Texas Injury Law Blog : Dallas Accident Lawyer & Attorney : Fears Nachawati Law Firm : Personal Injury, Wrongful Death : Ft. Worth, San Antonio, Austin, Houston, Texas

A tanker truck driver was seriously injured in a recent wreck on I-10 in southeast Texas.  Authorities report that a tanker truck carrying isobutane, a flammable, corrosive substance, overturned when it was involved in a two-vehicle wreck with a pickup truck.  The accident occurred near Hamshire, approximately 65 miles east of Houston.  The tanker driver was seriously injured, but is expected to survive.  It took hazardous materials crew four days to clean up the isobutane that was spilled in the crash.

If you have been injured in a wreck involving a tanker truck or other vehicle, the attorneys of Fears | Nachawati can help you get the compensation you deserve.  Call us today at 1.866.705.7584.

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A tractor-trailer rig was hit by a Trinity River Express train this week in far east Fort Worth, near Arlington.  The wreck occurred at the intersection of the TRE tracks and Moiser Valley Road, west of Farm Road 157.  Both the train and the truck were damages.  The train passengers were loaded into another westbound train.  Rail service resumed the next morning.

If you have been in a wreck, including an incident involving a tractor-trailer or a train, the attorneys of Fears | Nachawati are here to help you find justice.  Call us today at 1.866.705.7584.

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Baylor broadcaster John Morris was hit by a truck Tuesday in Waco.  Morris was riding his bicycle and was hit by a tractor-trailer when he tried to change lanes.  Morris was treated and released from a Waco hospital and escaped the incident with relatively minor injuries.  Authorities continue to investigate the accident.

If you have been involved in an accident with a tractor-trailer or truck, the attorneys and legal professionals of Fears | Nachawati are here to help you.  Call us today for a consultation at 1.866.705.7584.

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According to wfaa.com, workers spent hours cleaning up after a massive, nine-vehicle pile-up on Interstate 30 in Arlington Sunday morning. An 18-wheeler carrying tons of hot dogs slid on the icy highway at 6:30 a.m. and toppled onto a pickup truck, killing Paul Smith. Police said at least five others were injured in the chain-reaction wreck, which also involved another 18-wheeler. "The semi with the red tractor came up on the accident scene and was unable to avoid all the cars across the roadway," said Arlington police Sgt. Kevin Brown. All lanes of an overpass just east of the accident location at Fielder Road were covered in ice; investigators believe that's what triggered the accidents.

Thoughts from attorney Bryan Fears:

Although ice on the roadways creates difficult driving conditions, the rules of the road are simple--drivers are always responsible for maintaining a safe distance from other vehicles.  In this case, it appears the driver of the 18 wheeler was negligent for failing to control the speed of his rig, which was the sole cause of the crash.  In past cases handled by our firm, 18 wheeler companies tirelessly try to blame the road conditions for the crash.  However, the most important plan of action is to ensure a proper investigation is performed.  This will allow planning for any unforeseen contingencies that may arise in dealing with potential issues raised by the defense.  An important factor is retaining a lawyer or law firm that has experience handling 18 wheeler crashes. My condolences go out to the family of Mr. Smith.

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The family of a Texas man killed last September in a three-vehicle accident has filed a wrongful death lawsuit against the two trucking companies that allegedly caused his death.

Last September, Patrick O’Teter was on his way to work when he was involved in a car accident with two 18-wheelers.

According to the wrongful death lawsuit, O’Teter encountered a “rapidly slowing” 18-wheeler. The 18-wheeler was owned by Motelongo Trucking, based in San Antonio, Texas.

O’Teter struck the 18-wheeler. At the time of the accident, the 18-wheeler was crossing over the Interstate Highway 10 overpass at Highway 36 in Sealy, Texas.

A second 18-wheeler, according to the lawsuit, then rear-ended O’Teter’s minivan. This 18-wheeler was owned by Alamo Trucking Services Company, which is also based in San Antonio.

Both O’Teter’s minivan and the Alamo Trucking tractor trailer caught fire.

O’Teter was killed in the 18-wheeler accident. Neither driver of the two tractor trailers were injured.

In their lawsuit, the plaintiffs refer to an investigation report from the Sealy Police Department which concludes that one of the tires on the Montelongo Trucking tractor trailer had blown out just prior to the accident.

According to the department, the Montelongo 18-wheeler was to blame for the accident.

For more on this 18-wheeler accident and wrongful death lawsuit, click here to access the full article.

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Accidents involving 18-wheelers are among the most serious – and deadly – of all motor vehicle collisions. A wide variety of negligent errors and mistakes on the part of truck drivers and trucking companies can cause these accidents.

Some of the most common claims brought against truck drivers and trucking companies include:

Negligent hiring: Operators of 18-wheelers are held to higher standards of safety than drivers of private motor vehicles. The trucking companies who hire these drivers can be held legally responsible if they hire and/or retain a driver with a history of prior accidents, alcohol or drug abuse or traffic offenses.

Negligent training: Trucking companies also have a duty to provide their drivers with proper training in safety and vehicle operation.

Negligent driving: A driver of an 18-wheeler can be held liable if their negligent driving causes a trucking accident.

Negligent loading: Shifting cargo, which is caused by cargo that is improperly loaded, distributed and/or secured, is a common cause of trucking accidents.

Negligent maintenance: Truck drivers and trucking companies must ensure that their vehicles are properly maintained and in good repair.

Willful misconduct: Examples of willful misconduct include driving under the influence of drugs and alcohol, knowingly driving an 18-wheeler with defective or unsafe equipment, driving aggressively, willfully violating traffic laws or violating driver hours-of-service regulations. If willful misconduct is found, then the plaintiff may be entitled to punitive damages.

