Midland Truck Accident Lawyer

Many tractor-trailers, tanker trucks, cargo trucks, and other such large vehicles travel through West Texas daily, increasing the likelihood of accidents. Trucking accidents often cause serious injuries, and the drivers and trucking companies should be held responsible for the damages they cause.

A truck accident can be devastating, and we understand how lengthy and stressful the recovery process can be. At Barrera Law Group LLC, an expert Midland truck accident lawyer from our team will get you the compensation you deserve. We’re here to ensure that your out-of-pocket costs in the aftermath of your accident are covered so that you can heal without worrying about anything else.

Causes of West Texas Trucking Accidents

Midland and nearby Odessa are major hubs for oil fields in Texas that stretch into southeastern New Mexico. Odessa is home to the University of Texas Permian Basin, and the Midland International Air & Space Port is nestled between both cities, which contributes to heavy traffic in the area. This can cause truck accidents in the following ways:

• Driver fatigue
• Distracted driving
• Driving while under the influence (alcohol or drugs, even prescription)
• Unsecured cargo or loads
• Dangerous roads
• Aggressive driving
• Poor truck maintenance
• Poor visibility or broken car lights

Most accidents are due to driver error, and when you have a mix of oil workers, university students, and airline travelers, the chances of fatigued or distracted driving increases. And, when a lot of those drivers are operating large trucks, the accidents that do occur can be far more damaging.

Most Dangerous Roads for Truck Crashes in Texas

Several of the longest and busiest highways go through the Lone Star State, which means these roads are constantly filled with large trucks, such as semi-trucks traveling on their routes across the country or tanker trucks carrying materials from the oil fields.

Here are a few of the most dangerous roads for trucks in Texas:

• Interstate 20: Beginning in a West Texas small town called Scroggins Draw, I-20 is just over 1,500 miles long and travels east through major cities such as Midland, Abilene, Dallas, and Longview. After crossing the Texas-Louisiana border, I-20 continues east through four more states until it ends in Columbia, South Carolina.
• Interstate 35: If you’re in Central Texas, you’re familiar with I-35, specifically how long it’s been under construction. It begins near the Texas-Mexico border in Laredo, Texas, and stretches north through five states until it ends in Duluth, Minnesota, making it the third longest north-south interstate in the United States.
• US-285/Route 285: Known to locals as the “Death Highway,” Route 285 is a somewhat rural north-south highway stretching from Sanderson, Texas, up through New Mexico and ending in Denver, Colorado. It’s received its nickname due to the large number of deadly vehicle accidents, usually involving trucks from surrounding Permian Basin oil fields.

While any road can be dangerous, especially when filled with overworked truck drivers, these specific highways are known to be an issue. Drivers in West Texas need to be aware of these dangers, and if you or someone you know has been injured in an accident involving a truck, our team at Barrera Law Group LLC has the expertise to assist with your case.

Common Types of Trucks in the Permian Basin

As mentioned previously, Midland and the surrounding areas are in the epicenter of the Permian Basin, known across the United States for its considerable production of oil. Due to the amount and variety of oil workers present in the area, West Texas sees a wide array of trucks, mostly large ones such as the following:

• Cargo trucks
• Semi-trucks
• Tanker trucks
• Oil field trucks
• Fuel trucks
• Dump trucks
• Flatbed trucks
• Tractor-trailers
• Delivery vans
• Moving vans
• Buses

Any type of vehicle accident can be devastating and cause severe injury, and when you have a lot of large trucks on the road at all times, especially those carrying crude oil or other flammable materials, crashes become exponentially more dangerous.

Injuries from Truck Accidents

When a vehicle accident occurs, you expect injuries, even minor ones like scrapes and bruises.

And, when the accident involves a large truck, you can expect injuries to be catastrophic. The following are a few of the injuries one might expect in the aftermath of a trucking accident:

• Lacerations
• Internal injuries
• Broken bones
• Burns
• Traumatic brain injury (TBI)
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

People in serious truck accidents can suffer injuries to the spinal cord, neck, or back that result in paralysis or lifelong mobility issues, and, in some tragic situations, these accidents can lead to dismemberment or even death.

Sometimes, the injuries sustained in a truck accident can leave people incapable of performing their work and daily life activities.

What Should You Do If You’re Hit by a Truck in Midland?

According to the National Safety Council (NSC), in 2021, Texas had 806 deaths from large truck crashes, more than any other state. In the unfortunate event that you’re involved in a truck accident, it’s important to try and stay calm and follow these guidelines:

• Get to safety
• Seek medical attention
• Get contact information from the other drivers involved
• Gather pictures or video if possible
• Hire an attorney from Barrera Law Group LLC

We know that accomplishing all of these may not be possible, and that is okay as long as you seek medical attention first and then reach out to our office. We can work on the rest of the details of your case together.

How Your Attorney Will Help Win a Settlement

Although driver error is often responsible for vehicle accidents, various entities can be held liable for your injuries and damages. Not only the truck driver but also the company they work for, a mechanic who worked on the truck, the manufacturer of the truck, or parts of it – all of these people could be held responsible.

Your lawyer will know the ins and outs of Texas laws and fight for the following compensation:

• Economic: Financial losses such as lost wages, medical bills, property damage, etc.
• Noneconomic: Pain and suffering, mental anguish, or other similar issues.

Additionally, the Texas statute of limitations on car accidents is two years from the date of the accident, which makes hiring a lawyer a good step to take so that your case can be filed in time. While it’s not necessary to have an attorney when pursuing a legal claim, it would only help your case to have someone compassionate and knowledgeable by your side.

Barrera Law Group LLC – Taking Care of West Texas Drivers

Accidents happen when we least expect them and are often quite devastating. The last thing you need is to worry about compensation for damages while healing from your injuries. You have enough on your plate, so let us help.

If you or someone you know has been in a truck accident in the Midland area or anywhere in Texas, our team at Barrera Law Group LLC is ready to step in and assist. Don’t waste any more time; contact our office today for a no-cost, no-obligation consultation.