It’s Not about Damage to the Roadways

Along the interstates throughout the country, there are truck weigh stations.  These checkpoints help to ensure that trucks follow weight limit guidelines, and deter overloaded semi-trucks from congesting the roadways.

But there’s more to an overloaded truck than just exceeding weight limits.  When a truck is too heavy, it can pose a potential danger to other motorists.  Let’s take a look at what the Car Crash Captain has to say about overloaded semis, and what we should pay attention to.

Why Trucks Have a Weigh Limit on our Highways

The obvious reason we want to make sure that trucks aren’t overweight, is because of how much pressure they put on the road.  Our highways are strong, and designed to withstand a lot of force.  But when trucks exceed their weight limit (which is set at 80,000 pounds), they can exceed the strength of the road.  The result: more road construction to repair the damage.

But that’s just on the surface.  If we take a closer look, it’s also because a heavier truck is a more dangerous truck.

Overloaded Semi Truck Danger: Too Much Force

Did you take physics in high school or college?  If so you know that Force = Mass x Acceleration.  More force means more potential to do damage when another object is struck.  If you have a small bug that is hit by a vehicle, the bug won’t impart much force because it has a tiny mass; the mass of the vehicle means it has much more force.

If you have a passenger car that is hit by a semi-truck, the truck will impart much more force than the vehicle, because it has a larger mass.

If you have an overloaded semi-truck, the force just continues to go up.

Overloaded Semi Truck Danger: Improperly Balanced

The force isn’t the only problem that can pop up with an overloaded truck.

In order to keep anything from tipping over, spreading the weight out wide and low is the ideal solution.  But you can only spread the weight out on a truck so far – they are confined to certain size limits after all.  In order to pack more on, you pile it high.

When too much weight gets up higher, the truck gets top heavy.  Then, if a corner is taken too quickly, that truck can tip right over.   If you’re under the truck when it tips, things won’t look good.

Overloaded Semi Truck Danger: Cargo Loss

Of course, if you have a boxed in trailer, you can only load things so high before you hit the ceiling.  To get around that, someone intent on overloading a semi-truck, could utilize a flat bed trailer.  Then, without a ceiling, cargo piles high to the sky!

And just like when things get piled up a bit too high, they get wobbly and top heavy.  If the entire truck doesn’t tip over on that dangerous turn, portions of the cargo certainly could.  Then, scattered across the road, there are dozens of obstacles that lead to wrecks.

Overloaded Semi Truck Danger: Mechanical Failure

Something that many people don’t fully consider is the limitations of the trucks on the road.  They certainly are powerful machines, and can be put through a lot.  But they aren’t designed to handle anything and everything thrown at them.  They do, in fact, have load limits.

When those limits are surpassed, more strain is put on the rig.  Over time, that rig can wear out prematurely.  Tires can fail, brakes may fail, and other mechanical difficulties arise.  If the mechanics fail at the wrong time, a disaster could ensue.

Herbert Law Group Overloaded Semi Truck Help

If you have been injured in a semi-truck accident, whether you suspect that truck was overloaded or not, you need a truck accident lawyer to help ensure all is handled properly.

There is a lot that goes into determining liability, and recovering compensation that you deserve.  When you’re trying to heal from your injuries, it’s hard to pursue that justice.

That’s why Herbert Law Group is here for you.  Don’t go it alone, we are on your side.  Let’s talk about what happened and see how we can help.  Call us at 214-414-3808, or fill out the contact form on our site and we’ll get the ball rolling.

Self-Driving Trucks May Come with Hidden Dangers

Did you know that Texas is an autonomous-vehicle-friendly state?  This law, allowing driver-less vehicles, isn’t just for passenger vehicles.  That privilege is extended to self-driving trucks as well.

It does look like the technology is taking us to a driverless future, but in the meantime, what are the implications?  Are self-driving semi trucks safer, or more dangerous, than those with an operator?  Are there hidden dangers that people don’t want to talk about?

Let’s take a look as the Car Crash Captain weighs in on this hot topic.

What are the Perks of Self-Driving Trucks?

There are plenty of benefits to having autonomous trucks on the road.  While there is still a lot of debate on whether or not they are safer, perks go beyond safety.

Faster Transit Times – Without the need to take breaks, trucks would only need to stop to be refueled and serviced.  Transit times would be slashed.

