Find Peace and Justice with Houston Truck Accident Attorneys
When you drive in Texas every day, there is no way to avoid the large trucks, commercial trucks, tractor-trailers, big rigs, and 18-wheelers that travel on the roads and highways all day and night. The reality is many truck drivers are often pressured to meet strict deadlines, and because of that, truck drivers often drive long hours, battling fatigue and other ailments, trying to get to their destinations. Unfortunately, for these truck drivers and the other drivers surrounding them on the road, that journey along Texas roadways and highways does not always end safely and without accident or injury.
According to the Texas Department of Transportation, there had been 38,149 total crashes involving commercial motor vehicles in 2021, 630 of which were fatal. Sadly, when a truck driver is negligent or reckless in driving, these can be the results; many Texas drivers are put at risk of catastrophic injuries and even death.
Even for an experienced driver, being hit by an 18-wheeler or truck and getting injured in the accident can be an overwhelming ordeal. If you or a loved one is involved in an 18-wheeler or truck accident, calling an experienced Houston truck accident lawyer can make a huge difference in your ability to document the damage, deal with the insurance adjusters, get to the right medical professionals, and make sure that all of your rights under state and federal laws are protected. If you need help, call our Texas personal injury law firm today.
Why do I need a Houston trucking accident lawyer?
Truck accidents can be complex and devastating, and the aftermath can be confusing and overwhelming time for the victim and their family. If you or a loved one has been involved in a truck accident in Texas, it is vital to consider the benefits of working with a truck accident lawyer.
Here’s what you can expect when you hire a Houston 18-wheeler and trucking accidents attorney from Leeds Law Firm
- Investigate the Accident: A good lawyer will thoroughly investigate the accident, gathering all relevant evidence, interviewing witnesses, and consulting experts to build a strong case.
- Assess Damages: The lawyer will assess the damages suffered by the victim, including medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
- Negotiate with Insurance Companies: The lawyer will negotiate with the insurer on behalf of the victim to ensure that they receive a fair settlement for their damages.
- Represent You in Court: If necessary, the lawyer will represent the client in court, presenting evidence and arguments to support their case.
- Protect Your Rights: The lawyer will ensure that the client’s rights are protected throughout the legal process, including their right to a fair trial and their right to receive fair compensation for their damages.
- Provide Legal Advice: The lawyer will provide legal advice to the client on all aspects of their case, including their rights, the strengths and weaknesses of their case, and the best course of action.
- Keep the Client Informed: The lawyer will keep the client informed throughout the legal process, providing regular updates and answering any questions they may have. This helps to ensure that the client feels informed and in control of their case.
Although trucking accidents can be serious, hiring a lawyer can help ensure that you receive a fair settlement for your damages. United States law and Texas law are complicated, and you need someone who understands what it takes to win your case. At Leeds Law Firm, our experienced truck accident lawyers will guide you through the entire legal process and protect your rights throughout the process. Contact us today to learn more about what we can do for you.
What are the common causes of trucking accidents in Houston?
Some of the most common reasons for trucking accidents are:
- Unsafe Backing: This refers to the situation where a truck driver backs up their vehicle in a dangerous or careless manner, leading to an accident.
- Poor Brake Maintenance or Repair: This refers to the failure of a truck’s braking system due to lack of proper maintenance or repair, resulting in an accident.
- Fatigue: This refers to the physical and mental exhaustion of a truck driver, which can negatively impact their reaction time and judgment leading to an accident.
- Overweight Trucks: This refers to a truck that is carrying a load that exceeds its weight limit, leading to instability and the increased risk of an accident.
- Improperly Loaded Trucks: This refers to a truck that is carrying its load in an improper manner, causing it to shift during transit and increasing the risk of an accident.
- Alcohol and Drug Abuse: This refers to a truck driver under the influence of alcohol or drugs, impairing their ability to operate their vehicle safely and increasing the risk of an accident.
- Bad Weather Conditions: This refers to inclement weather conditions such as heavy rain, snow, or high winds that can impact truck driver’s ability to control their semi-trucks and increase the risk of an accident.
Also, many trucking accidents occur because of the driver’s negligence, but also oftentimes, the company that the truck driver works for can be liable for failure to follow essential laws. Hiring an experienced Houston truck accident attorney can help determine different liability issues and also help you understand all of the evidence that will be critical to your case.
What are the common injuries suffered by truck accident victims in Houston?
Truck accidents are often more devastating than any other motor vehicle accident, given the sheer difference in size. The effects range from minor cuts to catastrophic injuries that require major or lifelong medical treatment. Below are some of the more common injuries that truck accident victims can have:
- Brain Injury: A head injury can occur when a truck driver or passenger is struck by flying debris, hits their head on a hard surface, or experiences a sudden jolt during an accident.
