Side-Impact Truck Accidents in Houston

Side-impact truck accidents in Houston often result in devastating injuries or fatalities that leave victims struggling with their physical and emotional well-being for years to come. Side-impact, or T-bone, collisions are especially dangerous because the side of a vehicle offers far less protection than the front or rear, leaving occupants vulnerable to serious trauma.

After a side-impact truck accident, a personal injury attorney can provide crucial legal guidance. Our lawyers could investigate the incident, deal with complex insurance negotiations, and ensure you receive the maximum possible compensation for your injuries and losses.

What Are the Common Causes of Side-Impact Truck Accidents?

Houston side-impact truck wrecks are often attributable to driver negligence. Common examples of negligent driving behaviors that can lead to side-impact truck crashes include:

• Running a red light or stop sign: A truck driver who fails to stop at an intersection can crash directly into the side of a vehicle that has the right-of-way
• Failing to yield: Accidents frequently occur when a truck driver makes an improper left or right turn without yielding to oncoming or crossing traffic
• Distracted driving: Any form of distracted driving, such as texting, using a GPS, eating, or talking on the phone, can cause a driver to miss a traffic signal or an approaching vehicle
• Fatigued driving: Drivers who work longer than legally allowed hours are at a higher risk of making errors in judgment due to fatigue, which can result in running a light or failing to yield
• Speeding: Exceeding the speed limit or driving too fast for conditions reduces the time a driver has to react to hazards, significantly increasing the risk of a side-impact collision at an intersection
• Unsafe lane changes: A truck driver may neglect to check their large blind spots, or no-zones, before changing lanes, sideswiping or T-boning a smaller vehicle
• Impaired driving: A truck driver under the influence of drugs or alcohol has impaired judgment, slower reaction times, and reduced coordination, making a side-impact crash more likely
• Blind spots: Large commercial trucks have massive blind spots on all four sides, and if a driver is not trained properly or fails to check mirrors, they can fail to see a vehicle entirely while merging or turning

Head and neck injuries are also extremely common due to the violent side-to-side motion of the head and neck during the impact between a truck and a passenger vehicle. These injuries can range from whiplash to severe concussions and other brain injuries.

The force of the impact can also damage ligaments, discs, and vertebrae, potentially leading to partial or complete paralysis. A buckling car frame can crush the chest, abdomen, and pelvis of occupants and cause severe, life-threatening trauma.

Legal Options for Victims of Side-Impact Truck Accidents

Victims of a side-impact truck accident have several legal options to pursue compensation for their injuries and other losses. These options include filing an insurance claim, negotiating a settlement, and potentially filing a personal injury or wrongful death lawsuit. The complexity of truck accident cases often makes it necessary to seek legal representation.

The process often begins with filing a claim against the at-fault driver’s or trucking company’s insurance policy. Your attorney could compile evidence and send a demand letter to the insurer outlining the damages you are seeking. An experienced attorney may negotiate with the insurance company and ensure you receive a fair settlement that covers all your expenses. If a fair settlement cannot be reached, you may file a personal injury lawsuit against the negligent parties.

Victims could be entitled to compensation for past and future medical bills, lost wages, pain, suffering, and other damages caused by a Houston T-bone truck collision. Multiple parties may be held liable for a side-impact truck accident, ranging from the truck driver to the trucking company and the truck manufacturer.

Discuss Your T-Bone Truck Crash With a Houston Attorney

Trucking companies and their insurers often prioritize profits over victims and have the resources to be aggressive in their defense, so having our team by your side is essential for a fair outcome. Side-impact truck accidents in Houston can lead to devastating injuries and significant financial burdens.

Mostyn Law could help ensure you receive compensation for your current and future costs. Contact our firm today to request your free case consultation.