All automobile accidents are not created equal on the busy highways of East Texas. Every car accident can result in serious injuries and damages, but accidents involving 18 wheeler trucks can cause far more extreme outcomes. When you are in a car accident involving a commercial truck, you'll need to approach your personal injury case differently than you would after an accident involving normal passenger vehicles.

Size Differences

Injuries and severe property damage are incredibly common in East Texas 18 wheeler accidents. Commercial trailer trucks can weigh as much as 80,000 pounds (40 tons), compared to the 2 or 3 tons of the traditional passenger vehicle found on the road. Any impact with an 18 wheeler can lead to devastating, life-altering injuries or death, not to mention catastrophic property damage.

Another factor related to the size of these vehicles is the complexity of operating them safely and effectively. Because 18 wheelers require more space to maneuver, take longer to accelerate and slow down, and necessitate careful handling skills, personal injury attorneys involved in truck accident cases must understand their drivers' perspectives to craft effective strategies for their clients.

Liability Differences

Because of their extreme size and varied cargo, these vehicles fall under a specific set of state and federal regulations pertaining to their operation, management, and ownership. After an accident, attorneys, insurance companies, owners, and drivers have myriad specifics to sort out concerning cargo, weight, whether the truck was pulling a trailer, as well as the relationship between driver and owner. Plus, drivers and the vehicle itself are likely covered under complicated insurance policies depending on liability.

In other words, if you are the victim of a commercial truck accident, it may be you versus a corporate entity with considerably more financial support on their side. For you to be treated fairly in the courts of East Texas, you need the assistance of a qualified team of commercial truck accident attorneys with the expertise to recover the maximum possible compensation for you and your family.

Negligence Issues

When you are in a typical car accident, proving the other party broke traffic laws is often the most complicated aspect of a personal injury case. When a commercial truck is involved, there may be much more going on than simply what the driver was doing behind the wheel.

In many cases, the accident may have been caused by the truck being overloaded or the freight company's maintenance team overlooking certain safety regulations. Sometimes drivers are forced to work longer-than-usual hours, leading to drowsy driving or falling asleep at the wheel. Because of the many factors involved in these cases, they are rarely cut and dry. As a result, injured parties should always seek the professional counsel and legal support of a reputable and experienced 18 wheeler accident attorney.

Finding the Right Representation for Accidents Involving 18 Wheeler Trucks

Everyone knows how terrifying an automobile accident can be. The aftermath can be equally as daunting as you navigate how to effectively pay for your injuries and other damages. In East Texas, the rules of the road are clear, but figuring out how to handle your 18 wheeler accident may prove overwhelming without a strong and knowledgeable ally on your side.

If you have been injured in a semi-truck collision, you need to call the highly experienced and dedicated East Texas truck accident attorneys at the Grant & Flanery Law Firm. Contact us today to schedule a free initial consultation regarding the specifics of your personal injury case.