Texas Interstate 20 Accidents: Who and How to Sue for Personal Injury

This article covers 

• The particular risks on Interstate 20 in Texas, and the accidents that it can cause.
• Who and how you can sue for personal injury compensation should you or a loved one be hurt.
• Why a local personal injury attorney will get you better results than one from another region or state.

Why are Accidents so Common, and Deadly, on Interstate 20 in Texas?

The stretch of Interstate 20 that runs through Midland and Hector County, down into Pecos and Reeves County, is a corridor of death. Any Interstate or highway is invariably dangerous, but the oil country of Texas has its own particular risks and dangers, which all too often result in tragic deaths or serious injuries. 

Oil Country’s Deadliest Interstate

The road itself, and all the rules that govern it, are inherently the same as any other stretch of Interstate in Texas or the US as a whole. But the vehicles on it, and the companies that put them there, are not. 

This stretch of Interstate is loaded with 18-wheelers and industrial load trucks. These are often oversized, going too fast, under constant pressure to deliver rapidly, and thus in a hurry and/or improperly piloted. 

Unfortunately, when accidents do occur it is not always easy to know who is to blame, and who can be sued for personal injury damages. 

Load Securement Injuries

Let us consider load securement, a factor that too many forget about, but causes more accidents a year than most would suspect. Sometimes loads on these trucks, these big pieces of equipment, aren’t secured properly. They are not in compliance with Department of Transportation (DOT) load securement regulations. 

Invariably the loads fall, or they become unbalanced, and the trucks jackknife. Accidents happen, and that is when you need to call a personal injury lawyer/attorney. 

What Steps Should I Take to Pursue a Personal Injury Claim if My Loved One Was Injured in a Trucking Accident on Interstate 20?

The Interstate is a uniquely dangerous place, but the steps you need to take if you or a loved one are injured are much the same as anywhere else. As soon as you have called for the medical attention your loved one needs, you will want to get a hold of an experienced personal injury attorney. 

Who are You Going to Call? A Local Expert, or a Big Name Outsider?

When it comes to calling a Personal Injury Lawyer, you will have two choices: big named firms with armies of lawyers from the big cities of texas like Houston, and Dallas, or even from other states entirely; or a local law firm, with experience and expertise in dealing with the the oil field and the roads of West Texas.  

Unfortunately, while the big firms from out of state might be excellent in their field, they will be missing out on key details, advantages, and local knowledge that your lawyer will need to get the damages you deserve after an accident on Interstate 20. 

The Particularities of Personal Injury Cases on Interstate 20 in Oil Country

Visitors often note that Texas oil country has its own rhythm and way of doing business. Unfortunately, that also extends to the courts, and personal injury claims are no exception. Court practices are different here, and familiarity with them is one of the main advantages of hiring a local, specialized, personal injury law firm to get your case properly docketed. 

When your case is properly docketed, you will want to get as much information as you can to your lawyer. Then they will investigate the accident thoroughly and find out who was involved and where the blame lies.  This is another reason a local lawyer with familiarity with local law enforcement, the local roadway and local industries will come in handy. 

How are Blame and Damages Established in Texas Interstate 20 Personal Injury Cases? 

It is best to have an attorney that is experienced in the business, in the culture, and in the court systems. Often, they will even know the defendants because, unfortunately, it’s the same cast of characters over and over in these incidents. The same companies run the oil field businesses and it’s important to understand who is involved, how many companies, or how many defendants may be involved.

Take, for example, an accident involving a big piece of equipment loaded on an 18-wheeler piloted by a pilot truck (the small truck/cars which go ahead and after an oversized load). You’ve got the local company that runs the pilot truck. You’ve got the company that loaded the material on board. You’ve got the company that runs the truck. Finally, you’ve got the owner of the equipment. That’s four or five potential defendants who may have caused the problem.   Some, if not all, will be locally owned and/or managed.  

A personal injury attorney will have to investigate thoroughly to determine which parties are going to be held accountable for the accident. The key here is leaving no stone unturned to understand who caused the accident, what their insurance policy limits are, and what their other financial resources are. 

The Tragedy of Interstate 20 in Texas

Interstate 20 is horribly dangerous, particularly because there are only two lanes which are crowded with oilfield trucks most of the way.   There really should be three lanes.  This would provide a special lane for large trucks carrying oversize loads.  But because there are only two lanes, people who are just trying to get to work, or just trying to pick their kids up from school, have to share the road with all these great, big, horribly dangerous pieces of equipment being hauled down the road at high speeds. It becomes a death trap.

But in that death trap is forged a certain kind of lawyer, who takes each case seriously and personally, and has the knowledge and experience to fight for each accident victim and their rights. Attorneys who have had to drive the road themselves, are familiar with the companies responsible for each tragedy and are ready to fight them for you.

With the guidance of a skilled attorney like Stuart Starry, you can have the peace of mind that comes with knowing a local expert has your back. For more information on Trucking Accident Cases in Texas, an initial consultation is your next best step.   Get the information and legal answers you are seeking by calling (432) 242-7827 today.