Corpus Christi Truck Accident Lawyers

Steps to Take After a Corpus Christi Truck Accident

If you have been involved in a truck accident in the Corpus Christi area, it is important to take certain steps in the aftermath to protect your health and legal rights:

• Seek medical attention:  Get evaluated and treated for any injuries or trauma you experienced, even if effects are not immediately obvious. Certain conditions worsen over time if left untreated.
• Report the crash:  Contact the police to have an official accident report filed. Be sure important details are included, like witness info, road conditions, and contributing factors.
• Document evidence:  Take photos of damage, skid marks, debris, injuries, and anything else relevant before it is altered. This visual evidence can help prove what occurred.
• Exchange information:  Get the truck driver’s name, license, insurance, DOT, carrier name, and contact information. Also provide your details. This facilitates the claims process.
• Contact an attorney:  Consult with a truck accident attorney as soon as possible after seeking medical care. They can launch an investigation, preserve evidence, deal with insurers, and advise you on legal strategy.
• Avoid discussing fault:  Do not admit fault or speculate on cause to anyone. What you say can be used against you later. Let your attorney do the talking.
• Keep records:  Maintain records of medical expenses, lost wages, prescriptions, rehabilitation costs and anything else related to the accident. Your Corpus Christi truck accident lawyers will need this documentation.

Taking these steps quickly can maximize the chances of a positive legal outcome after a truck crash. Let your attorney handle communications while you focus on recovery.

Our Corpus Christi truck accident lawyers provide FREE CONSULTATIONS, so you have nothing to lose by calling Thompson Law today. Timing is critical in personal injury cases. WE ARE STANDING BY 24/7 so don’t delay in pursuing fair compensation.

Key Corpus Christi Truck Accident Statistics

As an important shipping hub along the Gulf Coast, Corpus Christi sees high volumes of large truck traffic and elevated risks for collisions. Key local truck accident statistics include:

• Over 1,500 truck crashes occur annually in Nueces County, which includes Corpus Christi.
• Approximately 20% of all traffic fatalities in Nueces County involve large commercial trucks.
• Head-on collisions have the highest fatality rates among different types of truck crashes in the Corpus Christi region.
• Rollover truck crashes also commonly result in severe injuries and fatalities locally.
• Over 20 truck crashes in Nueces County involved fatalities or suspected serious injuries in the first half of 2022 alone.

We provide FREE CONSULTATIONS, so you have nothing to lose by calling Thompson Law today. Timing is critical in personal injury cases, WE ARE STANDING BY 24/7 so don’t delay in pursuing fair compensation.

Sources:  FMCSA, NHTSA.

Corpus Christi Truck Accident Common Injuries

Truck accidents can cause severe and catastrophic injuries due to the massive size and weight of trucks compared to passenger vehicles. Here are some of the most common truck accident injuries:

• Traumatic brain injuries:  The violent impact of a truck accident can cause the brain to shake inside the skull, tearing blood vessels and nerves and leading to concussions, chronic headaches, memory problems, and other issues. These injuries can be life-altering.
• Spinal cord injuries:  Forces from truck crashes can crush and fracture vertebrae and badly damage the spinal cord, causing partial or total paralysis. Paraplegia and quadriplegia are possible outcomes.
• Internal organ damage:  Organs like the liver, kidneys, spleen, and intestines can be lacerated, ruptured, or severed in a truck collision, potentially leading to massive blood loss, infections, and death. Surgery is often required.
• Orthopedic injuries:  Fractures, dislocations, amputations, and crushing/mangling injuries are common truck accident orthopedic traumas given the tremendous weight and size disparity. These injuries may require multiple surgeries.
• Soft tissue injuries:  Whiplash, contusions, abrasions, and other soft tissue traumas like torn muscles and ligaments frequently occur in truck crashes. Treatment ranges from therapy to surgery.
• Burn injuries:  Truck fires and explosions after crashes, typically involving fuel or hazardous cargo, can cause disfiguring and life-threatening burn injuries requiring extensive treatment.

We provide FREE CONSULTATIONS, so you have nothing to lose by calling Thompson Law today. Timing is critical in personal injury cases, WE ARE STANDING BY 24/7 so don’t delay in pursuing fair compensation.

Corpus Christi Common Types of Truck Accidents

There are several common types of truck crashes that tend to occur in the Corpus Christi area, and which our law firm handles:

• Rear-end collisions:  One of the most common truck accidents. Occurs when the truck rear-ends another vehicle, often due to driver distraction or fatigue. Can cause extensive damage and injuries.
• Sideswipe accidents:  Trucks changing lanes or attempting to pass unsafely may strike other vehicles along the side. Can cause rollovers or spin-out crashes.
• Jackknife accidents:  When the trailer swings out and “folds” the truck into an L-shape. Often caused by equipment failure or improper braking. Result in loss of control.
• Rollover crashes:  Top heavy trucks can roll over from high speed, abrupt maneuvering, uneven road surfaces, steep inclines, or poor cargo load balancing. Frequently deadly.
• Underride crashes:  When a car slides under the body or trailer of a truck due to speed differences and ride height. Can cause passenger compartment intrusion and severe injuries.
• Blind spot accidents:  Trucks have large blind spots around them that motorists can disappear into. Truck drivers failing to properly check blind spots before changing lanes or turning can cause serious side/angular crashes.
• Wide turn accidents:  Long trucks require extra room to make turns. Truck drivers misjudging turn room and striking other vehicles is common at intersections.

We provide FREE CONSULTATIONS, so you have nothing to lose by calling Thompson Law today. Timing is critical in personal injury cases, WE ARE STANDING BY 24/7 so don’t delay in pursuing fair compensation.

