Sharing the road with large trucks is a dangerous part of everyday life for drivers in Texas. While any type of collision with a big rig can be disastrous, an override accident is a particularly destructive type of crash that can cause catastrophic and deadly injuries. If you or a loved one has experienced an override truck accident in Texas, a car accident attorney in San Antonio can help you find a way forward.
What Is an Override Accident?
An override accident describes a motor vehicle crash where a large vehicle, such as an 18-wheeler or semi-truck collides with a smaller car and drives up and over it, crushing the smaller vehicle beneath it. Override accidents can occur when a large truck rear-ends a smaller car. In this scenario, the smaller car can get completely crushed beneath the truck, with tragic outcomes for those inside.
Override Accidents Can Cause Severe Injuries
Override truck accidents can inflict life-threatening injuries on victims. Those who survive may have to live with lasting effects, such as permanent scarring, disfigurement and disabilities.
When a truck rolls over the top of a smaller car, those inside the latter can suffer severe injuries such as:
- Broken bones
- Crush injuries
- Amputations
- Spinal cord injuries
- Permanent paralysis
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Severe lacerations
- Internal organ damage
Sadly, many override accidents in Texas are fatal for one or more victims. Since a big rig is much larger and heavier than a smaller car, those killed are typically passenger car occupants rather than truck drivers.
How Can Override Accidents in Texas Be Prevented?
Preventing override accidents starts with preventing large truck accidents. Large and heavy commercial trucks are necessary to the country’s economy. However, they pose a significant danger to other motorists. For this reason, there are federal laws in Texas in place to regulate trucking industry safety.
An override truck accident could be avoided if the driver of the big rig is properly trained, well-rested and cautious. A truck driver must obey all relevant laws to ensure he or she is driving safely and prudently. The trucker must pay proper attention to the road, follow speed limits that apply to large trucks in Texas and maintain a safe following distance from other vehicles.
A truck driver should also obey federal hours-of-service regulations to help prevent override accidents due to drowsy driving. Truck driver fatigue is a significant problem that increases the odds of large truck rear-end collisions and override accidents. If the driver of a large truck is careless or reckless, he or she can cause this serious type of accident.
Recovering Compensation for an Override Accident in Texas
As someone who has been affected by an override crash in Texas, you may be eligible for financial compensation from one or multiple parties. This includes the individual truck driver, the trucking company and potential third parties, such as a cargo company.
Work with an experienced personal injury lawyer in San Antonio for assistance identifying liable parties in your particular case. An override accident attorney can investigate your crash and collect evidence establishing fault for the collision. Your lawyer can use this information to build the strongest possible claim to damages.Â
While no amount of money can reverse the significant suffering you may have faced due to an override accident, securing a fair settlement or judgment award can make it easier to move forward and rebuild your life. Contact us today.