Rear-end truck accidents can cause severe damage, physical injuries, and emotional challenges. The sheer size and weight of commercial trucks make these crashes much more severe than typical car accidents, often leading to serious injuries, emotional distress, and financial hardship.
At Patterson Law Group, our Arlington truck accident lawyer helps victims secure the justice and compensation they deserve.
Understanding Rear-End Truck Accidents
A rear-end truck accident happens when a commercial truck collides with the back of another vehicle. Due to the size and force of the truck, these accidents are more destructive than standard rear-end car collisions. The impact can crush smaller vehicles, cause pileups, and leave victims with life-changing injuries.
Rear-end truck accidents are complex and involve factors like federal trucking regulations, multiple liable parties, and powerful insurance companies. Working with a rear-end truck accident attorney in Arlington, TX, ensures you have the support to handle these challenges and pursue fair compensation.
Why Rear-End Truck Accidents are Common in Arlington
Arlington’s growth and bustling traffic make rear-end truck accidents frequent. Heavy truck traffic is unavoidable due to major highways like I-20 and I-30 running through the city. Congested roadways, construction zones, and busy intersections increase the likelihood of accidents.
As Arlington continues to expand, the volume of commercial trucks on the road grows, too. More trucks mean more opportunities for crashes. A truck wreck attorney near me can investigate how local traffic patterns and other factors influenced your accident.
The Physics of Rear-End Truck Collisions
The size and weight of commercial trucks play a huge role in the severity of rear-end accidents. Fully loaded trucks can weigh up to 80,000 pounds, making it harder for them to stop quickly. When a truck hits a smaller vehicle, the impact often results in significant damage and severe injuries.
Braking distances and speed are also factors in these accidents. Trucks require much longer distances to come to a complete stop, especially at high speeds. This makes rear-end collisions almost unavoidable when drivers are distracted or don’t react in time.
Common Causes of Rear-End Truck Accidents
Rear-end truck accidents often happen because of preventable mistakes or negligence. Common causes include:
- Distracted driving: Truck drivers using their phones, eating, or engaging in other distractions can miss crucial moments to brake.
- Brake failure: Poorly maintained brakes or equipment can cause devastating crashes.
- Driver fatigue: Long hours on the road can impair a truck driver’s reaction time and judgment.
- Improper cargo loading: Overloaded or unbalanced cargo can affect the truck’s ability to stop safely.
- Tailgating: Following too closely reduces reaction time and increases the risk of collisions.
If one of these factors causes your accident, Arlington’s best rear-end truck accident lawyer can hold the responsible parties accountable.
Injuries Associated with Rear-End Truck Accidents
Rear-end truck accidents often leave victims with severe injuries that require extensive medical care and rehabilitation. The sheer force and weight of trucks can cause a variety of debilitating injuries, which can severely impact a victim’s quality of life. Injuries frequently reported in these accidents include:
Spinal injuries
Damage to the spine is one of the most serious outcomes of these accidents, potentially leading to paralysis or chronic, debilitating pain. Victims may require ongoing physical therapy, surgeries, and even assistive devices to manage their condition.
Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI)
These occur when a sudden trauma or violent blow to the head disrupts normal brain function. Traumatic brain injuries could result in cognitive impairment, memory loss, or even permanent disability, significantly altering a person’s ability to work or carry out daily tasks.
Internal Organ Damage
The impact of the crash can cause significant internal injuries that might not be immediately apparent. These can be life-threatening and may include damage to the liver, spleen, or kidneys, often requiring emergency surgeries and careful monitoring.
Broken Bones and Fractures
These injuries are common in rear-end collisions and often necessitate multiple surgeries, prolonged hospital stays, and extensive rehabilitation. Recovery can be lengthy and involves physical therapy to regain strength and mobility.
A top-rated truck accident lawyer in Arlington can help you understand your rights and fight for compensation to cover losses.
Determining Who Is Responsible
Liability in rear-end truck accidents often involves multiple parties. Possible at-fault parties include:
- Truck drivers: For reckless or negligent driving behavior, such as speeding or texting while driving.
- Trucking companies: For failing to maintain vehicles, enforce safety regulations, or properly train drivers.
- Manufacturers: If faulty brakes, tires, or other equipment played a role in the crash.
Proving liability requires evidence and a clear understanding of negligence. A no-win, no-fee rear-end truck accident lawyer in Arlington can build a strong case on your behalf.
Filing a Claim for a Rear-End Truck Accident
Filing a claim against the at-fault party involves several steps. These include:
- Gathering evidence: Collecting black box data, driver logs, and witness statements to support your case.
- Negotiating with insurers: Working toward a settlement that covers your damages.
- Meeting deadlines: Ensuring your claim is filed within the statute of limitations for Texas personal injury cases.
An Arlington truck accident lawyer can guide you through this process and handle the legal details while you focus on recovering.
The Role of Insurance in Rear-End Truck Accident Cases
Commercial trucking insurance policies are complex and designed to protect the trucking company’s interests. Insurance companies often try to minimize payouts by disputing fault or downplaying the severity of injuries.
A truck wreck attorney near me can oppose these tactics and negotiate for the full compensation you deserve.
Comparative Negligence in Texas
Texas follows comparative negligence laws, which means your compensation may be reduced if you are partially at fault for the accident. For example, if you are found to be 20% at fault, the amount of money you receive for your losses and expenses will be reduced by 20%.
Our no-win, no-fee rear-end truck accident lawyer in Arlington can work to prove that you share no fault for the crash so you can receive the maximum possible compensation.
Recoverable Damages for Victims
Individuals who are harmed in rear-end truck accidents can recover compensation for:
- Medical expenses: Including hospital stays, surgeries, therapy, and medications.
- Lost wages: Reimbursement for time missed from work and future earning potential.
- Property damage: Repairs or replacement of your vehicle.
- Pain and suffering: Compensation for emotional distress and reduced quality of life.
The best rear-end truck accident lawyer in Arlington will work to ensure all your losses are accounted for in your claim.
The Importance of Expert Witnesses
Expert witnesses play a vital role in truck accident cases. These professionals include:
- Economists: They calculate financial losses, including lost earning potential.
- Medical experts: They provide insight into your injuries’ severity and long-term impact.
- Accident reconstructionists: These individuals can thoroughly investigate and re-create the crash to explain how it occurred.
The testimony of these experts can strengthen your case and help a top-rated truck accident lawyer in Arlington secure maximum compensation.
Contact Our Arlington Rear-End Truck Accident Lawyer Today
At Patterson Law Group, we understand how overwhelming truck accidents can be. Our team is dedicated to helping victims through every step of the legal process. We provide personalized support and aggressive representation to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.
If you have been hurt in a rear-end truck accident, don’t wait to take action. Contact Patterson Law Group today to schedule a free consultation with our Arlington rear-end truck accident lawyer.
Let us fight for your rights and help you fight for the compensation you need to rebuild your life. Call us now to get started.
