Karnes County Truck Wreck Injury Attorney

Lawyer for Victims of Big-Rig and Semi-Truck Accidents in Karnes City, Texas

Large commercial trucks account for tens of thousands of accidents each year in Texas, resulting in thousands of injuries and hundreds of fatalities. The size of big-rig trucks and the weight of their equipment and cargo can make truck wreck injuries especially severe, and occupants of other vehicles tend to be the people who are most affected. With this in mind, it is important for victims to understand how to recover compensation for their potentially extensive injuries and damages.

At The Bettersworth Law Firm, we understand the dangers that semi-trucks pose when they are not operated safely, and we are committed to pursuing fair compensation for those who have been injured. With more than 20 years of experience, our attorney, James Bettersworth, knows how to resolve complicated questions of liability in truck accidents, and he will stand up to trucking companies to fight for the results his clients deserve.

Understanding Liability in Karnes City Truck Crashes

Personal injury cases involving semi-truck accidents are often complicated due to the possibility of multiple negligent parties. A variety of people may be responsible for a commercial truck's safe operation, and in the case of an accident resulting in injuries, the victim may pursue compensation from any party who has failed to fulfill their responsibilities.

When a big-rig truck causes a crash, the most common negligent party is the truck driver. Many different actions or lack thereof on the part of a truck driver may be considered a breach of their duty of care to other people on the road, including but not limited to:

• Speeding and aggressive driving – Trucks are more difficult to control than smaller vehicles, and as a result, aggressive driving behaviors like traveling at an unsafe speed, following another vehicle too closely, or changing lanes without the necessary precautions are more likely to lead to accidents.
• Drowsy driving – Driver fatigue associated with long and late hours on the road can make it difficult for a driver to uphold their responsibility to remain alert and aware of their surroundings. A truck driver may be liable for an accident related to the effects of drowsy driving, especially if they are in violation of federal regulations regarding on-duty hours.
• Distracted driving – Texas traffic laws and federal trucking regulations bar truck drivers from texting and other handheld cell phone use while driving, because these activities can remove a driver's attention from the road for crucial seconds. Truck drivers are also susceptible to other distractions, such as eating, drinking, or adjusting vehicle controls while on the road.
• Drunk driving – A truck driver who is under the influence of alcohol or other drugs presents a severe risk to other drivers due to their impaired mental and physical abilities.
• Failing to properly inspect the vehicle – Truck drivers have a responsibility to inspect their vehicles to ensure that cargo is properly loaded and secured and that all equipment is well maintained and safe for the road. A lapse in inspection or record-keeping responsibilities may lead to a driver's liability if an undetected defect causes a crash.

In many cases, the driver's employer may also be considered negligent for the failure to enforce and uphold safety standards among its employees. Other trucking industry employees, including loading crew members and maintenance personnel, may also be partially liable depending on the circumstances.

Personal Injury Claims for Texas Truck Accidents

Truck wreck injury victims should be sure to seek medical attention immediately after the accident. They should also hire an attorney as soon as possible to thoroughly investigate the cause of the crash, determine all parties that may be liable, and gather evidence to support a claim for compensation, including driver and trucking company records, accident reports, photos of injuries and damages, and video footage of the crash. Armed with this evidence, your attorney can present a strong case in settlement negotiations with the negligent parties or represent you in trial litigation to obtain a verdict awarding you fair compensation.

Contact a Karnes County Truck Crash Lawyer

To better understand the compensation for which you may be eligible and how you should go about pursuing it, contact us today at 830-606-0404 for a free consultation. We represent injury victims in Karnes City, Runge, Falls City, Kenedy, and throughout Karnes County and the surrounding areas in South Central Texas.