Over 93 Years of Combined Winning Legal Experience

Ensuring Full And Fair Compensation For Friendswood 18-Wheeler Accident Damages

Truck accidents often result in significant damage, injuries, and, tragically, fatalities due to the immense size and weight of commercial trucks. If you’ve sustained injuries in a truck accident, you may qualify for compensation, covering expenses such as medical bills and lost wages. With a demonstrated history of obtaining substantial settlements for victims, Burwell Nebout Trial Lawyers is prepared to advocate for your rights. Given the complexity of truck accident cases, it’s essential to seek assistance from a Friendswood personal injury attorney if you’ve been harmed as a result of another party’s negligence.

Why You Need a Friendswood Truck Accident Lawyer After an 18 Wheeler Accident

Seeking legal counsel following any motor vehicle accident is wise.  However, it’s especially crucial in the case of truck accidents. These incidents frequently involve numerous parties and can lead to catastrophic injuries and losses.

At Burwell Nebout Trial Lawyers

At Burwell Nebout Trial Lawyers

At Burwell Nebout Trial Lawyers, our Friendswood truck accident lawyers handle cases involving all types of trucks and large commercial vehicles, including:

  • 18 wheelers
  • Dump trucks
  • Fuel trucks
  • Concrete trucks
  • Box trucks
  • Cargo trucks

What Causes Most Truck Accidents in Texas

In Texas, a variety of factors contribute to the majority of truck accidents. Chief among these is driver error, frequently caused by fatigue resulting from extended periods on the road. This fatigue leads to decreased alertness and slower reaction times. Moreover, distractions like cell phone usage, navigating systems, or eating while driving can further diminish a trucker’s focus. Additionally, inadequate vehicle maintenance is a significant factor. Neglecting crucial components such as brakes, tires, or other vital parts increases the risk of mechanical failures.

What Causes Most Truck Accidents in Texas

There are myriad causes of 18-wheeler accidents, but those that involve negligence commonly include:

  • Truck driver fatigue
  • Truck driver error
  • Violations of Hours-of-Service (HOS) rules
  • Excessive speed
  • Failure to follow the rules of the road
  • Failure to properly accommodate blind spots
  • Brake failure or other mechanical failure
  • Debris or articles on the road
  • Tire failure or separation
  • Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
  • Unsecured cargo or freight shifting in the payload section
  • Unsafe driving practices
  • Inadequate safety inspections

 

Discover the main reasons behind 18-wheeler accidents – driver fatigue and truck defects. Faulty tires, brakes, lights, and more are common culprits in injury claims. Stay informed to stay safe on the road.

Common Types of Friendswood Semi-Truck Accidents

Common Types of Friendswood Semi-Truck Accidents

As outlined earlier, truck accidents happen for various reasons. Investigations into severe collisions often uncover instances of negligence, carelessness, or recklessness. Among the most frequent types of truck accidents in Friendswood are:

  • Truck Rollovers—These frequently deadly accidents occur when a truck loses stability and veers out of control. Rollovers are often caused by tire blowouts, cargo overloading, or improper cargo storage.
  • Jackknife Crashes—If a driver slams on the brakes or otherwise loses control of the trailer, its back end may swing around.  Therefore, forming a 90-degree angle known as a jackknife. This can cause serious damage to the truck itself and serious injury or death to drivers and passengers in oncoming traffic.
  • Trailer Detachment—When a malfunctioning faulty hitch unexpectedly releases the trailer while the truck is in motion, collisions can be impossible to avoid.
  • Drive Under/ Under Ride Accidents —Among the most fatal accidents involving large trucks, under-ride truck crashes occur.  This is when a smaller vehicle slides under the truck during a rear-end or T-bone collision.
  • Wide Turn Accidents—Due to their sheer weight and size, tractor-trailers need to swing out wide when turning. Smaller vehicles can easily get sideswiped or squeezed between the truck and guardrail/highway embankment.
  • Falling cargo—When overloaded or improperly secured, freight breaks free and falls out of the truck’s trailer, serious injury and death may occur.

 

Cases involving 18-wheeler accidents are highly intricate and vigorously defended due to the substantial costs involved. If you find yourself in an 18-wheeler accident, it’s crucial to reach out to an experienced Friendswood truck accident attorney. They can conduct a thorough investigation into potential causes and advocate for the maximum compensation that you’re entitled to receive.

Contact Burwell Nebout Trial Lawyers today at(281) 645-5000 for a free and confidential consultation about your case. Our Friendswood truck accident lawyers serve clients throughout Texas, including Galveston, League City, and the Greater Houston area.

Serious Friendswood 18-Wheeler Crash Injuries

Did you know that 18-wheeler accidents make up one eighth of all traffic fatalities in the U.S.? These accidents often result in severe, life-altering injuries for those in passenger vehicles.

