Abilene Catastrophic Injury Attorneys
We're the Abilene, Texas Law Firm You Can Trust
In the legal world, catastrophic injuries have a specific definition. Injuries
that fall into this category often affect the brain, spinal cord, nerves,
or other body components that play a vital role in thinking and moving.
Injuries like this permanently inhibit a person's mobility or cognitive
function, necessitating dramatic adjustments for survivors and their families.
They will not heal in just a few short weeks. Instead, these are injuries
that will require extensive medical care and rehabilitation. In some cases,
these are injuries that will forever change the victim's life, causing
them to require around-the-clock medical care and drastic lifestyle changes.
What Counts as a Catastrophic Injury?
Catastrophic injuries can happen anywhere. However, some injuries occur
with more frequency than others.
Catastrophic injuries can include the following:
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Burn Injuries - Burn injuries require an intense period of medical care. Third-degree
burns don't just harm the skin—they can cause lasting damage to
the tissues beneath the skin. Common long-term effects of third-degree
burns include scarring, respiratory problems, and disfigurement.
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Blunt Force Trauma - Blunt force trauma describes a forceful impact to a specific part of
the body. If the head is subjected to blunt force trauma, the result can
be a catastrophic loss of brain function.
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Spinal Cord Injuries - The spinal column houses a crucial collection of nerves that control
the body's ability to move. Trauma to this part of the body can cause
loss of mobility or complete paralysis.
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Abilene Wrongful Death Lawyers
Helping Grieving Families Throughout Taylor County, TX
If you have lost someone you love because of someone else's careless actions,
contact an Abilene wrongful death lawyer as quickly as possible. Although
money won't relieve the pain of losing your loved one, you have the right
to seek compensation for your loss. Wrongful death claims force at-fault
parties to face the people they hurt, holding them accountable to you
in a way that the criminal court system may not do. Not only will you
hold at-fault parties responsible for their actions, but you can also
fight for the financial security you need.
What Is a Wrongful Death Claim?
A wrongful death claim can be filed when a third party is responsible for
the death of another person negligently or through intentional harm—the
responsible parties can be held liable under common jurisdiction. When
a family loses a loved one because of another person's carelessness, they
are entitled to receive monetary compensation. Even if the person responsible
for the death of a loved one has been prosecuted under criminal proceedings,
there is still a chance to file a civil lawsuit involving a wrongful death
claim. If a company rather than an individual caused the fatality, the
only way to hold them accountable is to present a wrongful death claim.
What Qualifies as a Wrongful Death Claim?
Although a wrongful death claim can be filed for most accidents that cause
the death of another, it does not cover every kind of incident. Wrongful
death claims need to prove that a person or company caused or could have
prevented a person's death and that the death left family members with
economic or emotional losses.
For example, the following could qualify for a wrongful death claim:
- Car accidents caused by drunk driving, texting, or other careless distractions
- Work accidents caused by lack of training or supervision
- Assaults, attacks, or other criminal actions that led to the death of another
- Malpractice by a doctor failed to identify or treat an ailment correctly
- Drowning accidents due to property damage/premises liability
- Defective products or drugs that caused the user to suffer death
Who Can File a Wrongful Death Claim in Abilene?
Although laws vary from state to state regarding the eligibility of the
person who can file a wrongful death claim, close family members of the
victims usually have the right to bring forth wrongful death claims.
Eligible beneficiaries of a wrongful death claim in Texas may include:
- Children
- Spouses or life partners
- Siblings
- Parents
- Parents of unmarried children
- Any other dependents
Children and spouses are given the primary right to file a wrongful death
claim, so a parent, sibling, or another relative will likely not be able
to file a claim if a child or spouse is pursuing one. There is a statute
of limitation on wrongful death claims: you have two years to file a wrongful
death claim from the day of death before it is too late to file. To determine
if you are eligible to file a wrongful death claim, consult with an attorney.
To learn more about wrongful death, visit
Sec. 71 of the Civil Practice & Remedies Code.
