Trucking Accidents In McAllen Explained: Tips For Understanding And Prevention

In this article, you can discover…

• How liability is determined in a trucking accident
• The damages you may be able to recover as an accident victim.
• What medical issues to look for in the aftermath of a truck injury.

What Are The Most Common Causes Of Trucking Accidents In McAllen, Texas?

The most common causes of trucking accidents in Texas are careless drivers. Truckers are people, and like everyone else, they can get tired and, unfortunately, are often overworked. They may fail to properly maintain their vehicle, or the company they work for may be lax about routine servicing.

Speeding is also an issue in many truck crashes, as drivers are under deadlines to deliver goods by a certain time or a certain day. They may be rushed, fail to see who is around their vehicle, or fail to look far enough ahead.

How Is Liability Determined In A Trucking Accident?

Liability is determined by showing that the truck driver failed to do what a reasonable and prudent person would do in the same or similar situation.

For example, a truck driver speeding through a construction zone or exceeding the speed limit in general. A reasonable person would maintain a legal and safe speed, be aware of other drivers, and account for the added weight and length of the truck.

When expected, prudent care is not taken, and a driver either fails to do what a reasonable person would or does what a reasonable person would not do, liability can be established.

How Can Drivers Of Trucks And/Or Commercial Vehicles Help Prevent Accidents?

The trucking industry is heavily regulated by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations at the state and national levels. Everything from the number of hours and miles a trucker is permitted per day is regulated to keep drivers and the public safe. Drivers are expected to inspect their vehicles before they drive them and keep logs of how much they drive and where.

When drivers abide by these standards, use common sense, and follow the rules of the road, accidents are far less likely.

Additionally, trucking companies have an obligation to screen the people they hire as drivers. They’re supposed to examine a prospective hire’s driving history, medical records, employment history, and criminal record for DUIs, speeding tickets, and other red flags.

When trucking companies abide by strict standards for hiring, accidents can be prevented. If someone has a checkered history and they’re still getting a commercial trucking job, that’s a problem. The best predictor of the future is the past, and such drivers are likely to continue driving in an unsafe manner.

Attorney John Escamilla is a compassionate personal injury attorney serving Texas. For nearly 30 years, he’s helped clients just like you find answers after a trucking accident, get the damages they truly deserve, and hold negligent parties accountable.

Have questions, or in need of excellent representation? Reach out to the John Escamilla Law Firm at (956) 628-7569 for an initial consultation today.

If you’ve been hurt in a trucking accident, you can recover both economic and non-economic damages. Economic damages can cover things like medical bills and the cost of physical therapy. It will also cover damage to your car or pickup truck, lost wages if your accident caused you to miss work, and future wages if your accident has left you unable to work.

Non-economic damages can include compensation for pain and suffering, the emotional impact of the accident, PTSD, depression, trouble sleeping, and the effects the accident has had on your quality of life.

What Are Some Of The Most Serious Injuries Common In Trucking Accidents?

Many people involved in commercial truck accidents have head injuries and don’t fully understand how significant those injuries can be. What’s more, it’s not uncommon for head injuries to go undetected for days or weeks. While broken bones and bleeding are easy to notice, head trauma can be harder to detect.

In the aftermath of your accident, be aware of changes to your health, such as blurred vision, headaches, light sensitivity, and serious changes in your mood. These could all be indicators of a head injury; your attorney can put you in touch with medical experts to determine if you have a concussion or other head trauma and document this injury toward damages.

Still Have Questions? Ready To Get Started?

For more information on Trucking Accidents In McAllen, Texas, an initial consultation is your next best step. Get the information and legal answers you are seeking by calling (956) 628-7569 today.