Semi-truck accidents can often mean major destruction and severe injuries for all involved. If you or a loved one has suffered through a truck accident, you are not alone.
The Grossman Law Offices are ready to help get you on the road to recovery.
Article Contents
hide
Common Causes of Truck Accidents
Truck accidents can occur for different reasons. While regular car accidents often happen due to a driver’s negligence, truck accidents can occur outside of the driver’s control. Some common causes of semi-truck accidents include:
- Driver fatigue,
- Intoxicated driving,
- Driver error,
- Mechanical/brake problems,
- Insufficient training, and
- Maintenance issues.
While truck accidents can happen for various reasons, they are usually very serious. If you’ve been involved in a semi-truck accident, contact a Midland truck accident lawyer right away.
Injuries Resulting from 18-Wheeler Accidents
Because there is a wide array of causes of truck accidents, injuries can range in severity, depending on the accident itself. Some of the most common types of injuries resulting after a semi-truck accident include:
- Fractured or broken bones,
- Burns,
- Cuts and lacerations,
- Head and neck injuries,
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs),
- Back injuries,
- Spinal cord injuries, and
- Paralysis.
In some of the most unfortunate cases, truck accidents may result in death. Whatever the resulting injury, an Odessa truck accident lawyer can help you.
Steps to Take After a Truck Accident
Truck accident cases are very unique. Therefore, the steps you take after an accident can have a significant impact on your claim and eventual outcome.
Get Medical Attention
Your health and safety should always be top priority. After an 18-wheeler accident, always seek medical attention. Truck accidents often result in severe injuries, but even if you believe you have not sustained any serious harm, be sure to visit your doctor. A doctor’s examination can uncover many underlying issues, which can lead to quicker attention and a more successful recovery. Never underestimate the importance of seeking medical care after a truck accident.
Collect Evidence
Evidence can play a major role in truck accident cases. If possible, begin collecting evidence right away, including:
- Photos and videos,
- The other driver’s information, and
- Witness information.
Your truck accident attorney will also use other sources of crucial information, including medical records and police reports, as they become available. It is also essential to keep track of other relevant information, including missed work and lost wages.
Avoid Speaking to Insurance Companies
After an accident, the trucking company’s insurance company may contact you looking for your side of the story. It is important you do not speak to them or give them any details regarding your accident. Insurance companies are often looking for ways to limit liability and will use your statement against you. Avoid speaking to anyone without first consulting with a truck accident lawyer.
Discuss Your Case with a Truck Accident Attorney
Truck accident cases can be very challenging and complicated. Fortunately, a Midland or Odessa truck accident lawyer can help you greatly. Consult with a lawyer as soon as possible to begin working on your case.
Truck Accidents vs. Car Accidents
Many believe that truck accidents and car accidents are similar, but they are anything but. While car accidents can present their own set of challenges, truck accidents can be far more difficult to navigate.
Semi-Trucks Can Cause Significant Damage
18-wheeler trucks are extremely large and heavy, meaning they have a great capacity to cause major destruction. Therefore, after an accident, trucks can cause extensive property damage and severe injuries.
Insurance Policies Covering Semi-Trucks Are Much Greater
Due to a semi-truck’s size and weight, trucks are required to carry more insurance than a regular vehicle. Insurance companies will often fight to limit their liability and avoid paying, causing a back-and-forth battle.
Semi-Trucks Are Heavily Regulated
Trucks travel interstate, and therefore have to follow many strict federal regulations. These rules and regulations can present complications during a truck accident case, where a truck accident attorney’s expertise will be much-needed.
Determining Liability
Unlike most car accidents, liability after a semi-truck accident is usually not so straightforward. Many parties may play a part in the cause of the accident, and it might take time to accurately determine who was responsible. This can lead to more thorough investigations and possible delays.
Who’s Liable for a Truck Accident?
One of the main reasons truck accidents are more challenging than car accidents is determining who is at-fault. A truck driver’s negligence or intentional actions might be the sole cause of the accident, but in some cases the true cause might not be clear.
Some of the parties often involved in truck accident liability can include the:
- Truck driver,
- Trucking company,
- Owner of the truck,
- Manufacturer, or
- Party responsible for truck maintenance.
Your Midland truck accident lawyer may need to conduct a thorough investigation to uncover who is truly at-fault for your accident. Whether or not the liable party is known immediately after the accident, your attorney will help accurately determine who is at fault for the sake of your case.
Damages Available for Semi-Truck Accidents
After a semi-truck accident, you may be entitled to economic or non-economic damages, depending on your particular case.
Economic damages serve to compensate you for the tangible losses associated with your accident. These include:
- Medical expenses,
- Lost wages,
- Lost earning capacity, and
- Property damage.
Non-economic expenses are also directly related to your accident but are more difficult to quantify. They include:
- Mental and emotional anguish,
- Pain and suffering,
- Loss of enjoyment of life, and
- Loss of consortium.
Your Odessa 18-wheeler accident lawyer will take the details of your accident and injuries into consideration when calculating the appropriate amount of damages you deserve.
Statute of Limitations for 18-Wheeler Accidents
A statute of limitations is a law imposed on every kind of lawsuit limiting the amount of time a victim has to file their claim. In Texas, the statute of limitations for truck accidents is two years from the date of the accident. Therefore, if you fail to file your lawsuit within the specified two-year time restriction, you will forfeit your right to recover for your injuries.
Don’t risk losing your right to fair compensation. A Midland 18-wheeler accident lawyer will handle your case in a timely manner.
How a Truck Accident Attorney Can Help You
A truck accident attorney can be an invaluable ally in your legal battle. They will handle your case from start to finish, ensuring they represent your best interests at all times. Your truck accident lawyer will be responsible for:
- Investigating your claim,
- Gathering information and evidence,
- Interviewing witnesses and experts,
- Calculating damages,
- Communicating with the defense and insurance companies, and
- Negotiating a settlement.
Your attorney will also be there to address any questions and concerns you may have along the way. Having the help of a qualified truck accident lawyer will give you much deserved peace of mind.
Contact a Midland/Odessa Truck Accident Attorney Today
Grossman Law Offices proudly handles cases throughout the great state of Texas. We have had the pleasure of representing thousands of clients over nearly thirty years and look forward to helping many more in the years to come. We strive to give each and every client the attention and compassion they deserve while fighting tirelessly to get them the compensation they need. Contact us today, and let’s see how our firm can help you.