Texas Flatbed Truck Accident Lawyer

Texas Flatbed Truck Accident Attorney

Have You Been In a Flatbed Truck Accident in Texas?

Call us today at (713) 535-7051. A flatbed truck is a large truck with a flat body and no sides around the bed. The bed also lacks a roof. It is, quite literally, just a large truck with a flatbed that is used to transport cargo from Point A to Point B. Flatbed trucks are the go-to choice when cargo will not fit in a truck that has an enclosed trailer, or when cargo is durable and not affected by inclement weather. Flatbed truck accidents can cause catastrophic injuries and may even prove fatal. Accidents involving flatbed trucks are serious, and when you’ve been involved in one, you need a Texas flatbed truck accident lawyer to help you recover the compensation you are due.

Types of Flatbed Trucks

There are different types of flatbed trucks, and they are used for different purposes.

Fixed Flatbed Trucks

A fixed flatbed truck is a truck that has the flat frame attached directly to the truck. The bed of the truck cannot be removed from the truck. They are a little on the smaller side, and most often used for local transport.

Detachable Flatbed Truck

A detachable flatbed truck is just that, a truck that has a flatbed that can be removed from the truck. They come in two different types:

• Standard: A standard detachable flatbed truck typically carries its cargo on a platform that is raised above the wheels of the truck. They are a great option for hauling bulky and large loads of cargo.
• Lowboy: A lowboy detachable flatbed truck’s platform sits closer to the road than a standard detachable flatbed truck. The platform is positioned between the wheels of the truck. This makes them a great choice for moving large pieces of equipment.

Why Flatbed Trucks Are Dangerous

Flatbed trucks commonly transport materials that are used in building and constructing homes and businesses. They are also utilized in carrying equipment, such as cranes and backhoes. They can even be used to carry scrap and tires that have been compressed into bales. Due to the nature of their shape, and what they are used to transport, flatbed trucks can be dangerous and cause serious accidents. When you have been injured in an accident with a flatbed truck, contact a Texas flatbed truck accident lawyer at the Merritt & Merritt Law Firm.

Falling Cargo

The types of cargo hauled by flatbed trucks are generally oddly shaped and do not fit in a standard tractor-trailer. This odd shape, however, can make this type of cargo difficult to secure to the bed of the truck, and ensuring that it is secure is imperative. Otherwise, it can become dislodged, fall off the bed, and crash into another vehicle. This is especially true if the truck is involved in a crash of its own. Improperly secured cargo can easily become dislodged in the event of an accident.

Lane Obstruction

Oversized cargo on flatbed trucks can easily extend into neighboring lanes on the highway. Because of this, there are rules and regulations that companies and individuals that transport oversized loads are supposed to adhere to. This includes having safety vehicles before and after the flatbed truck, warning other drivers of the dangers. Unfortunately, those responsible for transporting cargo do not always follow through with the necessary precautions. When this happens, it is easy to see how accidents can result. When it is expected that lane obstruction due to an oversized load has contributed to an accident, a Texas flatbed truck accident lawyer will hire an investigator to look for violations of mandatory regulations.

Brake Failure

Flatbed trucks are large and heavy, typically weighing in at 24 tons. Due to their sheer size, they are slow to stop. When an emergency arises, even the best driver will take some time to bring the truck to a standstill. These trucks operate with an expensive airbrake system that is designed for large vehicles of this size. The airbrake system is run by a compressor that creates and disperses air to tanks which in turn uses the pressure on the brakes of the truck. Overuse of the brakes can cause the air to be utilized quicker than the compressor can replace it. When this happens, there is no air in the tanks to feed the brakes, and the driver of the truck is truly unable to stop it. It is a frightful scenario and one that can quickly lead to a serious accident. A Texas flatbed truck accident lawyer will be familiar with how these brake systems operate and how they can cause accidents.

Types of Flatbed Truck Accidents

Generally speaking, there are two types of flatbed truck accidents, on-road and off-road accidents.

• On-Road Accidents: Accidents that occur while the flatbed truck is en route from one place to another are called on-road accidents. Cargo that falls while the truck is moving is a prime example of an on-road accident.
• Off-Road Accidents: While this type of accident does not generally come to mind, there are accidents involving flatbed trucks that occur when the truck is not on the road. When cargo is being loaded onto and off of a flatbed truck, it is essential that it be performed with extreme caution. Handling such large, dangerous equipment can result in injury if it is not done with the utmost care.

A Texas Flatbed Truck Accident Lawyer You Can Rely On

When you have been injured in an accident with a flatbed truck, you need time to recover and heal from the injuries you have suffered. It’s at a time like this that you also need an experienced lawyer that knows how to help you receive the compensation you deserve. Contact Merrin & Merrin Law Firm and speak with a Texas flatbed truck accident lawyer that you can rely on. We may be reached by calling (713) 535-7051 or via our contact page.