Serious Friendswood 18-Wheeler Crash Injuries

Types of Injuries Common in 18-Wheeler Crashes

If you or someone you care about has been involved in an 18-wheeler accident, it’s crucial to seek legal representation promptly. This is essential to safeguard your rights and ensure you receive the compensation you’re entitled to. Additionally, early involvement allows your attorney to gather evidence and construct a robust case on your behalf. Secure the compensation you deserve for catastrophic injuries sustained in an 18-wheeler accident. Trust Burwell Nebout Trial Lawyers for seasoned representation. Don’t settle for less following a severe collision! We’re committed to fighting for comprehensive compensation for past, present, and future damages. Reach out to us today for a complimentary consultation.

Some of the most common injuries we see include:

  • Spinal cord injuries can range from neck and back injuries to crushed vertebrae.  As a result, causing damage to this vital nervous system network. Partial or complete paralysis can result from injuries to the spinal cord. Because this damage cannot be repaired, the resulting paralysis is permanent and may become progressively worse over time. Many patients with spinal cord trauma require specialized nursing care for the rest of their lives.
  • For accident victims lucky enough to escape direct spinal cord injury, the forces typically present in a collision with an 18-wheeler can cause chronic back pain.  As a result, this may cause a misaligned vertebrae, trauma to the lower back, and fractured bones throughout the spinal column.
  • Pelvic bone injuries are also common in all types of motor vehicle accidents due to the intense pressure on this area.  This is caused by seat belts, airbags, and other restraint devices.
  • The weight and forward momentum of 18-wheeler trucks during an accident increases the likelihood that the 18-wheeler victim will require emergency amputation services upon arrival at the hospital. In some cases, accident victims may suffer loss of limbs or crushed bones at the scene of the car crash.  This is due to severe impact trauma. Immediate medical care is required in these situations to prevent death due to blood loss.
  • Damage to the lungs and heart can result from broken ribs and the crushing weight of 18-wheeler trucks that can come to rest atop passenger vehicles. Surgery is usually required to repair the damage to the heart muscle and to restore proper function to injured lungs. However, the scar tissue that develops as these organs heal can result in permanent reductions in the lung capacity of accident victims.
  • Head injuries caused by 18-wheeler accidents are usually quite severe and may involve fractures of the skull.  In addition, swelling of the tissues and connective membranes surrounding the brain due to severe impact at the time of the collision. Individuals affected by these injuries often experience memory loss, a decline in cognitive function, and, in some cases, loss of speech and language skills. Damage to the optic nerves or brain can also cause blindness.
  • Injuries to the abdomen may require emergency sectioning of the small or large colon or reconstruction of the stomach to allow the digestive system to regain function. Many 18-wheeler victims who undergo these procedures experience lifelong difficulties that may reduce their ability to absorb nutrients and can restrict their food choices significantly.
  • The damage caused to internal organs in a crash involving an 18-wheeler truck can be catastrophic and may require multiple surgeries to repair. Some patients may require transplants or medical treatment to replace the function of the liver or kidneys after an 18-wheeler accident.
  • Internal bleeding is also common due to the severe trauma caused by the impact. It should also be noted that internal bleeding may not produce visible injuries or symptoms for days or weeks, which is one of the many reasons it is so important to obtain immediate medical treatment after a truck accident, even if you don’t appear to be hurt.
  • Flying glass and metal parts can cause catastrophic damage to soft tissues and may require multiple plastic surgery procedures to return the accident victim to an acceptable state. In some cases, patients may be permanently scarred and may suffer social disadvantages due to their disfiguring injuries. Soft-tissue damage is another type of injury that may not produce immediate symptoms.
  • Broken bones and damaged muscle tissue may require months of rehabilitation and treatment. Accident victims typically cannot work during this time and may incur significant medical bills, creating serious financial difficulties that can impact the rest of their lives.

 

In the aftermath of an 18-wheeler collision, it’s common for the trucking company to dispatch a representative to the scene to communicate with victims, aiming to safeguard the company’s and driver’s interests. If you sustain injuries in an 18-wheeler crash, it’s crucial to consult with a skilled Friendswood 18-wheeler accident lawyer promptly to safeguard your rights and secure the highest possible compensation for your injuries.

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18-Wheeler Crash Facts & Statistics in Friendswood

In the United States, the presence of approximately two million big-rig trucks contributes to roughly 500,000 annual accidents involving 18-wheelers. Out of these incidents, an estimated 130,000 individuals sustain injuries each year, with 5,000 resulting in fatalities. Notably, in about 98 percent of fatal truck accidents, it’s the driver or occupants of the passenger vehicle who succumb, rather than the 18-wheeler driver.