What Damages Are Recoverable in a Wrongful Death Claim?
We know no monetary compensation will bring back your loved one. It can,
however, help you and your family move forward and heal without the stress
of finding a new job or providing for yourself. You have the right to
recover compensation for three general types of damages, depending on
the circumstances of the accident.
The damages you may be able to claim include the following:
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Economic Damages – You can receive compensation for financial damages on funeral
and medical expenses related to the death, loss of the decedent's future
earnings and benefits, and other financial losses associated with their death.
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Non-Economic Damages – This includes damages such as pain and suffering, mental anguish,
loss of inheritance, and loss of consortium.
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Punitive Damages – There are cases where you can be awarded in addition to economic
and non-economic damages as a way of punishing the responsible parties
for willful negligent acts.
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Abilene Work Accident Attorneys
Help Injured Workers Fight for Fair Compensation
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, over 2 million workplace accidents
were reported in 2017. Over 5,000 of them were fatal. Although the
Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA) has worked to decrease workplace injuries, employee safety continues
to be a concern. OSHA aims to make work environments safe and reduce workplace
injuries, but employers must bear the responsibility too.
We understand how difficult it is to lose a loved one or suffer injuries
from a work accident. Fortunately, you have the right to seek compensation
for your losses, helping to support your and your family's future. Your
employer may already be planning to defend themselves from a claim or
lawsuit by figuring out a way to weaken your case. That's why it's vital
to contact an Abilene work accident attorney at Arnold & Itkin to
protect your rights. Our attorneys have helped our clients win billions
holding employers accountable, so call today.
Common Workplace Accidents in Abilene, Texas
Serious work injuries can occur in any workplace. Statistics show that
50,000 people die from occupational diseases every year, resulting in
an average loss of 150 workers each day from hazardous working conditions.
Arnold & Itkin has won cases involving:
- Chemical plant explosions
- Oilfield accidents
- Construction accidents
- Offshore accidents
- Oil drilling accidents
- Truck accidents
- Workplace falls
- Work-related car accidents
- Industrial accidents
- Train and railroad accidents
What Causes Injuries on the Job?
The most common cause of workplace accidents is negligence or inexperience.
Employer negligence puts workers in danger—especially if they fail
to provide their employees with the proper safety equipment.
Many forms of negligence can lead to injuries, including:
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Equipment Failures
Serious injuries can be caused due to poorly maintained or operated machinery.
Dangerous equipment can include industrial machinery, vehicles, handheld
devices, and electrical equipment.
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Falling Objects & Flying Debris
Falling objects and flying debris often occur at construction sites, logging
sites, factories, warehouses, and shipyards. These can cause severe damage
to the eyes, ears, and head.
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Slips & Falls
Slippery or cluttered floors can lead to serious, lifelong injuries. These
incidents often occur at hospitals, construction sites, factories, warehouses,
ships, and drilling rigs.
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Improper Maintenance
Companies need to perform maintenance on machinery and equipment regularly.
This maintenance will help ensure they are working correctly while eliminating
any risks to employees.
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Failure to Comply with Safety Regulations
Employers can endanger workers by failing to meet federal regulations that
govern workplace safety.
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Inadequate Inspections
Regular inspections should be conducted to identify potential risks, such
as defective ladders, scaffolds, defects with derricks, cranes, hoists,
pulleys, forklifts, and winches.
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Insufficient Training
Employers must train workers to perform their work safely and identify
potential hazards.
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Abilene Construction Accident Lawyers
Powerful Help for Injured Workers
Construction workers know they work in dangerous conditions. The
Occupational Safety and Health Administration proved it: the agency has found that construction workers make up 1 out
of every 5 deaths in all U.S. industries. In 2016 alone, 991 out of 4,693
deaths in the workplace were people in construction. Each day, workers
are faced with a lethal combination of dangerous equipment, toxic substances,
heavy materials, and other hazards. However, there is never an excuse
for construction accidents.
