Have you suffered injuries in an accident involving an 18-wheeler, semi-truck or commercial vehicle? Magenheim Zehnder is here to help. We have experienced truck accident attorneys who are ready to fight for your rights. Contact us today for a free consultation and let us help you get the compensation you deserve.
Magenheim Zehnder will guide you or a family member through the legal process. Truck drivers and commercial truck companies often have the advantage in legal cases. They often have deep pockets and a team of lawyers. At Magenheim Zehnder, we have expertise and experience in the area of truck accident cases…enough to fight against even the largest trucking and insurance companies. We fight to ensure that our clients receive the compensation they deserve. Contact the Houston truck accident lawyers at Magenheim Zehnder today, and let us walk through the process with you.
Introduction to Truck Accidents in Houston
An accident with a large commercial truck, semis, or big rig can be a scary and traumatizing experience. These accidents often result in devastating injuries and extensive property damage. They can also leave victims unsure of their rights. It is easy to get overwhelmed by the legal process and insurance company representatives. That’s where a Houston truck accident lawyer can help. Don’t delay in reaching out! The sooner you contact Magenheim Zehnder for a consultation, the sooner we can get you compensation for damages.
There are hundreds of large truck accidents every day. It is essential for anyone injured in such a crash to contact an experienced truck accident attorney. There are many complex legal issues to work through. Big trucking companies often have dedicated legal teams to help them navigate these challenges. Do you? This is where Magenheim Zehnder comes in. We can provide you with the resources you need to get the compensation you deserve.
Were you partly to blame for the accident? Don’t let that hold you back from contacting Magenheim Zehnder. We can help you find out what options you may have. Texas law allows accident victims to recover damages, as long as a jury determines that the trucking company or its driver is at least 50% responsible for causing the accident.
For example, if the jury finds you were 30% at fault in the truck accident, you’ll still be able to recover 70% of the remaining damages. This is called “apportionment.” You receive the portion of compensation that you are entitled to. Here’s another example. Let’s say the jury awards $5,000 in damages, but has put 50% of fault on the plaintiff. The plaintiff’s portion of the damages will be 50% of $5000, which equals $2500. However, if a plaintiff is found more than 50% responsible for the accident, they will not recover anything, and may actually owe the other party money.
It’s complicated! These legal complexities make truck accident cases difficult without the help of a trained and experienced attorney on your side. Our team will devote our full attention to your case and your specific set of circumstances. Our lawyers at Magenheim Zehnder are ready to take your call.
Truck Driver Is at Fault
The truck drivers themselves may be at fault in the accident. Truck drivers could be at fault for many reasons. Some of the most common include speeding, driving under the influence of alcohol, or not taking the required breaks and rests based on their logbooks. A lack of sleep on the part of the trucker could also cause an accident. An impairment like this can have deadly results. If a truck driver was negligent and that negligence caused your crash, then you will need a talented and trustworthy attorney to prove it. Magenheim Zehnder is ready to take your case!
Truck Company Is at Fault
In addition to the truck driver being at fault, the trucking company may be at fault and responsible for its driver’s actions and/or omissions. Aside from the driver’s actions, in some instances, the truck company is at fault due to negligence or improper maintenance of their vehicles or failing to adequately train and supervise its drivers. These examples are but a few that illustrate the negligent patterns of some trucking companies.. In these cases, you should not have to suffer because of someone else’s carelessness!
Don’t go it alone. Instead, get help from a Houston personal injury attorney. The lawyer you choose should have expert knowledge of federal and state trucking regulations. Our attorneys at Magenheim Zehnder have the expertise to investigate your case and determine who is at fault. If we can prove the truck company is liable, you can trust us to hold them accountable. We have experience battling the resources and expertise of a trucking company’s in-house counsel (legal team).
How To Find A Qualified Truck Accident Attorney In Houston, Texas
Here are some of the key questions you should ask yourself when searching for a truck accident attorney:
- What is their success rate?
