The consequences of a side-impact truck accident in McAllen can be devastating. While some people may walk away with only a few cuts and scrapes, others may experience broken ribs, collapsed lungs, and brain damage. Given the size and weight of tractor-trailers and the lack of protection on the sides of passenger cars, these types of collisions have all the makings to be fatal.
If you have been involved in a truck collision through no fault of your own, you should call a local attorney to discuss the possibility of recovering your financial losses. Our seasoned truck accident attorneys are here to offer guidance and support through every stage of your pursuit of fair compensation.
Causes of Side-Impact Tractor-Trailer Collisions
Side-impact collisions are also called T-bone collisions due to the “T” shape that forms when one vehicle’s front strikes another vehicle’s side. These crashes are often caused by a driver blowing through a stop sign or red light, or when a driver makes a dangerous left turn across oncoming traffic lanes. While mistakes behind the wheel can happen, disastrous errors are often caused by distracted driving, joyriding, driving under the influence, and speeding.
Determining who is responsible for an accident is the crucial first step in making a claim for compensation. A side-impact truck accident caused by a distracted driver going through a stop sign is a straightforward case. However, more difficult cases might involve culpability on behalf of the trucking company, vehicle manufacturer, or cargo loader. An experienced McAllen lawyer could review evidence from a side-impact truck crash to determine who may be liable for providing compensation.
Recoverable Damages
Depending on the specifics of the accident, an injured plaintiff may be entitled to financial damages for losses such as:
- Medical costs for past and future treatment
- Loss of earning capacity
- Lost wages
- Physical pain and limitation
- Disfigurement
- Mental anguish
According to the Texas Damages Act, Chapter 41 of the Texas Civil Practices and Remedies Code, survivors of side-impact truck wrecks in McAllen may be able to recover punitive damages in cases involving especially egregious behavior. A skilled lawyer could offer specific guidance into what damages someone may be entitled to and the steps they should take to obtain them.
Proportionate Responsibility Affects Compensation
Per Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code § 13.003, someone who is 50 percent or more responsible for an accident is not entitled to recover financial damages. This legal concept may lead to the at-fault parties and insurers trying to shift blame onto the injured victim. Opposing counsel and insurers will scrutinize the details of the accident to find any example they can of a plaintiff’s negligence or recklessness. For this reason, it is all the more important for potential plaintiffs to have assistance from a lawyer with experience handling these negotiations.
Call a McAllen Side-Impact Truck Accident Attorney Now
Road accidents happen every day. While you may be able to pursue compensation from whoever caused your injuries, this legal process can be complex. An experienced attorney will know the best approaches to recovering damages in court or through a settlement.
After a side-impact truck accident in McAllen, call our firm to get started on building your civil claim. We could exhaust every option for securing the compensation you need and deserve to move forward.