Causes of Head-on Collisions Our Truck Accident Lawyers Handle
Following a head-on collision, it is important to investigate the accident as soon as possible to determine what caused the crash. Head-on truck accidents present unique challenges because they often result in one or more fatalities, leaving authorities and investigators with only one side of the story. In these cases, trained attorneys will rely on physical evidence and witness accounts to determine what happened. This is especially important when the surviving motorists allege that the other motorist crossed into their lane and caused the wreck. When conducting a post-accident investigation, it is important to look for evidence of mechanical failure, driver error, and/or impairment.
We often see head-on collisions caused by mechanical failures. Head-on truck accidents caused by mechanical failure can result from a tire blowout, faulty brakes, or steering issues. A sudden tire blowout will generally be readily apparent at the scene of the crash and documented in police reports. The driver of the truck may also provide police with information regarding issues with the truck’s brakes or steering at the time of the crash.
Once it is suspected that a mechanical issue caused or contributed to a head-on collision, trained attorneys will investigate to determine the cause of the mechanical failure. Generally, a mechanical failure can fall into two categories, negligent repairs or product defects, and the cause of failure will dictate the legal strategy needed to hold the wrongdoers accountable.
Driver error is another common cause of head-on truck accidents that we handle. Driver error can take the form of speeding, distracted driving, improper lane changes, or unsafe passing, to name a few. When it is suspected that driver error caused or contributed to a head-on collision, it is important to determine exactly what was occurring prior to the crash.
Once a lawsuit has been filed against the truck driver, information related to the driver’s actions before the accident can be obtained through the discovery process. Trained truck accident attorneys will be interested in the driver’s phone records to determine distraction, driving logs to determine fatigue and other FMCSA violations, and the truck’s computer to determine speed, steering, and braking prior to the collision. This information can help paint a clear picture of what occurred prior to the crash and ensure that a negligent driver is held accountable.
Unfortunately, drugs and alcohol play a significant role in many head-on collisions. Head-on collisions can occur by even the slightest movement into oncoming traffic. Driving under the influence of drugs and alcohol can reduce a trucker’s ability to maintain a single lane of travel and reduce reaction to immediate emergencies. Head-on collisions caused by driver impairment may result in both civil and criminal liability.
Injuries Our Firm Handles in Head-on Truck Accident Cases
At The Ammons Law Firm, we focus our efforts on head-on truck crashes resulting in serious injury and death. This allows us to maintain focus on cases that need our undivided attention and clients that face life-changing situations.
Many of our head-on collision cases involving semi-trucks result in death. In these cases, we bring a wrongful death claim on behalf of the surviving family and help them recover the economic and non-economic damages they have suffered as a result of their loved one’s passing. These are difficult cases that require training and ability. The law is powerless to bring back a loved one, and compensation does not ease the pain of loss. However, helping our clients receive the compensation available under the law provides a degree of justice and helps reduce their financial burdens associated with an unexpected death.
In addition to wrongful death claims, we often help victims of serious injury recover the compensation they need to pay their medical expenses and compensate them for their pain and suffering and lifestyle changes. When you suffer a serious injury in a head-on collision, you want to be sure the attorney you hire has experience handling that type of injury. At The Ammons Law Firm, we have extensive experience helping clients that have suffered serious injuries, such as:
- TBI or Traumatic Brain Injury – including victims of lifelong brain damage and families of loved ones in vegetative states
- Back and neck injuries – including victims of paralysis and other debilitating injuries
- Burn injuries – including victims of third and fourth-degree burns
- Amputation injuries – including loss of arms, legs, and other extremities
Regardless of the injury you have suffered, our firm can help you determine your best path forward. We have extensive experience representing clients with all types of injuries and have relationships with other attorneys that can assist in injuries that do not fit within our firm’s focus.
Determining Liability in Head-on Truck Accidents
Facts are the key to proving liability in a head-on truck accident. Who is liable depends on the facts and circumstances of the case, and liability may not be readily apparent immediately following the crash. For instance, a motorist driving a brand-new vehicle may cross left of center and crash head-on with an oncoming semi-truck. While the public may conclude that the motorist is at fault, the facts may reveal that the vehicle was equipped with lane assistance technology that should have kept the vehicle within its lane. A manufacturer may be liable for injuries and death that should have been prevented by a technology provided by the manufacturer. This is only one example where a trained attorney can identify a responsible party that is not readily apparent at the time of the crash or that may have been missed by authorities.
When presented with a head-on truck accident case, we look at the following parties to determine liability:
- The truck driver
- The driver of the motor vehicle
- The trucking company
- The truck manufacturer
- The vehicle manufacturer
- Any third party responsible for maintaining the truck or trailer
- Manufacturers of component parts, such as tires and trailers
To build a good case and recover the compensation you are entitled to under the law, it is important to work with trained truck accident attorneys that have the experience and resources needed to hold all wrongdoers accountable. Looking beyond the initial police report and uncovering the truth of what happened is essential to holding all wrongdoers responsible for their conduct and helping you receive the answers and justice owed to you under the law.
Talk to Our Head-On Truck Accident Lawyers
At The Ammons Law Firm, our sole purpose is to help our clients recover full compensation under the law by holding wrongdoers accountable for their actions. If you or a family member have suffered injury or death in a head-on truck accident of any type, our truck accident lawyers are some of the best in Houston and throughout the state and are here to help you. We have a track record of success and have proven time and time again that we will stop at nothing to get our clients the justice they deserve.