- What is the law firm’s primary focus?
- Has the attorney handled a truck accident claim before?
- Do they have experience negotiating with insurance companies?
- What are the ways this firm will protect my interests?
It is important that you find someone you trust to handle such a complex and potentially life-altering situation. The attorneys at Magenheim Zehnder in Houston pride themselves on honesty and transparency. With our expertise and experience, our team can guide you through the legal process. We will help investigate the cause of the accident and identify responsible parties. We will also negotiate with insurance companies. In other words, Magenheim Zehnder can provide you with the support and guidance you need during this difficult time. The bottom line is, we will fight for your rights and the compensation you deserve.
What To Do If You Are Injured in Harris County
No matter where you are, the first thing you should do if you are injured is call for help. That initial call could save lives! It will also help decrease the amount of recovery time your injuries need, if you care for them quickly.
What is the severity of your injuries? If you are able to, gather information at the scene of the accident before you leave. Take photographs of the vehicles involved, and the general area. If road conditions were hazardous or weather made driving difficult, document this too. Collect the contact information from all those involved. If there were eyewitnesses, obtain their contact information too. This will all be valuable evidence for a future case. However, if motorists are speeding by, or you are at risk of injury where you are standing, skip this step. Do not try to gather information at the expense of your own health.
Next, be sure to get the medical care you need. You should see a doctor immediately, regardless of whether or not you feel like your injuries warrant it. A trip to the doctor is another way to ensure that you have documentation of your injuries. This information can be crucial in establishing who was at fault. It is also needed to get fair compensation in a truck accident lawsuit.
Once you have gotten medical treatment, call an attorney like Magenheim Zehnder. You have our commitment to do whatever we can to help get you what you need and what you deserve.
How Can a Truck Accident Lawyer Help Me with My Case?
Our team at Magenheim Zehnder in Houston will be with you from the start of your case until the very end. A truck accident lawyer can work with you to make sure you get the compensation that you deserve and to make sure your case is handled professionally and efficiently.
Our attorneys can:
- Help guide you through the process. We will outline the steps of your claim.
- Identify who is at fault. The likelihood that all rules were followed by the person behind the wheel of the truck is slim. If there is evidence that the driver was negligent, we will find it.
- Prevent you from making mistakes. The legal process has many steps, and laws can be complex. Don’t try to go it alone.
- Help you plan for the future. You may not know the full effect of the accident yet, or the treatment that you will need in the future. Our lawyers will fight for compensation to pay for past medical bills and ongoing treatment.
The Danger of Commercial Truck Accidents On Texas Roads
Commercial trucks, also known as big rigs or 18-wheelers, are a common sight on Texas roads and across the United States. There are more than 3,233 miles of interstate highway in Texas, and hundreds of accidents a day involving commercial trucks.
According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), most commercial truck accidents are caused by one of three things:
1. The truck leaving its lane.
There are many reasons that a truck might leave its lane. These include driver fatigue, distraction, or poor road conditions. A Houston truck accident lawyer like those at Magenheim Zehnder can help determine the specific cause of the accident. We will hold the responsible parties accountable for their negligence.
2. Loss of control of the vehicle.
Another way a driver’s actions can hurt others is when they lose control of their vehicle. Commercial trucks have immense size and weight. They can cause severe damage to both property and individuals if a driver loses control. In addition, a driver who is under the influence of substances like alcohol or drugs is even more likely to lose control of their rig.
3. Running into the back of another vehicle.
Commercial trucks are necessary for transporting cargo, but they also present a very real danger to the safety of other drivers on the road. For example, when a commercial truck runs into the back of another vehicle, the results can be vastly different from when two passenger cars collide. The sheer size and weight of commercial trucks can make accidents catastrophic. There may be extensive injuries, property damage, or even fatalities.
