Side-impact truck accidents in Houston are, unfortunately, common. Due to the city’s status as a major shipping port, a high volume of commercial truck traffic crosses the roads every day. Side-impact collisions involving trucks pose a significant risk to motorists and pedestrians.
Understanding these accidents and seeking assistance from an experienced law firm is essential to protect your rights and pursue fair compensation. When you suffer an injury in a commercial vehicle crash, speak to a knowledgeable truck collision attorney immediately.
Understanding Side-Impact Truck Wreck Causes
Side-impact truck accidents, also known as T-bone accidents or broadside collisions, occur when the front or rear of a truck strikes the side of another vehicle. These accidents often happen at intersections or when trucks change lanes without proper caution. Due to the weight disparity between trucks and passenger vehicles, side-impact collisions can result in devastating injuries, extensive property damage, and, in some cases, fatalities.
Several actions could lead to a side-impact truck collision in Houston:
- Failure to yield the right of way
- Distracted driving
- Fatigued and drowsy driving
- Speeding and reckless driving
T-bone truck crashes could have severe consequences for an injured person. The force of impact from a truck hitting the side of a passenger vehicle can cause devastating injuries, including head trauma, spinal cord injuries, broken bones, internal organ damage, and severe lacerations. In addition, victims often face extensive medical treatments, rehabilitation, loss of income, emotional trauma, and reduced quality of life.
Damages in a Side-Impact Truck Crash
Side-impact truck wrecks can leave a person with significant physical, emotional, and financial burdens. An injured person may receive compensation in court through economic, non-economic, and, in rare cases, punitive damages.
Economic damages refer to the quantifiable financial losses a person suffers in a side-impact truck collision. These damages typically include current and future medical expenses, such as hospital bills, surgeries, medication costs, rehabilitation, and therapy. Additionally, economic damages encompass lost wages and earning capacity resulting from the inability to work because of accident-related injuries. A person should keep meticulous records of all medical treatments received, invoices, and documentation of missed workdays to support their claim for economic damages.
Non-economic damages aim to compensate victims for their physical and emotional pain and suffering. These damages are more subjective and could include reimbursement for physical pain, emotional distress, and the impact on personal relationships. Determining the appropriate amount for non-economic damages can be challenging, as they are not easily quantifiable. A skilled attorney in Houston could help a person present evidence and expert testimony to support their claim for non-economic damages after a side-impact crash.
A court may award punitive damages in rare cases involving T-bone truck collisions. Punitive damages punish the party responsible for gross negligence or intentional misconduct, serving as a deterrent to similar behavior. To secure punitive damages, a person must demonstrate that the trucker or trucking company acted recklessly or with a deliberate disregard for the safety of others.
Contact an Attorney After Side- Impact Truck Accidents in Houston
Side-impact truck accidents in Houston could devastate a person and their family. Understanding the causes and seeking legal recourse is crucial for obtaining justice and fair compensation. By partnering with an experienced law firm specializing in truck accident cases, you can receive the guidance, support, and representation needed to navigate the legal process effectively. Contact us today to learn more about your legal options.