It’s common to hear about tragic accidents involving 18-wheelers in the newspaper or on the television. In so many of these cases the semitruck driver walks away with minor cuts and bruises – if injured at all. However, those in the passenger vehicle usually aren’t this fortunate. In 98% of all fatalities involving an 18-wheeler, it’s the driver or passengers in the other vehicle that are killed. In Texas alone, there are about 15,000 accidents involving 18-wheelers every year. These accidents result in around 300 deaths and over 2,000 injuries. Today, we’re discussing what happens after an accident and which trucking companies are involved in the most lawsuits.
First, what happens after the accident? Usually, EMS may arrive to assist any injured parties, and the police are called on the scene to investigate. They fill out a police report to help determine if any criminal charges should be filed against the parties involved. If someone dies or is injured in an accident that is not their fault, they have the right to pursue compensation. Sometimes they settle directly with the trucking company’s insurance provider, but this is a mistake. Insurance companies representing the trucking industry are very experienced and particularly good at persuading people to accept less money than what their case is worth.
Even if the victim hires an attorney, these insurance companies will continue to fight (which is why it is important to hire an experienced attorney). Sometimes they settle before a lawsuit is filed. But in many cases, victims and their lawyers have to fight it out in court.
These trucking companies are the ones with the highest number of personal injury lawsuits filed against them since 2004.
Swift Transportation. Swift has numerous terminals in Texas, including Laredo, El Paso, Houston, and Dallas. The company has been involved in 299 personal injury lawsuits.
Werner Enterprises. Werner has locations in Laredo, McAllen, and Clint – to name a few of its facilities in Texas. This trucking company has had 289 lawsuits filed against it.
Schneider National Carriers. Schneider has facilities all over the country, including a terminal down in Laredo. It has been involved in 154 lawsuits.
Western Express. Western Express has had 103 personal injury lawsuits filed against it. This company also has a terminal in South Texas.
The common thread with these companies is that they are very experienced with being sued. Each one has been involved with over 100 lawsuits – and they all have locations in South Texas. If you are involved in an accident with any of these semi-truck companies, or another one, you have a right to hold these companies accountable and pursue compensation. Just be sure to hire a lawyer with the experience to fight them.
DeSouza Law Firm is a leading personal injury firm representing accident victims throughout Texas.
If you’ve been injured by a car, truck, 18 wheeler, company vehicle, or in the oilfield, call DeSouza Injury Lawyers today at 361-799-2222 or visit the firm online at https://jfdlawfirm.com/.