Truck Accident Lawyer
If you or a loved one was hurt in an accident caused by a truck, you’re undoubtedly hurting and attempting to figure out what to do next. On your behalf, a truck accident lawyer may identify the liable party or parties, gather evidence, question eyewitnesses, negotiate with the insurance company, and go to trial if necessary.
A truck accident lawyer can handle all aspects of your case while you focus on recovering from an accident that was not your fault or taking care of an injured family member.
We all know how physically and emotionally traumatic a truck accident can be, which is why we at Texas Personal Injury Lawyers understand how unpleasant it may be. Our truck accident and catastrophic injury attorneys have years of expertise helping people get compensation for their injuries and can assist you in obtaining the same.
Determining Liability In A Truck Accident Case
Truck accident claims are more challenging than vehicle to vehicle collisions. You may believe the truck driver is solely responsible for the incident. However, you may have more than one party to blame for your injuries and damages. Truck accident plaintiffs might be represented by anyone of the following:
- The truck driver
- The trucking company
- The truck manufacturer
- The shipping company (that loaded the cargo)
- Insurance companies
- Government entities
It’s possible that the truck driver is a subcontractor for a bigger truck firm, in which case the degree of control exercised by the firm over its contractors may be an issue. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) is in charge of commercial trucks on American roads.
It’s possible that the truck was damaged in transit, causing the collision. That might imply that the truck manufacturer or the company that designed the part is responsible. A truck accident lawyer can discover and hold all of the responsible parties accountable in a lawsuit, including any drivers or companies that may have been negligent.
What Can an Expert Truck Accident Lawyer Do for You?
Following a truck, tractor-trailer, or semi-truck accident, injury lawyers may assist accident victims in many ways.
These services vary from assisting you with insurance companies, negotiating final settlements, and pursuing various sorts of damages to help you receive the compensation you deserve.
Following a Commercial Truck Accident, How to Deal With Insurance Companies
You are required by law to contact your insurance provider following a major accident. Insurance companies typically demand that you call them within 24 hours of the incident. This may differ, however. Your insurance policy will contain information about your specific insurance company.
Insurance companies frequently attempt to reduce the amount of money you would receive if you file a claim. This is in the insurance company’s best interests, as it means they will have to pay out less when your property is damaged.
The following sections will go through the methods that insurance companies use to reduce the amount of compensation for those hurt in a truck accident, and what your injury attorneys may do to assist you avoid this.
The First Call You Make to Your Insurance Company
Following a truck accident, you are obligated to contact your insurance provider.
Unfortunately, since you were shaken from your truck accident, insurance companies may take advantage of the situation. They might attempt to obtain further information from you over the phone, which they can use as evidence to devalue your claim. Even the most minor admission may harm your compensatory award.
During this phone conversation, make sure you provide as little information as possible and never sign anything without discussing it with your lawyer first.
In fact, before calling your insurance company, we would advise you to schedule a free consultation with your personal injury attorneys. This way, your own personal injury attorney can educate you on exactly what to say and the absolute bare minimum of disclosure required from the insurance carrier.
How To Negotiate A Settlement With Your Insurance Company
It’s possible that you don’t need to file a lawsuit. In certain cases, it may be more advantageous to try to negotiate a settlement with your insurance carrier rather than get into court.
Unfortunately, achieving this is more difficult than it appears. This is where your truck accident lawyer can help. They’ll gather and compile a strong body of evidence to use in these discussions. Claims adjusters from insurance companies almost never accept the first offer, and they employ teams of claims experts to reduce the amount paid in your case.
Each attorney at Texas Personal Injury Lawyers is a seasoned and clever negotiator. We understand all of these insurance company’s ploys. We also have the tenacity and perseverance to fight tooth and nail for your compensation, no matter how tough the battle gets.
Get Help With the Evidence You’ll Need to Bring to Your Insurance Company
In order to receive compensation for your injuries, you’ll need proof of your truck accident. Accident victims with more evidence are more likely to get a larger payment.
There’s also proof that your truck accident lawyer can assist you in obtaining, such as the black box in your vehicle.
The Black Box’s Presence in Truck Accidents
The presence of the black box distinguishes a truck, tractor-trailer, or semi-truck accident from a regular automobile accident.
Over a specific weight, commercial vehicles are required to have a black box installed, much like in an airplane. These logs contain vital information in the event of a truck accident, just as the flight data recorder does on an aircraft.
For your truck accident lawyers, the black box preserves the following details about your accident for use in court:
- The truck’s rate of speed during the accident.
