A recent report shows why East Texas truck accidents are often fatal—and why truck accident lawyers are needed to protect the rights of victims in East Texas and throughout the state.

When a big rig, 18-wheeler, or tractor-trailer crashes with a passenger car, the car’s occupants are likely to sustain catastrophic injuries or die. The reason comes down to simple physics.

The Science Behind Texas Truck Accident Deaths

Large trucks like big rigs, 18-wheelers, and tractor-trailers have huge engines that range between 400 and 600 horsepower. Smaller cars, pickups, and sport utility vehicles (SUVs) have considerably smaller engines, typically ranging between 100 and 200 horsepower.

In collisions involving large trucks and passenger cars, the weaker vehicle is typically struck with far more force. Even if its occupants are protected by seat belts and airbags, they may sustain serious injuries or die.

Large trucks also weigh far more than passenger cars. When fully loaded, they can weigh up to 40 tons and take 20-40% longer distance to stop than a car takes to stop. Wet roads and bad weather can worsen this problem.

Truck Drivers Are Often Tired, Negligent, and Can Drive Dangerously

According to federal rules, the drivers of large trucks like big rigs, 18-wheelers, and tractor-trailers shouldn’t drive for more than 11 hours in a single stretch—but that’s already a very long time to operate a vehicle of that size. Many drivers also ignore these rules to make more money.

Common Types of Truck Accidents in East Texas and Across the State

Common types of large truck accidents in Texas include the following, any of which can cause serious injuries or the death of car passengers:

  • Head-on truck accidents
    These accidents occur when large trucks hit passenger cars from the front
  • T-bone truck accidents
    These accidents occur when large trucks hit passenger cars from the side
  • Rear-end truck accidents
    These accidents occur when large trucks hit passenger cars from the rear
  • Jackknife truck accidents
    These accidents occur when large truck trailers skid outward, hitting nearby passenger cars
  • Rollover truck accidents
    These accidents are especially dangerous, and can occur when large trucks are going around curves or down hills, and the drivers lose control
  • Underride truck accidents
    These accidents occur when passenger cars become trapped underneath the trailers being towed by large trucks

Do You Qualify for a Texas Truck Accident Lawsuit?

If you or a loved one are the victim of an East Texas truck accident or a truck accident that occurred elsewhere in Texas, Arkansas, Oklahoma, or New Mexico, make sure to contact the Roach Law Firm’s East Texas truck accident lawyers at (903) 645-7333 or fill out the electronic form on this page. They will help you recover what you deserve.

The Roach Law Firm’s truck accident lawyers will help you gather evidence and walk you through the legal process.

Don’t Try to Negotiate with Trucking Insurance Companies on Your Own

Large trucking companies are required to carry huge insurance policies because of the risk of fatal car crashes—but they make money by refusing to pay for injury and death claims.

Trucking insurance companies often try to avoid court battles by making “lowball” settlement offers. Don’t fall into this trap! Find a good truck accident lawyer and discuss the matter first. Earlier this year, Roach Law Firm Partner Nelson J. Roach showed why this is important: He won a $1.1 million jury verdict in an accident case filed against Walmart after the retailer had offered to settle the case for just $150,000.

The Roach Law Firm Won a $730 Million Victory in a Texas Truck Accident Case

The Roach Law Firm’s $1.1 million jury verdict against Walmart isn’t the firm’s only big victory. Its lawyers have won landmark judgments and settlements totaling billions of dollars. They include a $730 million win in a Texas truck accident lawsuit, the fourth-largest jury verdict in the nation and third-largest in Texas in 2021. 

Next Steps for Victims of Texas Truck Accidents

If you or a loved one have suffered an Texas fatal truck accident or one that resulted in serious injuries, call our experienced truck accident lawyers at (903) 645-7333 or fill out the electronic form on this page today. We’ll will be in touch with you as soon as possible.