Two Injured After Multiple 18-Wheeler Accident
A catastrophic accident wreaked havoc on the Southwest Freeway in Fort Bend County on January 21. The accident involved four 18-wheelers, causing major traffic disruptions starting in the early morning hours. One of the trucks overturned, while another was jackknifed, and a third collided with the other damaged rigs, creating a chain reaction between the three.
Authorities responded quickly, and two drivers were transported to the hospital. The crash left debris on the highway, forcing the closure of northbound lanes for hours as cleanup efforts continued. Fort Bend County officials have urged residents to avoid unnecessary travel in the area. Drivers are encouraged to stay off the roads as authorities continue to monitor the situation
With years of experience with truck accident cases, Lassiter Law Firm understands the complexity of such incidents. Our skilled attorneys have the know how to navigate the legal challenges following a major truck crash, ensuring victims receive the compensation they deserve. We’re here to help those affected by accidents like the one on the Southwest Freeway.
Award-Winning Houston Commercial Truck Accident Attorneys
At Lassiter Law Firm, we have decades of experience handling cases involving accidents with 18-wheelers and large trucks. Our Houston-area truck attorneys have a proven track record of success in helping victims secure the compensation they deserve. We have earned wide recognition in the legal community and have won over $300 million over a twenty-year period. If you’ve been injured in an accident involving a large truck, we are here to provide the support and guidance you need to navigate the legal process.
Our team works closely with clients to understand their unique situation and offer personalized legal strategies. We strive to ensure that our clients receive not only the legal representation they deserve but also the attention and care they need to recover from their injuries. Whether you’re facing medical bills, lost wages, or emotional distress, we are committed to fighting for your rights.
Accidents with 18-Wheelers Have the Potential for Wide Pandemonium
Accidents involving 18-wheelers often lead to widespread chaos on the road. Due to the sheer size of these trucks, the impact of a collision can be devastating, affecting multiple vehicles and causing severe traffic disruptions. The aftermath of such an accident is typically marked by a long and difficult cleanup process. Not only do these accidents take a toll on those directly involved, but they also block roads and delay emergency services. Additionally, the involvement of trucking companies adds a layer of complexity to liability concerns, delaying any final resolution for those involved. For victims, this means navigating a complex legal and medical journey to recovery.
The aftermath of an 18-wheeler accident often includes challenges for first responders, law enforcement, and insurance companies, who must work together to address the fallout. Large trucks can cause considerable damage to infrastructure, including roadways and bridges, which may take time to repair. Victims of these accidents face significant hurdles in getting their claims processed, requiring skilled legal representation to ensure that they are fully compensated for their losses.
Large Trucks Can Multiply the Risk of Traffic Accidents and Their Consequences
These accidents tend to be more severe due to a big rig’s size and weight, causing significant damage and life-altering injuries or fatalities for those in smaller vehicles. Out-of-control trucks are a frequent cause of chain reactions. Additionally, the aftermath of the crash itself typically includes road closures, traffic delays, and complex legal procedures, leaving victims with medical bills, lost wages, and long recovery periods.
The presence of large trucks poses an imposing obstacle for drivers to navigate, especially if it’s stopped or involved in a crash. Other drivers may not see it in time to avoid a collision. These factors make it crucial for victims to seek experienced legal counsel simply because of the tricky mechanics of such a large and complex crash.
Large Trucks Jackknife Easily
Jackknife accidents occur when a truck’s trailer swings out from the cab, often blocking multiple lanes and creating a dangerous situation for other drivers. These accidents can happen unexpectedly, making it difficult for vehicles, especially smaller ones, to avoid collisions. The sudden nature of a jackknife accident often results in significant damage and can cause long delays as emergency services work to clear the scene. In fact, these accidents pose a special risk of triggering chain reactions like the one on Southwest Freeway. Victims of these accidents typically face serious injuries and a complex legal process in the aftermath.
Wide Turns
Wide turns are a challenge when driving alongside large trucks, as they require significant space to complete safely. This can be hazardous for smaller vehicles, especially in congested traffic where turns may block multiple lanes, causing accidents or forcing drivers to make quick adjustments. The truck’s size and tight intersection turns make these accidents common, often leading to side-impact collisions when smaller vehicles don’t anticipate the truck’s maneuver. These crashes can be severe, particularly if the truck’s cargo shifts or spills during the turn.