- Neck and Back Injury: Neck and back injuries can occur when the force of a collision causes a driver or passenger to be thrown around inside the cab, leading to strains, sprains, or even spinal cord damage.
- Internal Injuries: Internal injuries can occur when a passenger or driver is crushed or struck by flying debris during a truck accident. These can include damage to the organs, bones, or tissues.
- Broken Bones: Broken bones are a common injury in accidents involving semi-trucks, often occurring as a result of being crushed or struck by debris.
- Amputation: Amputation can occur when a passenger or driver’s limb is crushed during a truck accident.
- Lacerations: Lacerations can occur when a passenger or driver is cut by broken glass or metal during a truck accident.
- Burns: Burns can occur when a passenger or driver is exposed to fire or hot liquids during a truck accident.
- Soft Tissue Injury: Soft tissue injuries, such as sprains, strains, and bruises, can occur when a passenger or driver is jolted during a truck accident.
- Psychological Trauma: Psychological trauma can occur as a result of the physical, emotional, and mental stress of an 18-wheeler truck accident. This can include anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
- Whiplash: Whiplash is a type of neck injury that can occur when the head is rapidly jerked forward and then backward during a truck accident, causing damage to the neck’s muscles, ligaments, and tendons.
- Wrongful Death: In worst cases, crashing 18-wheelers and semi-trucks can cause fatalities.
These are only some of the serious injuries that result from truck collisions. In certain cases, your injuries may be worse than you initially thought. That makes it important to seek immediate medical attention. If you think that the trucker is liable for damages, bring your medical records to our Texas law firm. We can help you recover the maximum compensation possible for your case!
What damages should I expect from my truck accident claim?
When you get hurt in a truck accident, you might be able to get money to help pay for things. This kind of money is called compensatory damages. There are two types of compensatory damages: general damages and special damages.
General damages are for things that are harder to put a price on, like pain and suffering. They’re meant to make up for the emotional and physical pain you went through because of the accident.
Special damages are for more concrete things, like medical bills or lost wages. These are things that you can prove with receipts or pay stubs.
Here are some examples of general and special damages:
General damages:
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
Special damages:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Property damage
- Future lost earnings
- Funeral costs (in case of wrongful death)
It’s important to keep track of all your expenses and receipts related to the accident so you can prove your special damages in court. This can help you get the full amount of money you deserve.
Is the trucker the only liable party in a Texas truck accident?
In the aftermath of a trucking accident in Texas, it’s important to understand who can be held liable for the damages caused. Determining liability can be a complex process, and there may be multiple parties involved.
- Truck Driver: If the truck driver’s negligence or reckless behavior caused the accident, they might be held liable for the damages. This can include factors such as speeding, distracted driving, driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, or failing to follow traffic laws.
- Trucking Company: Trucking companies may also be held liable if they were responsible for hiring an unfit or inexperienced driver, failing to maintain the truck properly, or violating federal trucking regulations.
- Truck Manufacturer: If a defect in the design or manufacturing of the truck was a factor in the accident, the manufacturer might be held liable.
- Cargo Loading Company: If the cargo was not properly loaded, secured, or labeled, the company responsible for loading the cargo might be held liable.
- Government Agencies: If poor road conditions or inadequate traffic signage were factors in the accident, government agencies might be held liable.
It’s important to note that multiple parties may be held liable for a trucking accident in Texas. A personal injury attorney can help you determine who is responsible for the damages and ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve from all liable parties. Call us today to discuss your truck accident claim.
How is negligence determined in truck accident cases in Texas?
A person is considered negligent when they do, or fail to do, something that is expected of them, which then results in negative consequences. If you want to prove that the other party is negligent, you have to show the following:
- Duty of Care: The defendant has a legal obligation to act a certain way. For example, semi-truck drivers are expected to obey the rules of the road, act according to trucking industry standards, and know the safety regulations surrounding commercial vehicles.
- Breach: You need to prove that the defendant acted in a way that does not fulfill their duties. If a semi-truck driver uses their cell phone while driving, then that is a breach of duty.
- Causation: You need to show that the trucker’s breach of duty directly caused the semi-truck accident and, thus, your truck accident injuries. For example, you can show that a truck striking your passenger vehicle led to your head injury.
- Damages: Finally, you have to demonstrate the losses you’ve suffered as a result of the accident, such as medical bills or emotional distress.
Additionally, in Texas, if you get hurt in a truck crash, the law says who’s responsible for paying for the damage. The law is the 51% Modified Comparative Negligence rule. This means you can only get money from the person who caused the accident if you were less than 51% responsible for what happened. If you were more than 51% responsible, you couldn’t get any money from anyone else.