If you have been involved in a Texas 18-wheeler accident, contact the personal injury lawyers of Fears | Nachawati for free legal advice. To receive free legal assistance from a Texas personal injury attorney, email us or phone us toll free at 1.866.705.7584.

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Lawsuits over semi-truck and 18-wheeler accidents differ significantly from cases involving passenger vehicles. A Texas trucking accident lawsuit is likely to be far more complex than the average car accident claim, involving multiple potential defendants, federal regulations and aggressive insurance companies.

Here are some of the ways in which semi-truck accidents are different from other types of car accidents:

• Drivers of 18-wheelers are held to higher safety standards than drivers of passenger vehicles.
• Semi-truck drivers are limited in the amount of hours they can drive per day.
• Federal laws and regulations apply to the trucking industry.
• Trucking companies are responsible for performing background checks before they hire an individual as a driver.
• Trucking companies must periodically evaluate their drivers.
• Insurance companies for truckers defend claims more vigorously than the typical car insurance company. 
• Numerous different parties, such as the driver, the driver’s employer and the owner of the truck, can potentially be held liable for the accident.
• By their very nature, trucking accidents tend to result in far more serious injuries than the average car accident.

If you have been involved in a Texas trucking accident, contact Fears | Nachawati today for free legal assistance. Simply email us or phone us toll free at 1.866.705.7584 to speak with a Texas personal injury lawyer.

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A tanker truck crash and the resulting fire has left the Dallas North Tollway ramps to eastbound President George Bush Turnpike closed for an as of yet undetermined amount of time.

Shortly after midnight, a semi-truck pulling a trailer loaded with flammable liquid turned over and crashed after it struck a concrete barrier on the eastbound ramp to the President George Bush Turnpike.

The crash caused a major explosion, with the flammable liquid bursting into flames.

Dallas Fire Rescue responders found the driver of the semi-truck dead inside the vehicle.

Because the damage caused by the fire was so severe, investigators have been unable to determine the identity of the driver or the name of the company he was working for.

Click here to read more about this Dallas, Texas, 18-wheeler accident.

If you have been injured in a Texas 18-wheeler accident, contact the personal injury attorneys of Fears | Nachawati today. To receive free legal assistance from a Texas personal injury lawyer, simply email us or phone us toll free at 1.866.705.7584.

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Two 18-wheelers collided in Sherman, Texas, Thursday night, causing a diesel fuel spill that shut down the westbound lanes of Highway 82 for several hours.

The Texas 18-wheeler accident occurred when a semi-truck rear-ended another semi-truck that was stalled on the highway. The impact caused the stalled truck to tip over, resulting in the fuel spill.

The crash took place on the Highway 82 bridge over Frisco Road.

A haz-mat officer was directing clean up of the fuel spill on the scene. Westbound traffic was diverted to Highway 56.

Authorities are calling the accident an eight or nine on a scale of severity from one to ten. Substantial damage to the cab of the stalled semi-truck was incurred.

Both semi-truck drivers suffered minor injuries and were taken to Wilson N. Jones for treatment.

The cause of the accident remains under investigation by police.

Click here to read more about this Texas 18-wheeler accident.

If you have been involved in an 18-wheeler accident, contact the Texas personal injury lawyers of Fears | Nachawati. For free legal assistance, simply email us or phone us toll free at 1.866.705.7584.

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A tanker truck carrying 7,500 gallons of diesel fuel slammed into a bridge over Interstate 30 in Mesquite, Texas, on Monday morning. Both sides of the interstate were shut down after the tanker burst into flames.

The driver of the fuel tanker, 32-year-old Brian Dawson, was treated and released. No one else was injured.

The accident took place at around 5:00 a.m. The tanker struck the eastbound I-30 overpass at Big Town Boulevard.

Westbound lanes were reopened at about 7:30 a.m., but the eastbound lanes of I-30 remained closed until 2:00 p.m.

State highway officials say the damage to the bridge is only minor. According to a spokeswoman for the Texas Department of Transportation, initial inspections indicate that there was no structural damage to the bridge.

For more on this Texas 18-wheeler accident, click here for the complete article.

If you have been injured in a Texas car accident, contact the personal injury lawyers of Fears | Nachawati today for free legal advice. Simply email us or phone us toll-free at 1.866.705.7584.

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Two men are injured after a Tuesday morning accident involving an 18-wheeler and a Texas Department of Transportation truck. The two vehicles collided on U.S. 287, resulting in a “geyser of diesel fuel” on the highway.

The 18-wheeler, which was hauling sand, rear-ended the DOT truck, and then skidded onto its side. The impact ruptured the 18-wheeler’s fuel tank.

When the accident occurred, the DOT truck was part of a convoy on its way repair potholes on U.S. 287. Fortunately, the truck was equipped with a special buffer device put in place to protect workers by absorbing the impact in a rear-end collision.

The accident remains under investigation, but according to witness statements, it appears that the driver of the 18-wheeler was speeding and failed to heed warning signs.

A Good Samaritan, 31-year-old Kevin Gamble, just happened to be driving by and saw the accident occur. Diesel fuel, says Gamble was “shooting everywhere.” According to Gamble, the driver of the 18-wheeler was stuck deep in the wreckage, so he pulled him out by kicking in a rear window.

To read more about this Texas 18-wheeler accident, click here for the complete story.

If you have been hurt in an 18-wheeler accident, contact Fears | Nachawati today for free legal assistance. To speak with one of our Texas personal injury lawyers,email us at info@fnlawfirm.com or call our toll-free number at 1.866.705.7584.

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A school bus and an 18-wheeler collided at the Intersection of FM 156 and Intermodal Parkway on Friday morning.

