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Serious Truck Accidents Require A Skilled Truck Accident Lawyer

The sheer size and presence of the massive commercial trucks that dominate the highways in Texas create an intimidating atmosphere for other road users. Given the devastating outcomes they can entail, the potential consequences of a collision with these colossal vehicles are particularly alarming. Despite the ingrained caution that drivers and motorcyclists have developed over time, accidents involving these trucks are not entirely avoidable.

For these reasons, 18-wheeler cases require the skills of an experienced attorney who is knowledgeable of personal injury law and the rules and regulations found in the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations. After all, if an 18-wheeler trailer loses its load, it can cause injury and even wrongful death.

If you or a loved one was involved in a serious truck-related accident, get in touch with me at once. Here at the Law Offices of Robert Rodriguez, I focus on the needs of my injured clients to get them results that can truly make an impact.

Can The Trucking Company Be Held Responsible For An Accident?

Liability for your personal injury claim may not always rest solely on the shoulder of the truck driver. In some cases, the company they work for can also play an indirect role in the accident. Examples of this can include:

  • Failing to regularly maintain and service their fleet: Inadequate maintenance, such as neglecting brake checks or engine inspections, can lead to mechanical failures on the road.
  • Forcing drivers to work long hours without enough rest: Fatigue is a major factor in accidents, impairing a driver’s reaction time and decision-making abilities.
  • Setting unrealistic deadlines: Deadlines that pressure drivers into speeding or driving too fast for road conditions heighten the risk of accidents, as drivers may compromise safety to meet delivery goals.
  • Failing to train or vet their drivers: Inadequately trained drivers may lack the necessary skills to handle various road conditions, increasing the likelihood of accidents.
  • Overloading or improper loading of the trucks: This can compromise the vehicle’s stability and maneuverability, leading to accidents.

Neglecting these precautions not only poses a danger to the driver but also increases the risk of accidents that can impact other road users in Houston. Responsible companies invest in training and supervision to guarantee that loading practices adhere to safety regulations.

Respondeat Superior: Holding Trucking Companies Liable For Driver Negligence

In the unfortunate event of a collision, the driver and the trucking company they represent share responsibility. This liability is grounded in the legal doctrine of respondeat superior, a Latin phrase translating to “let the master answer.”

Under respondeat superior, establishing the trucking company’s liability requires demonstrating that the driver was an employee of the company and was acting within the course and scope of their employment at the time of the collision. This encompasses not only actions directly related to the job but also those that occur within the reasonable parameters of employment duties.

The significance of respondeat superior becomes apparent when seeking compensation for damages resulting from the collision. Holding the trucking company liable opens avenues to larger insurance coverage and assets, ensuring that victims are adequately compensated for their losses. In cases where insurance coverage may prove insufficient, the trucking company’s assets become a crucial resource for addressing the financial ramifications of the collision.

Your Case Matters. Contact A Houston Truck Accident Lawyer Now.

When facing trucking and insurance companies, having a truck accident lawyer with a 35-year track record in personal injury cases can significantly tip the scales in your favor. I understand the nuances of negotiation and litigation in this field, ensuring that your case is presented convincingly. My commitment to advocating for your rights, combined with my decades of experience, positions you for the best possible outcome in seeking compensation for the damages and injuries sustained in a truck accident.

Let me help you take on the trucking company and their insurance today. To speak with me, call my office in Houston at 713-936-9579 or schedule your free consultation online.