In Friendswood and its neighboring regions, these statistics remain alarming. Texas experiences a notable share of yearly injuries and fatalities stemming from 18-wheeler accidents, with the Greater Houston area recording particularly high injury rates.

Statewide, approximately 300 fatal 18-wheeler accidents occur annually, accompanied by over 2,000 associated injuries in any given year. This translates to roughly one injury for every seven accidents and one fatality for every 50 accidents.

Accidents involving 18-wheelers and passenger vehicles often result in severe injuries or fatalities. If you or a loved one has been injured in such an incident, it’s crucial to have an experienced Texas truck accident attorney by your side to advocate for you at every turn.

At Burwell Nebout Trial Lawyers, our team of truck accident attorneys has been dedicated to representing victims and families across Texas, including League City, Friendswood and the Greater Houston area, since 1970.

We’re equipped to swiftly respond to your accident scene, conduct a thorough and impartial investigation, and maximize the compensation for your past, present, and future damages and losses.

Federal Trucking Regulations

Federal Trucking Regulations

The strict regulations governing 18-wheeler trucks set them apart from passenger vehicles in the eyes of the law. Both federal and Texas laws impose stringent safety measures and demand substantial insurance coverage, reflecting the serious risks of accidents involving these heavy vehicles. The potential for life-changing or fatal injuries in collisions between trucks and cars underscores the need for heightened precautions.

If you have been in an accident with an 18-wheeler, legal representation is critical. You need an attorney who is knowledgeable in the particulars of federal and Texas trucking regulations to aggressively protect your rights and fight for the maximum compensation available to you.

  • You need an attorney who has fought major trucking companies and insurance companies and won.
  • You need representation from a team that can counter the aggressive tactics used by insurance and trucking defense teams.

 

The Importance of a Thorough Investigation

Trucking companies and their drivers must follow strict state and federal trucking regulations that govern driving hour logbooks, time sheets, and other criteria such as:

  • Commercial vehicle licensing
  • Vehicle tracking
  • Safety and maintenance inspections
  • Hiring practices
  • Driver medical exams
  • Insurance coverage

 

A meticulous investigation is very important immediately following an 18-wheeler accident. Our Friendswood truck accident lawyers will document evidence collected at the accident scene, where the vehicle’s contents were loaded, where vehicle maintenance occurred, and at the offices of the company that owns and operates the truck.

Time is of the essence as vital evidence can vanish. Taking swift action is imperative to hold the negligent parties accountable for any injuries sustained.  If you were involved in a commercial truck accident recently or in the past, seeking legal counsel is essential. While collecting evidence may be more challenging after some time has passed, negligence may still be proven to recover damages for your injuries.

Fair Settlement For Truck Accident Injuries in Friendswood

Big rigs are indispensable for businesses, facilitating the movement of goods and driving the economy forward. However, their substantial size and restricted maneuverability present a significant hazard to other motorists. Stay vigilant and prioritize safe driving practices when sharing the road with these formidable vehicles.

Fair Settlement For Truck Accident Injuries in Friendswood

 

If you are involved in an accident with an 18-wheeler truck, you need guidance and representation to secure the full and fair compensation you deserve. You need a lawyer who will be on your side 100 percent of the time.  Burwell Nebout Trial Lawyers has been serving victims and their families with high-caliber legal representation since 1970. We handle cases for 18-wheeler victims throughout Texas, including League City, Galveston, and the Greater Houston area, and we have recovered hundreds of millions for our clients.

Tips for Securing Your Maximum Settlement or Jury Award

Tips for Securing Your Maximum Settlement or Jury Award

  • After the accident, avoid talking to the trucking company’s lawyers or insurance adjusters. They will try to record the conversation in an attempt to misrepresent your side of the incident.
  • Be sure to see a doctor as soon as possible. During your appointment, explain your injuries accurately and follow up with specialists as advised.
  • Do not release your medical records to the trucking company’s insurance adjusters.
  • Speak with an experienced 18-wheeler accident attorney about thoroughly investigating the incident.
  • Photograph the accident site if you can, and wait to have your car repaired until after you have taken pictures of your damaged vehicle.
  • Save all your bills and receipts that relate to the accident. For instance, keep your prescription receipts, doctor bills, hospital expense statements, car repair bills, and car rental receipts so you will have verification of your total costs.
  • Document your health and your recovery daily. Take pictures and write about your condition.
  • Follow all medical treatment guidance, and be sure to make it to all your medical appointments as soon as you are able.

How Can the Trucking Company Be Responsible?

Sadly, it’s often the case that trucking companies neglect to uphold safe driving standards. In some instances, these companies even institute policies that pressure drivers to jeopardize the safety of others on the road. By prioritizing profits over lives, they put countless individuals at risk.