The accident, which was reported shortly after 7 a.m., took place near Alliance Airport in Forth Worth, Texas. The impact of the collision crushed the front of the bus and forced the tanker truck onto its side.

A hazardous materials crew was sent to the scene of the accident to clean up the spilled fuel.

Fortunately there were no students on the bus when the accident occurred. The bus driver was taken to a nearby hospital to be treated for minor injuries sustained in the accident.

The cause of the accident remains under investigation.

Click here to read more about this Texas 18-wheeler accident.

Fears | Nachawati is a Texas personal injury law firm that represents victims of 18-wheeler accidents. To receive free legal assistance with your case, email us at info@fnlawfirm.com or call us at 1.866.705.7584.

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Texas 18-wheeler accidents make for complicated cases. In the typical car accident case, the only defendant is the driver of the car that caused the accident. In 18-wheeler accidents, however, there is a long list of people and entities that may be held liable.

Potential defendants in a Texas 18-wheeler accident lawsuit might include:

1.      The driver of the truck

2.      The owner of the truck: The owner of the 18-wheeler is not always the same as the driver. In fact, the owner of the cab may be different from the owner of the trailer.

3.      The owner of the cargo being carried

4.      The driver’s employer and/or the parent company: Employers can be held vicariously liable for the actions of their employees under the doctrine of respondeat superior.

5.      The manufacturers of the truck or any part of the truck: Manufacturers can be held liable if a defect in the truck contributed to the accident.

6.      The maintenance company: The party responsible for maintaining and/or repairing the truck can be held liable if inadequate maintenance contributed to the accident.

If you have been involved in a Texas 18-wheeler accident, contact Fears | Nachawati today for free legal assistance. Email us at info@fnlawfirm.com or call our toll-free number at 1.866.705.7584 for your free consultation.

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Texas 18-wheeler accidents present unique legal challenges, making them much more complicated matters than the typical passenger vehicle accident. The amount of damages and the extent of the injuries sustained in 18-wheeler accidents far exceed that of the typical Texas car accident. That means the stakes are higher for the insurance companies, particularly for the commercial insurance carrier that holds the 18-wheeler’s policy.

Not only does the victim of a Texas 18-wheeler accident have to contend with the trucking company’s insurance company, they have to deal with the trucking company’s expansive team of in-house lawyers and investigators as well. Trucking companies are typically large, nationwide corporations with extensive resources at their disposal.

Yet another way that 18-wheeler accidents differ from other Texas car accidents is the laws involved. In addition to Texas traffic laws, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration Rules and Regulations, which govern 18-wheelers and their drivers, may also come into play.

These are just a few of the reasons why the victims of 18-wheeler accidents need an experienced Texas personal injury lawyer on their side. The attorneys of Fears | Nachawati are here to ensure that your rights are protected. To receive free legal advice about your Texas 18-wheeler accident, email us at info@fnlawfirm.com or call us on our toll-free number at 1.866.705.7584.

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An 18-wheeler and a school bus collided early Monday morning, killing one and injuring two others. The deceased victim, Jerry Calvin Barnes, 64, was driving the Belton Independent School District bus when the accident occurred.

Department of Public Safety officials say that Barnes was driving the bus north on Briana Drive, west of Belton, when he pulled up to a stop sign. Barnes came to a complete stop, and then attempted to turn left onto FM 439 to travel west.

The 18-wheeler was headed east on FM 439 when it crashed into the left front corner of the bus. The 18-wheeler was traveling in the proper lane when the accident occurred. 

Barnes was pronounced dead at the scene of the accident. A bus monitor, 48-year-old Wallace Lee Boshaw, also a BISD employee, suffered non-life threatening injuries, as did the driver of the 18-wheeler, 34-year-old Rodney Mitchell.

No children were on the bus at the time of the accident.

Click here for the full story on this Texas 18-wheeler accident.

Fears | Nachawati provides free legal assistance to victims of 18-wheeler accidents. If you have been injured in an accident with a semi-truck, contact us today to receive no charge, no obligation legal advice from a Texas 18-wheeler accident attorney. Simply email us at info@fnlawfirm.com or call us on our toll-free number at 1.866.705.7584.

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Arbitration is an alternative method for resolving a dispute. Rather than going to court and having a trial, both parties to the lawsuit agree to submit their dispute to an arbitration panel.

Arbitrators are independent third parties who hear evidence, render a judgment and enter an award. Arbitration panels are typically made up of three arbitrators. However, having a dispute heard by a single arbitrator is common as well.

The arbitrator’s decision may or may not be legally binding. It depends on what the parties agree to in advance.

Unlike a lawsuit, where the defendant has no choice but to participate, arbitration must be consensual. You do have the right to be represented by a lawyer during the arbitration process.

If you are facing a legal dispute related to a car, 18-wheeler or motorcycle accident, or any other personal injury, contact Fears | Nachawati today. You will receive free legal advice from an experienced Texas personal injury lawyer. Just email us at info@fnlawfirm.com or call our toll-free number at 1.866.705.7584.

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In order to win a personal injury lawsuit against the driver of the 18-wheeler and/or the company for which the driver works, it is necessary to prove that the other party was at fault for the accident. Proving fault depends on a careful and thorough investigation of the facts surrounding your 18-wheeler accident.

Your lawyer will take all necessary steps to obtain the critical evidence related to your 18-wheeler accident. Evidence of fault in an 18-wheeler accident case may include:

·         The driver’s safety record and driving record

·         Documentation related to the driver’s qualifications and training

·         Trucking logs

·         Police reports

·         The trucking company’s safety record

·         Maintenance records

·         GPS or black box recorder data 

·         Documentation of any mechanical defects with the truck

·         Witness statements

·         Photographs of the scene of the accident

·         Receipts from restaurants and fueling stations

·         Cellphone records

If you have been involved in an accident with an 18-wheeler, you should speak with a lawyer as soon as possible. You will likely be contacted by the trucking company’s lawyers, insurance company and/or accident investigators shortly after the accident. It is important that you not make any statements or sign any releases.

