At around 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, April 23, a woman driving an SUV was involved in an accident with an 18-wheeler on the north side of San Antonio. Her vehicle became lodged underneath the semi’s trailer while attempting a turn, which left her trapped insider her own vehicle. Eventually, she was removed from her SUV by first responders and then transported to the San Antonio Military Medical Center.
According to San Antonio Fire Department Engineer Jesse Davila, the driver of the SUV was driving southward on Nacogdoches Road when she tried to turn across the southbound lane. As she attempted her turn, her vehicle collided with the truck near Evans Road. It was reported that the driver of the semi was uninjured in the accident.
While the details of the wreck are still undetermined, it’s no great secret that trucking-related accidents are on the rise, especially in Texas. A surprising number of these trucking collisions are caused by negligent truck drivers who may be more apt to speed, drive aggressively, drive while fatigued, or operate under the influence. Others are simply driving distracted or are unaware of their surroundings.
Other factors in these incidents are often more closely related to an industry-wide sense of urgency for delivery that sometimes trumps the safety of other drivers on the road. Scheduling demands, coupled with spotty adherence to regulations, lead to thousands of avoidable accidents and fatalities every year. There are simply too many truck drivers facing unreasonable deadlines behind the wheels of overloaded, overweight trucks. Many times, these drivers haven’t received adequate safety training – training that could potentially help them avoid accidents that result in severe injuries or even death.
Furthermore, when accidents do occur, the injured parties often face an overwhelming and uphill legal battle. First of all, it can be difficult to recoup damages related to property damage and personal injury, as these companies are governed by a complex system of law that can be difficult to navigate. They also possess a wealth of financial and legal resources that give them an edge when attempting to deflect responsibility for any negligence. They have been known to pressure plaintiffs into recording damaging statements as well as setting up surveillance or even tampering with evidence. In the hopes of resolving the matter as cheaply as possible, a common tactic is to offer low-ball settlements before victims have had the opportunity to speak with an attorney.
Regardless of the methods a trucking company may use to discourage litigation, the responsible parties need to be held accountable when drivers cause accidents through their negligence. In order to do so, plaintiffs should seek experienced, aggressive legal representation. They should seek out an attorney who is willing to go the extra mile to protect their rights.
Crosley Law Firm has a comprehensive, in-depth knowledge of Texas law and Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration regulations. Because of this, we know what it takes to ensure that negligent trucking companies are held responsible for the damages they cause and the injuries they inflict. To do so, we enlist accident reconstruction experts, examine drivers’ history and logbooks, consult with trucking experts, investigate the safety of the trucks themselves, and thoroughly interview all witnesses to determine the exact nature of the truck drivers’ negligence.
If you or someone you know has been injured or lost a loved one as the result of a trucking accident, you need the help of a qualified, experienced team of legal professionals. Crosley Law Firm offers a “No-Fee Policy” and free consultations, so please call us today at (877) 535-4529 to begin your journey to justice.
Reference:
Wilson, M. (2015, April 23). Woman pinned inside SUV wedged under 18-wheeler on north side. My San Antonio. Retrieved from http://www.mysanantonio.com/news/local/article/Woman-pinned-inside-SUV-wedged-under-18-wheeler-6219299.php
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