Lower Cost of Shipment – Faster transit and no driver expenses should translate into lower cost to ship goods.

Less Traffic on the Road – Because a driverless vehicle doesn’t care what time of day it is, they can be programed to drive during off-peak hours.

Decreased Semi Truck Accidents – Ideally with smart technology able to avoid wrecks, and driving at off-peak hours, semi truck accidents would decrease.

What are the Pitfalls of Self-Driving Trucks?

There are plenty of downsides to autonomous semi trucks, though.  As the technology progresses, these concerns will likely be minimized.  But for now, there are big issues that can occur.

Mechanical Failure – What happens if there is a mechanical failure while the truck is driving itself?  Will the technology be able to stop the same way a trained driver could?

Increased Semi Truck Accidents – As it is, autonomous vehicles aren’t anywhere near perfect.  In fact, it can be argued that there will actually be more wrecks without drivers.

What are the Hidden Risks of Self-Driving Trucks?

Of course, there is the concern that few people want to talk about.  As technology changes, so does the potential to abuse that technology.

Just look at how internet access has improved our lives greatly, but also increased identity theft.  While it was always a concern, it’s much more prevalent than it ever was in the pre-internet days.

How can self-driving technology be abused?  Cyber attacks could hack into the truck computers.  Then, with control of these vehicles, criminals may redirect the truck and steal the contents, or turn the 80,000 pound rig into a terrorist weapon.

Herbert Law Group Helps you Navigate after a Truck Accident

Whether you were injured in a truck accident with a driverless truck, or one with an operator, there’s a lot going on!  The stress of seeking compensation can be overwhelming.

That’s why Herbert Law Group is here.  We’ll help you navigate the legal issues, obtain the settlement that will compensate you for your losses, all while taking away that stress.

Let’s talk about your wreck.  Call us at 214-414-3808, or just fill out the contact form on our site and we’ll be in touch with you soon.

Every Winter Massive Wrecks Happen

Two years ago, one of the biggest truck accident/multi-vehicle wrecks happened on 1-35 just north of Fort Worth.  With 133 vehicles involved, and six fatalities, the impacts have been felt far and wide.

Every year there are major wrecks involving multiple vehicles.  Conditions get icy, visibility decreases, and motor vehicle drivers as well as truck drivers fail to take the conditions into account when they’re on the road.

The Car Crash Captain looks into what the regulations are for big rigs when road conditions are less than favorable.

What do the Regulations Say about Trucking in Inclement Weather?

Professional drivers – truckers; we’re not talking about racecar drivers here – are held to a much higher standard than the average driver on the road.  They have certain rules that must be followed; if they aren’t, they can lose their license and in severe cases never be able to drive truck again.

While most truck drivers are great behind the wheel, there are plenty out there that simply lack the experience when it comes to driving on icy roads.

That’s why the government is very clear about the regulations for commercial vehicles.  There’s an entire subsection about what to do when road conditions are dangers.  If visibility or traction are reduced, you know the two major factors in these multi-vehicle crashes, then the driver may only operate the vehicle to the nearest point where safety is assured.  In other words, pull over until conditions have improved.

You can read the law on the Code of Federal Regulations website, it’s only a few sentences long and, unlike many other laws, is easy to read.

Who is Liable in a Multi-Vehicle Crash?

That begs the question, if the driver didn’t pull over when required, does that mean the trucker is at fault for this massive wreck?  Assuming they were the first ones to crash.

The answer isn’t quite that simple.  There are so many factors that go into the wreck, the subsequent crashes, and more.  Whoever is in charge of the roads might be partially to blame for failure to maintain, every driver might be to blame for driving too fast, the first vehicle might be to blame for causing the chain reaction.

We recently talked about multi-vehicle wrecks, so head over to that page for the full details on what’s going on in a pile-up.

How can Motorists Protect Themselves?

Regardless of who is at fault, avoidance is always the best option.  How do we do that?  Is it even possible?  There are a few ways to protect yourself from a nasty wreck.

• Maintain your vehicle; make sure your tires are in good condition.
• Maintain your driving; make sure you know how to drive in inclement weather.
• Avoid driving; if you don’t absolutely have to drive, don’t.
• Take an alternate route; side streets might be slower, but speed kills.
• Be aware; know what’s coming up at all times so you have a chance to react.

Many of the wrecks can be avoided by slowing down or skipping the drive.  Know your limits, and know that many other motorists have lesser driving skills than you do.