The goal of the trucking company is to minimize the amount of damages they have to pay you and to minimize the amount of fault assigned to their driver. A Texas personal injury lawyer will deal with the trucking company’s massive legal team for you to ensure that your rights are fully protected and you are not strong armed into settling for less than your claim is worth.

Fears | Nachawati provides free legal assistance to victims of 18-wheeler accidents. To speak with a Texas personal injury lawyer about your accident, simply email us at info@fnlawfirm.com or call our toll-free number at 1.866.705.7584.

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After you have been in a car accident, you will most likely file a claim with your insurance company, the other driver’s insurance company or sometimes both. In order to determine how much money to offer you, the insurance company will send out an insurance adjuster to evaluate your injuries and the damage to your vehicle.

An insurance adjuster works for the insurance company, and their job is to investigate the accident and determine whether you have the basis for a claim. You may also hear them referred to as a “claims representative” or a “claims adjuster.”

If you do have a rightful insurance claim under the terms of your policy, the insurance adjuster will be the person who will inform you of the settlement offer and explain how the insurance company arrived at that amount.

In almost all cases, the insurance adjuster will gather the same types of information: how the accident happened, who else was involved, what property was damaged and whether anyone was injured. They will also take pictures of your car and obtain estimates for repairing the damages.

Keep in mind that insurance companies, whether it is your company or the other driver’s, want to pay you as little as possible. That is why you should seek the immediate advice of an attorney after you have been involved in a car accident. A Texas personal injury attorney can make sure that you receive a fair settlement for your accident. Your attorney will work only for you, not the insurance company.

To receive free legal advice about your car accident and insurance settlement, contact Fears | Nachawati today. Email us at info@fnlawfirm.com or call us on our toll-free number at 1.866.705.7584 for a free consultation.

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A Texas wrongful death lawsuit has been filed by a woman who lost two family members in a car accident with a semi-truck over the 4^th of July weekend.

The accident took place on I-35, just south of Gainesville, when the semi-truck crashed into the Ford Explorer as it entered a construction zone. The car had slowed down for the construction zone when it was struck from behind by the semi.

The woman bringing the wrongful death lawsuit is Melissa Hinkle. She is suing five parties, including the driver of the truck, the company for which the driver worked, the company that had the contract to perform the construction work on the interstate bridge and the Texas Department of Transportation.

The driver of the truck was Randy Crume. According to a Texas state trooper, Crume was driving too fast as he entered the construction area, causing him to crash into Hinkle’s SUV as well as several other vehicles.

The lawsuit alleges that the construction company, KKM Construction Inc., caused a traffic jam which was backing up interstate traffic for miles at the time of the accident.

The fatal accident resulted in the death of 13-year-old Casey Hinkle and his 63-year-old grandfather, Gervious Dale Hinkle. Melissa Hinkle spent 5 days in ICU as a result of the injuries she suffered in the car accident.

A similar tragedy occurred on August 3^rd when another semi-trailer crashed into vehicles that were stuck in a traffic jam caused by the same contractor named in Hinkle’s suit. The accident resulted in the death of three people: Anthony Brandon, 48; Kimberly Brandon, 47; and Darryl Hoosier, 55. Two others were injured in that same accident.

As of Friday August 7^th, the construction on the bridge has still not been completed. The company is being fined $400 a day until the work is completed.

To read more about Hinkle’s Texas wrongful death lawsuit, click here for the complete story.

If you have lost a loved one in a car accident, get in touch with the Texas personal injury lawyers of Fears | Nachawati today. We provide free legal advice about wrongful death lawsuits. Simply email us at info@fnlawfirm.com or call our toll-free helpline at 1.866.705.7584.

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Accidents involving 18-wheelers are some of the most devastating of all Texas car accidents. Among all the types of 18-wheeler car accidents that take place across Texas, the most dangerous are overrides and underrides. Override and underride 18-wheeler accidents virtually always result in serious, permanent injuries or death. Sadly, research has shown that more than half of all fatal 18-wheeler car accidents involve one of these two types of accidents.

An override accident occurs when an 18-wheeler runs over a vehicle. These accidents are typically the result of the 18-wheeler striking the vehicle from behind. It is not hard to imagine the damage that an 80,000 pound truck could cause when it runs over a 3,000 pound car.

An underride accident is when a vehicle crashes into an 18-wheeler from behind and continues forward, sliding underneath the tractor trailer. In underride accidents, the top of the vehicle is most often ripped off, exposing the driver’s and/or passengers’ heads to the underside of the 18-wheeler, which many times results in severe head or brain trauma or even decapitation.

The reason for this is that the average car is too tall to clear the underside of the 18-wheeler. In fact, the underside of the truck is typically at chest height of those riding in the car.

There are steps that 18-wheeler drivers can and should take to avoid underride and override accidents. These include:

• Using reflective triangles, warning signs and flashing lights to alert drivers that the truck is broken down on or near the edge of the road
• Ensuring that the truck’s tail lights are in working order
• Using reflective tape on the back of the truck
• Keeping assured clear distance from nearby cars
• Regularly inspecting their truck’s brakes

If you or a loved one has been involved in an 18-wheeler accident, contact us today. A Texas personal injury lawyer from the Fears | Nachawati team will provide you with free legal advice on your possible personal injury or wrongful death claim. Just email us at info@fnlawfirm.com or call us on our toll-free number at 1.866.705.7584 for a free consultation. 

