As heavy-duty and sturdy as trucks may seem, even they can break down. You have also probably seen a big rig pulled to the side of the road, while its driver tries to figure out what went wrong. However, when a commercial truck breaks down, it can become a major road hazard and pose a great danger to other drivers on the road. It can be hard for other motorists and bicyclists to see a truck parked on the side of the road, especially in poorly lit areas at night or during harsh weather.
If you have been injured or harmed in any way in a truck accident in Texas, you should talk to a Houston commercial accident lawyer who will fight to protect your rights.
Why do Trucks Stop on The Shoulder of The Road?
Unless they have mechanical issues, trucks are not supposed to pull to the side of the road, but as it happens sometimes, there might be other reasons why a truck driver may pull over. For example, a driver who is lost and trying to locate the destination on a map may pull over. A tired driver may also pull over just to get a break.
The problem occurs when another driver fails to notice the pulled-over truck in time and slams into the back of the truck. In some truly horrifying cases our Houston commercial accident lawyers have seen in Texas, a car can collide into the truck with such speed that it simply slides under the rig, and gets it’s top sheared right off.
Laws For Trucks Parking on The Shoulder of The Road in Texas
Under Texas laws, truck drivers must use hazard blinkers whenever they pull to the side. They must place roadside flares, hazard triangles, or cones behind the truck to warn other motorists and the oncoming traffic of their truck.
The hazard cones must be placed within 10 minutes of pulling over to the side of the road. If a truck is disabled, it cannot stay at the side – for any amount of time. In these cases, the truck driver must request assistance right away to get the vehicle removed from the road. The law also dictates that every big rig must have under-guard rails installed.
How is Liability Determined in a Truck Accident in Texas?
Typically, when a vehicle crashes into the rear of another vehicle, the driver that crashed might be considered responsible for the crash. This is not necessarily true in cases where a car crashes into a disabled truck that was parked on the side of the road.
If the truck did not have the proper hazard cones and lights, the truck driver may be deemed responsible for the accident. Similarly, if the rearguard of the truck is not up to date, the trucking company or the truck owner might also be held liable for your injuries. We recommend consulting with a Houston commercial accident lawyer to determine exactly who is responsible for your accident.
Let A Dedicated Houston Commercial Accident Lawyer Help You Recover The Compensation You Deserve
Dana G. Kirk is a Houston commercial accident lawyer with extensive experience in handling personal injury as well as wrongful death claims. If your accident occurred anywhere in Texas, you will find no better team than the one at Kirk Law Firm, PLLC. Contact us today to schedule a free evaluation of your tractor-trailer injury case.
