Aggressive driving is one of the leading causes of 18-wheeler accidents in Texas. Whether the trucker is running behind schedule, struggling with job-related stress, under the influence, or simply impatient, there is no excuse to drive aggressively. When trucker drives aggressively, they put everyone on the road at risk of an accident. If you are the victim of an 18-wheeler accident, you should reach out to a Houston truck accident attorney.
What is Aggressive Truck Driving?
Some people only associate aggressive driving with road rage. This is incorrect. Aggressive driving is when an individual drives in an unsafe manner, even if there is no intent to cause harm to a specific driver. Types of aggressive driving may include, but are not limited to:
• Following too closely (tailgating);
• Speeding;
• Driving on the shoulder or sidewalk;
• Erratic lane changes;
• Driving in the median;
• Aggressive passing;
• Sudden accelerations;
• Failure to yield right of way;
• Ignoring traffic signals;
• Ignoring traffic signs;
• Ignoring on-vehicle warnings;
• Failure to signal properly;
• Making improper turns; and
• Racing.
Sometimes committing one of the above acts alone would not constitute aggressive driving. However, a driver that exhibits a combination of unsafe behaviors would be considered an aggressive driver. For example, if a trucker forgets to signal when changing lanes, it may not qualify as aggressive driving. Whereas, if a truck driver fails to signal, speeds, and weaves in and out of traffic, it would constitute aggressive driving.
What are the Dangers of Aggressive Truck Driving in Sugar Land?
Aggressive driving is always dangerous, but the risk increases when a large truck is involved. Due to the sheer size of an 18-wheeler, if an accident occurs, the risk of sustaining a severe injury is considerably higher. An average 18-wheeler in Texas is 80,000 pounds, compared to standard passenger vehicles, which typically weigh between 3,500 and 5,000 pounds. In Texas, accidents involving trucks are more likely to result in fatalities than when passenger cars collide with other cars. According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), there were 556 fatal truck accidents in Texas in 2017.
Additionally, because of an 18-wheeler’s size, it takes close to 200 yards to stop when traveling under good conditions at highway speeds. This distance is much greater than a smaller passenger vehicle. When a truck is driving aggressively, the potential of a devastating accident is high.
What Should I Do if Aggressive Driving Was the Cause of My 18-Wheeler Accident in Sugar Land?
If you were in an 18-wheeler accident caused by aggressive driving, the first thing you should do is call 911. When the police arrive, you should make sure to let them know about the trucker’s aggressive driving and how it contributed to the accident. A police report is a critical evidence, and its existence will make it much easier to prove your claims.
The second step you should take is to seek medical attention. Even if your injuries do not immediately appear severe, you should get evaluated by a qualified medical professional. Sometimes victims do not appreciate the severity of their injuries until weeks or months after the accident. Waiting this long to get medical treatment can make it much more difficult to receive the compensation that you deserve.
An insurance adjuster will contact you soon after the accident. You should never enter into an agreement or make concessions to the insurance adjuster before speaking with a truck accident attorney. Insurance companies will try to save money by paying you the least amount possible and often offer unrepresented accident victims quick low-ball offers.
Instead of settling directly with the insurance company, you should reach out to an experienced Sugar Land truck accident attorney. 18-wheeler accidents caused by aggressive driving are complex cases and different than traditional car accidents. Your attorney will carefully investigate the cause of the accident and deal with the insurance company on your behalf. If necessary, they will file a lawsuit and aggressively protect your rights in court.
Your Sugar Land Truck Accident Attorney
If you or a loved one were in an 18-wheeler accident, you should reach out to a qualified Sugar Land attorney as soon as possible. Adam Capetillo is a Fort Bend County native who will evaluate your case and provide the best possible representation. As a skilled personal injury lawyer in Sugar Land, Adam Capetillo can effectively guide you through the entire process from start to finish. Call Capetillo Law Firm today for a free consultation.