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Dump Truck Accident Injures Driver in Georgetown

Dump truck accident injures driver.

Police were on the scene of a dump truck accident that injured the driver.  According to news reports, the crash happened when a dump truck traveling north on the east frontage road of IH-35 suffered a blown tire, which caused the driver to lose control of the truck. The truck spun and veered off the road and slid down a cement embankment into Berry Creek.

The police closed the exit from IH-35 to Texas Highway 195 as well as the northbound ramp onto IH-35 from the east frontage road while they investigated and cleaned up the scene.

The driver was transported to Seton Medical Center in Williamson County with injuries that were described as non-life-threatening. Luckily, no other vehicles were involved in the accident. The dump truck is owned and operated by Montecillo Masonry, Inc. in Austin.

The Perils of Dump Truck Crashes

Dump trucks are extremely large and heavy. The diesel engine alone may weigh 25,000 pounds. Dump trucks are so huge that they are shipped and built on-site. An average dump truck can weigh 497 tons and travel at a speed of 40 miles per hour, making them extremely dangerous on the road.  When a dump truck collides with a passenger vehicle, the results are often devastating. Injuries can be extremely severe such as back and neck injuries, head trauma, broken bones, and cuts and bruises.

Truck accidents may be caused by a variety of factors. Factors are generally categorized into human error, mechanical failure, and adverse road conditions. A thorough investigation needs to be completed after a dump truck accident to determine the cause and determine the negligent party. In this case, the truck reportedly blew a tire. The company that owns and operates the truck, along with the truck driver, should examine and maintain tires to ensure that they are safe for travel before the vehicle gets on the road. In this instance, the maintenance logs of the truck need to be viewed to find out whether the trucking company properly maintained the vehicle.

In addition, the driver may also have contributed to the crash. When drivers are not adequately trained or do not have enough experience, they may not know what to do when a problem such as a blown tire occurs. Sometimes improper load management also contributes to the crash. When the vehicle makes a maneuver, the load could shift and cause unexpected results. The driver may then be unable to control the vehicle. In this case, the driver survived, so the investigators can conduct an interview to find out more about the incident.

Contact an Experienced Houston Dump Truck Attorney

If you were hurt in a dump truck accident or any type of accident, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries and for your lost wages and pain and suffering.

Do not delay, because the law limits the time to file a claim. Contact an attorney for a dump truck accident to learn how we will help protect your rights and get you the compensation you deserve.

Call (281) 893-0760

Three Dead in Boat Collision Near Baytown

A day on the water ended with three fatalities for boaters on Old River Lake. According to reports, a ski boat carrying five people crashed into a bass fishing boat carrying six people. Three people died in the crash and others were critically injured. Two of the victims died at the scene and one died after being air-lifted to Hermann Memorial Hospital. The police investigated the boat crash, which was caused by the ski boat driver. The accident happened near Baytown.

The Chambers County Sheriff’s Office reports that they have arrested and charged the ski boat driver with three counts of intoxication manslaughter with a vehicle and two counts of intoxication assault. Boating while intoxicated is a crime under Texas Law. In this case, the driver was grossly negligent because he caused death and critical injuries.

Why Boat Crashes are Dangerous

Boat crashes can be more dangerous than vehicle accidents for a number of reasons. Boat drivers do not have to have licenses, so they can operate a boat even if they are not skilled. Although boaters should wear life vests at all times on the water, they often do not use these important safety devices. Because boat accidents occur on the water, it can be difficult to rescue injured victims.

Boaters often drink while they are on the water, compromising their ability to safely operate a boat. The boat operator in this case was allegedly boating while intoxicated. Boats can be difficult to control, especially if the driver does not have adequate training or experience. Some boat operators are under the age of 21. In the case mentioned above, the boat driver was 23 years old. The victims and their families are likely to file lawsuits against the driver for his negligent actions.

What to do Following a Boating Accident

You should follow some essential steps following a boating accident in which people suffered injuries. Call the police immediately to respond to the incident and make a report. Get the names and contact information of the other people involved. Take photos, if possible, and immediately seek medical care. Do not wait to get medical treatment because any delay will make it more difficult to prove your injuries occurred due to the crash.

Unlike vehicle accidents, boating accidents are not always easy to litigate. The boater may have inadequate insurance or may not have insurance to cover the accident. Contact an attorney as soon after the accident as possible. Your lawyer will gather information and help you resolve the case to obtain the compensation you deserve. Your attorney will handle all aspects of your case so you can concentrate on your recovery.

A boating accident can change your entire life in an instant. A severe injury could leave you with permanent disabilities. You are entitled to compensation for your injuries and for other damages such as lost wages and pain and suffering. If you or a loved one was hurt in a boating accident, we can help you get the money you need for your damages. Contact our legal team at Baumgartner Law Firm today for a free initial case consultation.

Are Truck Tire Problems to Blame for Big Rig Accidents?

