Trucking accidents are horrifying experiences for everyone involved. When large commercial trucks collide with smaller passenger vehicles, the results are often catastrophic. And numerous studies show that commercial vehicle accidents are on the rise nationwide. If you’ve been hurt in a commercial vehicle wreck in Corpus Christi, you need a Corpus Christi commercial vehicle accident attorney to help you determine your next steps and decide a path forward. So if you’ve been injured in a trucking accident in Corpus Christi, read on to learn more about what to do now.
Types of Commercial VehiclesCommercial vehicles are any type of motor vehicle used to transport goods and/or paying passengers. There are many types of commercial vehicles. These include—but are not limited to:
There are many different factors that contribute to the high rates of commercial vehicle accidents nationwide. For instance, commercial trucks are generally much taller than ordinary cars—resulting in a higher center of gravity and a greater tendency to roll over. Commercial vehicle wrecks are often caused by one or more of the following:
Negligent or Distracted DriversSpeeding, driving under the influence, or texting and driving are common causes of trucking wrecks. Commercial truck drivers often work long hours, and driving for hours at a time can be monotonous. But drivers who negligently decide to text and drive or drink behind the wheel to numb the boredom put others at extreme risk.
Fatigued DriversTrucking companies often subject their drivers to strict schedules and even stricter deadlines. Because of this, driver fatigue is a serious problem facing the industry and leads to thousands of accidents each year.
Improperly Loaded Cargo or Overloaded TrucksIf commercial trucks are not properly loaded, the balance of the vehicle may be thrown off, which may lead to a crash.
Improperly Maintained TrucksIf commercial vehicles are not properly maintained, accidents may occur. All equipment on these vehicles should be up-to-date on their inspections, but occasionally equipment may malfunction as well.
Why Commercial Vehicle Wreck Cases are Unlike Other Car AccidentsUnlike ordinary drivers, commercial vehicle drivers have to abide by federal trucking laws that govern everything from how much cargo their vehicles can transport to hours of service. This means that commercial vehicle wrecks are litigated on both a state and federal level. What this means is that not all lawyers who specialize in car accidents have the knowledge base required to successfully navigate a commercial vehicle case. For this reason, it’s imperative that you choose a personal injury attorney who specifically specializes in commercial vehicle wrecks and has the knowledge needed to win your claim.
Need a Lawyer? Call Us TodayHere at Carabin Shaw, our Corpus Christi commercial vehicle accident attorneys have more than 200 years of combined legal experience, and have recovered more than $1 billion in settlements for our clients. We specialize in commercial trucking accident claims, and we can help you understand the full range of your legal options following your commercial vehicle wreck. Because we work on a contingency fee basis, you don’t have to pay us unless we win your case. Best of all, we offer all new clients a no cost, no obligation initial consultation with an attorney. So if you’re ready to learn about your rights and find out the true value of your claim, call our Corpus Christi offices at 361-444-1111 to schedule your free consultation today. Don’t suffer alone—let us help you in the aftermath of your trucking accident in Corpus Christi.