The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reported that close to 4,000 are killed and 95,000 are injured in truck accidents every year. When a truck crashes into passenger sedans, the occupants of smaller vehicles tend to suffer catastrophic injuries.
Truck collisions are usually more complicated than car accidents, requiring a thorough investigation of all factors surrounding the incident. Driver faults, such as overspeeding, truck driver fatigue, distracted driving, use of over-the-counter medications prior to driving, and driving under the influence of alcohol or prohibited substances can lead to truck accidents. In complex situations, negligent road design may be a contributing or major factor in a severe truck accident.
Road Design Factors in Truck Accidents
Faulty guardrail dimensions: Guardrails are safety devices designed to minimize the severity of road accidents. Current roadside design regulations require minimum standards for spacing between posts, beam heights, and installation of crash-worthy end treatments. The presence of faulty guardrails can have an impact on the severity of a truck accident.
Poor stopping sight distance: The United States has thousands of uncontrolled intersections where it can be a challenge for drivers to make timely decisions on applying the brakes and to stop before crashing into another vehicle or object in their path. Trucks and tractor-trailers take 20% to 40% farther than cars to come to a full stop. Observing minimum sight triangles at uncontrolled intersections is therefore significant for truck drivers to see far enough down an intersecting approach before deciding to proceed without colliding with another vehicle.
Hazardous edge drops: Pavement edge drops can cause drivers to crash into other vehicles along the road. The sudden drop of the wheel resulting from the edge drop can surprise a driver who may suddenly move across the travel lanes and collide with other vehicles, overturn on the roadside, or crash into roadside hazards. Large trucks and tractor-trailers are sensitive to edge drops which increase their susceptibility to catastrophic accidents.
Faulty transition areas: Truck accidents on highways can also occur when there are ongoing road maintenance and construction work in the area. Edge drops close to excavations, absent or insufficient warning signs on road closures, slow-moving maintenance vehicles, and faulty transition areas are some of the common tort claims arising from truck accidents.
In Texas, where there is an ongoing fracking and drilling boom, large trucks and tractor-trailers are regular users of roads and highways. Trucks typically weigh around 20 to 30 times more and are taller than passenger cars.
Depending on the circumstances of the incident, an injured person in a truck accident may suffer a head injury, traumatic brain injury, fractures, spinal cord injury, loss of limbs, and internal injuries requiring extensive medical treatment, hospitalization, time off work, and therapy for complete recovery.
Catastrophic accidents can also result in death, leaving families devastated over the sudden and traumatic loss of their loved ones.
Liability For Road Design Negligence
Section 101.021 of the Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code provides for the governmental unit’s liability for personal injury, death, or property damage arising from the use of the governmental real property. The governmental unit’s duty extends as well to excavations or obstructions on highways, roads, and streets where it has the obligation to warn of any special defect, or of the absence, condition, or malfunction of traffic signs, signals, and warning devices. This is one of the few instances when it is possible for a civilian to sue the government.
Texas tort law, however, establishes certain limits in claiming compensation for personal injury or wrongful death arising from the government’s negligence. Specific criteria must also be established for a plaintiff to be able to pursue a legal claim against the government.
Clearly, the assistance of an experienced personal injury attorney is important in a truck accident case.
Role of Personal Injury Attorney in Houston
If you or a loved one is involved in a truck accident, it is important to seek immediate medical treatment for your injuries or see your doctor for a complete examination. After obtaining treatment for any injury arising from your accident, you should be able to consult with a Houston truck accident attorney who can assess your situation, determine the potential liabilities of parties who may be involved, and if necessary, represent you in an action against the parties whose negligence caused your injuries.
At Charles J. Argento & Associates, our personal injury attorneys in Houston, Texas have over 3 decades of proven experience in truck accidents. Our Firm is headed by award-winning attorney Charles J. Argento who is prepared to fight very hard for you to obtain the compensation that you legally deserve.
We handle personal injury cases on a contingency fee basis and invite you to call us today at 713-225-5050 to speak to one of our friendly attorneys in a free consultation.
Charles J. Argento focuses his practice on serious personal injury, auto accidents, wrongful death, and product liability. With over 37+ years of experience, he is known for aggressive representation and securing high-value results for injured clients across Texas. He has earned numerous prestigious awards, including Super Lawyer, AV-rated by Martindale-Hubbell for 22 consecutive years, and a 10/10 rating by Avvo.
How Charles J. Argento Helps Houston Families Navigate Wrongful Death Cases Involving Commercial Drivers
Losing a loved one in a Texas crash involving a commercial vehicle is devastating. In Houston—a city filled with delivery vans, 18-wheelers, and construction haulers—the roads are often shared with vehicles...
Houston’s Role as a Freight Hub: Why Truck Accident Victims Face Unique Legal Challenges
Houston is one of the busiest transportation and logistics centers in the United States. With Port Houston, the I-10 and I-45 corridors, and direct access to major distribution routes, the city...
Understanding Personal Injury Lawyer Fees: What Percentage Do Lawyers Take for a Personal Injury Case
When you're dealing with a personal injury claim, one of the biggest questions on your mind is probably about money. Specifically, how much of your potential settlement will actually end...
His a very good attorney I really recommend him. His staff is very respectful they help you out all the way till the end. So I am very happy with...
- Elvy.
He is very good at what he does and he will get you the maximum that you deserve hands down the best lawyer I have had and as long as...
- La’Shannette.
Mr. Argento and his team fought hard to settle my case with the best possible outcome. Everything was explained in a professional and courteous manner and all of my questions...
- Dawn C..
This is the second time that I've used Mr Argento and I have not been disappointed. He, along with his staff, are very professional and friendly. He is very experienced,...
- Shantel W..
I reached out to Charles J. Argento & Associates when I was in an accident that was not my fault. I was injured and becoming quickly overwhelmed with the process...
- Ella Harrison.
I had a great experience working with Charles. I would have never thought of half the stuff he did—including negotiating down medical expenses. I’m not a litigious person and I...
- Allison Rose.
I was told about the great work of Mr. Charles Argento by an Uber driver after being in an car accident. I took a chance after hear this guy experience...
- Devonte Landry.
Attorney Charles Agento office was very attentive with my case. Answered every question and concerns I had. Overall my experience was awesome! Highly recommend!...
- Yasmin Torres.
Had a great experience with this law firm handling my car accident, they took care of me and my family. Will recommend 100%...
- Nuvi Escobar.
Mr. Argento and his staff are very understanding and patient. Raquel was a great help, and was always there to help. I highly recommend working with this law firm....
- Pat Gibson.
Persistence and communication!!! This is what you can look forward too by picking Mr. Argento as your lawyer. It was a lengthy process with a couple of bumps on the...
- Irahi B..
Attorney Argento represented my family for an automobile accident. The insurance company refused to pay for the damage to our car and for our injuries. Mr. Argento was very aggressive...
- Jonathan Conejo.
The worst enemy of human kind is the lack of information . Now with attorney Charles Argento you are not going to have this problem . Usually when people are...
- Joseph Duron , a personal injury client.
My wife and I were injured in a car accident in Houston, Texas. We had no medical insurance to get proper medical treatment for our injuries. Two other big law...
713-225-5050 