As drivers, we share the road with thousands of big rigs every day. Houston is a hub for many transportation companies and goods must pass through our area to get across the country. As a result, we see more than our fair share of commercial trucks on the highway. You may notice that you often see remnants of big rig tires on the sides of the roads and sometimes in the middle of the lanes. Indeed, truck tires sometimes blow out or go flat. When they do, they can cause serious and sometimes fatal accidents. If you or a loved one was hurt in an accident with a big-rig, contact our experienced Houston truck accident attorneys at Baumgartner Law Firm.

Commercial Truck Tire Regulations

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has regulations in place that truck owners and drivers must follow in order to legally operate a commercial truck. As part of the regulations, truck drivers must perform a basic vehicle inspection before each trip. This includes a visual inspection of the tires. The driver is required to check the wheels, rims, lugs, and tires to ensure they are in good working order.

Documentation of the inspection is generally not a requirement; however, truck drivers and companies may include a pre-trip inspection report to show that they are in compliance of the rules. Sometimes, a driver may not perform an adequate inspection or may forego an inspection altogether, especially if he or she is in a hurry. This can lead to problems on the road.

Tire Inspections

A tire inspection should be conducted at least daily. The driver should check tires for tread wear, cracking, cuts, punctures, bulges, foreign objects, and other road damage. A tire may look fine one day but could have a problem the next, since trucks travel great distances each day. Although trucks have extra sets of tires, they do not necessarily protect the truck from a collision if a tire blows out.

Blowouts are the most common cause of tire-related truck accidents. A blowout can happen when tires are not properly maintained. They also happen when carrying heavy loads and when the weather is hot. Improper inflation is one of the leading causes of truck tire blowouts. Mismatched parts and replacements on tires and wheels can also lead to tire blowouts.

Speeding is another reason that truck tires can blow out more frequently. When a truck speeds, the tires endure more heat. Sometimes this heat is too much for the tires and a tire blows out. Overloading a truck can also put undue stress on the tires. Trucks are required to stay within specific weight limits. When a truck is overloaded, it is also harder to control and stop. This makes it more likely that it will end up in a crash.

Following a truck crash, your attorney will immediately work to gather essential information such as truck maintenance records, driver logs, and previous violations, among other things. If you were hurt in a truck accident, do not delay. Contact Baumgartner Law Firm for the legal help you need to resolve your case and get the compensation you deserve.

How Much Is My Truck Accident Injury Claim Worth?

Truck accidents are among the most severe of all types of crashes and they often result in serious injuries. One of the most common questions that truck accident victims have is how much their injury claim is worth. It is important to realize that truck accident claims are much different than other types of accidents. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) requires trucking companies to carry specific types and amounts of insurance, which are different than those of passenger vehicles. Truck accidents are more complex than other types of accidents and it is often best to have a Houston truck accident attorney guide you through the claim process.

Factors that Determine the Value of an Accident Claim

There are many factors that may be taken into consideration as part of the resolution of a truck accident claim. Some of the most important factors include your total medical costs, the severity of your injuries, lost wages, loss of companionship, and pain and suffering. Each case is different and has a unique set of circumstances. Every claim has to be investigated to determine its potential monetary value.

When you meet with our knowledgeable Houston truck accident attorneys, you will learn more about your claim. Keep in mind that we need to fully investigate the accident and injuries before we can more accurately value your claim. While you may have heard that you may get up to three times the amount of your medical bills in a settlement, that is not necessarily true. The entire facts of the case need to be evaluated before a fair settlement determination can be made.

What Happens if My Expenses Are Greater Than the Insurance Policy Allows?

Some injuries are extremely critical and may require surgery, long hospital stays, and lengthy rehabilitation. Sometimes an injury may be disabling and the victim might never fully recover. At the same time, insurance policies have limits. Your attorney will need to obtain information from the insurance provider to find out the policy limits. It is essential that you do not agree to a quick settlement from the insurance company until you first speak with a qualified Houston truck accident attorney.

Many times, the insurance company will offer the victim a settlement. The settlement may look tempting, especially if you are beginning to accumulate large medical bills. However, the first settlement is often an attempt to limit the amount of payout. If you accept a check or sign a release from the insurance company, you waive your right to take further legal action. You could end up with significantly less than your expenses require. Talk to an attorney as soon as possible following a truck accident. Your lawyer will work on your behalf to gather evidence in the case and will negotiate with the insurance company.

At Baumgartner Law Firm we have years of experience working on truck accident cases. We have obtained millions of dollars for our clients. We are available to discuss your injury with a free, no-obligation, initial consultation. Contact Baumgartner Law Firm today for your injury claim needs.

 

Related Articles:

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Why are Truck Tire Blowouts Dangerous?

Why are Truck Tire Blowouts Dangerous?

Big rig tire blowouts

Truck Tire Blowouts a Common Cause of Big Rig Accidents

About Greg Baumgartner

Truck accident lawyer Greg Baumgartner
Greg Baumgartner is a preeminent rated personal injury lawyer based in Houston, Texas, with over three decades of experience representing severely injured clients in truck accidents. He founded Baumgartner Law Firm, in 1985, with a mission to provide excellent legal representation and personalized attention to every client.