What to Do If You Are Injured in a Semi-Truck Accident on I-20

Stretching from Texas to South Carolina, I-20 is one of the busiest highways in the country. It cuts through densely populated urban centers such as Fort Worth, Dallas, and Birmingham. Since it’s a major corridor for transporting goods, every day hundreds of semi-trucks make their way through it, and sometimes they can be involved in serious crashes.

If you’ve been involved in a semi-truck accident on I-20, you may feel overwhelmed, but understanding the common causes of these accidents, who may be liable, and the steps to take afterward can help you navigate the situation and protect your rights.

This guide offers insights into these critical aspects and can assist you in taking the appropriate steps for your recovery. Contacting an I-20 semi-truck accident lawyer can also help you navigate the process with peace of mind. 

Common Causes of Semi-Truck Accidents on I-20

Here are some of the more common causes behind these types of accidents:

• Driver Fatigue: Semi-truck drivers often drive long hours to meet delivery deadlines, which can lead to fatigue. Fatigued drivers have slower reaction times and impaired judgment, increasing the risk of accidents.
• Weather Conditions: I-20 crosses through regions that experience various weather conditions, including rain, snow, fog, and ice. These weather conditions can make the road slippery, reduce visibility, and impair a truck driver’s ability to react quickly, leading to accidents.
• Speeding and Reckless Driving: Semi-truck drivers must adhere to speed limits, but some may exceed them or engage in reckless driving to make up for lost time. Speeding, especially in congested or hazardous conditions, can result in deadly accidents.
• Inadequate Truck Maintenance: Trucks are required to undergo regular inspections, but some truck operators or companies may neglect maintenance, leading to brake failure, tire blowouts, or mechanical issues that can cause accidents.
• Improper Loading: When a semi-truck is overloaded or the cargo is improperly secured, it can affect the vehicle’s stability, making it more prone to tipping or losing control during driving.

Establishing Liability in a Semi-Truck Accident

After a semi-truck crash on I-20, figuring out who’s responsible is essential. Unlike a regular car accident, truck accidents can involve multiple parties, not just the driver. The trucking industry is tightly regulated, and any violations of state or federal rules could play a major role in determining who’s at fault.

Understanding who is liable in a semi-truck accident is crucial for pursuing compensation. Here are the possible parties who may be held responsible: 

• Truck Driver: If the truck driver is found to be negligent, such as by driving under the influence, speeding, or driving while fatigued, they may be held responsible for the accident.
• Trucking Company: Trucking companies are responsible for ensuring their drivers are properly trained and the trucks are well-maintained. If the company failed to follow federal regulations or pressured the driver to work beyond safe hours, it could be liable.
• Truck Manufacturer: If a mechanical failure or defective parts (like brakes or tires) caused the accident, the truck manufacturer may be held responsible for producing faulty components.
• Government Agencies: In some cases, government agencies may be responsible for poor road conditions or failure to address safety hazards on I-20. If road maintenance issues contributed to the accident, there may be grounds for a claim against the responsible agency.

What You Must Prove in a Trucking Company Lawsuit

If you were injured in a commercial vehicle accident and think the trucking company might be at fault, there are a few key things you’ll need to prove to build a strong case.

First, the trucking company had a responsibility to operate safely and follow all the rules, that’s called the “duty of care.” Next, you’ll need to show that the company didn’t live up to that responsibility, such as by not enforcing proper rest breaks for drivers or neglecting necessary vehicle maintenance. Then, you’ll have to prove that their negligence directly led to the accident and your injuries. Finally, you’ll need to demonstrate the real impact the accident had on your life—whether that’s medical bills, lost income, pain and suffering, or a permanent disability.

A skilled I-5 truck accident lawyer will gather important evidence to strengthen your case, like employee records, vehicle inspection logs, GPS data, and cell phone records.

Steps to take after a semi-truck accident on I-20

• Seek Medical Attention: Your health and safety come first. Even if you feel fine initially, injuries from semi-truck accidents can be serious and may not be immediately apparent. Go to a hospital for a full evaluation and keep all medical records related to your injuries.
• Report the Accident: Contact the police immediately and file an official report. This report will serve as an important document in your case. Get the officer’s details and request a copy of the report for your records.
• Document the Scene: If possible, take pictures of the accident scene, vehicle damage, and your injuries. Collect contact information from any witnesses, and note the time, weather conditions, and road conditions at the time of the crash.
• Do Not Admit Fault: Even if you believe you might have been partially responsible, do not admit fault at the scene. Liability in semi-truck accidents can be complex, and an attorney will help determine the cause of the crash and who is liable.
• Contact a Personal Injury Attorney: Semi-truck accident claims are often more complicated than typical car accidents, involving multiple parties and complex regulations. An experienced truck accident lawyer will help you gather evidence, negotiate with insurance companies, and advocate for fair compensation.

Contact an I-20 Truck Accident Lawyer for Legal Assistance 

If you or someone you love has been involved in a semi-truck accident on I-20, you don’t have to face the aftermath alone. A skilled I-20 truck accident lawyer can help you navigate this difficult process by thoroughly investigating your case, identifying the liable parties, and initiating a trucking company lawsuit to get the compensation you deserve.