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(281) 587-1111
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May 10, 2023 by Greg Baumgartner
There are stark differences in handling personal injury claims stemming from Houston car accidents or big rig crashes. The difference between car accidents and big truck wrecks in Texas is significant, and expertise in trucking accident lawsuits is always necessary for severe injuries or fatal crashes. Hurt in an accident with a semi or big rig? Find the best truck accident lawyer near me for help!
Texas truck accident statistics show a problem with big rig crashes. The Lone Star State has more fatal truck wrecks than any other state, and Houston has led the state in truck accidents.
You first need to seek medical attention when you’ve been injured in a collision. At Baumgartner Law Firm, we understand the differences between truck accidents and car wrecks and know how to handle both types of cases effectively. Your health and safety are the top priority; we’ll take care of the legal details.
Our truck accident lawyer has over forty years of experience and a double law degree. His first wrongful death truck accident win was in 1985. We have decades of experience working with clients who have been injured in truck accidents and car wrecks, and we know how to build a strong case to help you obtain the compensation you deserve.
Truck accidents and car wrecks are two distinct types of collisions, each requiring a unique approach to legal representation. The main difference between the two is the size and weight of the vehicles involved, and from a personal injury case perspective, the rules for truckers and trucking companies are comprehensive and can help to prove negligence in a truck crash case.
Commercial trucks can weigh up to 80,000 pounds, while the average car weighs around 3,000 pounds. Truck accidents can be much more severe, resulting in more serious injuries and damage.
Truck accidents are often caused by factors such as driver fatigue, distracted driving, improper maintenance, and overloaded or improperly secured cargo. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations can provide powerful evidence in a Houston truck accident lawsuit. For example, if hazardous material is being hauled, the safety rules are enhanced.
A deep knowledge of safety regulations and how to get the evidence needed to win the case is required for 18-wheeler crash litigation. Many truck accidents we investigate could have been prevented if the driver or company had followed the safety regulations.
On the other hand, car wrecks are typically caused by factors such as speeding, driver inexperience, drunk driving, and failure to obey traffic signals. Car wreck cases do not typically require specialized expertise from a law firm.
In a truck accident case, multiple parties may be held liable for the accident, including the driver, the trucking company, the manufacturer of the truck or its parts, the truck maintenance company, and the company responsible for loading the cargo.
In a car wreck case, the driver of the other vehicle is usually the only party who can be held liable. However, when driving a company car, other considerations are often taken into account.
Car crashes and truck crashes can result in a wide range of injuries. Still, some differences in severity are worth noting.
Truck crashes tend to be more severe than car crashes due to the sheer size and weight of commercial trucks. A typical tractor-trailer can weigh up to 80,000 pounds, while a passenger car weighs only a few thousand pounds.
The weight means that in a collision between a truck and a car, the car is likely to sustain more damage, and its occupants are more likely to be injured.
Truck crashes also tend to be more deadly than car crashes. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), there were over 4,965 deaths due to crashes involving large trucks in 2020, with 146,930 people injured in a commercial vehicle crash.
Truck accident injury cases are valued higher than car-to-car crashes.
A truck’s weight and speed can generate a much greater force in a collision than a car, leading to more severe injuries. A crash with a tractor-trailer can be serious even at lower than highway speeds.
Trucks have a higher center of gravity than cars, making them more prone to tipping over in a crash. A rollover can lead to severe injuries or death for the truck’s occupants and other drivers on the road.
If a truck carries hazardous materials, a crash can result in fires, explosions, or chemical exposure that can cause serious injuries or death.
Overall, while both car and truck crashes can result in injuries and fatalities, truck crashes tend to be more severe due to the size and weight of commercial trucks.
To build a strong case in a truck accident or car wreck case, it’s crucial to gather as much evidence as possible. This can include police reports, witness statements, photos, and videos of the scene, and medical records. Fatal truck accidents will take longer to investigate and document.
An extensive truck crash investigation typically occurs when there are severe injuries. The sooner the investigation begins to determine the cause of the truck accident, the better it will be for your case.
Most personal injury lawsuits involve expert testimony from medical professionals. Truck crash lawsuits are also likely to include truck safety experts and possibly accident reconstruction experts, among others.
We’ll work with you to gather all the necessary evidence, hire the appropriate experts, and build a solid case to help you get the compensation you deserve.
In a truck accident case, it’s also essential to investigate the driver and the trucking company to determine if they complied with federal safety regulations. This can include reviewing the driver’s logbook, drug and alcohol test results, and maintenance records.
The best truck accident attorneys will want to know if the driver was qualified to drive and if they violated any safety regulations that caused the crash.
While the investigation of a car crash personal injury case is usually much less intensive, they tend to be less complex than semi-truck accidents.
We’ll work with experts in the field to investigate the accident and determine the cause.
If you’ve been injured in a truck crash or car accident, you may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages.
Our Houston accident lawyer will work with you to evaluate the full extent of your injuries and negotiate with the insurance company to get you the best possible truck accident settlement.
How long it takes to settle an 18-wheeler accident case can vary depending on several factors. Generally, the more money is at stake, the harder the insurance company fights to keep it.
If the insurance company refuses to offer a fair settlement, we’re not afraid to take your case to court. Our accident attorneys have a proven track record of securing maximum compensation. We have an undefeated record in commercial vehicle accident cases.
If you’ve been injured in a truck accident or car wreck, it’s vital to seek legal representation as soon as possible. At Baumgartner Law Firm, we have the experience and expertise to help you get the compensation you deserve.
Contact the Houston personal injury law firm of Baumgartner Law Firm at (281) 587-1111.
6711 Cypress Creek Pkwy
Houston, TX, 77069
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Since establishing Baumgartner Law Firm in 1985, Greg Baumgartner has built a reputation as one of Houston’s leading personal injury attorneys, dedicated to representing severely injured victims and families who have lost loved ones due to negligence.
Greg holds two law degrees, a distinction earned by less than 1% of all attorneys, demonstrating his exceptional legal expertise. He is also a prestigious Trial Lawyers College graduate, further enhancing his skills in trial advocacy and litigation.
His relentless commitment to legal excellence and client advocacy has earned him recognition from prestigious organizations, including Super Lawyers, the Top 100 Trial Lawyers, and many others.
With decades of experience, Greg has consistently received top peer reviews. He holds a preeminent rating, a testament to his unwavering dedication to securing justice and maximum compensation for his clients.
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