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There are approximately half a million accidents involving 18-wheelers in the United States every year. Of those 500,000 accidents, around 5,000 will end in one or more fatalities.

The outcomes of car accidents involving an 18-wheeler are virtually always devastating. The average car is simply no match for the size and power of an 18-wheeler. The likelihood that the driver of a motor vehicle involved in an 18-wheeler accident will be seriously injured is very high.

Injuries suffered in 18-wheeler accidents can include:

• Amputation
• Disfigurement
• Traumatic brain injury
• Spinal cord injury
• Head trauma
• Paralysis

A number of different factors can contribute to the cause of an 18-wheeler car accident. Reasons that an 18-wheeler driver may be at fault for a car accident include:

• Unsafe loads
• Tire blowouts or defective tires
• Violations of laws or regulations
• Driver error
• Driver fatigue
• Brake failure or defective brakes
• Mechanical malfunctions
• Failure to follow appropriate safety measures
• Poor maintenance
• Drive intoxication

At Fears | Nachawati, we provide free legal assistance to victims of Texas 18-wheeler accidents. For a free consultation about your potential Texas personal injury lawsuit, contact us today. You can email us at info@fnlawfirm.com or call our toll-free helpline at 1.866.705.7584.

You will speak directly with a Texas personal injury lawyer who will evaluate your case and help you understand your legal options.

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A driver traveling at a high rate of speed was killed after rear-ending an 18-wheeler. The accident took place in Arlington, Texas, early Sunday morning.

The deceased victim, 41-year-old Bradley Larson, was driving a Honda Accord eastbound on Interstate 30 at speeds up to 100 mph. He then rear-ended an 18-wheeler and struck an Interstate median.

Larson died on the scene, but the 18-wheeler driver was unhurt.

Because alcohol was found in the Honda, police believe intoxication may have been a contributing factor.

Police are currently seeking information on a second vehicle that was possibly involved in the accident. Witnesses describe seeing a “small blue car” traveling at high speeds near the Honda shortly before the accident occurred.

Anyone with information about the second car is asked to call Arlington police at 817-459-5635.

Click here to read more about this Texas 18-wheeler car accident.

Fears | Nachawati is a Texas personal injury law firm representing victims of car accidents in seeking compensation for their injuries.  Fears | Nachawati will provide you with a free consultation about your Texas personal injury claim. Simply email us at info@fnlawfirm.com or call us on our toll-free helpline at 1.866.705.7584.

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A 15-year-old was killed in a car accident involving an 18-wheeler. The accident took place on Tuesday evening near Muleshoe, Texas. The driver, Eric Zille, failed to yield to the right of way, which resulted in his car being broadsided by the 18-wheeler.

Zille and a passenger were traveling in a 2007 Chevy Impala when they pulled out onto U.S. 84 in the direct path of an oncoming 18-wheeler.

The victim killed in the crash was Zille’s passenger, Lizette Sandoval, also 15. Zille was flown to University Medical center. His current condition has not been released.

For more on this Texas car accident, click here for the complete story.

Sadly, car accidents involving 18-wheelers all too often end in fatalities. Tractor trailers are simply bigger and more powerful than the average motor vehicle, which leads to serious injuries and sometimes even death for the person or persons riding in the car.

Fears | Nachawati represents car accidents victims, including those who have been in an accident with an 18-wheeler, in bringing Texas personal injury lawsuits. For a free legal consultation with a Texas personal injury lawyer, email us at info@fnlawfirm.com or call us on our toll-free number at 1.866.705.7584 for a free consultation. 

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An 18-wheeler traveling just outside of the Forney, Texas, city limits on Highway 80 veered off the highway, causing serious damages to a set of rail road tracks.

The driver lost control of his vehicle and busted through a protective cable that separates the highway from the nearby service road. The 18-wheeler continued barreling down the embankment at a high rate of speed, plowing through bushes and uprooting trees. The truck finally came to a stop when it struck a set of train tracks.

The driver was ejected from the truck upon impact. Reportedly, the impact caused the train track to move approximately two inches out of line.

The driver of the tractor trailer was seriously injured and had to be transported to a hospital by Care Flight.

To read the rest of the story on this Texas 18-wheeler accident, click here.

Fears | Nachawati is a Texas personal injury law firm that represents victims of 18-wheeler accidents. If you have been injured in an 18-wheeler accident, contact us today to receive a free legal consultation on your potential Texas personal injury claim. Simply email us at info@fnlawfirm.com or call our toll-free helpline at 1.866.705.7584.

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An Irving, Texas, woman was killed Saturday night after the car she was riding in ran a red light and collided with an 18-wheeler. Three others were injured in the accident.

The victim was 64-year-old Blanca Benavides. Benavides was riding in the backseat of the Toyota SUV when it struck the 18-wheeler.

The car accident took place at around 8pm on West Irving Boulevard near the 2200 block. The SUV was being driven by a 38-year-old Irving woman whose name has not been released.

The driver and two other passengers, a 3-year-old and an 8-year-old, were taken to Dallas-area hospitals. The driver of the 18-wheeler was not hurt.

To read more about this Texas car accident, click here for the full article.

Fears | Nachawati is a Texas personal injury law firm that helps car accident victims get full and fair compensation for their losses and injuries. For a free, no obligation legal consultation with one of our Texas personal injury lawyers, simply email us at info@fnlawfirm.com or call us at 1.866.705.7584.

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People often do not know where to turn when it comes to dealing with a serious personal injury case or finding the best or top injury lawyers.  Here are some factors you should consider when it comes to hiring a personal injury lawyer:

Factors important in hiring the Best Personal Injury Lawyer:

1.  Has the lawyer or law firm your are considering hiring ever tried a lawsuit?  If so, when was their last trial and what was the outcome? 