Herbert Law Group Helps Truck Accident Victims

No matter how well we drive, accidents happen.  We can, after all, only control our vehicle and our actions.

If you were injured in an accident with a truck driver, or if a loved one was killed in a truck accident, you will need a truck accident lawyer to ensure that you’re fully compensated for what happened.

That’s where Herbert Law Group comes in.  We have seen a lot of wrecks over the years, and we know what needs to happen to help you heal completely.

Call us at 214-414-3808, or fill out the contact form on our site, and we’ll be in touch to find out just how we can help.

How Public Traffic Cameras can Help Your Case

Camera evidence is one of the most valuable pieces of evidence in any accident case.  This is especially true when there are multiple angles captures.  It’s why motorists should have dashcams, and why many are under the opinion that every new vehicle should have multiple cameras built in to their system (Tesla has 8 on the outside and one that show inside the vehicle).

If you’re involved in a truck wreck on one of the highways in the DFW Metroplex area, there’s a good chance that the wreck was captured on one of the many state run traffic cameras.  Check out how the Car Crash Captain explains why obtaining that video evidence might be a little tricky if you don’t know the proper channels to go through.

Why is Traffic Camera Evidence so Powerful?

Your testimony on what happened is powerful.  Witness testimony is also powerful.  But both of them can be obstructed, forgotten, or even skewed.  Even without intentionally twisting the facts, it’s hard to remember everything that happened within a matter of seconds.

But a traffic camera that shows a clear shot of the area leading up to, during, and after the wreck will give another testimony that captures exactly what happened.

State run traffic cameras aren’t the only video evidence out there though.  There are dash cams in your vehicle, and witness vehicles, that may have captured the event.  There are businesses nearby that might have caught it on their security footage, and there are even private homes that may have security cameras capturing the event.

All of the video evidence can help support your case.

Traffic Camera Evidence May be Hard to Acquire

Asking private businesses and other motorists to share their footage often isn’t difficult: they’re inclined to help because they don’t want to see another person suffering.

Obtaining footage from a public traffic camera, in theory, is as easy as requesting it from whichever agency operates those cameras.  However, with the bureaucracy of it all, it can be difficult to do unless there’s a court order to release the footage.

Time is of the Essence to Collect Traffic Camera Evidence

If you’re injured, there is a lot going on already.  In many situations you may physically be unable to request that footage that can help your case.

Storage for camera footage is limited.  And when hundreds of traffic cameras are capturing footage 24-hours a day, it takes up a lot of storage space.  To prevent the need for literal warehouses full of computer servers, the old footage is overwritten after a period of time.  Unless it’s has been specifically told to be saved.

Video evidence of your wreck may disappear after a week or two if you’re not able to act quickly enough.  Which is why you need a truck accident lawyer in Dallas to help with your settlement.

Herbert Law Group Helps You Recover what You Deserve

Most of the time, an insurance settlement isn’t going to fully cover what you need to heal.  That’s why Herbert Law Group helps “nudge” those insurance companies in the right direction so they pay out a settlement that is fair.

When you are injured in a wreck, whether that’s with a semi-truck or another motorist, we are here to make sure you don’t have to stress about collecting evidence and negotiating with the insurers.

It all starts with a get-to-know-you phone call.  Let’s make sure that we are a good fit, and that we can help you get on track to healing.  Call us at 214-414-3808, or fill out the contact form on our site, and we’ll be in touch.

How Truck Accident Claims have Changed with Recording Devices

Since the 1980’s many trucks have included “black boxes.”  These recording devices (called Electronic Logging Devices or Electronic Control Modules) were originally designed to help the truck manufacturer deny warranty claims.  If they could verify that the truck’s owner failed to maintain the vehicle, then they wouldn’t have to replace parts under warranty.

Over the years, as technology got better, devices were installed in more and more trucks.  Sometimes for those warranty reasons, sometimes so owners could keep an “eye” on their drivers, and lately because it’s required.

It wasn’t until 2015 that the FMCSA implemented a black box mandate, but even still there are a number of exceptions where owners and operators can “get around” installing one.  Let’s take a look as the Car Crash Captain explains the benefit of the black box in a truck accident claim.

How the Black Box Helps with a Truck Accident Claim

Whenever you’re in a wreck, there are a lot of variables involved.  Even if you have great video evidence there are things that can’t be easily identified visually.

