A Texas Truck Accident Lawyer Explains
A jury’s recent multi-million-dollar verdict in a deadly FedEx truck crash will send a strong message about the importance of safety in the trucking industry, according to the son of a man who was killed in a tractor-trailer accident.
The crash in east Texas happened after the FedEx driver swerved into oncoming traffic and slammed into a tractor-trailer, killing the driver. The driver of the FedEx truck was trying to avoid an obstruction in the road, according to a report by Click2Houston about the accident and Harris County jury verdict.
The jury agreed the FedEx truck driver’s lack of training and lack of supervision contributed to the fatal crash, according to the attorney for the relatives of the man who died. The FedEx driver testified he was never trained to turn right, go onto the shoulder, or into a ditch to avoid an object in the road.
The son of the man killed said he hopes the verdict motivates trucking companies to improve safety procedures and ensure their drivers are properly trained.
Common Factors in Truck Accidents
Lack of training is one frequent factor in commercial truck crashes. Other factors include but are not limited to:
- Distracted driving, including texting and driving
- Speeding
- Cargo falling off the truck
- Fatigued driving or falling asleep at the wheel
- Drunk driving
- Reckless driving or using illegal maneuvers
Truck Accidents Are Often Deadly
Semi-trucks and 18-wheelers are typically the largest vehicles on the roads. Weighing up to 80,000 pounds, tractor-trailers can be more than 10 times the size of a typical passenger vehicle. Because of the forces involved, a crash often will be devastating for the occupants of the smaller vehicle. It’s not unusual for drivers and passengers to suffer catastrophic injuries or even lose their lives in accidents involving big trucks.
How a Truck Accident Lawyer Can Help
Victims of truck accidents can have a hard time recovering compensation after a crash. The driver and the trucking company may deny responsibility. The insurance company may offer a quick settlement that doesn’t begin to cover the extent of the losses. Adjusters may try to convince a victim or their family that fighting for more money is not worth the hassle.
To add more confusion, there are often multiple parties that can be held liable after a trucking accident. And with so much at stake for the parties involved, trucking companies typically have teams of attorneys protecting their interests. That's why you need someone in your corner to look out for yours.
At Tracey Fox King & Walters, our truck accident attorneys we have obtained many significant court awards and settlements for crash victims. We take an aggressive stand on behalf of our clients. Our work includes a comprehensive investigation of the accident. We will interview witnesses and gather evidence to determine exactly what happened and who is responsible.
Contact a Texas Attorney Today
After a truck accident, you should be able to focus on your recovery. If you lost a loved one, you may not only be facing emotional devastation but the financial impact as well.
The attorneys at Tracey Fox King & Walters work for accident victims every day to fight for the justice and compensation they deserve. Our offices are in Houston, Dallas, and San Antonio. Contact us today to find out how we can help.