2.  Has the lawyer you are considering hiring ever been disciplined by the State Bar of Texas? (check www.texasbar.com)

3.  Has the lawyer ever completed a judicial clerkship--a prestiguous honor bestowed on only approximately 2% of lawyers in the nation?

4. Does the lawyer you are considering hiring sound well-informed and knowledgeable regarding personal injury law?

5. Has the lawyer ever settled a case or tried a case and obtained a significant recovery?

6.  Does your lawyer have the necessary resources to prosecute your case?

7.  Can you relate to the lawyer and does your intuition tell you that the lawyer is trustworthy?

8.  Where did the lawyer go to law school, and more importantly, what has the lawyer's practical experience been since law school?  Remember, years of experience does not necessarily mean a more competent lawyer.

This list of factors is non-exclusive.  The author of this article, attorney, Majed Nachawati, is frequently quoted by newspapers, media, and has been recognized as a top lawyer.  Mr. Nachawati is a former judicial law clerk and has settled and tried numerous lawsuits to verdict resulting in large recoveries for his personal injury clients. Questions or comments can be emailed to mn@fnlawfirm.com or by telephone - 1.866.705.7584.

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People often do not know where to turn when it comes to dealing with a serious personal injury case or finding the best or top injury lawyers.  Here are some factors to consider when considering whether hiring a lawyer:

Factors important in hiring the Best Personal Injury Lawyer:

1.  Has the lawyer or law firm your are considering hiring ever tried a lawsuit?  If so, when was their last trial and what was the outcome? 

2.  Has the lawyer you are considering hiring ever been disciplined by the State Bar of Texas? (check www.texasbar.com)

3.  Has the lawyer ever completed a judicial clerkship--a prestiguous honor bestowed on only approximately 2% of lawyers in the nation?

4. Does the lawyer you are considering hiring sound well-informed and knowledgeable regarding personal injury law?

5. Has the lawyer ever settled a case or tried a case and obtained a significant recovery?

6.  Does your lawyer have the necessary resources to prosecute your case?

7.  Can you relate to the lawyer and does your intuition tell you that the lawyer is trustworthy?

8.  Where did the lawyer go to law school, and more importantly, what has the lawyer's practical experience been since law school?  Remember, years of experience does not necessarily mean a more competent lawyer.

This list of factors is non-exclusive.  The author of this article, attorney, Majed Nachawati, is frequently quoted by newspapers, media, and has been recognized as a top lawyer.  Mr. Nachawati is a former judicial law clerk and has settled and tried numerous lawsuits to verdict resulting in large recoveries for his personal injury clients. Questions or comments can be emailed to mn@fnlawfirm.com or by telephone - 1.866.705.7584.

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A construction worker was killed Tuesday morning, June 23rd, when he was run over by a semi-trailer truck at his work site in The Colony.

The construction site where the accident occurred was located at the Office Creek Pump Station in the 4100 block of Main Street. The construction worker was first run over by the truck, then dragged underneath it.

At the time of the accident, the construction worker was under the truck performing some type of repair. The driver, who was unaware of the worker’s location, began to drive forward and away from the site. Other workers saw the man being dragged and stopped the driver.

CPR was performed on the worker at the scene of the accident. He was transported to a nearby hospital where he was pronounced dead.  OSHA will be conducting an investigation of the incident. No criminal charges are expected.

Click here for the rest of the story.

Fears | Nachawati is a Texas personal injury law firm representing victims of on-the-job accidents. For a free consultation, email us at info@fnlawfirm.com or call our toll-free helpline at 1.866.705.7584.

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An 18-wheeler struck two parked cars, igniting a fire and killing one woman.

Two cars were pulled over to shoulder of I-35 for unknown reasons when the 18-wheeler crashed into them. The accident took place just south of the George Bush turnpike in Carrollton, Texas.

The 18-wheeler rear-ended one of the cars, pushing it into the other. He then lost control of the truck which jackknifed and crashed through a concrete retainer wall before erupting into flames.

A 52-year-old woman, the driver of one of the two cars hit by the semi-truck, later died of injuries sustained in the accident. The driver of the 18-wheeler was burned and flown to an area hospital. A Good Samaritan who stopped to help the 64-year-old driver of the 18-wheeler also suffered burns.

The accident, which took place on Wednesday afternoon, shut down the southbound lanes of I-35 while the wreckage was cleared. The names of the victims have not yet been released.

Click here for more on the 18-wheeler accident.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident, contact the personal injury lawyers of Fears | Nachawati. Simply email us at info@fnlawfirm.com or call our toll-free helpline at 1.866.705.7584.

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Mediation in personal injury cases typically occurs after a lawsuit is filed, but before a trial before a jury or judge takes place.  Once an injury suit is filed, mediation is usually your last chance to resolve your case, absent a full-blown trial, and , many cases in fact settle at mediation.  During mediation, the mediator is a neutral arbiter between the parties and their goal is to try and resolve the injury claim in a manner that all parties can live with.  Your lawyer should explain to you how mediation works well in advance.  Typically, mediation lasts a half day or a full day, depending on the complexity of the case.  At the beginning of mediation, parties meet in one conference room where your lawyer makes a short presentation to the mediator and the party being sued concerning the facts of your injury case.  Sometimes, the attorney for the party being sued responds with a brief statement and the parties then break into separate rooms.  The mediator typically goes back and forth into separate conference rooms with monetary offers.  If the parties to the injury suit can come together on a settlement, the mediator drafts a short settlement agreement and the injury claim is finalized usually within 30 days following mediation.  If however, the parties are unable to come together on a fair settlement, the case will go to trial.  It is important to ensure your lawyer is willing to go the distance and take your case to trial if necessary.  Lawyers at my firm, Fears | Nachawati, attend mediation frequently, and more importantly, will absolutely take a case to trial if the negligent party (at fault party) is unwilling to pay a fair and reasonable settlement amount. If you have an injury claim and need legal help or advice, contact me at mn@fnlawfirm.com or by phone - 1.866.705.7584.