Using the data that the black box records, accompanied by any video evidence that might be produced, the truck accident can be reconstructed much more accurately.

When the scene has been reconstructed, your truck accident attorney will know how fast the driver was going, whether they braked or not, if they were speeding up or slowing down, if they signaled, and a whole lot more.  The bottom line is that if you were hurt, or a loved one was killed, due to the trucker’s negligence, your case is strengthened.

What the Black Box Records

What records will the black box give us?

Just about anything that can be recorded, will be recorded.  If you drive a modern vehicle, think of all the warnings, alerts, and data you get right through the dashboard.  That’s all recorded by the black box.  Data that includes:

• Time since last stop
• GPS location
• Speed
• Braking (and braking intensity)
• Tire pressure
• Swerving
• Maintenance issues
• Cruise control use

All of this data can be used to create a very clear picture of what happened leading up to the moment of impact, and immediately following it.

Why You Need a Truck Accident Lawyer

But don’t expect to walk into a trucking company and have them turn over their data willingly.  Even if they weren’t at fault, they’re going to guard that information closely.

That’s why you need a truck accident lawyer.  Knowing the laws, which ones to cite, and how to properly obtain the data can mean the difference between losing your case, and receiving the compensation that you need in order to heal completely.

Visit with Herbert Law Group

Herbert Law Group knows how to handle these types of cases.

We can help you recover what you need, and not the small settlement the insurance company will likely throw out there in hopes that you don’t pursue justice.

Tapping into the black box in a truck accident claim, we can make a strong argument on your behalf.

Let’s chat about what happened.  Let’s get to know each other to see if we’re a good fit.  Call us at 214-414-3808, or fill out the contact form on our site and we’ll reach out to you.

How to Travel Safe through the Holidays

There are a few times of the year that are much more dangerous to be on the road.  The 100 days from Memorial Day to Labor Day – the summer vacation months – top the list year after year.

Closely following those summer days, however, are periods around the holidays.  Thanksgiving weekend, and the week from Christmas to New Years are loaded with accidents, including those that involve commercial trucks.

During this cheery and merry time of year, don’t let a holiday truck accident ruin the mood.  The Car Crash Captain has the information on how you can get through this time safe and sound.

Top 4 Reasons for Holiday Truck Accidents

We know just how aggravating it can get when traffic picks up.  We have a destination in mind, and a goal on when we want to get there.  Cue all the other people who had the same plans as we did, and it’s rather frustrating.  The same things that frustrate and aggravate the average driver, frustrate and aggravate truck drivers as well.

Heavy Traffic – More traffic causes two issues.  First, there are more chances of hitting another vehicle.  But the second issue is even worse.  When traffic gets congested, people get frustrated and take more chances.  Heavy traffic can lead to a holiday truck accident due to poor driving choices.

Road Conditions – Winter is generally a time when the roads aren’t in ideal driving conditions.  In Texas they stay dry and safe, for the most part.  But those who live in the Dallas area know that an ice storm in winter is not unheard of; drivers of cars and semi-trucks don’t do well on the icy roads.

Tight Deadlines – As more and more people order gifts online, those delivering the goods have larger and larger loads to haul.  When people need their items, drivers can push the limits on what they legally are allowed to do, and mistakes get made.

Substance Abuse – No matter how you look at it, driving under the influence is a major problem for all sorts of motorists.  Whether it’s alcohol, marijuana, or another controlled substance, a holiday truck accident can occur when someone has had a bit too much.

How to Avoid being in a Holiday Truck Accident

The best way to avoid being injured or killed in a truck accident is to not travel at all.  But we can’t just live in a bubble, and life is full of risks.

While it would be wonderful if every driver took extreme care and drove safely, we can only control our own actions.  So, we set ourselves up for safety by driving defensively.

Leave Earlier – We all know how hard it is to get out the door on time.  But a few extra minutes can mean the difference between keeping your cool, or making a risky move.  Don’t be the cause of a wreck because of poor planning.

Use the 12 Second Rule – No matter when you’re driving, you want to be looking 12 seconds ahead of your vehicle.  This will allow you to take action well in advance when you see something going wrong.

Slow Down – That four-wheel-drive will help you grip the slick roads a little better when accelerating or turning, but if someone pulls out in front of you, it doesn’t help you stop any faster.

