Houston truck accidents expose the victims to extensive injuries, high medical costs, and loss of income. Large size and high weights of commercial trucks make them dangerous on crash. Victims take several months or years to recover. A Houston personal injury lawyer helps you protect your rights and guides you through the law. This article is discussing the most essential things to do after a truck accident and why you’ll need the services of an attorney.
Why Truck Accidents Are More Complex
Truck crashes are distinct from car wrecks. A semi-truck weighs 20 to 30 times more than a car. The crash is usually disastrous. The injuries are varied, from broken bones, spinal injury, head trauma, or internal injury. The legal situation is not simple, either. One or more parties may be liable. Parties responsible for the accident can be:
- The truck driver.
- The trucking company.
- The loading crew.
- The vehicle manufacturer.
- Also, a maintenance contractor.
Each may have their own lawyers and insurance. The injury lawyer sorts all this out and deals with all parties.
First Things After a Houston Truck Accident
The first few minutes and hours after a truck accident are important. Victims may do the following when safe:
- Call 911 immediately. Safety first. Emergency responders can stabilize injuries and secure the scene.
- Seek medical care. Even minor discomfort can be an indication of concealed damage. Never disregard signs.
- Report to the police. Police reports are fantastic evidence in a claim.
- Record the evidence if it is safe to do so. Take photographs, video, and obtain statements from witnesses; it might come in useful later.
- Do not settle too quickly. Insurance companies tend to make lowball settlements before victims have any notion of the overall sum.
Having an attorney from the beginning protects your claim.
How a Lawyer Represents Victims
The majority of victims feel that they can settle for themselves. But insurance and trucking companies hire experienced defense lawyers. Victims receive much less money if they do not have a lawyer. A personal injury lawyer can:
- Investigate the accident site.
- Read truck logs, GPS readings, and driver records.
- Work with accident reconstruction experts.
- Get medical records and expert witness reports.
- Negotiate with insurers to receive fair settlements.
- Take the case, if needed.
Your attorney is your champion and your defender.
Truck Accident Common Causes in Houston
There are various reasons why truck accidents happen. Some of the most common among them are:
- Driver fatigue. Truckers drive for hours on end without proper rest.
- Speeding. Big rigs take more time to stop on time.
- Overloaded trucks. Too much weight boosts rollover hazards.
- Negligent maintenance. Old brakes or poor tires can be disastrous.
- Distracted driving. Cell phones, radios, or GPS devices divert eyes and attention.
- Defective equipment. Accidents are more probable with bad parts.
Determining the exact cause is the key to assigning liability.
Compensation to Victims
The victims are also entitled to receive compensation in different forms. They include:
- Medicals. Recurring bills and treatment cost in the future.
- Lost wages. Paychecks lost during recovery time from injury.
- Decreased earning capacity. When the victims cannot work the same occupation.
- Pain and suffering. Physical and emotional distress.
- Property damage. Your vehicle repaired or replaced.
- Damages for wrongful death. Support to the bereaved member’s families.
Vary in amount depending on facts in case, degree of injury, and effects lasting over time.
Why Time Matters
Texas has very brief time limits to file personal injury claims. The victims have just two years in the majority of cases from the accident date. Failure to meet this deadline results in losing your right to collect compensation. Evidence also fades away rapidly. Trucking company records can be obliterated, and witnesses’ memories fade. Hurrying is best in order to enable your attorney to construct a solid case.
Insurance Companies and Their Strategies
Insurance adjusters are pleasant initially. Their job, however, is to minimize the company loss. Methods are:
- Making lowball payments immediately before the total cost is determined.
- Asking baffled questions to tear apart claims.
- Caving to pressure victims prematurely.
Never sign a thing or give a statement without consulting an attorney. An attorney does all the talking to insurers on your behalf.
When a Case Becomes a Court Case
The vast majority of truck accident claims settle out of court. Fair settlement is not necessarily available, however. If not, your attorney will present the claim to a judge. Your attorney presents evidence, calls in expert witnesses, and pleads to a jury in the courtroom. Having a great courtroom lawyer can make or break it.
Finding the Best Personal Injury Lawyer
Not all lawyers are qualified to handle a complicated truck wreck case. When choosing between Houston lawyers, look at:
- Truck accident history.
- Experience handling the successful winning of settlements and trials.
- Excellent communication and personalized service.
- Excellent customer comments and reviews.
The best lawyer will be knowledgeable and pleasant.
Safety Guidelines for Avoiding Truck Collisions
Although no collision is ever avoidable, defensive driving reduces the risk. Here are some guidelines to follow:
- Avoid trucks’ blind spots.
- Provide a wide space while traveling alongside big semis.
- Do not pass a truck.
- Signal lanes change well in advance.
- Be alert and avoid distraction.
Defensive driving keeps you and others safe from harm on Houston roads.
Key Takeaway
In Houston, truck accidents usually lead to enormous losses. Injuries mean medical expenses, lost wages, and lengthy recovery. A Houston truck accident lawyer is equipped and experienced to consult with, advise, and represent you to get fair compensation. The sooner you take action, the better your chances of preserving evidence and your rights.
FAQs
- After being involved in a truck accident in Houston what do I do first?
Call 911, create an accident medical record, notify authorities of the accident and immediately call an attorney.
- Who can I sue after a truck accident?
Loading dock workers and supervisors, the driver, the trucking company, otherwise known as the employer, and parts manufacturers.
- How much money can I get for a truck accident?
It will all depend on your medical expenses and bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and future needs.
- How long do I have to make a claim in Texas?
Generally speaking, typically 2 years from the date of the accident unless there is another substantive reason to extend that time.
- Why do I need an attorney after a truck accident?
An attorney protects your rights, fights extensively for evidence and collects evidence, and fights for fair compensation for your injuries.