Speak to a seasoned Pasadena, TX, truck accident lawyer from The Patel Firm after suffering injuries from a trucking collision.

Truck collisions are more complex than one might think, often involving multiple parties such as employers, contractors, or trucking companies. Heavy-duty trucks, also known as class 8 trucks, typically weigh more than 33,000 pounds. Due to their size and design, accidents involving these vehicles can have catastrophic consequences.

Apart from surviving the injuries, you still have to consider how to deal with the property damages caused by the incident. A thorough investigation is required to determine the at-fault party’s accountability, and The Patel Firm has the resources to help you with this complicated legal burden.

How To Reach Us: Our goal is to settle your case as soon as possible so you can focus on your recovery and get back on your feet. Consult with one of our attorneys now by calling (361) 400-2036 or filling out our secure and confidential online form.

Why Choose The Patel Firm

With The Patel Firm, you are not just one case out of many. The best way to handle your case is to know your story. Using our resources and years of experience, our legal team is more than ready to assist you in finding the responsible parties and securing maximum compensation for the damages you endured.

Our firm’s president and principal attorney, Minesh J. Patel, is a member of the Million Dollar Advocates Forum, Rue Ratings’ Best Attorneys in America, and has been recognized as 40 best under 40 by The National Trial Lawyers Association.

Under his leadership, we have successfully handled numerous cases in personal injury litigation, including motorcycle collisions, car accidents, trucking collisions, workplace accidents, oilfield accidents, insurance disputes, and premise liability accidents.

If you require legal help after a trucking accident, do not hesitate to contact us. We are available 24/7 for your legal needs.

How Can We Help You In A Truck Accident?

By choosing The Patel Firm, you are entrusting your case to professionals who prioritize your well-being and fight for your rights. Our approach is tailored to meet your specific needs, and we keep an open form of communication throughout the entire legal process. Here’s how we can assist you:

• Thorough Investigation
• Evidence Gathering
• Liability Establishment
• Negotiation with Insurance Companies
• Legal Guidance
• Stress Alleviation
• Maximizing Compensation

About Truck Accidents in Pasadena TX

According to the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT), there have been 6,133 reported crashes involving commercial vehicles in Harris County in 2023. Among these incidents, 149 are suspected to have resulted in serious injuries, and 786 are suspected to have resulted in minor injuries.

Pasadena is part of the Greater Houston metropolitan area, which has a high volume of traffic, including commercial trucks. The city’s proximity to major highways like Interstate 45, Beltway 8, and State Highway 225 contributes to heavy truck traffic, increasing the likelihood of accidents.

The city is also known for its industrial sectors, particularly petrochemical and manufacturing industries. These industries require frequent transportation of goods, including hazardous materials, by large trucks. The presence of such cargo can increase the severity of accidents if they occur.

Due to extended hours on the road, long-haul truck drivers may experience fatigue, which can lead to decreased reaction times and the potential for mistakes. Additionally, distractions, such as mobile device use or inattention, can cause accidents.

Types of Truck Accident Injuries

Personal injuries from trucking accidents can vary widely in their nature and severity. Here are some common types of truck collision injuries:

Head and Brain Injuries

• Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI): These injuries occur when a sudden impact or jolt damages the brain. Symptoms can range from mild concussions to severe brain damage.

• Skull Fractures: These can occur when the head strikes a hard surface or object during the collision.

Spinal Cord Injuries

• Paralysis: Damage to the spinal cord can lead to partial or complete paralysis, affecting mobility and sensation.

• Herniated Discs: The force of a truck accident can cause discs in the spine to rupture or slip, leading to severe pain and mobility issues.

Broken Bones and Fractures

• Compound Fractures: These occur when the bone breaks through the skin, often requiring surgery to repair.

• Simple Fractures: These are breaks in the bone that do not pierce the skin but can still cause significant pain and require extensive healing time.

Internal Injuries

• Organ Damage: The impact of a truck accident can cause damage to internal organs, such as the liver, kidneys, and lungs, leading to life-threatening conditions.
• Internal Bleeding: This can occur when blood vessels are ruptured during the collision, requiring immediate medical intervention.

Soft Tissue Injuries

• Whiplash: Common in rear-end collisions, whiplash involves damage to the neck muscles and ligaments due to sudden back-and-forth motion.

• Sprains and Strains: These injuries affect muscles, ligaments, and tendons and can cause significant pain and reduced mobility.

Cuts and Lacerations

• Deep Lacerations: These can result from broken glass, sharp metal, or other debris, often requiring stitches or surgery to repair.

• Abrasions: These are superficial wounds caused by scraping against a rough surface but can still be painful and prone to infection.

Burn Injuries

• Thermal Burns: These occur when a truck accident involves fire or explosion, causing severe skin damage and requiring extensive medical treatment.

• Chemical Burns: These can result from hazardous materials being transported by the truck, leading to burns on contact with skin.

Where Do Most Truck Accidents Occur?

Most truck accidents tend to occur in specific high-risk areas due to traffic patterns and road conditions. Key locations where these accidents are more prevalent include:

Major Highways and Intersections

• State Highway 225 (La Porte Freeway): This major roadway connects Pasadena to Houston and other surrounding areas. Its high traffic volume, including a significant number of commercial trucks, increases the likelihood of accidents, particularly near busy interchanges and exits.

• Beltway 8 (Sam Houston Tollway): As a major loop around the Houston metropolitan area, Beltway 8 experiences heavy truck traffic. Accidents can occur at interchanges, on-ramps, off-ramps, and areas with merging traffic.