Wear a Seatbelt – Traffic fatality rates plummeted when seatbelts became mandatory.  There have been numerous studies that show seatbelts save lives.  Buckling up can mean the difference between walking away, and dead.

Use a Dash Cam – No matter how safe of a driver you are, there’s going to be an unsafe driver out there.  A high-quality dash cam can capture the moments before a wreck and show your truck accident lawyer just what happened.

Why you Need a Truck Accident Lawyer

A holiday truck accident is complicated.  Was it the driver’s fault, the trucking company, the truck owner, or a mixture of a bunch of different parties?

When you have been injured, you should have one goal: to heal from those injuries.  Don’t spend your energy on pursuing a claim; leave that to the professional truck accident lawyers at Herbert Law Group.

We will handle the dirty work, so you can handle healing.  Call us at 214-414-3808, or fill out the contact form on our site and we’ll reach out to you shortly.

Crashes Impact a Driver’s Record for a Long Time

With thousands of truck wrecks every year, they are bound to affect the number of drivers out there.  If a driver loses their CDL because of a crash, then there are fewer drivers on the road.  Fewer drivers out there lead to an increase in the number of truck wrecks every year.

But do drivers always lose their license after a wreck?  What factors are involved, and what is your responsibility if you’re the victim of a trucking accident?  The Car Crash Captain dives in and lets you know what you need to know.

Truck Wreck Investigation

Immediately following the wreck, an investigation will take place.  Since truck drivers are held to a higher standard than other motorists, every wreck is taken seriously.

That investigation will include:

• Drug and alcohol testing: was the driver under the influence when the wreck occurred?
• Truck logs: was the driver following the rules set out for the number of hours he or she may drive during the week?
• Witness statements: what did other parties see?
• Vehicle maintenance: was the truck up-to-date on maintenance?

There are multiple parties that conduct these investigations.  The trucking company, the insurance company, law enforcement, and your personal injury lawyer will reconstruct the truck accident.  All parties have different goals in mind; not all of them will want to show that you’re the victim and deserve compensation.

Medical Treatment for Injured Parties

While those investigations are taking place, victims need medical treatment.

Even if you are able to “walk away” from the wreck, it’s important to get checked out by a doctor.  Your adrenaline will be flowing.  It could mask the symptoms of a serious issue that is developing.

License Suspension for the Driver

Normally the driver will have their license suspended, at least until the investigation is complete.  These repercussions can carry over well after the wreck.

Reinstatement – If the driver was found to be at no fault, they may have their license reinstated.  Because of the way CDL’s are monitored the wreck will still show up on their record for a time.  This does not guarantee, however, that the trucking company will continue to employ the driver.

Suspension – There are instances where the driver’s CDL will be suspended for a period of time.  After that time, they may apply to reinstate it.

Revocation – If the wreck is serious, and injuries or fatalities resulted, the driver may have the license revoked and not be able to drive truck again.

Jail – Depending on the circumstance, some drivers may end up serving time due to their negligence.

If you are the victim, you might be thinking that these don’t really apply to you.  They are punishments or sanctions on the driver after all.  However, we have to keep in mind that the trucking company wants to limit their liability.  If they have a good driver who made a one-time poor judgement, they may try to shift blame to you so they don’t have to lose their driver.

Settlement Negotiations for Injured Party

Throughout the process, you will be healing from your injuries and your truck wreck lawyer will be determining what compensation will help you recover from those injuries.

Depending on the circumstance, the liability, the extent of the injuries and damages, and a whole lot more, your settlement is negotiated by a skilled personal injury lawyer who understands what goes into your recovery.

Contact Herbert Law Group after a Truck Wreck

The only way you can have access to that skilled personal injury lawyer, however, is if you get in touch with Herbert Law Group.  With years and years of experience, we know just what to look for in a truck wreck, and how much you deserve in compensation.

Let’s chat about it to learn about your case.  Give us a call at 214-414-3808, or fill out the contact form on our site.

Be Aware to Avoid a Life-Changing Wreck

Thousands crashes that result in catastrophic semi-truck injuries happen every day.  Many of them right here in Texas.

While the bottom line is that the truck driver (or any one of the liable parties) should avoid being negligent, sometimes it falls on the other motorists to avoid a wreck when other parties aren’t doing their part.  If you’re paying attention, it’s likely that you can see disaster looming, and avoid being a part of it.

The Car Crash Captain explains how a catastrophic semi-truck wreck happens, and what you can do to avoid it.

