According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, truck drivers in the United States log millions of miles traveling across the country. Texas plays a key role in the transportation of goods from coast to coast, reporting some of the highest numbers of trucking miles per year.
We all know how devastating collisions involving massive commercial vehicles can be, and many Houston residents have been impacted by the aftermath of a semi-truck accident. Injured parties should consult with a qualified Houston truck injury attorney at West Loop Law and the Law Office of Nhan Nguyen, MD, JD to discuss their right to compensation.
Driver Training and Texas Trucking Accidents
Semi-trucks are pervasive on Texas roadways, and these massive vehicles are more complicated to operate than a passenger car. There is substantial training necessary in order to properly operate an 80-000 pound vehicle, especially when traveling at speeds exceeding 70 miles per hour.
Most lawyers understand that the training required to become the driver of a big rig is far too limited. The typical trucker only completes four to five weeks of training, and many are ill-equipped to operate a commercial vehicle safely.
Improper training for big rig operators can be extremely dangerous. There are limitless things that go wrong when an inept trucker hits the road, including:
- Failure to slow down
- Improper braking leading to sliding or jackknifing
- Not stopping in time to avoid an accident
- Drowsy driving
- Violating hours of service regulations
- Poorly executed turns
- Driving off the road
- Flipping the truck by turning or changing lanes too quickly
- Driving too fast for the road or weather conditions
A qualified semi-truck accident lawyer in Houston can help injured parties and their families determine what contributed to a catastrophic accident in order to determine liability.
Trucking Violations Can Be Discovered in a Houston Personal Injury Lawsuit
A post-accident investigation is needed following a Houston TX trucking accident. This includes a probe into the truck driver’s training. Any records linked to the training process are examined during the investigation, and your attorney will check to see if this training was in compliance with federal regulations. Unfortunately, many of these programs will cut corners any way they can.
Any violation related to an 18-wheeler accident can only be discovered after an experienced Houston truck accident attorney has filed a lawsuit, obtained discovery, and spent endless hours pouring over the evidence. These inquiries include an investigation into driver’s qualifications and full employment files. The driving record of the truck driver and any infractions while working for the trucking company will be examined.
The Trucking Company Could Be Liable
Trucking companies are required by law to hire qualified and capable truck drivers. When a trucking company allows an incompetent driver to get behind the wheel of a big rig, they are liable for the actions of these operators — including the repercussions of those actions.
These companies must conduct appropriate research when hiring new truck drivers to ensure that every operator has a valid commercial driver’s license and proper training. These are mandatory to ensure that every operator of a semi-truck has the correct technical qualifications and is able to operate a rig safely and competently.
New drivers with only the basics will require further training before they can get behind the wheel of these massive commercial vehicles. If an inexperienced truck driver causes an accident, a personal injury attorney can help injured parties pursue a personal injury claim or lawsuit in order to recover lost compensation.
18-Wheeler Accident Attorneys in West Loop Houston
A collision involving a commercial truck can turn your life upside down. Victims of semi-truck accidents are known to suffer severe injuries and other damages related to the crash. Injured victims need to understand that they have rights. A qualified Texas personal injury attorney can restore your confidence that your legal rights are secured.
West Loop Law and the Law Office of Nhan Nguyen, MD, JD has over 14 years of combined experience fighting for the rights of Houstonians injured in a semi-truck accident. Nhan Nguyen, MD, JD and Nader Rabie, JD will fight for the compensation you need to cover your medical bills, lost income, and pain and suffering, and any other damages related to a serious 18-wheeler crash in Houston.
Contact West Loop Law and the Law Office of Nhan Nguyen, MD, JD today at (713) 840-7200 if you have been unfairly injured by a negligent truck driver.
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