Common construction-related accidents include the following:
- Scaffolding accidents
- Exposure to toxic substances
- Accidents involving machines
- Electric shock
- Roofing collapse
- Falling objects
The Construction Industry's Fatal Four
When examining construction fatalities data, OSHA noticed a particular
set of accidents that cause the bulk of worker fatalities. This set is
known as the Fatal Four, and they account for more than 63% of fatal construction
accidents in 2016. Companies could potentially eliminate these accidents
and save 631 lives every year.
The Fatal Four consist of the following accidents:
- Falls (38.7%)
- Struck by an object (9.4%)
- Electrocutions (8.3%)
- Caught-in/between (7.3%)
Other Causes of Serious Construction Accidents
Construction sites are varied in their design and function. This means
that proving fault for an accident requires case-by-case investigation.
However, though they are all different, construction sites have similar
factors that lead to injury. If these factors aren't actively addressed
at each site, construction workers will pay the price.
These factors include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Poor worksite design
- Improperly secured equipment
- Failing to mark hazards such as holes or trenches
- Malfunctioning or improperly maintained equipment
- Safety code violations
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Abilene Car Accident Attorneys
Billions Won by Car Crash Lawyers in Abilene, TX
Unfortunately, with so many miles of highway, Texas has a car accident
problem. TheTexas Department of Transportation revealed that, in 2017, a highway accident happened every 59 seconds.
These resulted in 3,721 deaths and 254,853 injuries. Statistically, many
of these injuries and fatalities were suffered by people who weren't at
fault. Car accident survivors experience lasting injuries, medical bills,
and lost income. When someone else is at fault for the accident, it's
unfair to expect you to shoulder the cost of your recovery. Hiring an
experienced Abilene car accident lawyer is crucial to getting the money
you need to move forward.
What to Do After an Abilene Car Accident
Taking the proper steps after a car accident can make a significant difference
in your ability to maximize your amount of financial compensation. If
you are physically able, speak to the other driver(s) and collect names,
phone numbers, license plate numbers, and insurance information. Additionally,
take photos of the accident scene and any damage to vehicles. Any information
you collect could be helpful in your claim later.
While speaking with your insurance company within 24 hours is required,
be very mindful of what you say to them or the other party's insurance.
Saying too much could make you seem at fault for the accident, even if
you were not. If you're able, call an attorney first. Having the assistance
of a lawyer can protect you from saying things that the insurance company
will hold against you. Calling a lawyer will also ensure you benefit from
any and all avenues for compensation, including claiming lost work time,
diminished future earnings, and more.
Pursuing Maximum Compensation with the Help of a Car Wreck Lawyer
Having an accurate, consistent record of the crash scene is a crucial step
in obtaining the best possible results. The reality is the insurance company
will take every chance to minimize your payout. An Abilene car accident
attorney knows this and will be prepared for it. An experienced attorney
will know what questions to ask to strengthen your claim, resulting in
larger results. Some studies indicate that having an attorney for an accident
claim often resulted in far larger results—even after accounting
for the cost of hiring a lawyer.
Attorneys may strengthen your claim with questions like:
- Was the other driver under the influence of drugs or alcohol?
- Did distracted driving cause the accident?
- Did reckless driving make the accident worse?
- Could the other driver have prevented the accident?
There's another reason to hire an attorney: only a lawyer is qualified
to take insurance companies to court. The possibility of facing a jury
is often what gets insurance companies to deal fairly with claimants.
Lawsuits are sometimes the only way to force an insurance company to make
a fair offer.
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Abilene Motorcycle Accident Lawyers
Representing Victims of Serious Motorcycle Crashes in Abilene, Texas
Per the
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, motorcycle-related deaths have increased by 55% since 2000. Over 4,990
people were killed on motorcycles in 2017, which is 296 more than the
previous year. It is common for individuals in motorcycle accidents to
suffer severe injuries that require extensive medical treatment. If you
sustained injuries or lost a loved one in a motorcycle accident, you shouldn't
have to pay for someone else's negligence. You deserve compensation. An
Abilene motorcycle accident attorney can help.
