Wednesday 25 January 2012

Fatal Truck Accidents!

Anyone who has spent time driving in Texas understands that large trucks are a constant sight on the highways and in the cities. The trucking industry is a mainstay of both the American and the Texan economies, and while those who drive these enormous vehicles are generally highly trained and skilled, trucking accidents can and do occur. When these situations arise, those who have been harmed as a result need to seek the help of Texas commercial trucking accident attorneys. Below are just some of the reasons why this is an advisable step.
Commercial Trucking Accidents Create Devastation
Commercial trucks can weigh as much as 80,000 pounds, and they can move with as much speed as much smaller vehicles. Therefore, when a trucking accident occurs, the basic physics involved leave behind a wake of devastation. These vehicles can tear through anything that they encounter, and they are also prone to tipping on their sides which creates an entirely different type of danger. Anyone who has seen a trucking accident understands that anyone in the immediate area is immediately placed in a situation of grave danger, and serious injuries and fatalities are often the result.
Trucking Regulations are Voluminous and Relevant
Few industries are more heavily regulated than the trucking industry. Every aspect of moving a load of cargo must meet certain guidelines and rules, including the type of cargo involved, the weight of the cargo, how the cargo is loaded and how many hours at one time the driver is allowed to drive. When a trucking accident occurs, those who have been harmed need to not only understand these regulations but also apply them to the specifics of the truck that was involved in the accident in order to determine the degree of negligence involved.
Discovery Can Be Difficult
If someone files a Texas personal injury lawsuit against a trucking company, the process of discovery can be challenging. Not only are records sometimes difficult to obtain, but several other factors could be important to ascertain, including whether the truck driver was an employee or an independent contractor at the time, whether the driver was a sole proprietor and whether the driver has kept accurate logs of his or her time behind the wheel.
As a result of all of these considerations in regards to a Texas commercial trucking accident, anyone who has been seriously harmed in these situations needs to be able to find legal help to make sure that their legal rights are properly protected. If this includes you or someone you love, contact the Texas commercial trucking accident attorneys at Parker McDonald, P.C. today to schedule a free initial consultation.