Underride Collisions
Underride accidents occur when a smaller vehicle crashes underneath a large truck, often leading to severe injuries or fatalities as the vehicle becomes trapped beneath the truck’s trailer. These collisions are particularly dangerous due to the lack of protection for the occupants of the smaller vehicle. Despite safety regulations aimed at preventing underride accidents, they still occur, especially with trucks that have low-hanging trailers or insufficient safety barriers. The devastating nature of these accidents underscores the need for stronger safety measures and the importance of seeking legal representation if involved in such a collision.
Cargo Spilling
Spilled cargo is a major hazard in truck accidents, especially when a truck’s load is improperly secured. During a collision, cargo can spill onto the road, blocking lanes and causing drivers to swerve, leading to further accidents. If the cargo includes hazardous materials, it can create additional risks like fires or toxic exposure. Spilled cargo can also damage roadways and the surrounding environment, making cleanup efforts more complicated and extending the time needed to clear the accident scene. Emergency responders must address both the wreckage and the potential hazards caused by the cargo.
Consequences of Motor Vehicle Accidents Involving Big-Rigs
Any accident, including those involving big rigs and 18-wheelers, can have far-reaching impacts on victims, affecting not only their physical health but also their financial stability and emotional well-being. The consequences of such accidents extend beyond the immediate damage to the vehicles involved. Victims often face long-term medical issues, physical pain, and financial burdens, including lost wages and high medical bills. Moreover, the emotional toll of a serious accident can disrupt the lives of victims and their families.
Whether it’s dealing with serious injuries, battling insurance companies, or navigating the complex legal system, those involved in trucking accidents need experienced legal help to ensure that they are fairly compensated for their suffering. The consequences of these accidents can be overwhelming, making it all the more important for victims to seek professional legal counsel.
Physical Injuries
The Immense size and weight of the vehicles involved multiplies the impact of injuries when they occur. These injuries can include broken bones, lacerations, burns, traumatic head injuries, and spinal injuries, among others. The severity of these injuries depends on various factors, including the speed of the crash, the location of impact, and whether safety measures like seatbelts were used.
Due to the force of impact in truck accidents, injuries tend to be more serious and may require extensive medical treatment. Victims may need surgery, physical therapy, or long-term care, which can lead to mounting medical expenses. The road to recovery can be long, and some injuries may never fully heal, making it important for victims to seek the compensation they deserve.
Broken Bones
Broken bones are one of the most common injuries sustained in truck accidents. These fractures can vary in severity, from simple breaks to complex compound fractures that require surgery. The recovery process for broken bones can take months, with victims often needing physical therapy to regain full use of their limbs.
Lacerations
Lacerations caused by truck accidents can range from minor cuts to deep, life-threatening injuries. These cuts can be caused by broken glass, debris from the crash, or contact with the truck itself. Depending on the severity of the lacerations, victims may need stitches, and in some cases, the scars can be permanent.
Burns
Burns from truck accidents are often caused by fires or explosions that occur after a collision. These burns can be particularly severe if the truck was carrying hazardous materials. The NIH observes that burns from traffic accidents pose special problems, and the impact of even these injuries multiplies with large rigs since many contain hazardous materials.
Traumatic Head Injuries
Head injuries are a significant concern in truck accidents. Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) can result from a direct blow to the head, the force of the crash, or the victim being thrown around the vehicle. These injuries can cause long-term cognitive and physical impairments, making recovery difficult.
Spinal Injuries
Spinal injuries are among the most severe consequences of truck accidents. Vehicle accidents in general cause almost half of these injuries, according to the Mayo Clinic. Damage to the spinal cord can result in partial or complete paralysis, requiring extensive medical care and rehabilitation. Victims of spinal injuries may face permanent disabilities, affecting their quality of life and ability to work.
Increased Insurance Rates
Insurance companies might increase rates following almost any payout. This increase can be especially burdensome for those already dealing with medical bills and lost wages. Since insurance premiums are calculated based on risk, the involvement of a large truck raises costs for everyone. If the trucking company or its insurer is found at fault, it could lead to higher premiums for other truck owners, affecting the broader community. In some cases, these increased rates persist for years, further straining victims’ financial recovery.
Property Damage
Accidents involving 18-wheelers often result in significant property damage due to the size and weight of the trucks, causing destruction to vehicles, buildings, and infrastructure. Victims may face costly repairs or even have to replace damaged property, adding a financial burden to their recovery. In some cases, damaged property may be irreparable, and victims must take on the responsibility of restoration. Property damage can also extend to public infrastructure, requiring expensive repairs. Navigating insurance claims for property damage can be challenging, especially if the trucking company’s insurer disputes the extent of the damage.
