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Different Trucks, Different Risks
Although different types of large trucks present different risks, they do have one thing in common: They are much larger and heavier than passenger vehicles. That’s why accidents involving commercial motor vehicles (CMVs) tend to produce catastrophic and fatal injuries.
Different types of trucks commonly found on Texas interstates, highways and streets include:
- Dump Trucks: These trucks transport loose material, such as sand, gravel and dirt. The material is stored in an open-bed container in the rear of the truck, which is hydraulically operated. Debris flying from the back of the truck can strike trailing automobiles and cause accidents, making dump trucks one of the most dangerous out of all heavy-duty work trucks, including tow trucks, wreckers, cement trucks and garbage trucks.
- Flatbed Trucks: These trucks feature an open trailer without any sides or roof, which allows them to be used to transport bulky cargo such as logs, pipes, heavy equipment and machinery. When this cargo is not properly secured, it can shift during stops and turns, causing the truck to jackknife, or it can become loose and strike other vehicles on the road.
- Tanker Trucks: These trucks are especially prevalent in Texas, transporting oil, gasoline, diesel, kerosene and other highly flammable materials between factories, refineries and ports. Although the tanks are insulated and pressurized, they can readily explode in accidents, causing extensive environmental damage and burn injuries.
- Tractor-Trailers: These trucks are commonly called 18-wheelers, semis or big rigs. The vehicle consists of a towing engine – the tractor – and either one or two trailers in the rear. These trucks are the most heavily used in the commercial trucking industry. Even the most seasoned truck driver may experience difficulty operating these mammoth rigs, which can weigh as much as 100,000 pounds.
Contact Our Texas Truck Accident Attorneys Today
The Texas truck accident lawyers of The Bob Richardson Law Firm have the skill and resources to thoroughly investigate the wreck factors inherent in different types of trucks. We also know how to handle litigation that could involve multiple parties, insurance companies and defense lawyers. Above all, we have the dedication to make sure our clients and their families are fully and fairly compensated.
Texas has a two-year statute of limitations for personal injury and wrongful death cases. Depending on the parties involved in your truck accident, the deadline for taking action may arrive even sooner. That’s why it’s important to contact a skilled and experienced Texas truck accident attorney immediately after you’ve been involved in a wreck.
If you need legal assistance with your truck accident case in Austin, Waco, Round Rock, Georgetown, Killeen, Temple, Cedar Park, Lakeway, Taylor, Belton or the surrounding Texas communities, call The Bob Richardson Law Firm today toll-free at (800) 880-5100 or use our online contact form. We can provide you with a free case evaluation.
