Driving on the highways throughout Texas makes it evident the amount of freight hauled by big rigs across the state. In the Austin area, and on the highways and roads throughout the area, accidents with big trucks are all too common.
An accident involving a semi-truck and trailer is often very different than an accident with another passenger vehicle. The sheer size and weight of these trucks, combined with the added weight of the freight, make an accident with these vehicles much more likely to result in a tragic death or a significant medical issue.
Knowing the Industry
Hiring an attorney in Austin with experience in representing injured parties in big truck accidents is an advantage. A big truck accident lawyer should have a complete understanding of the industry, which is instrumental in obtaining evidence and proving liability or negligence that may have contributed to the accident.
For example, many trucking companies push drivers to exceed the FMCSA (Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration) requirements for breaks and time away from driving. When drivers are not following these required stops and breaks, they become a greater risk on the road.
Determining Liability and Recreating the Accident
A big truck accident lawyer is also essential in ensuring all parties are named in the suit. Sometimes there may be multiple parties involved, and this can make it more complex and challenging. This is often the case if there is a mechanical failure that contributed to the accident that may not be directly the fault of the company or the driver, but may be the fault of the manufacturer or even the mechanic.
A top big truck accident lawyer not only can determine liability, but he or she has a team of experts to call on to be able to re-create the accident based on evidence, eyewitness reports and statements from everyone involved. This type of evidence can be extremely powerful should the case need to go through to litigation.