- The truck’s breaking patterns, as well as its speed, may be examined by your truck accident lawyer to see whether the driver was driving negligently or erratically.
- The amount of damage and personal injury that might be caused by a truck accident may be established using the force of impact.
- Anything from a mechanical problem or warning lights might indicate careless driving, which leads to truck accidents.
Recovering this black box following a truck accident might be quite tough. Most large trucking firms, of course, are not forthcoming with potentially damaging information.
This is when your personal injury lawyer can assist. All of our lawyers at our firm have prior experience recovering these from trucking firms, as well as the tenacity to pursue this method whatever barriers the trucking business may put up in order to avoid a lawsuit.
How Our Personal Investigators Can Help You Collect Proof After A truck Accident
It’s quite possible that evidence from your truck accident scene might be lost. The same may be said of potential valuable eyewitness testimony.
Fortunately, your truck accident lawyer will have access to a team of skilled personal investigators. These people work with our firm on a regular basis and have a track record of locating and retrieving both evidence and witnesses to assist us in providing proof for your truck, semi-truck, or tractor-trailer vehicle accident.
So, What Evidence Can You Assist in Providing for Your Lawyer?
As previously stated, your attorney will have access to a variety of resources to assist you in gathering evidence for your case. However, there are several things you can do to aid in the creation of the strongest case possible.
There are a variety of techniques that you may use to gather evidence, depending on your situation:
- Multiple photographs of the accident scene, including close-up shots. These should include pictures of all vehicles involved in the truck collision, as well as any damage to the environment and any tire skid marks on the road surface.
- Photographs of any injuries that you may experience. These should be taken as soon after the incident as possible, after medical treatment has been received, and then again when your condition changes.
- The name, contact information, insurance carrier details, and license/registration/plate numbers of everyone involved in the collision
- All medical bills and other evidence pertaining to any medical expenditures incurred as a consequence of your accident should be included.
- If possible, obtain a copy of your complete medical history. This may assist you in disproving any claims made by insurance companies that any complications from your injuries were not genuine pre-existing conditions.
- Any correspondence with your employer regarding when you have been required to take time off to heal from an injury should be included. This may assist your attorney in obtaining compensation for your lost earnings.
If you gather all of this data and documentation, you’ll have the greatest chance of receiving a highest payout if you negotiate with the insurance company or file a lawsuit.
Texas Personal Injury Lawyers can assist you with any questions or concerns you may have following a truck accident. For further information on how we may help you, give us a call right now for a free consultation on (888) 997-2148.
Claiming For Property Damage
Though a truck accident’s worst consequence may be vehicle property damage, this does not mean it should be disregarded.
Your vehicle is quite important to you, and if it is destroyed, you may be out of money a significant amount of money. Furthermore, if you can’t afford to replace your car, you’ll lose access to your job as well as basic activities such as traveling to work.
An attorney can assist you in recovering compensation for any property damage caused by your truck accident.
Claiming For The Cost Of Your Medical Care
Medical expenditures are a well-known reason for bankruptcy in the United States today.
Fortunately, medical expenses are one of the things that your lawyer can assist you with getting reimbursed for.
If you required medical treatment as a result of the accident, make sure you keep all of the bills and paperwork connected to it.
Claiming For The Pain And Suffering You’ve Sustained As A Result Of Your Injuries
The legal definition of “pain and suffering” is “hurt and suffering.” These losses cover the recovery process for your injuries as well as any additional issues you might get as a result of them.
Repairs to your emotional and physical well-being are vital in order to relieve the suffering caused by this injury. The amount of time it will take you to recover, as well as the degree of pain you will experience, is taken into account.
The following factors are also considered:
- How traumatic your truck accident was and how it has impacted your emotional health.
- Any lifelong disability or handicap. This includes impairments in mobility, cognitive difficulties, and other limitations.
- Any scars or deformity you may have as a result of your truck accident.
Claiming Compensation For A Loved One’s Lost Life
Unfortunately, truck accidents are frequently a result of fatal losses. We realize that no amount of money can substitute for the loss you will be experiencing.
However, the loss of a loved one is sadly pricey. Burial and funeral expenses must be factored in. Furthermore, you can expect to have lost a source of income at home.
All of this might make your mourning more difficult. Following a truck accident, you may be eligible for compensation to take the financial strain off you so that you can grieve as much as you need to your lost loved one.
The following factors are considered in a wrongful death lawsuit:
- The money that your loved one would have earned for your family.
- The loss of companionship.
