Houston truck crashes traumatize, hurt, and leave in the dark about what to do next. The large and heavy commercial vehicles render the crash many times worse than usual automobile crashes. The victims suffer medical bills, property losses, lost wages, and emotional trauma. A Houston personal injury lawyer can act on behalf of victims against trucking companies and insurance companies. Such companies have strong defense lawyers. If they are not provided with expert help, then victims can lose the amount of compensation that they deserve. The next page gives you brief facts about truck accident cases in Houston. It also demonstrates how an attorney safeguards your rights, fortifies your case, and helps you get fair compensation.
Why Houston Truck Accidents Are Different
Truck accidents are not the same as car accidents. They are riskier, regulated more, and have more individuals involved. A single accident may involve the driver, the trucking company, the shipper that loaded the goods, and the equipment manufacturer.The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) strictly governs truck drivers and trucking firms. Drivers must comply with rest regulations, weight regulations, and logbook regulations. If they do not, accidents happen. Houston also has massive amounts of truck traffic on a daily basis from shipping, refineries, and interstate commerce. The city’s highways, I-10 and I-45, are lined with thousands of trucks per day. This increases the odds of accidents for drivers in the area.
The Role of a Personal Injury Lawyer
After a truck accident, victims are usually strong-armed by insurers into settling quickly. Insurers seek to disburse as little money as possible. A Houston personal injury lawyer fights to prevent them from taking advantage. Here’s what a lawyer does:
- Investigates the accident: Reads police records, photos, and videos.
- Obtains evidence: Obtains black box data, driver records, and maintenance records.
- Determines fault: Investigates if the driver, company, or other third parties are at fault in the accident.
- Negotiates with insurance companies: Works to get a reasonable settlement.
- Prepares for trial: Builds a case in court when negotiations fail.
Lawyers are interested in immediate and future victim needs. They recognize that future medical treatment, rehabilitation, and lost wages are all considerations in determining damages.
Causes of Houston Truck Crashes
Truck crashes usually stem from preventable mistakes. Some of the most common causes are:
- Driver fatigue: Extended driving causes poor judgment.
- Speeding: It is more difficult for heavy trucks to stop, and speeding is fatal.
- Distracted driving: Texting or phoning while driving is dangerous.
- Poor maintenance: Worn-out tires, poor brakes, or malfunctioning equipment cause accidents.
- Overloaded trucks: Excessive weight makes trucks unstable and hard to maneuver.
- Unsafe turns: Shoulder sweeps or lane changes tend to collide with compact automobiles.
All accidents must be scrutinized. Each element is reviewed by an attorney to determine fault.
You May Recover Compensation for the Following
Injury victims may recover compensation for personal and monetary injuries. They may include:
- Medical bills, hospitalization, and future medical bills
- Loss of income and loss of earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Mental anguish
- Property damage
- Families’ wrongful death damages
The value of a claim depends on the circumstances surrounding the accident. The function of an attorney is to recover as much as possible so the victim may restore life after the accident.
Steps to Follow After a Truck Accident
Your response after a truck accident determines your claim. The following are smart steps to follow:
- Call 911: Get treated and make a formal record.
- Seek medical attention: Minor injuries can become serious ones later on.
- Gather proof: Photograph the accident, truck, and injuries.
- Take witness contact information: Names and phone numbers of witnesses.
- Don’t settle too quickly: Do not sign any insurance papers.
- Consult a lawyer: Get the help of a lawyer right away.
These steps protect your health and your legal right.
How Lawyers Prove Fault in Truck Accidents
Proving fault in a truck accident necessitates sound evidence. Attorneys usually use:
- Truck black box data with speed and brake information
- Driver records with on-road time
- Cell phone records with proof of distraction
- Maintenance records with poor repair
- Witnesses
- Crash reconstruction experts
Sound evidence convinces the insurance companies to settle reasonably. Without evidence, they will not pay or settle at low amounts.
Why Insurance Companies Resist
Insurance companies lose money when settling reasonable claims. They might:
- Blame the victim
- Quickly accept for low amounts
- Draw out claims to threaten victims
- Deny partial of the damages
An attorney holds them at bay. The goal is not merely a settlement, but the amount owed.
Trial vs. Settlement
Most truck cases resolve out of court. Trials are costly and time-consuming. But sometimes settlement requests are unreasonable. When that happens, attorneys prepare for trial. At trial, a jury receives evidence and decides on damages. A seasoned attorney makes sure that the victim’s story is concise and fact-based.
The Benefit of Home Town Houston Attorneys
A home-town attorney is known to the courts, judges, and jurors in Houston. They know the traffic pattern and the sites of accidents in the city as well. This home town familiarity comes in handy when building strong cases.
Houston Truck Crash Claims FAQs
1. How much time do I have to file a truck accident claim in Houston?
Generally, you have two years from the accident date. Delaying longer might take away your ability to file.
2. Can there be two parties at fault for a truck crash?
Yes. Driver, truck firm, cargo loaders, or component part manufacturers may all be at fault.
3. I contributed partially to the truck accident. What about me?
Texas has a scaled rule. You can recover damages if you are below 51% at fault.
4. How much will I get from my claim?
It depends upon injuries, lost wages, and permanent impact. An attorney takes into account all losses before filing for damages.
5. Are truck accident cases more time-consuming than car accident cases?
Yes. Truck cases are more complicated and involve more parties, so they are longer.
Final Thoughts
Truck accidents in Houston inflict serious injury, but victims needn’t fight alone. An experienced Houston truck accident lawyer possesses the skill and resources necessary to force trucking companies and insurance companies to pay. With aggressive legal representation, victims recover while their lawyer fights for justice.
