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Pedestrian Accidents Involving Trucks Can be Deadly in Fort Worth

Texas truck accident attorneyPedestrians are at significant risk of being hurt or killed in any motor vehicle accident. Pedestrian accidents involving trucks are especially likely to cause serious injuries and fatalities because a larger vehicle means more momentum and a higher force of impact. A person's body simply cannot withstand this added force without serious damage.

When pedestrian accidents occur involving trucks, victims and their families need to understand the rules for making accident claims. There may be multiple different parties who can be named as defendants in a civil lawsuit or in a personal injury or wrongful death claim.

Pedestrian Accident With Truck Shows Deadly Nature of Collisions

A recent accident involving a pedestrian and a truck illustrated the severity of truck crashes involving walkers. Dallas News reported on the accident, which occurred at approximately 10:20 PM on a Thursday night in Fort Worth, TX.

The accident happened on U.S. Highway 287 near Wilbarger Street. A 46-year-old-man was crossing the highway when he was hit by a FedEx truck.  The driver of the FedEx truck stopped at the crash scene, and police were contacted. The Tarrant County medical examiner's office indicates the crash victim died at the scene of the accident. The incident was still under investigation, but no criminal charges were expected to be filed against the driver of the truck.

In this case, fault was not yet determined officially by police.  Sometimes a truck driver engages in dangerous behaviors which result in a pedestrian getting hit. This can happen if truckers are drowsy and they drive more hours than permitted under federal hours-on-duty rules set by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). Pedestrian accidents can also happen with trucks if truck drivers are intoxicated, distracted, speeding, or otherwise break the rules of the road.

If there is a collision involving a truck and a pedestrian, the pedestrian or his family will need to determine if they can hold both the truck driver and the trucking company accountable for resulting losses and damages. Trucking companies are typically required to purchase at least $750,000 in liability insurance coverage by FMCSA rules; however, if the trucking company transports hazardous materials then minimum liability coverage requirements may reach as high as $5 million.

Since trucking companies have significant insurance coverage, pedestrian accident victims and their families may be able to ensure they can obtain full compensation for losses by making claims against the companies. Trucking companies can be held accountable for pedestrian accidents caused by negligent drivers, or by the company's own negligence policies. Victims and families should explore what legal grounds they have to make claims after fatal or serious pedestrian/truck accidents occur in Fort Worth.

Coby L. Wooten Attorney at Law, P.C.

1301 Ballinger St. #100
Fort Worth, TX 76102

Toll Free: 877-960-1279
Local: 817-502-9284

Meetings outside of Fort Worth are available by appointment.

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