• Interstate 45 (Gulf Freeway): Although not directly within Pasadena, I-45 is a significant route for trucks traveling to and from the area. Accidents can occur near the Pasadena exit points and surrounding access roads.

Industrial and Port Areas

• Port of Houston: The port and surrounding industrial areas are hubs for commercial activities, including the transport of goods by trucks. The high volume of trucks entering and leaving the port area can lead to congestion and accidents, particularly during peak times.

Urban and Residential Areas

• Downtown Pasadena: In urban areas, trucks making deliveries or driving through narrow streets and intersections can be involved in accidents. The increased presence of pedestrians and smaller vehicles adds to the complexity of driving large trucks in these areas.

Construction Zones

• Ongoing Road Construction Sites: Temporary changes in road layouts, reduced lanes, and construction equipment can create hazardous conditions for truck drivers, leading to an increased risk of accidents.

Busy Commercial Areas

• Shopping Centers and Business Districts: Truck deliveries to retail stores and businesses in commercial areas can lead to accidents, especially when trucks are maneuvering in parking lots or unloading areas.

Types of Damages and Compensation From A Truck Accident Lawsuit

In a truck accident lawsuit, victims may be entitled to various types of damages and compensation to cover their losses and suffering. These can be broadly categorized into economic, non-economic, and punitive damages:

Economic Damages:

• Medical Expenses: Compensation for past, present, and future medical costs related to the injury. This includes hospital bills, surgeries, medication, physical therapy, and any necessary medical equipment.

• Lost Wages: Reimbursement for income lost due to the inability to work during recovery. This also includes compensation for future lost earning capacity if the injury results in long-term or permanent disability.
• Property Damage: Compensation for repair or replacement of the vehicle and any other personal property damaged in the accident.
• Rehabilitation Costs: Coverage for the costs of rehabilitation services needed to recover from injuries, including physical therapy, occupational therapy, and any specialized treatments.

Non-Economic Damages:

• Pain and Suffering: Compensation for the physical pain and emotional distress endured as a result of the accident and injuries.

• Emotional Distress: Damages for psychological impact, including anxiety, depression, and trauma related to the accident.

• Loss of Consortium: Compensation awarded to the spouse or family members for the loss of companionship, support, and affection resulting from the victim’s injuries.

Punitive Damages:

• These are awarded in cases where the defendant’s conduct was especially reckless, malicious, or egregious. The purpose of punitive damages is to punish the wrongdoer and deter similar behavior in the future.

Additional Damages:

• Loss of Enjoyment of Life: Compensation for the diminished ability to enjoy day-to-day activities and hobbies due to injuries.

• Disfigurement and Disability: Damages for permanent physical changes, such as scarring or loss of limb, and the impact of these changes on the victim’s quality of life.

Working With A Local Truck Accident Lawyer

Working with a local Pasadena, TX, truck accident lawyer can offer several benefits:

Understanding of Local Laws: A local lawyer will be well-versed in the specific laws and regulations governing commercial trucking accidents in Pasadena and across Texas. This allows you to receive accurate legal advice tailored to your case.

Accessibility and Convenience: Being based in Pasadena, TX, means that your lawyer is easily accessible for meetings, consultations, and updates on your case. This can provide you with peace of mind and a sense of control over your legal proceedings.

Personalized Attention: A local lawyer is more likely to provide personalized attention to your case, as they are familiar with the unique aspects of the local community and can tailor their approach to meet your specific needs.

Local Resources and Connections: A local lawyer has established relationships with local experts, such as accident reconstruction specialists or medical professionals, which can strengthen your case and provide valuable support. This can help you gain access to the best professionals in the field.

Legal Considerations in a Truck Accident

It’s crucial to stay updated on the evolving legal landscape of truck collisions, including new regulations, court filings, and legal precedents. State laws and regulations vary, so it’s important to be familiar with Texas laws if you’ve suffered injuries in Pasadena, TX, or elsewhere in the state.

Statute of Limitations

If you have been injured and want to pursue legal action for incidents such as truck accidents, injuries on someone else’s property, or harm from a defective product, you typically have two years from the date of the injury to file a lawsuit.

If someone damages your reputation with a false statement, as in defamation cases, you have one year to take legal action. In cases of medical malpractice, you usually have two years from the date of the malpractice or the end of your treatment to file a lawsuit.

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) establishes regulations to ensure the safety of both truck drivers and the public. These regulations encompass areas such as truck maintenance, weight limits, loading procedures, and driver qualifications. Unfortunately, violations of these regulations by truck drivers and companies are still occurring, resulting in accidents that can lead to injuries, fatalities, and property damage.

Drug Test Post-Accident

According to FMCSA regulations, truck drivers must undergo drug and alcohol testing after most road accidents, especially those involving fatalities. These tests should ideally be done as soon as possible but must be completed within 32 hours of the accident. The results can be used as evidence in any resulting lawsuits against the truck driver.

Contact A Pasadena TX Truck Accident Lawyer Now

Call a trusted Pasadena TX truck accident lawyer from The Patel Firm for your urgent legal needs after experiencing a trucking collision.

If you or a loved one has been in a truck accident in Pasadena, TX, and suffered injuries or property damage, it’s important to contact a reputable truck accident attorney at The Patel Firm. Our firm has extensive experience and endless resources to be the best advocate for your interests.

Free Consultation: To discuss your legal options, schedule your free consultation now by calling (361) 400-2036 or messaging us through our online form.