The amount you get will also depend on how much you are at fault. This is part of the 51% Modified Comparative Negligence rule. Let’s say you got hurt in a truck wreck, and you’re trying to get $100,000 from the trucking company. But the judge says you were 30% responsible for the collision. This means you won’t get the full $100,000. Instead, you’ll only get $70,000. That’s because $100,000 minus 30% is $70,000. If you go to court and win, the amount you get will still be reduced by 30%. Lawyers often offer a free consultation so you can know how much your case is worth and whether you should pursue it.
If you’re looking for someone to help you determine who is negligent in the accident, consider asking our experienced personal injury lawyer at Leeds Law Firm. We have the know-how to get you the best outcome possible! Call us today to schedule a consultation regarding a potential 18-wheeler truck accident lawsuit.
What should I do if I was injured in a Texas truck accident?
If you’ve been in a truck accident in Texas, it’s important to know what steps to take. Here are some key things to keep in mind:
- Get medical help right away. If you’re hurt, make sure you see a doctor as soon as possible. This is important not only for your health but also for your legal case.
- Report the accident to the police. Call the police at the scene of the accident and make sure they write a report. This report can be important evidence in your case.
- Gather evidence. Take photos of the scene, get contact information from witnesses, and keep any receipts or bills related to the accident. This evidence can help you prove your case in court against the trucking companies.
- Contact a Houston 18-wheeler and trucking accidents attorney. A truck accident can be complex and difficult to handle on your own. A good lawyer can help you understand your rights and make sure you get the money you deserve. There are times when the lawyer will offer a free case evaluation to assess your case.
- Don’t give a recorded statement to an insurance company without talking to a lawyer first. Insurance companies are in the business of making money, and they might try to use your words against you. A lawyer can help you protect yourself.
- Know the statute of limitations. You have a limited time to take legal action after a truck accident in Texas. Make sure you understand the statute of limitations and file your case in time.
- Be patient. A truck accident case can take time to resolve, but a good lawyer will work hard to get you the best result possible.
It is difficult enough to recover physically and mentally from an accident involving an 18-wheeler or truck. Hiring a Houston personal injury attorney experienced in handling 18-wheeler and truck accident cases takes the pressure off you and allows you to rely on someone else, knowledgeable about the law, to advocate for you and make sure you get the recovery, including the money and medical treatment) you need.
The attorneys at Leeds Law Firm are knowledgeable about what needs to be done to protect your rights and advocate for you immediately to ensure you get the best end result in an already tricky (and painful) situation. With the help of one of our Houston truck accident attorneys, you could be entitled to monetary compensation to cover the following:
- Medical expenses,
- Future medical care,
- Loss of income (present and future),
- Property damage,
- Loss of benefits,
- Loss of inheritance,
- Loss of companionship,
- Funeral expenses,
- Mental anguish, and
- Pain and suffering.
With our resources and connections, we can also build a strong case for your injury claim. We work with medical professionals and accident reconstruction specialists to determine what happened in the commercial truck accident and how much you deserve, down to the last dollar.
Unfortunately, in addition to the initial shock of these accidents, the process of caring for yourself or a loved one involved in this type of accident can be grueling. Insurance companies are trained to try to avoid large payouts, which means, someone who is not represented by an attorney may be taken advantage of and left without the compensation that they deserve. Don’t let that happen to you or someone you care about! The first few days, even hours after a trucking accident or 18-wheeler collision occurs, are crucial.
What is the statute of limitations for a tractor-trailer truck collision in Texas?
In Texas, you have a limited time to take legal action if you get hurt in a truck crash. This time limit is called the Statute of Limitations. For truck accidents that cause injuries or death, you have two years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit. This is the rule for all personal injury cases in Texas.
Don’t wait to file a truck accident claim. Even the best attorney needs time to launch an investigation and build your case. If you wait too long, you may miss your chance to recover fair compensation. Call our 18-wheeler accident attorney today to schedule a consultation about a potential truck accident lawsuit!
Call Our Experienced Houston Trucking Accidents Attorney!
A truck accident can be more devastating that a passenger vehicle accident for those involved, leaving behind physical, emotional, and financial scars. If you or a loved one has been involved in a truck accident in Texas, it’s essential to understand that you don’t have to navigate this difficult time alone. A truck accident lawyer can help you get the compensation you deserve and provide you with the support and guidance you need during this difficult time.
An experienced Houston 18-wheeler and trucking accidents attorney will make sure that you have the knowledge and resources to build the strongest case possible and get you maximum compensation for things like medical bills, property damage, lost income, and other injuries you or your family members may have sustained. Our legal team will work hard to help you find peace and justice.
If you or someone you love or care about has been hurt in a trucking accident, call one of our experienced Houston Trucking Accident attorneys today at 713-492-2906. Leeds Law Firm is available immediately to help you through the entire process, from getting the medical care you need to litigate your case in a civil trial should it become necessary. We’re not afraid to take on trucking companies if it means sticking up for our neighbors!
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