Lost Wages
Truck accidents often result in significant time off work for victims, leading to the loss of wages and income. Whether due to injuries or the need to recover from the trauma of the crash, victims may be unable to return to work for weeks or even months. The longer the recovery period, the more severe the financial strain can become. Lost wages can significantly impact a person’s ability to meet everyday expenses, making it more difficult to focus on their recovery.
In many cases, victims may also experience a reduction in their earning potential due to permanent injuries sustained in the crash. Some even need retraining or vocational rehabilitation. If an individual is unable to return to the same job or perform the same tasks, the financial consequences are even more profound. Working with a knowledgeable attorney who understands how to secure compensation for lost wages is crucial in these situations.
Emotional Impact of Serious Accidents
Accidents involving large trucks can have a lasting emotional impact on victims, often leading to anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The mental toll of being involved in a serious crash is sometimes even more devastating than the physical injuries. For victims, coping with emotional trauma may take years of therapy and counseling. This can add another layer of complexity to the recovery process, requiring additional financial and emotional support.
Impact on Victims
These accidents impact the direct victims first, and they may struggle for years after the initial trauma. Whether it’s through nightmares, panic attacks, or constant fear of being on the road, the emotional scars of a crash are not easily healed. Victims may feel a sense of loss, including the loss of independence, and may have difficulty adjusting to life after the accident. This emotional impact needs to be considered when determining the full extent of compensation a victim deserves.
Impact on Families
Truck accidents not only affect the victims but also have a profound impact on their families. Loved ones may find themselves shouldering the burden of caregiving and supporting the victim during their recovery. Financial stress due to lost wages and medical bills can create tension within families, and the emotional toll on family members can be equally overwhelming. Families must adapt to a new dynamic, which can sometimes cause long-term strain on relationships and the overall household.
Impact on Communities
The broader community is also affected by truck accidents. In addition to the direct impact on victims and their families, these crashes can disrupt local economies and infrastructure. Road closures and delays can create widespread traffic congestion, while damaged roads and vehicles may take time to repair. The long-term effects of such accidents have a ripple effect, highlighting the need for preventive measures and greater accountability in the trucking industry.
Insurance Companies May Complicate Claims
Dealing with insurance companies after a truck accident can be an overwhelming experience. While many victims expect their insurance provider to support them in their time of need, the reality is often much different. Insurance companies are in business to make a profit, and they often look for ways to minimize payouts. This means that victims of truck accidents must be prepared for a long and often difficult claims process. Without experienced legal representation, victims may find themselves at a disadvantage when negotiating with insurance adjusters.
Insurance companies often use a variety of tactics to reduce their payment amount. This can include questioning the extent of the injuries, delaying settlements, or offering lowball compensation in hopes of quickly closing the case. Victims who are already dealing with the physical and emotional aftermath of an accident don’t need this added layer of stress. Having an attorney on your side is critical in ensuring that you receive fair compensation. Sometimes, we may even be able to help with a complaint through the Texas Department of Insurance.
Complex Cases Lead to Delayed Settlements
Multiple parties tend to complexify accidents involving trucks. These parties might include the trucking company, driver, and insurance company. Determining fault amongst these parties requires thorough investigations that can take months or even years, delaying compensation for victims’ injuries, property damage, and lost wages. The complexity is further compounded by the need to prove negligence, often involving factors like driver fatigue, mechanical failure, or improperly loaded cargo. These cases require expert testimony and careful investigation, making the settlement process longer and more frustrating for victims who need timely compensation to recover and move forward.
Large Trucking Companies Sometimes Complicate Questions of Liability
Determining liability in truck accident cases is often more complex than in other accidents, as the trucking company, driver, and vehicle manufacturer may all share responsibility. Trucking companies may attempt to avoid liability by blaming the driver or external factors, making it harder for victims to prove their case. With powerful legal teams working to protect their interests, these companies may use various strategies to shift blame. An experienced truck accident attorney can navigate this complexity, ensuring accountability for each responsible party and fair compensation for the victims.
Insurers May Offer Lowball Settlements to Get Rid of Complicated Claims
After a truck accident, insurers may offer lowball settlements that are much lower than what victims are entitled to, knowing that victims often feel pressured to accept the first offer for financial relief. These initial offers may not cover long-term costs such as medical treatment, lost wages, or pain and suffering, leaving victims in financial distress later. It’s crucial to consult with an attorney before accepting any settlement to ensure victims don’t settle for less than they deserve and can pursue a fair settlement.
