Options for Families of Trucking Accident Victims

Large commercial trucks are a vital part of the economy in the United States and here in Texas. There are hundreds of thousands of these vehicles on the roadways. However, due to their size and weight, large trucks can present significant hazards to those in traditional passenger vehicles. It is not uncommon for an accident involving a large truck to result in serious injuries or fatalities. For families that have lost a loved one in a trucking accident in Texas, they need to know whether or not trucking companies are required to provide compensation for their loss.

Texas wrongful death claims and truck accidents

Wrongful death claims in Texas make it possible for family members of those killed due to the negligent actions of another person, company, or entity to recover compensation for their loss. For family members to successfully recover compensation from a trucking company after the death of a loved one, it will need to be shown that the trucking company’s negligence led to the death. There are various ways in which a trucking company could be held accountable for a person’s death in the aftermath of an accident.

• Driver negligence. If the careless or negligent actions of a truck driver caused the fatal accident, the trucking company may be held liable (this is called “vicarious liability”). Trucking companies are responsible for the actions of their employees. A truck driver or company could be held liable if the driver fails to follow traffic laws, disobey federal hours-of-service requirements, or drives while impaired or distracted.

• Maintenance failure. All truck owners and operators are required to regularly inspect and maintain their vehicles to ensure optimal performance and safety. If they fail to do so, part of the truck may fail, leading to a serious accident on the roadway.

• Hiring and training practices. Truck owners and operators must adhere to proper hiring practices. They should ensure that every driver has their commercial driver’s license and is adequately trained on each vehicle they are asked to operate.

• Weight requirements. Depending on the type of truck, the vehicle may carry various maximum weight loads. Overloading a car is dangerous, but there are times when drivers or companies do so to carry extra cargo and make additional profit. This is illegal and can lead to serious and fatal accidents.

What type of compensation is available in these cases?

There are various types of compensation available to family members of those killed due to the negligent actions of another person. This can include both economic and non-economic damages, such as the following:

• Lost earning capacity

• Funeral and burial expenses

• Emotional and mental anguish, pain, and suffering

• Lost companionship, love, comfort, and society that the deceased would have provided

• Lost care, services, support, maintenance, and counsel that the deceased would have provided to their surviving family members

• Lost inheritance, including what the deceased would likely have saved to be left to family members if they had lived a normal life expectancy

Family members of victims of those killed in a Texas truck accident are required to file a lawsuit within two years from the date the person died if they want to receive compensation. If you have lost a loved one in a truck accident, you should speak to a qualified attorney about your case as soon as possible to ensure you receive maximum compensation.

Do Dat Bar-B-Q Smokes Out in Nacogdoches, Texas

The Do Dat Bar-B-Q cook-off is held annually in historic Nacogdoches, Texas.  This cook-off had been canceled after many years, but in 2018, a small group of volunteers decided to revive it, rising from the ashes. Mike Love and Associates, LLC, was one of the first sponsors to say yes and helped by becoming the media sponsor. As with most community events we sponsor, we also have employees who volunteer their time.  Attorney Sam Johnson, a Stephen F. Austin alumnus, tags the meat as it is brought in, and other employees assist with working the gate. Proceeds from this fun event go to the United Way of Nacogdoches County. Join us for a day of fun, food, and fellowship in beautiful Nacogdoches, Texas! See you soon.

Law and Justice Day at Leadership Tomorrow Event

Student participants at Law and Justice Day with Dakoda Fandry

Dakota Fandry of Mike Love & Associates shares his knowledge in the legal profession with Angelina County students.

Leadership Tomorrow was developed for high school juniors and is hosted by the Lufkin Angelina Chamber of Commerce. The program mirrors the Leadership Lufkin program. Students in the program have the opportunity to learn about Angelina County firsthand, explore potential career opportunities in the field of law and justice, and give back to the community through community volunteer service. Attorney Dakota Fandry of Mike Love & Associates, LLC, has been in charge of the Law and Justice Day for the last 2 years. He creates the schedule, coordinates the speakers, and then spends the day with the students serving as their tour guide. Mike Love and Associates, LLC, provides lunch for the students and their leader.

Mike Love provides High School Scholarships

Mike Love & Associates, LLC, encourages East Texas high school students to continue their education. In 2016, Mike Love established a scholarship for students in Angelina County.  Students apply along with a personal essay, and then five students are chosen to receive a $1,000 scholarship. The money is intended to help with the initial expenses of the students as they start college. Congratulations to this year’s recipients: Jasmine Ayala, Madison Saenz, Michelle Castillo, and Macy Downing. Good luck with all your future endeavours. We are proud of you! We look forward to awarding another round of scholarships next year.

Macy Downing receives her scholarship.

Student receives her scholarship.

Michelle Castillo receives her scholarship.

Madison Saenz receives her scholarship.

Jasmine Ayala receives her scholarship.

Mike Love & Associates Sponsors Central Lady Bulldogs

The 2020 Central High School Lady Dog Softball team sponsored by Mike Love & Associates, LLC

The Central High School Lady Dog Softball team boasts a long tradition of excellence, having won numerous district, regional, and state titles. Currently, in 2020, the Lady Dogs are the top-ranked team in the region and are ranked in the top 5 in Texas Class 3A softball. Mike Love & Associates LLC is proud to be the first Grand Slam sponsor of the 2020 season. We expect great work from this exceptional group of young women. Watch for them on the field and off as they continue their educations at Central High School! We are proud of you and proud to be a part of your team.