Encouraging Speeding or Fatigued Driving

Trucking companies endanger people’s lives by mandating deadlines for their drivers that necessitate speeding or near-constant driving. This practice puts other motorists at risk of encountering overly fatigued drivers or those who exceed speed limits to meet work demands.

Violating Hours-of-Service Rules

Encouraging truck drivers to spend excessive hours behind the wheel isn’t only unethical, it’s illegal. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has imposed strict hours-of-service rules to limit the number of hours truckers can spend behind the wheel without a break. Currently, the FMCSA prohibits truck drivers from spending more than 11 hours behind the wheel until they have logged ten consecutive off-duty hours.

Requiring drivers to make several trips without completing a truck inspection is another way that companies put profits ahead of motorist safety. As a result, an 18-wheeler’s parts may fail and cause an accident.

If you’ve been injured due to the negligence of another, do not attempt to navigate this complex process on your own. Following any accident involving a large truck, seek immediate legal counsel from a Friendswood attorney with extensive experience in 18-wheeler collisions. Contact us today.

How to File an 18-Wheeler Truck Accident Claim in Friendswood

How to File an 18-Wheeler Truck Accident Claim in Friendswood

Collisions involving cars, trucks, or vans and 18-wheelers frequently result in serious consequences for the occupants of the smaller vehicle. Injuries can be severe, and property damage extensive. To pursue compensation, individuals typically need to file a claim with the insurance company of the responsible truck driver.

The ordeal of being hit by an 18-wheeler can be compounded by how insurance companies handle claims. To streamline this process, individuals injured in such collisions should meticulously document every detail they can recall about the incident and any subsequent injuries, then promptly reach out to an 18-wheeler accident lawyer.

While the police typically arrive at the scene of the collision and compile a police report, it’s still crucial for those involved to take their own notes. This is because individuals directly involved in the collision possess insights that the responding police officer may not have.

How to File a Claim for a Collision with an 18-Wheeler in Friendswood

At the crash site, the injured individuals must take on the role of investigator themselves. It’s crucial to document the names and contact details of witnesses, capture photos of the damages, injuries, and the crash site, and gather any evidence indicating the truck driver’s negligence.

Armed with this information, the injured parties can proceed to file a claim with the at-fault truck driver’s insurance company. Additionally, the at-fault driver must be informed of the injured party’s intention to pursue a claim.

How to File a Claim for a Collision with an 18-Wheeler in Friendswood

 

After sustaining injuries in a truck accident, it’s essential to notify the insurance company of the at-fault driver about your claim for damages. This responsibility falls to the insurance provider of the driver responsible for the accident. Following the claim filing, you may receive communication from their claims adjuster. Depending on the specifics of the situation, they might propose a settlement or request to review your medical records and evidence from the crash scene. However, it’s crucial to understand that any settlement offered may not fully reflect what you’re entitled to receive.

Why Hiring a Friendswood Truck Accident Lawyer Is Important

Why Hiring a Friendswood Truck Accident Lawyer Is Important

Retaining the services of a Friendswood truck accident lawyer is indispensable for anyone caught up in such an incident, given the complexities and distinctive challenges these cases entail. Truck accidents frequently result in severe injuries or even fatalities, imposing significant emotional, physical, and financial hardships on victims and their loved ones. A specialized attorney brings crucial expertise in navigating the intricate legal terrain governing commercial trucking, encompassing federal regulations and industry standards.

A Friendswood truck accident lawyer provides invaluable support, guiding clients through the intricacies of the legal process, negotiating with insurance companies, and, if necessary, advocating for them in court to pursue justice and rightful compensation for their losses.

 

Truck accident lawyers are well-versed in the amount of non-economic damages they can seek, and they possess the skills to battle insurance companies to secure the rightful compensation for their clients. A Friendswood 18-wheeler accident attorney understands precisely what evidence is necessary to substantiate a client’s case, and if required, they can litigate in court to safeguard their client’s rights.

Case Result

Automobile Accident

$19.2 million

Two clients killed as a result of a special defect in the shoulder of the roadway. A state court jury trial resulted in a $19.2 million verdict.

Premises Liability

$10 million

Children that attended school on a former toxic dump site made claims for exposure injuries. $10 million settlement.

Liberty County Record Verdictt

Record setting verdict

Two high school seniors were on their way home on a stretch of road that had been the subject of repeated complaints to the Texas Department of Transportation (TXDOT) about the poor condition of the shoulder. When the students entered a curve, the poor condition of the shoulder resulted in a crash that killed one and severely brain-damaged the other. A trial against the Texas Attorney General’s office resulted in the discovery of altered records, a spoliation instruction, and a record-setting jury verdict for Liberty County.

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