Odessa Truck Accident Lawyer

Large and small trucks travel throughout Odessa daily. U.S. Interstate 20 and U.S. Highway 385 are some of the major roads that intersect throughout the city. Many of these vehicles carry goods to local businesses, restaurants, and other places in the city. However, many truckers simply pass through on their way to different locations in the United States.

No matter the destination, truck drivers must ensure that they follow specific safety regulations and laws to keep everyone safe. When they act recklessly or negligently and cause an accident, it can leave victims and their families grappling with medical expenses and other heavy financial burdens.

Whether you have been seriously hurt or lost a loved one to these horrific accidents, there is hope. You can recover compensation from the responsible parties who contributed to these unimaginable incidents.

At Barrera Law Group LLC, we are here to assist during these difficult times. When you contact an Odessa truck accident lawyer, they can help you understand your legal options and fight for the compensation that you deserve. Reach out to us today to take the next step for your case.

Common Types of Truck Crashes

Unfortunately, truck accidents are too common. According to recent data from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, there were half a million truc-involved crashes in the United States in 2021. There are many types of these crashes on the road.

One common type of truck accident is a rollover. Since trucks have a high center of gravity, they can tip over due to sharp turns, uneven terrain, or sudden weight shifts.

Another type of accident is a jackknife. That happens when a truck’s trailer swings out and forms an angle with the cab, often during sudden braking.

Rear-end collisions are also a frequent occurrence. Often, a truck fails to stop in time and strikes the vehicle in front.

Why do these accidents happen? Once again, there are numerous reasons for their occurrences. Some of the top factors include:

• Driver errors include distracted driving, fatigue, speeding, and failure to follow traffic rules or Hours of Service regulations.
• Mechanical failures can consist of faulty brakes, tire blowouts, or engine malfunctions.
• Weather conditions affect road grip, visibility, and maneuverability on the road.
• Incorrectly secured cargo can shift during transit, affecting the truck’s stability and balance.
• Aggressive driving, like tailgating, sudden lane changes, and road rage, increases the likelihood of accidents.
• Inadequate training can lead to errors in handling complex road situations.
• Alcohol or drug intoxication impairs a driver’s judgment and coordination.

Many of these factors can be eliminated if a driver, their company, or other parties take steps to protect others on the road. When they fail to do that, it leads to life-altering accidents.

If you’ve been injured in any trucking accident, consider talking to an attorney. A lawyer can help you determine your legal options to take the next steps for your case.

What Are the Most Common Injuries?

Due to the sheer weight and size of a truck, these crashes can result in serious injuries, such as:

• Whiplash: Sudden deceleration or impact can cause the neck to snap forward and backward when a truck collides with another vehicle. This affects the neck muscles, ligaments, and discs.
• Broken bones: The force of a truck collision can fracture bones in the arms, legs, ribs, and pelvis.
• Burns: These injuries cause tissue damage, scarring, and long-term complications.
• Lacerations: Sharp objects or broken glass can cause deep cuts and scrapes.
• Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs): Many times, this can affect brain function and can have lasting effects on cognition, memory, and behavior.
• Spinal cord injuries: Often, these injuries result in paralysis or loss of sensation in various parts of the body.
• Amputation: In cases of severe trauma or crushing injuries, amputation may be necessary.
• Internal injuries: These impacts can affect internal organs, leading to bleeding, organ damage, or other life-threatening conditions.

Whether you have a minor injury or suffered a deliberating condition, make sure to contact an Odessa truck accident lawyer. At Barrera Law Group LLC, we have over a quarter of a century of experience handling these cases. Find out how we can assist with these claims.

Who Is Liable for These Accidents?

Unlike most car accidents, there are more than responsible parties in these accidents. While most of the blame can shift on the driver, there are other liable individuals or entities, including:

• The trucking company
• Manufacturers
• Cargo loaders
• Maintenance providers
• Other drivers
• Government entities

Determining liability involves investigating the accident and analyzing evidence. With the assistance of an accident attorney, you can hold those negligent parties accountable for their actions or inactions.

Why Do Truck Accidents Cause Serious Consequences?

In many trucking accidents, victims are left with serious injuries and devastating property damage. But why? Trucks are massive vehicles, and they are often loaded with heavy cargo.

When they collide with other vehicles, an immense force is exerted. Along with that, trucks often travel at higher speeds on the highways. Once again, the energy involved in these accidents can damage both other vehicles and their occupants.

Since they are heavier vehicles, they can’t stop like a car. They need a longer distance to come to a complete stop. When brakes are suddenly applied, it can cause an accident or tip over the vehicle.

Let’s not forget about blind spots around a truck, especially near the rear or sides. If the driver doesn’t check their mirrors or makes reckless maneuvers, it can collide with smaller vehicles on the highway.

Many drivers take extra care to protect themselves and others on the road. However, some will take those safety steps and engage in reckless behavior. In turn, that can lead to catastrophic accidents on Odessa’s roadways.

Negligence is fundamental in personal injury or wrongful death lawsuits. Your legal team will need to meet certain elements to prove negligence in your case. They include:

• Duty of care: The defendant owed a duty of care to the injured party, such as the truck driver owes a duty to keep others safe on the road.
• Breach of duty: The defendant breached that duty
• Causation: The breach of duty directly caused the injury
• Damages: you suffered actual harm like injuries and property damage.

When that negligence leads to injuries, you can seek compensation from the responsible parties. This may include:

• Medical expenses
• Lost wages
• Pain and suffering
• Property damage

These court-ordered awards hold negligent parties accountable while providing fair compensation for your damages and losses. If you believe you or a loved one have been injured in a trucking accident, contact us at Barrera Law Group LLC.

Why You Need an Experienced Odessa Truck Accident Attorney

In the aftermath of a devastating crash or the sudden and senseless loss of a loved one, it’s understandable to feel overwhelmed, angry, and want to seek justice on your own.

While emotions may run high, acting as your legal advocate can harm your case and overall well-being.

Working with a skilled and experienced legal professional can help you throughout this complex process. They can assist with:

• Assessing liability: A lawyer will investigate the accident, assess the actions of the trucker or other potentially liable parties, and determine whether they violated existing regulations or laws.
• Compiling evidence: Your attorney will assist you in gathering medical records, bills, lost wage statements, and any other relevant documentation needed to substantiate your losses.
• Negotiating with insurance companies: Insurance adjusters representing other parties may attempt to minimize your settlement or deny your claim. A truck accident lawyer can skillfully negotiate with the insurance companies on your behalf.
• Trial preparation and advocacy: If a fair settlement cannot be reached during negotiations, then your attorney must prepare for trial. You need an attorney to advocate on your behalf and present the strongest case to a judge or jury.

If you are looking for a skilled and qualified Odessa truck accident lawyer, we have spent over a quarter of a century advocating for the rights of victims and their loved ones.

From the moment we take on your case here at Barrera Law Group LLC, we will be your legal ally throughout the entire process. We want you to focus on what matters: you and your family. With our assistance, we will tirelessly fight for your entitled compensation.

When you’re ready to discuss your options, contact the office for a free initial consultation.