Causes of Truck Accidents

Austin, Texas

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Trucks are responsible for many of the most serious and devastating accidents that take place on America's roads. Commercial trucks are extremely heavy and take a lot of extra time to slow down and stop. If either the truck driver or the driver of the passenger vehicle is not giving their full attention to the road and what is happening around them, there is an increased risk of a serious accident taking place. At Gonzales & Gonzales, our Austin truck accident lawyers are experienced in representing victims of truck accidents and their families in cases which involve serious injury claims and personal injury lawsuits.

Common Causes of Truck Accidents

The most common causes of truck accidents involving other vehicles stem from any of the following distractions:

• Driver fatigue
• Driver error
• Speeding
• Tailgating
• Aggressive driving
• Cell phone use
• Violation of hours of service regulations
• Insufficient training or supervision
• Inexperience
• Failure to inspect and maintain brakes and other truck equipment

Determining Who Caused the Truck Accident

Establishing responsibility in a truck accident requires careful investigation into all parties who may be held liable. For example, if the injured driver of the passenger vehicle was at fault in any way, then the settlement he is entitled to will be reduced by the percentage of his liability for the accident. 

If the truck is owned and maintained by a company, the truck driver and the company are both liable for the accident. If the truck driver owns and maintains his own truck, then the company is only liable to the extent that they actively supervise the driver. The manufacturer of the truck may also be held accountable if the cause of the accident is found to be a vehicle defect.
Factors that will be investigated in a truck accident include:

• The statement of the driver and passengers of the other vehicle
• The truck driver's statement
• The truck driver's condition in reference to alcohol, drugs and fatigue
• The condition of the truck's safety features
• The trucking company's level of responsibility
• The evidence presented at the scene of the accident

Establishing liability in a truck accident is necessary in order to win a fair and reasonable settlement for the injured parties. There may be several factors and claims involved in a single case, so it is very important if you have been injured in a truck accident in Austin, Texas that you place your trust in the knowledgeable and caring hands of Gonzales & Gonzales.

We are the attorneys with heart known in the Austin community for our care and aggressive representation of all of our clients, no matter what their financial situation or citizenship status. Please contact us today to represent you in your Austin or Round Rock, Texas truck accident case.