accident case may proceed to trial. 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.
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Houston personal injury attorney Greg Baumgartner heads the Baumgartner Law Firm.
Our firm was established in 1985 and has helped thousands of injury victims get maximum compensation for their cases. If you have been injured in an accident in Houston, TX, contact us for a free, no-obligation consultation. (281) 587-1111.
Since 1985, Baumgartner Law Firm has limited our law practice to serious personal injury cases. Our legal team has won maximum compensation for thousands of accident victims and recovered millions of dollars for real people like you.
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