After an 18 Wheeler Underride Accident in Pecos, Texas

18 wheelers are the cause of many serious accidents. Smaller passenger vehicles in Pecos should beware of a particularly dangerous type of accident called an underride. An underride occurs when a car slides underneath an 18 wheeler when it collides with the truck’s rear end or side. Although preventative safety measures are available, most trucking companies refuse to install them on their vehicles to save money.

If you or a loved one has been severely injured or died in an underride accident with an 18 wheeler, a lawyer can work with you to make the most of your case. 18 wheeler companies will have a team of lawyers protecting them, so you must have experienced Pecos attorneys at your side. Carabin Shaw has been serving Texas for over 25 years, and we’ve won over $500,000,000 for our clients. We can help you determine your next steps after an 18 wheeler underride accident in Pecos, Texas.

Understanding an Underride Accident

Every Pecos 18 wheeler accident lawyer knows that a big rig collision with a passenger vehicle can be brutal. Because of their high ground clearance, these trucks and cars often do not have a square impact. This mismatch in size renders many of the car safety features designed to absorb impact, like airbags and crumple zones, ineffective. If a passenger vehicle collides with the rear end or side of a semi-truck, there is a high chance they will slide under the truck trailer. Many times, the passenger compartment is the first thing to be hit in this kind of accident, which can have dire consequences.

Some trucks have underride guards, which are rails hanging from the rear of a trailer designed to prevent cars from sliding under the trailer. However, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) found that even underride guards that meet federal regulations can still fail in some crashes. If you were involved in an underride accident, consult with an attorney.

Holding the Right Party Responsible

18 wheeler accidents are more complicated than a wreck between passenger vehicles because three parties can be held responsible:

1. The driver:If the driver caused the crash by driving recklessly, they would be liable. Speak with a Pecos 18 wheeler accident lawyer if you believe the driver was responsible for your wreck.
2. The manufacturer:If a manufacturer creates a faulty part or installs it poorly, then it could be liable for the accident. A failing brake pad, for example, can lead to disasters on the road. Manufacturers must abide by specific regulations. If they don’t, they can be responsible for your damages in court.
3. The trucking company: Trucking companies have a duty of care to enact necessary safety policies. They are also responsible for the actions of their drivers. If their driver was negligent, the liability could be theirs. Speak with an attorney to learn more about trucking company liability.

Types of Compensation

In Pecos 18 wheeler accidents, the plaintiff can pursue both economic damages and non-economic damages, including the following:

• Medical bills
• Loss of income
• Pain and suffering
• Car repair damages
• Disfigurement
• Loss of quality of life

To learn more about what types of damages apply to your case, consult with Pecos attorneys.

How to Win

An 18 wheeler underride accident can be devastating, and the mounting bills that come with it can be overwhelming. Thankfully, an experienced lawyer can guide you through the proper steps to make sure you get the compensation you deserve. Carabin Shaw has an experienced staff of law professionals who care about getting the best for their clients. Talk to a Pecos 18 wheeler accident lawyer at our firm today, and find out how we can be what you need to help you through this difficult time.

Get in touch with us by calling toll-free at 1-800-862-1260. You can also reach us at our Midland offices by dialing 432-620-0544.

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