At Arnold & Itkin, we understand the dangers of riding a motorcycle
and the serious injuries that result from an accident. If you or a loved
one suffered injuries in a motorcycle accident, our Abilene motorcycle
accident attorneys can help you. Our firm has the skill, resources, and
commitment to deliver results. We have recovered billions of dollars on
behalf of our clients, working tirelessly to help them get the compensation
they deserve. We have a proven track record that demonstrates we are capable
of helping you get the best possible results for your case, so call today.
Contact our Abilene motorcycle accident attorneys today for a free consultation.
Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents
Research shows that motorcyclists have a 35% higher chance of being involved
in an accident than a car driver. Although it may seem like motorcycles
cause their own accidents, driver negligence, blind spots, dangerous roads,
and defective parts are more likely to blame.
Some common causes are listed below:
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Negligent Drivers: Drivers' conduct in neighboring vehicles are a major cause of motorcycle
accidents. Motorcyclists are trained to notice and avoid hazards posed
by cars, but drivers are not prepared to look out for motorcycles. Any
time a driver endangers a motorcyclist with their behavior, they are driving
negligently. When drivers are not paying attention, not checking blind
spots, or swerving into a lane abruptly, they are more likely to cause
an accident.
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Driver Blind Spots: Data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration shows that
motorcyclists have a higher fatality rate compared to car drivers. Motorcyclists
have little protection in an accident, making it vital for car drivers
to take extra precautions. One of the main errors that cause motorcycle
accidents is when drivers fail to check blind spots. Every vehicle has
blind spots, and drivers need to check them regularly to avoid accidents.
If a driver fails to use their blinker or look at their blind spots, they
will likely collide with a motorcycle.
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Dangerous Roadways: Another common cause of motorcycle accidents is hazardous roadways. Potholes,
uneven pavement, and other similar hazards can be deadly. These roads
can cause a motorcycle operator to lose control. In such cases, the municipality
or county in charge of upkeep, as well as third-party contractors, would
be responsible.
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Defective Equipment: An often-overlooked cause is faulty equipment. There are instances when
some motorcycle parts are poorly designed or manufactured. In this case,
the company can be held liable for producing or selling a defective part.
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Abilene Bus Accident Attorneys
Helping the Victims of Serious Bus Accidents in Abilene, TX
With their massive size and sturdy construction, buses can carry dozens
of passengers affordably without interruption in service. Buses also last
a long time—which is a problem. While modern buses are built with
safety restraints, many of buses still lack basic safety equipment. If
a bus is in an accident, the things that make it economical also make
it more dangerous. Bus accidents can result in serious injuries and even death.
Common causes of bus accidents include:
- Distracted drivers
- Improper driver training
- Bus driver under the influence
- Poor bus maintenance
- Lack of safety restraints
- Driving too fast for weather conditions
Bus accidents are severe for a few reasons: buses have weak roofs, no safety
restraints, and weigh thousands of pounds more than most vehicles. Adding
to the danger of buses is the fact that, though some have safety restraints,
Texas law does not require passengers to use them. The injuries resulting
from these crashes can require months of treatment; the consequences are
permanent in many cases. In many cases, people who are hospitalized for
weeks go bankrupt. When people shoulder the cost of their treatment, it
affects their stability.
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Abilene Oilfield Accident Lawyers
Our Abilene Land Rig Injury Attorneys Help Workers & Families Nationwide
Many people approach the oil industry for the promises it offers to workers.
Oilfield work offers steady pay, benefits, and stability offered by working
with a product that's in constant demand—especially in the state
of Texas. One thing that workers don't go into oilfields for is preventable,
life-changing accidents.
While earning wages in an oilfield is dangerous, nothing excuses accidents.
