If you or a loved one have been injured in an accident with a truck in Houston, call former Harris County Attorney Michael P. Fleming now toll-free at (800) 509-2335 for a free consultation.  He is board certified in Personal Injury Trial Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization.

Between 2003 and 2007, Texas ranked as one of the top states for accidents involving trucks. Truck accidents involving cars are much more severe than a basic car accident due to the sheer weight of the vehicles involved. When someone is involved in a truck accident, the chances of fatality are often greater than that of a car-on-car accident due to the size of the vehicles as well.

Weather is not always a factor

Many people believe that one of the primary factors in a truck accident is the weather. However, statistics released by FARS provided some interesting insight that shows that this is not always the case. More truck accidents occur on dry roads than on wet roads and more occur on rural roads than on major highways.

Lower statistics than you think

The reality is that truck accidents account for less than 10 percent of all traffic fatalities. However, these statistics are not a comfort to anyone who has been involved in an accident with a truck. In spite of the fact that the overall statistics are low, this does not diminish the problems associated with truck accidents.

What to do if involved in an accident

People naturally panic when they are involved in any type of a motor vehicle accident. Frequently, accidents cause a spike in adrenaline which often means that injuries may be masked immediately after an accident occurs. The following steps should be taken when involved in any car or truck accident:

Contact the proper law enforcement officials to notify them of the accident
Get names, addresses and telephone numbers of any witnesses
Make an accurate record of all people involved in the accident, drivers and passengers
Seek immediate medical attention regardless of how good you feel
Contact your insurance company
Do not have any contact with any insurer other than your own

After the accident

Many insurance companies will contact accident victims within 48 to 72 hours. Remember, it is the primary goal of most insurers to pay a settlement as quickly as possible after an accident. Generally, this will save them and their clients money. Before a truck accident victim accepts any calls from an insurance company, the should seek assistance from truck accident injury lawyers.

These personal injury lawyers specialize in helping accident victims determine whether or not they have grounds to file a personal injury lawsuit. In some cases, victims who speak with insurance companies may find that they are providing the insurer information that could be detrimental in the event that they do decide to file a lawsuit. Truck accident injury lawyers can help victims recuperate losses from wages, injuries and depending on the severity of an accident, pain and suffering.

The long-term consequences of a truck accident are not always evident immediately after an accident. It may be days or weeks before back, neck and other injuries surface. Those who have been involved in any type of a car accident or truck accident should always reach out to a personal injury attorney to help protect their rights to file a lawsuit. Remember, insurance companies are there to make sure that you get as little payment as possible. A board-certified personal injury lawyer is here to make sure that you get as much remuneration as possible for your injuries.

As with other serious personal injury cases, the assistance of experienced, board certified counsel is needed immediately after a truck accident to make sure evidence is preserved, witnesses are interviewed and the investigation of the cause is properly handled.

When a loved one has been injured or killed in an accident involving a truck, it is important to have counsel to assist in dealing with the insurance company adjuster who will immediately go to work to prevent your claim.  When an injury victim is interviewed by the insurance carrier, the adjuster's sole function is to protect the insurance company to the detriment of the injured person.

A big truck accident can cause serious injuries, wrongful death, and extensive property damage. If you or a family member has been the victim of a truck accident, talk to an experienced, board certified Houston truck accident lawyer about how you can obtain the compensation the law entitles you to receive.

Truck accidents can have many different causes including:

• Driver Inattention
• Driver Intoxication
• Driver Fatigue
• Poor Truck Maintenance
• Faulty Equipment
• Inadequate Driver Training
• Safety Violations
• Driver Negligence
• Improper Securing of Loads

Serious, catastrophic personal injuries require the expertise of an experienced personal injury specialist. Call Houston truck accident injury lawyer Michael P. Fleming, former Harris County Attorney and board certified in personal injury trial law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization.

In addition to being well-known as the former elected Harris County Attorney, Michael P. Fleming has been recognized as a Texas Super Lawyer numerous times. His firm is AV rated by Martindale - Hubbell and has been featured in H-Texas Magazine's Top Attorneys in Houston issue for years. He is also one of the small percentage of attorneys in the entire country to have had the privilege of arguing and winning a case before the Supreme Court of the United States of America.

Contact Houston Truck Accident Lawyer Michael P. Fleming immediately for a free consultation.

•  Michael P. Fleming is board certified by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization in personal injury trial law.