The impact of a semi-truck failing to stop can shatter lives in an instant. These devastating collisions often leave victims facing severe injuries and mounting medical bills. If you or a loved one has been harmed due to a negligent truck driver’s failure to stop, a truck accident lawyer can help you recover.
At Maida Law Firm, our team of lawyers specialize in truck accident cases. We fight for the justice and compensation our clients deserve. Contact our team today for a free, no-obligation consultation to discuss your case.
Semi-Truck Collisions Have Major Consequences
The stark difference in physics between a fully loaded semi-truck and a passenger car is what causes the severe impact when a large truck fails to stop. An 80,000-pound vehicle traveling at highway speeds possesses an immense amount of energy. This is significantly more than a typical car weighing around 4,000 pounds. So when a truck needs to brake, it requires a far greater stopping distance and time compared to a car. Even under ideal conditions, a large truck traveling at 65 mph can take nearly the length of two football fields to come to a complete stop. This distance increases dramatically in adverse weather conditions like rain, or if the brakes are not properly maintained.
The extended stopping distance means that even a momentary lapse in attention or a delayed reaction can result in a high-speed collision that a smaller vehicle simply cannot withstand. The greater mass and velocity of the truck imparts a devastating level of force upon impact, leading to severe injuries such as spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), multiple bone fractures, and damage to internal organs. For victims of these accidents, it is the beginning of a potentially lifelong journey of medical interventions, therapies, and adaptations.
Why Do Semi-Trucks Fail to Stop?
The failure of a massive semi-truck to stop in time is rarely a simple accident. Often, it’s a consequence of negligence or a combination of factors.
Driver fatigue is a significant contributor. Drivers often operate under tight schedules and long hours, leading to exhaustion that impairs judgment and slows reaction times. Distracted driving is equally dangerous for truck drivers. Cell phone use, dispatch communications, and even eating can divert a driver’s attention at critical moments.
Brake failure, though less frequent, can occur due to inadequate maintenance, worn components, or improper adjustments. Improper loading of cargo can significantly impact a truck’s stability, making it harder to control and stop effectively.
Speeding is another major factor. The heavier the truck and the faster it’s traveling, the longer the stopping distance required. Exceeding posted speed limits, especially in adverse conditions, drastically increases the risk of a failure to stop in time. While road conditions can play a role, ultimately the responsibility lies with the driver and the trucking company to stay safe on the road.
Your Rights as a Truck Accident Victim
In Texas, if you’ve been injured in a collision caused by a semi-truck driver’s failure to stop, you have fundamental rights and the ability to seek justice. Texas law allows victims of negligence to pursue compensation for the harm they’ve suffered. This means you can potentially recover damages for a range of losses directly resulting from the accident.
These damages can include medical expenses, both those already incurred and the anticipated costs of future treatment, rehabilitation, and ongoing care. You are also entitled to seek compensation for lost wages, covering both the income you’ve already lost due to your injuries and any future earning capacity that has been diminished.
Texas law also recognizes the significant pain and suffering, both physical and emotional, that such a traumatic event can cause, and you are legally able to pursue compensation for this. You can also seek reimbursement for property damage to your vehicle and any other related out-of-pocket expenses incurred due to the accident.
How a Truck Accident Lawyer Can Help
Navigating the aftermath of a semi-truck accident in Houston is very different from handling a typical car accident claim. These cases involve complex federal and state regulations, intricate insurance policies, and often multiple potentially liable parties, including the driver, trucking company, and even cargo loaders.
A skilled truck accident lawyer can immediately begin a thorough investigation, gathering crucial evidence like police reports, truck driver logs (ELDs), maintenance records, and witness statements. We can also work with accident reconstruction experts to determine the precise cause of the failure to stop.
We will act as your shield when dealing with aggressive insurance adjusters who prioritize the company’s profits over your well-being. Our knowledge of Texas transportation laws allows us to build a strong case and negotiate effectively for a fair settlement.
Get a Case Assessment from Expert Truck Accident Lawyers
If a semi-truck’s failure to stop has injured you, time is critical. Contact Maida Law Firm today for a free, confidential consultation. Protect your rights and secure your future.