Being involved in any sort of auto accident can cause substantial physical and emotional trauma. Although there are many common factors between truck and car accidents, there are also many differences between the two types of crashes. 

Your Austin truck accident lawyer at Ramos James Law, PLLC, recommends motorists learn the difference between the two types of accidents to better understand their own circumstances should they be involved in one.

Truck Accident Statistic in Texas 

Truck drivers are essential to our economy, transporting goods and materials across our state and nation. However, being involved in a collision with a truck can cause catastrophic damage to your vehicle and health. 

These statistics from 2010 prove the seriousness of truck accidents:

• There were over 115,000 truck accidents in the United States 
• About 12,600 of those accidents took place on Texas roadways 
• There were almost 400 fatalities 
• These accidents led to 6,500 severe injuries 

Unfortunately, truck accidents continue to happen in Texas at a frightening rate and with calamitous consequences. If you have been involved in an accident with a truck, contact your Austin attorney to see if you can start a claim against the driver or company. 

Key Differences Between Truck and Car Accidents

Below we have listed the three principal differences between truck and passenger car accidents:

1. Truck Drivers And Their Companies Must Follow Safety Regulations

Truck drivers have specific laws targeted to them on top of obeying the standard road rules. Some safety regulations truck drivers have to follow, while other drivers do not, include the following:

• Amount of hours driven
• Weight of the vehicle 
• Truck inspections by the driver and company 
• Maintenance requirements
• CDL licensing requirements
• Drug testing
• Background checks

A truck driver or company that fails to follow these regulations may be subject to negligence. 

2. The Gravity of the Personal Injury

It doesn’t take a physicist to foresee the devastating results a truck collision can have on a passenger car. A truck’s weight can easily be double the weight of a passenger vehicle. Because of the size difference, drivers and passengers of a car involved in a truck accident can face severe injuries:

• Broken bones
• Injuries to their back and neck
• Burns
• Death 

3. Dealing With Trucking Companies and Their Insurance is Complicated

Most truck companies are prepared for any and all types of situations that can occur with their employees. The companies are aware of the severity of accidents their drivers can potentially cause, so their insurance companies are prepared to investigate and fight at any given moment. 

This is why you must act fast, if you can, and follow the steps on what to do after a truck accident to begin building your claim with your Austin truck accident lawyer. 

If you or a loved one have been involved in a truck accident, contact your Austin truck accident lawyers at Ramos James Law, PLLC, to start your personal injury claim and receive the justice you deserve.

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With summer in full swing, there is no doubt that many Texas are taking advantage of the season and traveling. Whether it be by boat, plane, or car, it is important for us to be aware of the best safety practices not only for ourselves but for our families as well.

While families find themselves enjoying vacation time, it’s still important to keep in mind that accidents can happen. From a collision to a flat tire and everything in between, being prepared for any type of event can make all the difference in the world.

Our Austin car accident attorneys at Ramos James Law, PLLC, fully understand that the unexpected can easily happen and have a major impact on your life. That’s why we’d like to share with you information about emergency car kits and what you should include in yours.

What Is a Car Emergency Kit?

A car emergency kit includes a number of tools and supplies you should have in your car at all times, and is designed to help you in various situations, such as when you get a flat, run out of gas, or get stuck in a storm.

A car emergency kit can include a variety of supplies, which can vary depending on the season. Thankfully, car emergency kits are relatively inexpensive, easy to make, or can be purchased already fully stocked.

“Must-Haves” When Creating Your Emergency Car Kit

One thing to consider when creating your own kit is the region you live in, or where you’ll be driving through. This way, you’ll be able to determine what potential events could occur and the tools you would need to best protect yourself.

For instance, in Central Texas, we deal frequently with heavy rains and potential floods. Thus, it would make sense to create (or purchase) a car emergency kit that would help us in these situations.

However, there are some common items that you can include in your kit, such as:

• Inflated spare tire
• Jumper cables
• Tools (e.g. screwdrivers, pliers, wrenches, sockets, Allen keys, etc.)
• Flashlight
• Batteries
• Brightly colored cloth
• Compass
• First aid kit
• Car charger
• Duct tape
• Fuel container
• Important family and emergency phone numbers

For snowy conditions:

• Snowbrush
• Shovel
• Warm clothing
• Blanket

You can place these items in a duffle bag, plastic box, or container. A good place to store your emergency kit is in your car’s trunk.

Emergency Car Kits You Can Buy

Below are a few kits that you can purchase online or at your local department store:

• Lifeline AAA Excursion Road Kit 4388AAA ($73)
• Lianxin Roadside Assistance Emergency Kit ($37)
• Haiphaik Emergency Roadside Toolkit ($40-for winter)
• Securegard Roadside Emergency Kit ($46)
• Ready America Emergency Kit 70280 ($35)

Austin Car Accident Attorneys You Can Depend On

By creating your own emergency car kit, you will be better prepared for unexpected situations.

Of course, even the best-prepared individuals may end up involved in a car accident. Thankfully, you don’t have to face such an incident alone. Your Austin car accident lawyers at Ramos James Law, PLLC, are here to protect your rights and best interests.

If you or a loved one have been involved in an Austin car accident, do not hesitate to reach out to us for a free consultation.

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