Insurance Companies Dismiss Important Claims and Offer Partial Settlements
Insurance companies may attempt to minimize the severity of a victim’s injuries or downplay property damage and lost wages, offering only partial settlements. Victims may feel pressured to accept these offers, even though they don’t cover the full extent of damages. It’s crucial for victims to understand they are entitled to compensation for both immediate and long-term harm caused by the accident. A knowledgeable attorney can help ensure the claim is fully evaluated, preventing insurers from undervaluing the victim’s losses.
Worst Case Scenario is Full Denial
A full denial of coverage is the worst-case scenario, occurring when the insurer argues that the accident isn’t covered under the policy or that the injuries aren’t severe enough for compensation. Victims may have to take the matter to court, as insurers often use every tactic to avoid paying. This denial can be devastating, particularly when victims rely on the settlement to cover medical bills and lost wages. An experienced attorney can help challenge the denial and ensure victims receive the compensation they deserve.
Lassiter Law Firm: Compassionate Legal Advocacy for Those in Need
We at Lassiter Law Firm understand the blow that personal injuries, workplace accidents, and wrongful death can inflict on individuals and families. The emotional, physical, and financial strain from these events can be overwhelming. As dedicated advocates, we work relentlessly to help victims recover the compensation they deserve while guiding them through every step of the legal process. Our attorneys are committed to offering personalized, compassionate support, ensuring each case receives the attention it deserves.
Our approach to each case is unique, tailored to your individual needs. Whether you’ve been involved in a car accident, suffered a workplace injury, or are seeking justice for a wrongful death, we are here to fight for the best possible outcome. At Lassiter Law Firm, we are not just focused on compensation, we seek justice for our clients with the same level of dedication and care that defines our practice.
Custom Legal Solutions for Your Unique Situation
Lassiter Law Firm provides comprehensive legal representation for a wide range of personal injury cases, including car accidents, slip-and-fall injuries, workplace incidents, and wrongful death claims. With years of combined legal experience, our firm has built a reputation for achieving favorable settlements and verdicts. We take the time to understand the full scope of your injuries or losses, allowing us to craft legal strategies that are tailored to your specific situation.
Our client-first approach means that we consider your concerns, goals, and needs in every aspect of the case. Whether we negotiate with insurance companies or take your case to court, we are committed to delivering the highest level of legal advocacy to help you recover and rebuild.
No Fees Unless We Win—Accessible Legal Help for All
At Lassiter Law Firm, we believe that everyone should have access to quality legal representation, regardless of their financial situation. We offer free initial consultations, ensuring that you can discuss your case with an experienced attorney without any obligation. We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you don’t pay us unless we win your case. This structure allows you to focus on your recovery while we handle the legal complexities.
Always Available for You—24/7 Legal Support
Accidents can occur at any time, and immediate legal assistance is crucial. That’s why Lassiter Law Firm offers 24/7 availability to address your concerns and provide legal advice when you need it most. Whether you need guidance after an accident or have questions about your claim, we are here to assist you with flexible appointment options and rapid responses, ensuring that you never feel alone on your legal journey.
Bilingual Services— Legal Support in English and Spanish
At Lassiter Law Firm, we prioritize effective communication with all our clients. To ensure that everyone has access to the legal help they need, we offer bilingual services in both English and Spanish. Our goal is to make you feel comfortable and well-informed, regardless of your language preference, so that you can confidently navigate the legal process.
Proudly Serving Houston and Beyond
With strong roots in Houston and a deep understanding of Texas law, Lassiter Law Firm is equipped to handle the unique legal challenges faced by clients in the area. From motor vehicle accidents to workplace injuries, our attorneys are well-versed in tackling the legal complexities of our region. We are committed to achieving justice for our clients and providing personalized, results-oriented legal services to help you recover and rebuild.
Get the Legal Support You Deserve—Contact Lassiter Law Firm Today For a Free Consultation
If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident, Lassiter Law Firm is here to help. With over two decades of experience and more than $300 million recovered for our clients, we are recognized for excellence in personal injury law. Our attorneys have earned accolades such as Texas Super Lawyers Rising Stars and membership in the National Top 100 Trial Lawyers, underscoring our commitment to delivering the best possible results. Contact us today at 713-521-0104 or visit our website to schedule your free consultation. Let us guide you through the complexities of personal injury law, protect your rights, and secure the compensation you deserve.