Head-on Semi-Truck Accidents

100 Congress Avenue, Suite 2000

Austin, Texas 78701

(512) 806-0000

Semi-trucks are massive, 80,000 pounds being the maximum weight of a typical big rig. With special permission, the allowable weight of a semi-truck can be even higher.

Because of their size, an accident with a semi-truck can have devastating consequences. This particularly is the true in the case of head-on semi-truck accidents. A startling 92 percent of all semi accidents in and around Austin, Texas, and across the United States result in at least one fatality.

Common Causes of Head-on Semi-Truck Collisions

There are a number of primary situations in which a head-on collision involving a semi-truck occurs. These include:

• semi crossing the yellow line
• failing to yield right of way
• running a stop sign or red light
• making an improper turn
• losing control of vehicle

In some cases, there exists another underlying cause associated with one or another of the primary situations that result in a head-on collision. These are a fatigued driver or one that is operating under the influence of a mind-altering substance.

The Epidemic of Tired Semi Drivers

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that 3 percent of all drivers on U.S. roadways report falling asleep at the wheel while driving within the past 30 days. The rate of fatigued drivers is thought to be even higher among commercial semi operators. Those statistics are hard to come by because data is not particularly reliable. Semi drivers do not usually self-report fatigue.

Although there are specific regulations on the books regarding how long a commercial driver can be on the road in a particular period of time, these mandates routinely are ignored. They are ignored the detriment of other motorists who end up being injured, or even killed, by an accident caused by a fatigued driver.

Mind-Altering Substances and Semi Drivers

Another contributing factor to semi-truck head-on collisions is the use of mind-altering substances by commercial drivers. This includes substances technically designed to perk a driver up and address fatigue. The reality is that these types of substances have negative side effects, particularly when abused by a commercial truck driver.

Wrongful Death and Head-on Semi Accidents

If a semi driver has caused the death of your loved one, you may have the ability to pursue what is known as wrongful death case in the state of Texas. A wrongful death case permits certain family members the ability to obtain compensation for the loss of a loved one because of the negligence of a semi-truck driver.

Examples of family members who can bring this type of lawsuit, depending on the facts of a case, include a spouse, a child or parents of the deceased individual. The attorneys at The Doan Law Firm at 512-806-0000 have experience in representing clients in wrongful death claims and lawsuits.

Compensation for Head-on Semi Accidents

If you are injured in a head-on collision with a semi-truck, you may be entitled to compensation for different types of losses that include:

• pain and suffering
• medical bills
• lost wages
• emotional suffering
• punitive damages

The aftereffects of a collision with a semi can be significant and long-lasting. Therefore, in addition to compensation for current losses, you likely will be entitled to compensation for future losses you reasonably expect to incur in the future. These can include future medical expenses, future lost wages and pain and suffering you continue to endure. An Austin truck accident attorney can fight to ensure you obtain all compensation to which you are entitled.

Retain a Committed, Compassionate Austin Truck Accident Lawyer

An head-on accident with a semi-truck nearly always has utterly devastating consequences. As mentioned previously, the chance of at least one person being killed in such an accident is likely. Moreover the injuries suffered by a victim of a head-on collision with a semi-truck are nearly certain to life-altering. Whether a loved one has been killed, or you or a member of your family suffered profound injuries, you must retain a committed, compassionate and qualified attorney, like a member of the legal team at The Doan Law Firm.

An Austin truck accident attorney from The Doan Law Firm can be reached around the clock, 365 days a year, by calling 512-806-0000. An Austin truck accident attorney can meet with at your convenience. We can schedule an appointment at our Austin offices, at your home or even at the hospital or rehabilitation center.

During an initial consultation with an Austin truck accident attorney, we will discuss the facts of your case. We will discuss possible strategies to obtain the full compensation to which you are entitled after a devastating accident.