While many companies blame bad luck or even workers, the truth is that
they are responsible for preventing them from happening. At Arnold &
Itkin, our Abilene oilfield accident lawyers have heard every excuse in
the book. We're ready to fight for the compensation you deserve by demanding
accountability from the parties that failed to protect you.
The Dangers that Abilene Oilfield Workers Face
Working in an oilfield is dangerous because of the heavy equipment, volatile
substances, and other hazards present in one. Using heavy machinery to
look for a substance that is highly toxic and flammable will always be
dangerous—and employers are always required to protect their employees.
Abilene oilfield accidents often include:
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Explosions, Fires, and Toxic Exposure: The very substance that oilfield workers spend their days extracting
is what makes their job dangerous. One tiny spark can be enough to cause
an explosion or fire that kills or seriously injures workers. When workers
suffer from an oil-related accident, it's likely due to poor planning,
improper training, inadequate management.
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Slip and Falls: When an oilfield worker slips or falls, it's usually not because of their
clumsiness. Instead, inadequate worksite maintenance is often to blame.
Slippery surfaces, poorly marked hazards, and other types of negligence
make it too easy for workers to sustain injuries during a slip or fall.
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Falling Objects: Workers often work from a height or have heavy objects above them. Tools
should always be secured, machinery should always be securely anchored,
and netting should exist to catch objects known to fall during oilfield
operations. When a tool or piece of equipment falls on someone, it can
cause them to sustain injuries that change the rest of their life.
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Malfunctioning Equipment: Oilfield owners often cut costs by neglecting equipment maintenance.
Besides making operations more difficult for workers, this practice also
makes it dangerous. Employers are responsible for ensuring equipment is
maintained correctly to prevent all types of accidents.
Who Is Liable for Oilfield Accidents?
Employers have the legal obligation to provide a safe workplace for employees,
regardless of how dangerous the nature of their work is. This means they
must provide training, safety equipment, and take any other steps required
to ensure accidents don't occur at their worksites. Besides employers,
other companies and contractors often share liability during oilfield
accidents.
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Abilene Train Accident Attorneys
Representing Victims of Train Accidents in Texas & Nationwide
The
Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) reported that over 2,000 train accidents occurred nationwide in 2011.
Millions of Americans have contact with the railway system every day—and
it only takes one equipment malfunction or a moment of negligence for
a railroad passenger or worker to suffer a catastrophic injury.
When people get hurt in train accidents, railroad companies must be held
accountable.
If you have sustained injuries in a train accident, you have the right
to seek compensation. An experienced train accident lawyer in Abilene
can help you fight for the financial compensation you need to help you
pay your medical expenses and take care of your family. Train accident
claims tend to be complex and are based on several factors, including
how the accident occurred and who was responsible for it. Our attorneys
can help you through this. We have the knowledge and experience needed
to hold the responsible parties accountable for their actions. Contact
our Abilene train accident lawyers today for a free case review: (888) 493-1629!
Passenger Train Accidents
Passenger rail services in the U.S. operate with few fatalities; however,
many serious injuries occur annually. Many of these accidents occur as
passengers board or deboard. Therefore, train operators and managers need
to remain vigilant when it comes to protecting their riders. Vigilance
helps prevent life-altering accidents.
Common causes of railroad accidents include:
- Damaged or out of adjustment switches
- Defective or missing crossties
- Failure to apply sufficient hand brakes
- Failure to comply with restricted speeds
- Failure to control shoving movement
- Switch points worn or broken
- Unclear or unsafe crossing design
- Switches improperly lined
Common Types of Train Accidents
Although train accidents can occur for various reasons, a train accident
of any nature is likely to result in massive destruction.
Below is a list of the most common types of railroad accidents.
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Train Accidents Involving Cars
There is an overwhelming amount of train accidents that involve cars every
year. Accidents involving cars and trains are destructive because of the
significant difference in size and speed. These accidents can occur if
a conductor is negligent—causing catastrophic injuries or wrongful
death. Another reason for train and car collisions is improper maintenance
and excessive cargo loads; this can easily lead to derailment or malfunction.