- The length of time during which your emotional well-being has been harmed.
- Expenses associated with burial and funerals (such as embalming, vaulting, cemetery plot acquisition, monument pillar purchase).
Truck drivers are also not always at fault for a truck accident, as previously said. However, this should not deter you from obtaining wrongful death compensation. Because the case is handled in civil court instead of criminal court, you won’t have to worry about being accused of murdering someone for something they didn’t do.
How Do I Hire A Truck Accident Lawyer?
It’s crucial to find out how to choose a truck accident lawyer since this is the sort of case that truck accident attorneys typically handle.
For example, it’s worth considering certain professional qualifications that may aid you in your claim for compensation. Remember, not all attorneys have these abilities or qualities.
Each truck accident lawyer is unique, from their amount of experience to how well they are regarded by previous clients.
Important Traits To Look for In A Truck Accident Lawyer
If a truck accident lawyer possesses the following characteristics, it does not necessarily indicate that he or she is the “best” at his or her craft, but rather that they can apply their skills and experience to help you.
Keep in mind these criteria while you’re looking for a truck accident lawyer:
Experience In Handling Truck Accident Claims
If you are in a truck accident and need assistance, contact an attorney as soon as possible. However, if you’re looking for a specific type of lawyer, there are plenty to choose from. It’s important to find someone who has experience with truck accident claims, especially. However, it is not necessary to hire just one particular kind of lawyer.
Even if you don’t have the funds to cover the overall value of your claim, working with someone who knows about the laws that will apply to your case and has experience dealing with claims may be well worth it.
Past Client Reviews Or Testimonials
Lawyers, like any other businessperson, are open books if you read their past client reviews and comments. You can learn a lot about anybody in business by looking at their previous clients’ praise and criticism.
Continue your journey by reading online testimonials or asking potential truck accident attorneys for client recommendations.
Success Rate
Law firms keep track of their ongoing success rate, which can be measured by how many claims they win for clients and how much compensation they assist them in receiving for any injuries.
When you calculate the success rates of truck accident lawyers, you can feel more at ease knowing that the one you are thinking about has a track record of success.
Willingness To Work Toward A Settlement
Insurance companies may want to give rapid, low-ball settlement proposals early on in order to settle your claim as quickly as possible and without paying you a fair sum of money.
When you are looking for a truck accident lawyer, try to find one who will fight for your rights rather than accept a quick settlement so that they may continue working with the next client.
Contingency Fees And Cost Of A Lawyer
Many lawyers operate on a contingency fee basis, which means they will not charge you until you get your settlement and their fees will be calculated relative to the amount you obtain.
It’s critical to understand how your lawyer’s fees are calculated and what costs you’ll incur so you avoid unpleasant surprises and excessive charges.
Lawyer Compatibility
Your truck accident lawyer doesn’t have to be your closest companion, but it may help you feel more at ease if you know someone is there for you, understands what you’re going through, supports you, and is on your side.
What Causes Truck Accident Cases To Be Such A Common Issue In The United States Today?
At Texas Personal Injury Lawyers, We feel that when trucking firms breach the tight rules they are required to follow, they should not get away with it. Regardless of the circumstances, you may have grounds for a lawsuit to recoup monetary compensation, including missed income and medical expenses. The legal team at Texas Personal Injury Lawyers will work with you to evaluate your claim and see whether you’re eligible for compensation. You may count on us to develop an effective strategy of action for you if we proceed with your case.
Without the assistance of an experienced truck accident lawyer, recovering proper compensation after a truck accident might be tough. Trucking firms frequently employ top-tier attorneys to defend them and prevent you from receiving the money you deserve. Texas Personal Injury Lawyers is a firm of dedicated personal injury lawyers who have experience with truck accident claims and know what to anticipate throughout the whole process. To discover more about how we may assist you, contact us now at (888) 997-2148.
5 Reasons You Need A Truck Accident Lawyer To Represent You
Today, truck collisions are on the rise. We hear about people dying in road accidents every day from a truck accident. You’ll need an experienced personal injury attorney to assist you if you’ve been hurt in a truck accident. If you have been in a commercial truck accident, you should hire an attorney who has experience with these types of claims. In a commercial truck accident, there are numerous liable parties. You’ll want an attorney who can handle every aspect of your case and take actions that are in your best interests.
Here are some of the reasons why you’ll need a legal representative to receive complete justice.
