Side-Impact Truck Accidents in Colleyville
Side-impact truck accidents, or T-bone collisions, occur when the front of a commercial truck collides with the side of another vehicle—usually in intersections. Truck accidents are often the result of negligent driving. When a trucker is not paying attention, speeding, distracted, or impaired, it can have deadly consequences for nearby drivers.
When you are injured in a side-impact truck accident in Colleyville, you may be entitled to compensation. A skilled semi-truck crash lawyer at our firm could assist you by reviewing your claim and filing a case against the trucker and their employer for your losses. Contact us for a free and confidential consultation.
Trucker Negligence and Side-Impact Truck Wrecks
Side-impact collisions are dangerous because vehicles offer the least amount of protection on the sides. In these types of accidents, the occupants of passenger vehicles often suffer catastrophic injuries. This is especially true in 18-wheeler accident cases. Truck drivers receive training to help them maneuver their vehicles safely and reduce the risk of an accident. However, when truck drivers act negligently, there can be tragic consequences.
Trucker negligence is one of the most common causes of T-bone accidents in Colleyville. Some examples include:
- Distracted driving
- Speeding or reckless driving
- Driving under the influence
- Defective brakes or tires
- Unsafe passing
- Failure to yield
- Running a stop sign or red light
- Overloaded or overweight cargo
Other factors like bad weather and poorly lit roads can also contribute to side-impact truck accidents.
While many people assume the truck driver is the only one responsible after an accident, in many cases, there are options for claims against the truck company or carrier. As the employer, truck carriers are vicariously liable for their drivers. However, companies will often categorize their drivers as independent contractors to circumvent liability. When liability is in dispute, an experienced truck accident attorney could assist in navigating legal challenges.
Shared Fault After a Side-Impact Truck Collision
According to Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code § 13.003, all parties involved in a lawsuit are responsible for paying a percentage of damages, depending on their percentage of fault. In T-bone truck crashes in Colleyville, it is not uncommon for both drivers to share fault for the accident. For example, a negligent trucker may cause a crash because they were texting while driving, but if the passenger vehicle driver also ran a stop light, they could share fault.
When this happens, Texas courts apply a modified comparative negligence rule. This means that the injured person can recover compensation for their injuries even if they are partly to blame, so long as they are less than 50 percent responsible for the crash. In other words, if someone suffered $100,000 in damages and was determined to be 20 percent at fault, they could still recover up to $80,000 in compensation.
Talk to a Colleyville Side-Impact Truck Accident Attorney
Side-impact truck accidents in Colleyville can be damaging. It is common to be concerned about the cost of medical care and other expenses related to your injuries. Additionally, when your injuries are severe, you may need time off work to recover. Fortunately, a semi-truck injury lawyer could work with you to pursue compensation for your injuries and losses related to the accident.
When you retain a dedicated personal injury attorney for your case, they could assist you by negotiating with the trucker and their employer’s insurance. In 18-wheeler collision cases, liability could be in dispute. The legal professionals at our firm could assist you every step of the way. Call today to schedule a consultation.