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In Texas, the amount of time a person has to file their claim or case with the courts varies according to the type of lawsuit or claim that is filed.  While there are limited exceptions to when limitations expires, a lawsuit or claim should be filed well ahead of the expiration of the applicable limitations statute.  The reasoning for filing well in advance is that many complications could arise in computing the time line, and once the limitations date expires, you generally lose your right to sue forever--something you do not want to happen.  General legal information on some Texas statute of limitations is listed below:

- Personal Injury - 2 years from date of injury

- Injury to Property - 2 years from date of injury

- Product Liability - 2 years

- Wrongful Death - 2 years from date of death

- Minors - does not begin to run until minor reaches age 18

Call the lawyers at Fears | Nachawati Law Firm if you have questions about your potential case and the proper calculation or the statute of limitations. 1.866.705-7584 or info@fnlawfirm.com

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Potential clients involved in an accident or injury claim that seek legal help or free advice from my law firm frequently ask this question--If I hire a lawyer and have to pay attorneys' fees, won't I end up getting less money in the end?

Nothing is guaranteed--however, I cannot remember a time when I had a client who, at first, was handling a claim on their own or was just about to settle with the insurance when they came to me with many questions and reservations about hiring a lawyer.  They trusted our law firm, and it proved to be worth it in the end.

A couple of questions should come to your mind (1) if you were in need of surgery, would you try to do the surgery yourself ? , (2) do you really have what it takes to take on Big Insurance and an insurance claims adjuster who handles thousands of claims a year?

Remember, the insurance adjuster is not under oath when they are dealing with you and they are frequently trained to do absolutely everything in their power to deny your injury claim or pay you as little as possible.  If you are thinking if it does not work out, I can always hire a lawyer later--think again. Commonly, people come in after trying to handle their injury claim with the "do it yourself" approach by giving the insurance company a statement unfavorable to their claim and missing crucial damages they are entitled to under the law. 

If you have an injury lawyer or law firm who works your claim diligently and aggressively, your decision to hire a lawyer is more often than not worth the time.  While most people are concerned about their property damage, I remind potential clients that vehicles can always be replaced, but you only get one body during your lifetime, if you do not look out for your health, who will?

Abraham Lincoln once said, "A man who represents himself has a fool for a client."  If you have legal questions or need help or need legal advice with your personal injury claim, feel free to email or call me - mn@fnlawfirm.com or 1.866.705-7584. 

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At the Law Firm of Fears & Nachawati, Majed Nachawati leads a team of Personal Injury attorneys that represent clients throughout the state of Texas that have been involved in a serious auto accident.  " Right now as our state is enjoying fiesta, NBA playoffs and the start of the baseball season we will have to endure an increase in the amount of innocent victims that will have their lives dramatically changed by the actions of another driver.  My team is prepared and ready to fight for victims of auto accidents! " Majed Nachawati

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The driver of a tractor-trailer hauling water bottles died Thursday night after veering off the roadway in Benbrook and crashing underneath a highway bridge, police officials said.

8000 S. Loop 820 in Benbrook The identity of the truck driver was not released, pending the notification of next of kin, Benbrook police spokesman Mike Ford said.

The Dallas Morning News reported, The man was driving west in the 8000 block of Southwest Loop 820 at about 7:15 p.m. Thursday when he swerved to the right shoulder of the highway and underneath the Winscott Road bridge, Lt. Ford said.

Three other vehicles traveling in the same direction also were involved in the crash. One man suffered minor injuries and was driven to a nearby hospital for treatment.

The truck driver was pronounced dead at the scene, Lt. Ford said.

The bridge was closed Thursday night so officials of the Texas Department of Transportation could examine it for structural damage. It was reopened by early Friday, police said.

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A Dallas police sergeant is recovering from injuries this morning after his cruiser collided with an 18-wheeler at the intersection of Lancaster Road and the Interstate 20 westbound service road in South Oak Cliff.

The sergeant had been responding to a report that a citizen had apprehended a person breaking into a vehicle, police said. The police car had a flashing red light and the truck had a flashing yellow when the two vehicles collided at about 5:15 a.m.

The Dallas Morning News reported, The officer’s car slid under the truck, crushing the front of the cruiser. The sergeant was trapped for about 40 minutes and was responsive, police said.

Dallas police said they will investigate the cause of the accident.

The sergeant told police this morning that he tried to stop when he saw the truck but could not prevent the collision. Police said slick roads may have contributed to the accident.

Lancaster Road was shut down in both directions this morning. But the road began to reopen by about 8 a.m. The westbound ramp from I-20 to Lancaster Road was also closed this morning but it did not appear to affect traffic on I-20, according to TrafficPulse.com.

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A tanker truck hauling diesel fuel overturned on Preston Road early this morning, forcing the closure of all lanes between Eldorado Parkway and Fisher Road, a Frisco city official said.

The accident was reported at about 2:40 a.m. and investigators hoped to reopen the road by 10 a.m., said Frisco spokeswoman Dana Baird.

The Dallas Morning News reports, The single-vehicle accident occurred when the tanker veered off the roadway and landed in a ditch.

Both the truck’s driver and passenger were injured, but the extent of their injuries were not immediately known, Ms. Baird said. One person was taken to Parkland Memorial Hospital and the other was taken to a second hospital.

Police were working to determine the cause of the accident.

