Tire Blowouts and Equipment Failures - Preventable 18-Wheeler Accidents in Laredo TX

Preventable truck accidents range from improper maintenance causing a vehicle malfunction to reckless behavior that causes a driver to lose control of their rig. These accidents unfairly harm responsible drivers in other vehicles, and victims deserve compensation. If you’ve suffered injuries in a preventable accident involving an 18-wheeler or big commercial truck, calling an experienced local lawyer can put you on the path to financial recovery in Laredo, TX.

At Carabin Shaw, our client reviews speak volumes about our legal services. If you’re looking for an experienced legal team to represent you during a personal injury case, call our toll-free number today at 800-862-1260 to schedule your FREE CASE REVIEW. Someone is available to speak with you 24/7. Our Laredo attorneys work on a contingency-fee basis, so you don’t pay unless we win!

Under Texas law, personal liability for an accident occurs when the court determines a driver’s actions to be negligent. In a general sense, this means the accident was preventable and foreseeable. It is usually marked by carelessness or oversight. However, legal negligence has five requirements:

1. Duty of care
2. Breach of duty
3. Harm
4. Proximate cause of harm
5. In-fact cause of harm

Parties are not liable if they do not have a duty of care in preventable truck accidents. This may be the general duty to exercise caution during everyday life or the strict duty that exists because of the party’s status as a manufacturer, seller, or employer. Injured parties can only sue for damages, which dictates that liability requires harm.

Finally, the harm caused by an 18 wheeler accident in Laredo TX, must be related to the negligent act to be qualified for compensation. This means that the act caused harm that would not have occurred without that act. The courts may hold multiple parties responsible for injuries under the legal doctrine of proportionate responsibility.

Tire blowouts may occur without warning, even when they are properly maintained. However, truck drivers should follow the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) recommendations to reduce the risk of a blowout. A Laredo 18 wheeler accident lawyer may use these recommendations to argue negligence. The guidelines recommend:

• Inspecting for tire wear and damage
• Inflating to the recommended tire pressure
• Avoiding overloading
• Using proper rim and tire combinations
• Driving at safe speeds

Driver and trucking company liability may exist for some truck accidents, but tire manufacturers may also be liable after a blowout accident because of strict product liability. Hiring a lawyer ensures you can hold the correct party liable for your damages.

Equipment failure is akin to tire blowouts in that negligent maintenance and strict liability laws may be relevant in a personal injury lawsuit. An attorney will investigate your truck accident to discover its cause. Examples of equipment failure include:

• Brake failure
• Steering malfunctions
• Engine breakdown
• Defective hitches

Again, regular inspection and maintenance records help a trucking company avoid liability. Your truck accident attorney in Laredo, Texas will search for any indications that prove liability and help you get the compensation you deserve.

Victims of preventable accidents in Laredo, Texas, should receive compensation for their economic and noneconomic losses. This includes monetary awards for medical bills, loss of income, and pain and suffering. This compensation helps in making a full recovery or provides compensation for permanent damages.

In gross negligence cases where a company or driver was extremely careless, the court may also award punitive damages for the defendant’s misconduct. This award is meant to punish the behavior and possibly prevent its recurrence.

Despite its goals of justice and fairness, the legal process can be stressful and time-consuming. Hiring a quality legal team is essential so that you can focus on your healing. Your legal team will help you:

• Collect evidence
• Organize your case
• File a lawsuit
• Argue liability
• Negotiate a settlement
• Take your case to trial if necessary

The Laredo personal injury lawyers at Carabin Shaw are dedicated to achieving quality outcomes for our clients. Contact us today for a free case review. English- AND Spanish-speaking staff are available to assist you.

For more information:

• Cornell Law
• Texas Statutes 33
• FMCSA