Being involved in a truck collision can leave you with serious injuries, overwhelming medical bills, and a long road to recovery. These incidents often result in complex legal cases due to the various parties involved, such as drivers, trucking companies, and insurers.
When you or a loved one were hurt in a truck accident, working with a Katy lawyer to navigate the settlement process could be a crucial step to financial recovery. By partnering with our knowledgeable tractor-trailer collision attorneys, you could better understand your rights and pursue a favorable resolution to your case.
Common Causes of Truck Accidents
Truck wrecks can arise from various causes, often tied to negligence by drivers or trucking companies. Understanding the factors involved is critical for determining liability and pursuing a settlement.
Driver Fatigue
Truck drivers often face tight deadlines, leading to extended periods of driving without adequate rest. Fatigued drivers may have slower reaction times or fall asleep at the wheel, causing catastrophic accidents.
Improperly Loaded Cargo
Overloaded or improperly secured cargo can shift during transit, making a truck unstable and increasing the risk of a rollover or jackknife accident.
Mechanical Failures
Trucking companies are responsible for ensuring their fleets are in safe operating condition. Poor vehicle maintenance, such as faulty brakes or worn-out tires, can lead to dangerous situations on the road.
Traffic Law Violations
Speeding, distracted driving, or failing to yield are common motorist errors that can lead to serious vehicle crashes involving trucks. Another common cause of collisions is driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
A Katy attorney could investigate the circumstances of your truck accident to identify the responsible parties and begin the settlement process. This may involve examining maintenance logs, reviewing driver records, and obtaining evidence from the scene of the accident.
Types of Damages Recoverable in Truck Accident Settlements
If you were injured in a truck collision, you may be entitled to compensation for a wide range of damages. These can encompass economic and non-economic losses, depending on the specifics of your case.
Common types of recoverable damages in truck accident settlements include the following:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
- Physical pain and suffering
- Emotional and psychological trauma
Texas law also allows for punitive damages in cases where a trucking company or driver demonstrated gross negligence, such as operating under the influence of alcohol. A Katy truck accident lawyer could assess the value of your claim and negotiate a settlement that provides maximum compensation.
Legal Deadlines for Filing a Claim in Katy
Parties injured in a truck wreck in Katy must adhere to Texas’s statute of limitations for personal injury cases. According to Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code § 16.003, you generally have two years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit.
Failing to file within this timeframe may result in losing the right to seek compensation. However, certain exceptions could extend this deadline, such as cases involving minors or individuals incapacitated by their injuries. A knowledgeable lawyer could ensure all paperwork is filed correctly and on time, protecting your ability to pursue justice.
Learn More About Katy Truck Accident Settlements Today
Navigating a Katy truck accident settlement can be long and challenging, but you do not have to do it alone. An experienced personal injury attorney could guide you through every step of your case, from investigating the collision to negotiating a fair damage award with the insurance company.
When you are injured in a truck wreck, KGS Law Group is here to help. Our compassionate legal team prioritizes your health and well-being while fighting for the financial compensation you deserve. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and discuss your legal options with a dedicated lawyer.