The tanker that overturned can carry up to 1700 gallons of diesel fuel. Crews were working to offload the fuel to two trucks
 

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As reported by the Fort Worth Star-Telegram, three men died in a crash early Sunday when a car hit a parked 18-wheeler's trailer and burst into flames, police said.

The men were traveling north in a 2002 Subaru Impreza about 3:10 a.m. when the wreck occurred in the 2100 block of Grayson Drive, police spokeswoman Sgt. Kim Smith said. The Impreza was quickly engulfed in flames, she said. 
                         
"The first officer was on scene within a couple minutes," Smith said. "He broke the driver's window to try and get them out, but the car was so badly on fire."

All three men died at the scene. They were Justin Cartwright, 27, of Euless; Corey Pratt, 28, of Bedford; and Aubrey Amado, whose age was not available, of Grapevine, Smith said.

The area near Texas 121 and Mustang Drive has several commercial and industrial properties.

The truck, which was not occupied at the time of the crash, was parked legally, and no criminal charges are anticipated, Smith said.

"We're just getting in touch with the families and making sure they have any help they need," Smith said. 
         

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Early this morning, the Miami Harold reported a car accident involving a deputy car.    

A Broward sheriff's deputy was injured Tuesday morning in a car crash at Weston Road and State Road 84.

The deputy collided with a pickup truck about 6 a.m. on the eastern edge of Weston.

The deputy was trapped in his cruiser and rescuers had to extricate him, said Broward Sheriff's Office spokesman Michael Jachles.

The deputy, who has not been identified, is at Broward General Medical Center and did not suffer any life-threatening injuries, said Jachles.

The driver of the pickup refused treatment. BSO traffic homicide detectives are investigating the crash.

This is yet another case where the cause of the crash is unclear. Legal issues may be involved, and it is important to call a personal injury lawyer as soon as possible.

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01/16/2008

This morning, Fort Worth Star Telegram reported that a head-on collision occurred in Grapevine Texas.

A Grapevine man was seriously injured this morning when the car he was driving collided with a tanker truck on a highway near Grapevine High School, police said.

The accident was reported shortly after 8 a.m. in the 2900 block of Ira E. Woods Ave.

The unidentified man was taken by helicopter ambulance to a local hospital, police said. His condition was unavailable. He was the only person in the car at the time of the accident.

The man was driving a 1989 Ford LTD eastbound on the highway when his vehicle drifted into the westbound lane, striking the tanker truck, police said.

The driver of the tanker truck was not injured, police said. The tanker was empty at the time of the accident, police said.

Police diverted westbound traffic on Ira E. Woods Ave. to S. Kimball Ave. for almost three hours as crews worked to remove the vehicles.

In many instances, reasons for accidents involving a tanker truck can be very inclear. For this reason, it is very important to act quickly in any personal injury case to insure that all legal rights are obtained. 

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December 10, 2007

Today, the Dallas Morning News reported a fatality that occurred in connection with an 18-wheeler accident.

A 47-year-old Dallas man died Monday morning as he drove an 18-wheeler along State Highway 121 in Grapevine.

The man was driving southbound on the highway when the vehicle crossed into the northbound lanes of traffic, Grapevine police said. The vehicle struck a Mazda truck and flatbed trailer, pulled by a Chevrolet truck.

Initial investigation showed that the man may have had an unknown medical condition prior to the crash that caused his death, police said. He was pronounced dead at Baylor Medical Center at Grapevine. His identity was not being released pending notification of family.

No other injuries were reported. The accident remained under investigation.

All too often the cause of an 18 wheeler accident remains unclear.  Several personal injury cases I have handled required extensive investigation by police, our law firm and private investigators. 

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Monday, November 26, 2007
08:26 AM

Early this morning, the Dallas Morning News covered an 18 wheeler wreck that resulted in two fatalities.   

"A driver and his passenger were killed when their car collided with an 18-wheeler late Sunday in Arlington.  The accident was reported just before midnight on eastbound Interstate 20 at Cooper Street.  Arlington police indentified the driver of the car as Abdelrahman Joudeh, 23, of Arlington.  The identity of the male passenger was not immediately available.  The driver of the tractor-trailer truck was taken to a hospital in critical condition. The cause of the accident was under investigation."

This tragic accident is another unfortunate example of the severity of any crash involving an 18 wheeler.  In my experience as a personal injury attorney focusing on 18 wheeler accidents, I always tell individuals involved to seek the advice of a skilled personal injury attorney as soon as possible, as there are many issues that come up when dealing with crashes of this magnitude.

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November 20, 2007 - 4:07 p.m. CST

Late this afternoon, a major trucking accident occurred in the Dallas Fort Worth Metroplex resulting in serious injury to the driver.  In 18 wheeler accidents, it is important that vital evidence is preserved, including the black box, data recorder, the tractor, driver logs, tires, and any other important evidence or information relating to the accident. The Dallas Morning News covered the trucking accident:

One injured, lanes closed after tanker overturns on Highway 183 in Bedford, Texas

Commuters traveling westbound on State Highway 183 near Bedford should find an alternate route home, officials said Tuesday afternoon.

A fuel tanker truck traveling westbound on State Highway 183 overturned Tuesday afternoon near the northbound State Highway 121 ramp, causing officials to close traffic lanes while the spilled fuel is cleared.

One of three traffic lanes on westbound State Highway 183 and the northbound ramp to State Highway 121 were closed as of early afternoon, Bedford police Lt. Kirk Roberts said.

It’s likely the wreckage won’t be removed until 7 p.m., Lt. Roberts said, because workers are cleaning the fuel spill before they remove the overturned truck

The truck driver was transported in serious condition to Harris Methodist Fort Worth Hospital, police said.

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