Some Other Causes of Commercial Truck Crashes
Road Conditions
Wet or icy roads are difficult for all motorists, whether in passenger vehicles or trucks. However, the size and weight of big rigs makes them especially dangerous for truck drivers.
Uneven roads
Uneven roads can be difficult to handle in any type of motor vehicle, but even more so in a large truck or 18-wheeler. High-profile vehicles have the potential to tip over if tires sink in potholes or the shoulder of the road.
Speeding
Sometimes, commercial trucks are packed with too much weight. Even if the trucker is going under the speed limit, the weight on the semi might make it harder to stop suddenly, especially on highways. These dangers are compounded when a commercial truck driver is operating above the speed limit.
Hazardous equipment
The driver of an 18-wheeler may not have a safe rig to begin with. There may have been an oversight with the tires or engine not being serviced. Most commercial truck drivers are required to inspect their vehicle and load both prior to and at the completion of a haul. The failure to inspect the vehicle may also contribute to causing a crash.
Distracted driving
Any driver can become distracted, but with commercial trucks, distractions can be deadly. Drivers who are eating or texting on their phone can take their eyes off the road, leading to an accident. Oftentimes, commercial truck drivers are not properly trained or simply regard the rules of the road regarding distracted driving. This often can result in dire consequences for both the driver and the public.
It is crucial for people involved in truck accidents to consult with a specialized lawyer. These expert attorneys have the ability to pinpoint the at-fault party and make sure they are held accountable. At Magenheim Zehnder in Houston, we will ensure you receive a fair truck accident settlement.
2023 Texas Commercial Truck Accident Statistics
- Houston truck accidents result in more than 200 fatalities per year.
- Speeding of any kind is the leading factor in truck accidents. It accounts for a large portion of fatal collisions.
- Fatal truck accidents can also occur because a driver is distracted.
- Most fatal truck accidents in Texas occur on rural roads, not on interstates.
- Many truck accidents in Houston involve commercial vehicles.
- Statistics show that the majority of truck accident victims in Houston suffer from long-term injuries.
- There was a large increase in truck crashes in 2023. Deaths involving commercial trucks also rose greatly in 2023. This has led to an increased demand for Houston truck accident lawyers.
- Houston truck accident lawyers – like the ones at Magenheim Zehnder – win millions of dollars in compensation for their clients each year.
The statistics tell a story. Commercial truck accidents have increased dramatically in Texas, especially in Harris County. It is important for drivers to stay careful and alert. If you or your family have been in an accident involving a truck, call Magenheim Zehnder in Houston. Our lawyers are experienced in handling legal issues from these accidents. We can provide the guidance and support you and your family need.
Why You Need a Truck Accident Lawyer
Trucking accidents in Houston can be complex and often involve multiple parties. Truck drivers, trucking companies, and insurance companies, along with the general public. Typically, injuries suffered are severe in crashes involving commercial vehicles and pedestrian vehicles.
You need a commercial truck accident lawyer to make sure your rights are protected. It is difficult to be an expert in everything, so that’s where a good lawyer can make all the difference. Our attorneys at Magenheim Zehnder will navigate these complexities, gather evidence, fight for your rights and get you the maximum possible compensation. Contact us today for a consultation!
Preliminary Evaluation
Our work together begins with a preliminary case evaluation. We will determine if a case has merit and who the responsible Parties could be. Those Parties will be investigated for prior lawsuits, history of prior incidents, and other relevant information. A prompt investigation often means the difference between a poor recovery and a successful one. Was the wreck the result of faulty equipment, overloading the vehicle or trailer, driver inattention, intoxication or some other violation? A prompt investigation can uncover valuable information and set the claims on the right path.
OVERVIEW
Liability determination, accident reconstruction, medical appointments and schedules and corresponding and sorting out applicable insurance coverages and issues are all crucial at the early stage of a commercial crash.
If you or a loved one have suffered injuries in a commercial crash, please contact Magenheim Zehnder as soon as possible.