Truck accidents are some of the most dangerous of all motor vehicle accidents. They can be hard to avoid. You have no choice but to share the road with tractor-trailers. This means you need to be extra careful. Here, we’ll share some tips on how you can avoid a collision with a truck accident in Houston. However, if something does happen, make sure you call and talk to a Houston truck accident lawyer right away.
Why Are Truck Accidents in Houston So Dangerous?
Truck accidents are a lot more dangerous than other types of accidents. These trucks are just so much bigger than your car or SUV. The human body wasn’t designed to withstand that kind of impact. It can also be hard to avoid a truck once it’s barreling towards you. Typically, in these tractor-trailer accidents, the truck driver manages to come out of the crash unscathed. This can rarely be said for the driver of the car or SUV. You could end up in the hospital with very serious injuries.
Some of the injuries commonly caused by a tractor-trailer accident include:
- Traumatic brain injury
- Back and neck injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Broken bones and lacerations
Given the amount of medical care you may need after your accident, you won’t be in any position to deal with a lawsuit. That’s why it’s in your best interest to call and talk to an experienced Houston truck accident lawyer as soon as possible after the crash.
Stay Away from Overloaded Trucks
A lot of truckers are forced to carry very heavy loads. Even though there are federal regulations that limit how much weight a trucker can carry, that limit can sometimes be violated. If a company is running late on a delivery, they may risk getting a fine in order to make it on time. We’ve all seen the double trailers where it seems as if the driver is carrying twice as much cargo as they should. This is one of the biggest causes of tractor-trailer accidents. If you see an overloaded truck, steer clear. They’re more likely to become unbalanced, and the driver may lose control of the truck.
Don’t Travel Too Close Behind a Truck
These days, we’re all in a rush. Nobody wants to get stuck in traffic. However, that’s no reason to tailgate a tractor-trailer. Always keep plenty of distance between yourself and a tractor-trailer. If they shift lanes or have to stop abruptly, you could end up getting hit. Even if you’re not in the same lane as the truck, make sure you keep quite a distance between the two of you. This will reduce the chances of you’re getting into a deadly truck accident.
Never Choose the Truck Lanes on the Highway
Some highways have separate lanes for trucks and tractor-trailers. If you have the opportunity, stay away from these lanes. Some people tend to use these lanes because they think there will be less traffic. However, you’re putting yourself at a greater risk of getting into a truck accident in these lanes. Stick to your car and SUV lanes if at all possible. It’s better to deal with a little traffic than have to worry about getting hit by a huge commercial vehicle.
If You Are Involved in a Truck Accident in Houston, Call and Talk to a Lawyer at McDonald Worley
Ideally, you’ll be able to avoid getting into a tangle with a tractor-trailer. However, if you do get injured in a tractor-trailer accident, you’re going to need legal help. You’ll likely suffer rather serious injuries in your truck accident. You’ll need to focus on recovering from those injuries. You won’t be in a position to fight with the insurance carrier. Let your Houston truck accident lawyer do that for you. They’ll reach out to the insurance company right away and find out why your claim wasn’t paid. They’ll also try to negotiate a settlement of your claim.
The first thing you should do is call and schedule your free, initial consultation with an experienced Houston truck accident lawyer. Sit down with someone who’s handled cases like yours before. They can answer any questions you may have. They can also give you an idea of what your case may be worth. Call and set up a date and time that works for you. The consultation is free, and you won’t have to pay a dime until your case is resolved.