Large commercial vehicles, including semis and tractor trailers, are common on highways around the state. Although trucks are necessary to move goods and keep the economy stable, large vehicles often cause severe damage when they collide with smaller cars.
If you suffered injuries in an 18-wheeler wreck, it is likely that someone’s carelessness contributed to the incident. State law makes negligent parties liable to anyone they injure. A Katy truck accident lawyer could identify the reckless individuals involved in your wreck and hold them accountable for the harm they caused. Our skilled injury attorneys are ready to protect your rights.
What Makes Trucks Prone to Serious Accidents?
Tractor-trailers can weigh up to 80,000 pounds. In contrast, other cars weigh less than 5000 pounds. Because of their size, trucks are unwieldy and slow to respond. Common collisions caused by truckers include:
- Blindspot accidents that occur when a truck collides into a vehicle traveling behind or beside it
- Jackknifes, which happen when a truck’s trailer moves at an angle and collides with vehicles in adjacent lanes
- Rollover accidents where a truck tips onto its side
- Underride accidents, which refer to when a smaller vehicle slides under a trailer or cab
Federal law views trucks as commercial carriers, which means drivers must adhere to strict safety standards and operate their vehicles carefully. A knowledgeable tractor-trailer accident lawyer in Katy could investigate a commercial truck crash to identify if a trucker or a big rig company’s negligence contributed.
Valuable Evidence in Truck Accident Cases
Truck accidents are often complicated cases to pursue. The cause of a collision could be a combination of factors that might include truck driver error, mechanical failure, improper loading of cargo, or poor road conditions.
Fortunately, evidence is often available after a semi accident. In addition to a police reports and witness statements, trucks are usually equipped with black boxes containing useful performance data. Newer trucks also have in-cab cameras as well as video surveillance behind and on the sides of trailers. Subpoenaing this evidence could be useful in a trucking accident claim.
Trucking companies often send their investigators to a crash site immediately. These people will try to determine how an accident happened and look for evidence that places another driver at fault. A skilled truck accident lawyer in Katy could investigate an accident shortly after it happens, counter these tactics, and build a strong case against a trucker or their employer.
Truck Accident Claims and the Statute of Limitations
Although Texas Civil Practice Law and Rules §16.003 allows an injured person to file a lawsuit for up to two years after an accident, it is advisable to get legal help as soon as possible.
A commercial vehicle company’s insurers are likely to approach an injured person or their family soon after an accident and offer a quick settlement in return for a written agreement not to sue them. However, these offers rarely provide appropriate compensation, especially if the extent of a person’s injuries is not clear for several months.
A semi-truck collision attorney in Katy could protect an injured person and their family from predatory insurance companies who attempt to take advantage of the situation. A legal team member could handle communication with responsible parties and ensure that a settlement amount is fair based on a claimant’s injuries.
What Compensation Can You Recover After a Truck Accident?
A truck accident can turn your life upside down in an instant. Between medical appointments, missed work, and the emotional stress of recovery, the financial impact can be overwhelming. Fortunately, if someone else’s negligence caused the crash, you may be entitled to seek compensation for your losses.
One of the most common forms of compensation is reimbursement for medical expenses. This can include:
- Emergency room visits
- Surgeries
- Hospital stays
- Physical therapy
- Prescription medications
- Any future treatment related to your injuries
You may also be able to recover compensation for lost income if your injuries prevent you from working, as well as reduced earning potential if you can no longer perform your job as you did before the accident.
Truck accident victims can also pursue compensation for non-economic damages. These losses are harder to calculate but are often just as significant. Pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life, and permanent disabilities can all affect your quality of life long after the crash.
In tragic cases involving fatal truck accidents, surviving family members may be able to pursue a wrongful death claim for losses such as funeral expenses, loss of financial support, and the emotional impact of losing a loved one. An experienced Katy tractor-trailer accident lawyer can help evaluate your damages and fight for the full compensation you deserve.
Understanding Federal and State Trucking Regulations
Commercial trucks play an important role in keeping goods moving across Texas and throughout the country. Because these vehicles are so large and heavy, truck drivers and trucking companies must follow strict safety regulations designed to protect everyone on the road.
Federal regulations govern many aspects of the trucking industry. For example, truck drivers are limited in how many hours they can drive before taking mandatory rest breaks. These rules are intended to reduce driver fatigue, which is a leading cause of serious truck accidents. Drivers are also required to keep detailed records of their driving hours and rest periods.
Trucking companies have responsibilities as well. They must regularly inspect and maintain their vehicles to ensure that critical components such as brakes, tires, and lights are functioning properly. Cargo must also be loaded and secured correctly to prevent shifting loads, rollovers, and other dangerous situations.
When trucking companies or drivers fail to follow these regulations, accidents can happen. Evidence of safety violations can be extremely valuable in a truck accident claim. A skilled attorney could review maintenance records, driver logs, inspection reports, and other documents to determine whether regulatory violations played a role in the crash.
What Does the Legal Process Look Like for a Commercial Truck Accident Claim?
Many people are surprised to learn that truck accident claims are often more complicated than standard car accident cases. This is because multiple parties may be involved, including:
- The truck driver
- The trucking company
- Maintenance providers
- Cargo loading companies
- Vehicle manufacturers
The legal process usually begins with a detailed investigation. Your attorney may gather police reports, witness statements, black box data, electronic logging records, surveillance footage, and other evidence that can help establish what happened and who was responsible.
Once the evidence has been collected, your lawyer may present a demand to the insurance companies outlining your injuries, losses, and the compensation being sought. Negotiations often follow, and many cases are resolved through settlement discussions.
However, if the insurance company refuses to offer a fair settlement, filing a lawsuit may become necessary. During litigation, both sides exchange information, take depositions, consult experts, and continue negotiating. If an agreement cannot be reached, the case may proceed to trial.
Having an experienced Katy 18-wheeler accident lawyer on your side can make a significant difference throughout this process. From investigating the crash to negotiating with insurance companies and presenting your case in court, legal representation can help protect your rights and pursue the best possible outcome.
Reach out to a Katy Truck Accident Attorney Today to Learn More
Recovering from severe injuries sustained in a truck accident could take months. In some cases, a person may not fully heal. The parties whose negligent conduct led to an accident should pay for the harm they caused.
A Katy truck accident lawyer could offer compassionate support and vigorous legal representation. Reach out today to bring a seasoned attorney onto your team.