Houston Rear-End Truck Accident Lawyers

Rear-end accidents are often referred to as “fender benders.” Anyone who claims that rear-end accidents are minor has never seen the devastation caused by a semi-truck slamming into the vehicle in front of it. While accidents between trucks and passenger vehicles can happen in several ways, rear-end accidents constitute over 26% of all truck-involved accidents. Due to how heavy trucks are, passenger vehicles are likely to sustain severe damage, gravely endangering their occupants.

If you or a loved one has endured moderate to severe personal injuries, or someone you love lost their life in a rear-end truck accident in Houston, reach out to the skilled truck accident attorneys at Sutliff & Stout to uncover what your case is worth. Our utmost priorities are to defend you, protect you and your family, and uphold your rights when you need them most. When you’re ready to have an aggressive advocate on your side, contact us for a free, no-obligation case review.

What to Do When You Get Rear Ended?

The first thing to do following a rear end collision is to pull over safely and call 911. Rear end collisions commonly result in injuries occurring and either you or the other party may need medical attention. When exiting your vehicle, make sure you are not injured and that it is safe to do so. Exchange insurance and contact info with the other driver while you wait for first responders to arrive. Be sure to take notes and photos of the damages so that you can provide them to your insurance provider at a later time.

How Rear-End Truck Accidents Can Happen in Houston

Truck accidents happen quickly, and passenger vehicles don’t have many options to avoid collisions once an accident is in motion. Rear-end accidents usually occur on residential streets rather than highways because more vehicles are stopped on local roads than on a freeway. Common rear-end collisions happen when passenger vehicles slow down at a traffic light or sign, but the truck driver fails to notice in time.

Often, driver negligence is the cause of rear-end trucking accidents. Negligence includes:

• Speeding
• Distracted driving
• Fatigued driving
• Insufficient lighting
• Driving under the influence
• Tailgating
• Careless driving
• Lack of maintenance

Rear-end accidents tend to impact the passenger vehicle’s occupants more than the truck driver. For example, when a semi-truck plows over the top of the back of a passenger vehicle, the entire roof can be torn off, resulting in debilitating injuries or possibly death. If this has happened to you, ensure you get the medical care you need, and then speak to a qualified attorney to guide you through the claims process and ensure the liable party is held responsible.

What Common Injuries Result from Rear-End Accidents?

Even in minor rear-end car accidents, accident victims can endure tragic injuries. With the high force and weight of a semi-truck crashing into a passenger vehicle, occupants are more likely to suffer traumatic injuries. Although you might not feel any pain right away following the accident, it is vital that you get examined by emergency medical personnel at the accident scene. If you’re sent home, monitor yourself for any symptoms that may spring up later.

Common injuries that result from a rear-end truck accident include:

• Whiplash
• Cuts and bruises
• Facial injuries
• Scarring
• Disfigurement
• Head trauma
• Traumatic brain injuries
• Spinal cord injuries
• Soft tissue damage

Some of these injuries pose a more significant threat to your health than others, but either way, you can expect rigorous treatment, frequent visits to the doctor, and stacks of medical bills. Claims for these types of injuries are complex and require the skill of an experienced attorney to put your best interests forward.

Complexities Associated with Rear-End Truck Accidents in Houston

The difficulty with rear-end truck accidents is that most people assume that if a truck driver collides into the back of their car. They sustained injuries, the truck driver is automatically recognized as the one at fault. Since Texas is an at-fault state, liability can be shared by all parties involved. Accidents can still happen even if a truck driver maintains a safe distance from the vehicle in front. Examples of certain circumstances in which accidents can occur include:

• If the vehicle in front reverses into the truck
• If the vehicle pulls in front to cut a truck driver off
• If the vehicle in front has no brake lights

Therefore, it is crucial that a detailed investigation is performed, including obtaining eyewitnesses, photographs, and any traffic surveillance. Trucking companies will do whatever they can to make it seem like you’re responsible for the accident. At Sutliff & Stout, we can help protect you from trucking companies’ deceiving tactics and ensure you recover the damages and losses you’re owed.

While there is little you can do to prevent these types of accidents from happening, there are a few safe driving tips to lower your chances of being rear-ended by a semi-truck:

• Avoid distractions
• Avoid sudden stops (when possible)
• Allow enough space when changing lanes
• Regular car maintenance
• Check your mirrors constantly
• Signal turns or lane changes
• Maintain a safe speed

Contact a Houston Rear-End Truck Accident Lawyer Today

A rear-end trucking collision can alter your life in seconds. In the blink of an eye, you may find yourself handling catastrophic medical debt and legal matters, all while trying to cope with a traumatic event. If you were in a rear-end trucking accident caused by the negligence of another party, let the attorneys at Sutliff & Stout help you attain the justice you deserve. You’re more than just a client to us, which is why we must develop a healthy relationship with you built on a foundation of trust, respect, and transparency.

At Sutliff & Stout, our Board-Certified truck accident attorneys deliver consistent results and positive outcomes and will represent you from a strong position of experience, knowledge, and diligence. Most trucking corporations and companies have extensive resources, money, and connections. With our highly-rated firm on your side, you’ll get a better chance for fair compensation. Call our office at (713) 987-7111 or fill out our contact form to contact us today.