Archives 2018

About trucking accidents

Truck accidents, such as those involving semis, tractor-trailers, 18-wheelers and other large commercial vehicles, are among the most perilous kinds of accidents that can occur on the road. Large trucks may only account for 3 percent of all motor vehicles on the road, but 12 percent of all crashes involve these vehicles. If you or a loved one is injured in an 18-wheeler or semi-truck accident we can help you obtain rightful compensation for your losses.

Types of truck accidents

A tractor-trailer or other truck accident can occur under a number of different circumstances. All types of trucking accidents are dangerous in different ways, and all can cause significant damage and lead to severe injuries or even fatalities. The following types of 18-wheeler truck accidents are among the most common:

Head-on truck accidents — These types of accidents occur when the front ends of two or more vehicles collide, at least one being a semi or other large truck. Head-on crashes tend to be quite violent and can cause serious damage, depending on how fast the vehicles are traveling at the time of impact.

Rear-end truck accidents — A truck may crash into the vehicle ahead of it for several reasons. If the driver ahead suddenly decelerates, a driver following too closely may not have enough time to brake. A fatigued driver who does not adhere to the federal hour limits and rest regulations may have delayed reaction time even when following at a safe distance.

Side collisions — When an 18-wheeler or other large truck crashes into the side of another automobile, injuries and vehicle damage can be the most severe, though the level of damage often depends on the vehicle’s safety features, how fast the vehicle and truck were traveling and the area in which the vehicle was struck. Side-collision truck accidents most typically occur when a truck fails to yield the right of way.

Other types of 18-wheeler and semi crashes include single-truck accidents, multi-vehicle truck accidents, also known as pileups, and underride truck accidents. Whatever type of trucking accident caused your injuries, an attorney from our firm can answer your questions and help you get the compensation you deserve.

Fighting for your rights  

Motorcycles, unlike cars, don’t offer drivers any barrier of protection in crashes. For this reason, the risk of serious injury or even a fatality is particularly high in a motorcycle accident. In fact, according to the Bureau of Transportation Statistics, more than 50,000 serious injuries and 2,300 motorcycle fatalities occur in the United States every year. Our motorcycle accident lawyers understand the inherent safety disadvantage motorcyclists have and the responsibilities and rights of all motorists. We know how to handle injury lawsuits when other drivers fail to honor motorcyclists’ rights. For nearly 30 years, we’ve advocated for victims and we have the experience to help you obtain the compensation you deserve for your injuries.

Motorcyclist rights and causes of motorcycle accidents

All motorists, including motorcyclists, have rights as drivers and responsibilities to protect others on the road. Some responsibilities are unique to motorcyclists, such as motorcyclists under the age of 21 are required to wear a helmet.

Some rights that owners of large vehicles take for granted are consistently infringed upon when it comes to motorcyclists. For example, all motorists have the right to a full road lane. For car and truck drivers, this is practically a given, since only one of their vehicles fits into a lane at once. But because motorcycles are small, many other drivers think they can share a lane with a motorcycle or just pass it. Unfortunately, this poses a serious threat to the motorcyclist, who could be edged off the road, boxed in or involved in a serious collision with the other vehicle.

Often motorcycle accidents occur because of negligent drivers or other parties who do not respect motorcyclists’ rights, not because the motorcyclist was driving irresponsibly, which is a common misconception. Also, when those responsible for maintaining roads fail to clean up debris, spills and other hazards, the conditions pose more of a threat to motorcyclists than to other types of drivers.

If any of these scenarios describes your situation, or if a negligent driver in any capacity caused a motorcycle accident that resulted in your injury, you may have a valid claim for compensation.

Representing injured workers in our community since 1990

If you’ve been injured on the job, you may need to seek benefits through your employer’s workers’ compensation insurance. This can be a difficult process, as some companies and insurers may challenge claims and try to prevent injured workers from receiving the compensation they deserve. To get the representation you need, consult the skilled workers’ compensation lawyers at our law firm. We are experienced in all facets of workplace injury law, whether your injury is related to an on-the-job accident or long-term exposure to hazardous materials.

The basics of workers’ compensation

Employers who purchase workers’ compensation insurance do so to protect both themselves and their workers in case a workplace injury occurs. Through these programs, injured workers receive medical and disability benefits, while employers are shielded from personal injury claims. In Texas, private employers can choose to carry workers’ compensation insurance coverage, but it is not required in most cases.

Although workers’ comp covers most types of injuries, there are some situations that may complicate matters. If faulty or defective equipment was the cause of an accident, for example, it might be necessary to file a personal injury claim against the manufacturer. A claim might also be filed when an outside party, such as an independent contractor, is at fault for an accident.

Common causes of workers’ comp claims

Depending on your job and the industry you work in, you may face a number of hazards in your employment. Some jobs are more dangerous than others, including those in construction, manufacturing and firefighting. The following are some of the most common injuries and accidents resulting in claims for workers’ compensation benefits:

Back and neck injuries

Spinal cord injuries

Broken bones

Head and brain injuries

Electrical accidents

Lead paint exposure

Strains and tears

Tendonitisa

Toxic chemical exposure

Carpal tunnel

Our experienced lawyers can help you file a workers’ compensation claim and receive compensation for your injuries.

How can a workers’ compensation attorney help?

In some cases, employers and insurers can be aggressive in fighting against claims, leading many workers to fear they’ll be retaliated against if they pursue benefits. Insurance companies may use a number of tactics to deny benefits for claimants, but an experienced attorney will recognize these strategies and know how to address them. You may be entitled to temporary total disability, permanent partial disability or compensation for medical bills under the law, so be sure to secure sound legal counsel if you have questions or concerns about filing a claim.