Head-on truck crashes in Houston can be devastating for the people involved, with the occupants of smaller vehicles often bearing the brunt of the crash. If you suffered severe or catastrophic injuries due to the negligence of a truck driver, trucking company, or another responsible party, contact an experienced Houston truck accident lawyer at The Callahan Law Firm right away.
We could help you hold the at-fault party accountable for the harm you’ve suffered and losses you’ve incurred through no fault of your own. Contact us for a free consultation today.
Causes of Head-On Truck Collisions in Houston
No one ever anticipates being involved in a head-on collision, particularly because two vehicles should never be traveling in opposite directions in the same lane. When it happens, something has clearly gone wrong, and someone’s negligence is almost always to blame.
Some of the most common causes of head-on collisions include:
- Distracted driving
- Speeding
- Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- Driver fatigue
- Improper passing
- Reckless driving
- Driver inexperience
- Negligent hiring practices
- Inadequate maintenance
- Driving too fast in dangerous weather conditions
- Faulty parts
Depending on the circumstances, multiple parties could share responsibility for a head-on truck crash. For example, if the truck driver was intoxicated at the time of the crash, they could be liable for the accident. If the trucking company was aware of a history of drunk driving, or if the trucker had failed sobriety tests in the past, the company could also be held accountable for failing to take action. If the driver was an employee, the company would be vicariously liable for the driver’s negligence.
Your case will likely require a thorough investigation to understand the cause of the accident and identify all liable parties. That is why it’s crucial to hire a lawyer who has specific experience handling truck accident cases to represent you and help you seek the compensation you deserve.
Common Injuries Caused by Head-On Truck Accidents
Head-on truck collisions are among the worst types of accidents, frequently leaving victims with severe or potentially catastrophic injuries. Common injuries from head-on trucking crashes include:
- Broken bones
- Burn injuries
- Loss of limbs
- Internal injuries
- Back and neck injuries
- Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
- Head injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- Crush injuries
Because head-on collisions are often violent, some victims do not survive their injuries. If you lost a loved one in a head-on crash caused by someone else’s negligence, surviving family members might be eligible to pursue a wrongful death action against the at-fault parties.
Liability for Head-On Truck Collisions
To recover the full compensation you’re owed, you will have to identify the party or parties responsible for the crash and your injuries and prove that they were negligent in some manner. This means that you’ll have to show that they had a duty to act responsibly and failed to do so, which led to your accident.
Multiple parties could potentially share responsibility for a truck crash, including:
- The truck driver
- The owner of the truck
- The trucking company
- The shipping company
- The individual or company in charge of truck maintenance
- Truck part manufacturers
- The cargo loading company or the owner of the truck’s cargo
Typically, an investigation will reveal the cause of the head-on collision. The investigation process can shed light on who might be responsible for the accident.
What Should You Do After a Houston Head-On Truck Collision?
After a head-on truck accident, you should do everything possible to take care of your injuries and protect your right for compensation. After a head-on accident, steps you should take include:
- Seek medical attention and complete treatment. Always put yourself and your health first. After a head-on truck accident, seek medical attention right away. Injuries after an accident can show up later on. You may feel fine at first. However, during a traumatic event like an accident, the body releases adrenaline, potentially masking the pain or symptoms of severe injuries. A medical examination may reveal these injuries, allowing you to get treatment sooner. Also, be sure to follow through with all medical treatment and recommendations. Anything related to your accident should be documented in your medical records. These records can play a vital role in your claim.
- Keep track of losses. It is best to document all losses related to your collision, whether tangible or intangible. These losses can include economic losses, like medical bills, or non-economic losses, like mental anguish. An accurate log of all losses can be beneficial to your case. Your attorney can use it when tabulating a monetary value for your claim and seeking compensation on your behalf.
- Never admit fault. Accidentally admitting fault frequently happens after a truck accident. Sometimes, people are confused or disoriented in the aftermath of a crash and might offer an apology or other statement that could be construed as admitting fault for the crash. Be careful what you say and who you speak to after the accident. The other party involved in the collision could try to use what you say against you to avoid paying for your injuries.
- Consult with a head-on truck accident lawyer in Houston. Confusion and uncertainty are common after a truck crash. Talking to an attorney with specific experience handling head-on truck accident cases could help you understand your rights and legal options.
Talk to Our Houston Head-On Truck Accident Lawyer Today
The Callahan Law Firm has fought for the rights of people injured in Houston for more than two decades. We have the skills and resources to handle even the most complex of truck accident cases.
At our firm, you are not one of many. We keep our case volume low to ensure that our clients receive the personalized attention they deserve.
After a head-on truck accident in Houston, you have one opportunity to file a claim and pursue compensation for your injuries. Our Houston head on truck accident attorneys want to help you do it right. Contact us today for a free case evaluation with a knowledgeable member of our team.