What are Catastrophic Semi-Truck Injuries?

A catastrophic injury is one that changes your life permanently.  Think of the major injuries you could sustain in a wreck:

• Paralysis
• Traumatic Brain Injury
• Loss of limb(s)
• Partial, or full, disability
• Loss of hearing or sight

The list goes on and on.  To get a better understanding of catastrophic injuries, check out our recent post on the topic.

What Causes these Wrecks with Big Rigs?

There are a number of different parties that can be liable in a truck accident.  But often, it comes down to the driver that isn’t paying enough attention to the road, and acts negligently.

A simple lapse in judgment can mean a lot of changed lives.  Those lapses include:

• Drunk or impaired driving
• Drowsy driving
• Distracted driving
• Reckless driving

There’s a lot that goes into determining liability.  It’s one of the biggest reasons you need a personal injury lawyer on your side if you are involved in a wreck with a big truck.  That’s especially true if you sustain catastrophic semi-truck injuries.

Take a look at our previous post about how to better understand liability in these cases.

5 Ways you can avoid becoming a Victim

So what does the motorist do when faced with the impending danger of driving alongside semis?  There are times when things are unavoidable.  You just happen to be in the wrong place at the wrong time.

But you can take steps to prevent being in the wrong place at the wrong time.  It starts with some defensive driving:

• Avoid the blind spot; if you can’t see the truck’s mirrors, the driver can’t see you.
• Understand response times; big vehicles take longer to react (especially braking), they may swerve to avoid a collision instead of braking.
• Stay back; trucks slow down when going up a hill, ease off the throttle (or pass them) instead of getting right up on their bumper.
• Maintain your vehicle; this is good advice no matter where or when you’re driving.  A maintained vehicle is safer.
• Don’t drive distracted, drunk, or drowsy; be alert and stay alive.

When you drive diligently and pay attention to the road, you can help to keep yourself safe on Texas highways.  But if you are involved in a Texas truck wreck, you need a Texas truck accident attorney.

Talk with Herbert Law Group for Expert Legal Advice

Most truck accidents result in injury or death.  If this is the case, then you need a truck accident lawyer that knows how to handle the situation.

You need Herbert Law Group.

The expert attorneys have seen catastrophic semi-truck injuries before.  They know how these injuries change lives, and understand the financial burden you will be under if you’re the victim.

To get things started we need to know if we can help you.  Give us a call at 214-414-3808, or fill out the contact form on our site and we’ll reach out to you soon.

Truck Drivers are Responsible to Maintain Brakes

It is estimated that 30% of trucking accidents are caused, at least in part, by brake failure.

But what does brake failure even mean?  Do they go out completely?  Are the trucks out of compressed air, so they just don’t work?  Are they old and worn?

Let’s take a look at what the Car Crash Captain has to say about truck accidents that stem from brake failure, and how the issue starts in the first place.

Most Brake Failure Accidents are from Brake Fade

As brakes work hard, they aren’t quite as effective as they were when fresh.  Not because they’re wearing down, although that is a factor, it’s due to what is known as brake fade.

Brake’s work well up to really high temperatures; usually in excess of 500 degrees.  But overused brakes can quickly soar past that temperature and start pushing 1,000 degrees.  These red-hot brakes swell, and can mean the brake shoes have to move farther to create the friction necessary to slow the truck down.  The driver has to push harder and harder to get the necessary pressure just to slow a truck.

This can occur due to improper driving, like braking too hard, not adjusting the engine for downhill, or driving too aggressively.

It can also occur with worn out pads, contaminated brake fluid, overloaded vehicles, or poorly adjusted brakes.

Often it’s a combination of poor driving skills and poor vehicle maintenance.

How Drivers Should Avoid Brake Fade

An experienced driver will understand they can’t rely on brakes alone to slow the truck.  And they know that brake failure will happen (it’s not a matter of if, it’s a when) as they overuse the brakes.

Instead, the driver must rely on using the engine to slow the rig.  Downshifting and noisy engine brakes are efficient at dumping speed.  Giving the brakes a rest and letting them cool, and regular maintenance can all prevent a deadly trucking accident.

In a Wreck?  You Need a Truck Accident Lawyer

There will always be times when accidents do happen.  And if you’re in the wrong place, you could end up the victim.

But insurance will take care of it, right?