Railroad crossings are also a common site of train-car collisions.
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Train-on-Train Collisions
Trains weigh hundreds of thousands of pounds and move quickly, so it almost
always has tragic results when two trains collide. For this reason, the
industry has taken great measures to implement safe operating procedures
in all areas. If an accident does occur, it is often because the operator
or conductor acted negligently. Even the shortest moment of negligence
can cause a tragic accident.
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Train Accidents Involving Individuals
Train accidents involving pedestrians, as well as railroad workers, are
rare but do happen. Pedestrians have little chance of survival against
a train going full speed down the tracks. Unfortunately, many accidents
have occurred due to improper railroad maintenance and supervision.
Accidents Caused by Conductor Negligence
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), the train company, and
other local authorities conduct thorough investigations after a train
accident. They review the potential causes, including railroad conditions
and conductor negligence. Officials will investigate conductor negligence
because train conductors must follow specific regulations and pay close
attention to all of their surroundings. When they fail to follow these
regulations, they can put hundreds of people in danger.
Examples of conductor negligence can include:
- Operating the train while intoxicated
- Working while on drugs or prescription medication
- Talking on a cell phone or texting
- Any other type of behavior that will distract the driver from doing their job
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Abilene Truck Accident Lawyers
Billions Won by 18-Wheeler Accident Lawyers in Abilene, TX
There are 12.6 million commercial vehicles on U.S. highways—5% of
253 million vehicles on the road, the average age of which is more than
a decade. This small portion of the road's occupants are responsible for
an outsize number of fatalities: more than 1 in 10 vehicle deaths involve
a large commercial truck.
When people's lives are irreparably harmed by a trucking accident, our
Abilene trucking accident lawyers help them rebuild. By holding truck
companies accountable, we can fight for the money people need to get medical
care, provide for their families, and replace the income they lost due
to the crash. Our clients have won billions of dollars because Arnold
& Itkin invests our resources into developing each case as much as possible.
Why Truck Accidents Are Happening More Often
The trucking industry's practices put truckers, and the public, at risk.
The industry as a whole pays new truckers a few cents for every mile they
drive—companies then assure drivers that if they 'work hard,' they'll
be able to make a good living. Never mind that a trucker spends hours
of their life doing necessary but unpaid work—work like submitting
to federally-mandated rig inspections, waiting for loading and unloading,
driving to new loads from the dispatcher, and (of course) sleeping.
Pay-by-mile ensures that trucking companies only pay for the work that
matters to them—while drivers end up paying for everything else.
New truckers quickly learn how to deceive federal regulations designed
to make the road safer, rules that force companies to allow drivers to
sleep for 8 hours or rest for at least 10 hours a day. By getting around
the rules, drivers haul as long and as far as they can, sacrificing rest
to make ends meet. The result? Thousands of drivers get behind the wheel
while suffering from severe sleep debt.
Common truck accidents include:
- Box truck crashes
- Flatbed truck accidents
- Garbage truck accidents
- Jackknife accidents
- Underride accidents
- Tanker truck crashes
- Tow truck collisions
- Commercial truck crashes
Sleep debt isn't just a personal health issue—statistics suggest
that 13% of all truck crashes are directly caused by fatigue. Experts
believe the actual number of crashes affected by tiredness is far higher.
Up to 1 in 4 crashes happened after 17 hours of hauling. Researchers on
sleep debt believe that moderate tiredness impairs our driving as much
as drinking does.
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Take the First Step Toward Recovery: Call (888) 493-1629
In the time after a serious accident or injury, you may feel overwhelmed
and unsure of where to turn. At our firm, we want you to know the next
step can be simple: give us a call. Once you hire our firm, we can help
take over the legal complexities. Let us worry about the red tape, insurance
companies, and more. We take over all of that so you and your family can
spend more time focusing on what's actually important: recovering.
Contact Arnold & Itkin's Abilene personal injury lawyers for a free
consultation today at (888) 493-1629.