1. Find All Liable Parties
It’s difficult to be aware of all of the parties who are responsible for your injuries in a truck accident. The driver, transportation firm, truck manufacturer, or government authorities might all be held liable for your damages. You will be assisted by your lawyer throughout the procedure of identifying all responsible parties and ensuring that you receive the compensation on time.
2. Handle Complex Negotiations
If you discover more than one party to blame for the accident, you’ll need to battle each of them simultaneously in order to receive your deserved compensation. Then, to acquire the most out of your case, you’ll need a lawyer with experience in multi-defendant cases that can also represent you during settlement negotiations. You should ensure that your attorney puts forth every effort to maximize the value of your claim.
3. Provide Appropriate Legal Strategy
You may not know how to choose the best legal approach to build your case for trial if you’ve been in a truck accident. Your lawyer can evaluate your situation professionally, locate the needed evidence and expert witnesses, and suggest the optimal legal strategy for you to receive all of your compensation.
4. Ensure Comparative Fault Laws Are Applied Correctly
Texas has a comparative fault statute, similar to other states, that affects the amount of compensation you can get in your personal injury case. You may receive payment if your percentage of responsibility is less than 50%. You may utilize your legal representative to build a compelling argument that ensures the law is applied fairly.
5. Guide You Through the Legal Process
The legal process may be difficult and overwhelming. Your personal injury lawyer can handle the trucking firm and its insurance company to reduce your stress in this case. They can help you understand the case and its settlement in a smarter light.
Is It Better To Accept A Settlement In Exchange For A Truck Accident?
Truck accidents frequently involve several insurance companies, and those companies may collaborate to give you the smallest payment feasible. Accepting an offer from one insurance company can influence how much other insurers are liable for in a collision. Assume everything an insurance company provides you is a “lowball” offer meant to protect their interests. Your attorney may evaluate any offer you have been given and advise you as to whether it fulfills your requirements.
What Does It cost To Hire A Truck Accident Lawyer?
On a contingency fee basis, many law firms represent truck accident victims, which means they are not paid until the matter is resolved. If you win, your attorney’s fee is calculated as a percentage of the recovery, so you don’t have to pay anything out of pocket. People who hire a lawyer recover considerably more than those who don’t in studies on this topic, especially for complex scenarios like truck accidents.
Can I Sue A Truck Driver’s Company For My Injury?
Truck accident injuries might be expensive to treat. While your insurance coverage may cover some of these costs (depending on the coverage you have available), recovering all of your losses will almost certainly necessitate seeking compensation from other people.
The truck driver’s firm might be one of these sources.
In accordance with Texas law, accident victims may sue businesses for negligence in many circumstances. This implies that the truck driver’s firm might be held liable for your accident-related expenses if you were injured in a truck accident. If you’re not sure where to turn for help after your truck accident, contact Texas Personal Injury Lawyers at (888) 997-2148. immediately. To improve your chances of obtaining recompense, speak with our legal expert about submitting a truck accident claim as soon as possible.
When Can You Hold The Company Responsible for a Truck Driver Accident?
There are two options for obtaining compensation from a trucking company following a serious accident. The first is to file a truck accident lawsuit based on “vicarious liability.”
Trucking Company’s “vicarious liability” in truck driver accident cases
Under the theory of vicarious liability, employers are held responsible for the acts of their workers. It is enforceable as long as the employee is acting within the scope of his or her employment. A truck driver who is transporting a cargo or making deliveries is almost certainly doing so in compliance with his or her employment.
Under the doctrine of vicarious liability, persons who are hurt in vehicle accidents can sue the trucking firms that employed them. If the truck driver would have been held responsible had he or she not been driving, the trucking company may be held vicariously liable for the accident. Truck Accidents can be a disaster for everyone involved. As a result, accident victims may bring vicarious liability claims in cases involving:
- Distracted driving
- Drowsy driving
- Impaired driving
- Running a red light or stop sign
- Speeding
- Sudden braking (resulting in a rollover or jackknife)
- Tailgating
- Other types of driving mistakes
Trucking Company “Direct Liability” in Truck Driver Accident Cases
The second way accident victims can hold trucking firms financially accountable is by asserting claims based on “direct liability.” These claims are filed not against the truck driver, but rather against the company because of a mistake made by it.In certain circumstances, injured truck drivers and passengers may sue for truck accidents based on direct liability. Here are some examples:
- Accidents caused by inexperienced and unskilled truck drivers
- Truckers who have driven for too long may cause accidents.
- Accidents that occur when a truck driver loses control because the truck is overloaded
- Accidents that happen when a truck driver’s control is lost as a result of unsafely loaded cargo.