Our San Antonio attorneys discuss the most common types of truck accidents
Crashes involving large commercial trucks are often far more devastating than car accidents. Additionally, they are far more complex. Trucking companies usually have a team of adjusters and investigators that they can deploy to the crash scene within hours. They may also try to cover up wrongdoing on their part or try to change the story.
When you consult with the San Antonio truck accident lawyers at The Herrera Law Firm, your case is in good hands. We have experience investigating large commercial truck accidents and getting to the bottom of what happened. When pursuing a claim against a trucking company and its insurer, too much is at stake. There is no room for error. An aggressive investigation into your crash will give you an advantage over the trucking company and its insurer. Identifying the type of truck crash and the causes is a key component to building a strong case.
Types and causes of truck accidents
Large commercial trucks weigh as much as 80,000 lbs. when fully loaded with cargo. The sheer size and weight of large commercial trucks is enough to wreak havoc on Texas roads. We have often seen multiple people injured or killed in a single truck crash. Here is how it usually happens:
Jackknife accident: The trailer on a semi-truck swings out and forms the shape of a jackknife. Jackknife accidents occur when a trucker abruptly swerves and loses control of the truck. This can also happen when a truck brakes abruptly. Multiple smaller cars often end up in the path of destruction. These types of crashes are often messy and result in traffic being backed up for several hours.
Rear-end truck collision: When a truck driver fails to stop, a rear-end truck collision can happen at full speed. This often occurs when a truck driver falls asleep at the wheel or is distracted. Rear-end truck collisions can also occur due to brake or wheel defects.
Underride crash: These types of truck crashes are rarely ever survivable. They occur when smaller cars or SUVs get crushed beneath the trailer of a semi-truck. Underride crashes often occur when truck drivers pull out into oncoming traffic, make abrupt stops on high-speed roadways, or fail to put reflective devices or tape on the trailer.
Rollover: Rollovers often occur when a truck jackknifes or when cargo is unevenly distributed throughout the trailer. The massive trailer on a semi-truck can crush nearby cars and cause a wide-scale catastrophe.
Wrong-way/head-on truck collisions: Wrong-way and head-on truck collisions are very rare, but the consequences are usually fatal. The impact of a collision doubles when two vehicles collide in opposite directions, and a smaller passenger car doesn't fare well against a large truck.
How our San Antonio lawyers will investigate your crash
If you've been hurt in a truck accident, the odds are stacked against you. You're up against a trucking company with deep pockets and an insurance company with a lot of money at stake. It's critical that you speak to an experienced San Antonio truck accident lawyer as soon as possible. A lawyer must conduct an investigation before evidence disappears or gets covered up. The legal team at The Herrera Law Firm will get on it promptly. Here's how we'll gather evidence:
- Work with crash reconstruction experts who will survey the crash scene for physical evidence.
- Get access to maintenance and inspection records from the trucking company.
- Get access to the truck black box to determine if the truck driver was speeding or driving over the federal hours-of-service limit.
- Examine the truck driver's qualifications and credentials.
- Get a copy of the official police report.
- Speak to witnesses and cross-reference their statements with other evidence.
- Obtain dashcam or surveillance camera footage if possible.
No matter how your truck accident occurred, you can count on The Herrera Law Firm to fight for the best possible outcome for you and your family. We know how to take on the insurance companies and help crash victims get the compensation and justice they deserve. Schedule your free case evaluation today. Contact us online or call our San Antonio law office to learn more.