Not usually.  With as complicated as trucking accidents are, will you know where to start when filing a claim?

• Do you know if it was inexperience and riding the brakes that led to failure?
• Do you know if it was a lack of maintenance?
• Do you know if it was a faulty part that was installed in the first place?

With all of the variables, you need a truck accident lawyer to help navigate the legal mayhem that ensues.

Herbert Law Group is here to Help

If you have been injured in a truck accident, your main focus should be to heal.  You need to get better from your wounds: physical or mental.

The stress of an insurance claim or a pending lawsuit is going to deter your healing.

Instead, Herbert Law Group will take that burden from you.  Our experienced attorneys know what to look for, who to talk to, and what to claim when it comes to your wreck.

You focus on healing; we’ll deal with the courts and insurance companies.

Call us at 214-414-3808, or fill out the contact form on our site, and let’s get to know each other.  The initial consultation is free; we just need to know if we’re a good fit.

Knowing the Risks can Save Your Life

Every single day, thousands of motor vehicle crashes happen.  Truck crashes make up a couple thousand of those daily crashes.

What should concern anyone driving on the highways today is that if you happen to be involved in a semi truck crash, the chances of being injured or killed are considerably higher than if you’re involved in a wreck with another passenger vehicle.

How do semi truck crashes look?  We gathered up a handful of recent news reports that show how varied truck crashes can be.  The Car Crash Captain lays them out to let you know what you should watch out for.

Semi Truck Crashes and Tips Over Near Omaha, Nebraska

On September 10^th a truck crashed and tipped onto its side in Nebraska.  There aren’t great reports on what exactly happened, but it sounds like this was one of the “fortunate” accidents that didn’t involve other vehicles, and there were no injuries reported.

But it does make for hazardous driving.  Semi truck drivers are humans just like all of us, and they make mistakes when driving.  If you were driving near this truck when the driver lost control, would you be able to quickly recognize the erratic driving and be able to take evasive action quickly enough to avoid being involved in the wreck?

Paying close attention, especially near big trucks, is the best way to avoid being involved in a truck wreck.

FedEx Truck Crashes with Semi Truck Near Detroit

When two large vehicles collide, there’s a greater chance that other vehicles will also be involved.

This wreck involving 6 vehicles total wasn’t limited to the FedEx driver and the semi truck driver in the morning of September 13^th.  There were no injuries reported, but the damage done to the FedEx vehicle show that this could have gone a whole lot worse than it did.

Wet roads after the rain can make driving treacherous for big rigs as well as smaller vehicles.  Watch out for hazards, and keep an eye on those large trucks in case they lose control.

Motorist Dies in Semi Truck Wreck in Eastern Georgia

Unfortunately, many accidents with semi trucks result in death or serious injury.

On the morning of September 12^th, a 71-year-old man lost his life after colliding with a tractor-trailer.  There’s no word on what exactly happened, but the pickup truck hit the back of the semi with enough force to embed the pickup under the trailer.

Most semi trucks will have safety equipment to prevent vehicles from sliding under the trailer.  Large metal “bumpers” prevent the majority of truck underride collisions.  But not all trailers have them, and not all vehicles will be stopped in a collision.

No Injuries in a Messy Crash Outside of Memphis

Sometimes a truck wreck isn’t deadly, but can prove to be almost comical on what results.

While there’s nothing comical about the destruction of property and the setbacks people go through after a truck crash, the aftermath might be unexpected.  Such as what happened outside of Memphis at the end of August.  The result was a roadway coated in thick, creamy, alfredo sauce.

Once it’s cleaned up, that roadway will hopefully be safe to travel again.  But even after an accident, hazards exist… like hitting a patch of alfredo sauce and hydroplaning – or alfredo-planing – off the road.

Yep, it’s an alfredo sauce spill on I-55 pic.twitter.com/rSG7RDZprn

— WREG News Channel 3 (@3onyourside) August 30, 2022

Get in Touch with Herbert Law Group after a Semi Truck Crash

What isn’t a laughing matter is when you have been injured, or a loved one has been killed, because of a truck driver’s negligence.

Truck crashes happen every day.  We can protect ourselves with defensive driving, but there will always be those unpredictable and unavoidable moments.

If you have suffered a loss after a truck crash, then we need to speak with you.  Give us a call at 214-414-3808, or fill out the contact form on our site.  Our first conversation is just to get to know you and to see if we’re a good fit.