What Are Hours-of-Service Regulations?

Hours-of-service (HOS) regulations are an important set of rules governing how many hours commercial truck drivers can work and drive. They are enforced by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) as a way to help prevent truck accidents caused by driver fatigue. Key components include:

• 11-hour driving limit:  Truck drivers are limited to a maximum of 11 hours of actual time spent driving per day. After the 11-hour threshold is reached, the driver must take at least 10 consecutive hours off duty before driving again. This is intended to prevent unsafe driving when fatigued.
• 14-hour limit on on-duty time:  In addition to just driving time, truckers cannot exceed 14 total hours of on-duty work time per day. This on-duty period includes all time spent driving, loading/unloading, completing paperwork, maintenance inspections or any other working duties. Mandatory 10 hours off duty follows.
• 60/70 hour rule:  Over longer periods, drivers may not drive after they have accumulated 60 hours of on-duty time over 7 consecutive days or 70 hours over 8 consecutive days. Once those hour limits are reached, the driver must take a 34 consecutive hour restart break before driving again. This provides recovery.
• 30-minute rest breaks:  Truck drivers must take a 30-minute off-duty or sleeper berth break after 8 straight hours of driving time. This pause gives drivers a chance to rest and recover to avoid fatigue-related mistakes behind the wheel.
• Supporting documents:  HOS regulations also require motor carriers and drivers to maintain accurate duty status logs, receipts, checkpoint records and other supporting documents to demonstrate compliance. Falsifications can lead to violations.
• Exceptions:  Short haul, adverse driving conditions and emergency service exceptions can apply to HOS rules in certain specific circumstances.

Violating HOS regulations can lead to fines, out-of-service orders, and other penalties for drivers and motor carriers. These rules aim to improve road safety by setting limits on fatigued truck driving. We provide FREE CONSULTATIONS, so you have nothing to lose by calling Thompson Law today. Timing is critical in personal injury cases, so our injury lawyers are STANDING BY 24/7 so don’t delay in pursuing fair compensation.

Typical Negligent Parties in Trucking Collisions

Truck crashes often involve multiple negligent parties who may share liability. Our attorneys leave no potential defendant unscrutinized as we build your injury claim. We will identify every party that failed to act with reasonable care, and hold each one accountable. Potential at-fault parties include:

• The truck driver:  For behaviors like speeding, DUI, distracted or drowsy driving, etc. We examine driving history, logbooks, drug tests, and more.
• The trucking company:  For inadequate vehicle maintenance, overloading trucks, hiring unqualified drivers, lack of training, etc. We dig into company records and policies.
• Truck manufacturers:  For defective parts like faulty brakes, steering issues, etc. Our product liability investigators are highly skilled.
• Part suppliers:  For providing defective tires, brake lines, or critical components. We determine the root cause.
• Cargo loaders:  For improperly distributed weight or hazardous materials handling. Load distribution is analyzed.
• Government entities:  For poor road design, construction hazards, etc. Maintenance records are reviewed.
• Bars or restaurants:  For over-serving impaired drivers. We document evidence of intoxication.

Thorough investigations ensure we build strong claims against every liable party. This allows maximum recovery for our clients. Our Corpus Christi truck accident lawyers provide FREE CONSULTATIONS, so you have nothing to lose by calling Thompson Law today. Timing is critical in personal injury cases, WE ARE STANDING BY 24/7 so don’t delay in pursuing fair compensation.

Proving Negligence in Trucking Accidents

Proving negligence is essential to securing compensation after a truck accident. Our attorneys methodically establish the four key elements:

• Duty of Care:  Truck drivers and trucking companies have a legal duty to operate safely and avoid causing foreseeable harm to others. Duties include obeying traffic laws, properly maintaining vehicles, not driving impaired, etc.
• Breach of Duty:  We gather police reports, witness statements, video footage, and other evidence to prove the defendant breached their duty of care. Examples include speeding, distracted driving, defective parts, or other careless actions.
• Causation:  Next we demonstrate clear causation between the defendant’s breach of duty and the accident occurring. Our accident reconstruction experts can scientifically prove their negligent actions or inactions directly caused the crash.
• Damages:  Finally, we quantify and document all physical, emotional, and economic damages the victim suffered as a result of the truck crash. Medical records, evaluations, and testimony prove the extent of harm.

Building a compelling case on all four elements forces insurers to provide fair claim settlements. When they refuse, our litigation team is trial-ready. Call our Corpus Christi truck accident lawyers today to start building your negligence claim.

We provide FREE CONSULTATIONS, so you have nothing to lose by calling Thompson Law today. Timing is critical in personal injury cases, WE ARE STANDING BY 24/7 so don’t delay in pursuing fair compensation.

Damages Available in Corpus Christi Truck Accident Cases

The harms caused by a catastrophic truck crash can be extensive and life-altering. Our experienced Corpus Christi truck accident lawyers will pursue every avenue of recovery available to you under Texas law. Typical damages available to personal injury victims include

Economic Losses

• Destroyed vehicle or property:  We will seek repair or replacement costs for your vehicular property damage.
• All medical expenses:  We account for ambulance fees, hospitalization, surgeries, medications, therapies, assistive devices, and more.
• Lost income:  If injuries prevent you from working, we calculate lost wages and benefits.
• Loss of future earning capacity:  Permanent disabilities may reduce future career potential.
• Out-of-pocket costs:  Transportation for care, rental cars, replacement of other personal property, etc.

Non-Economic Suffering

• Physical pain and emotional distress
• Anxiety, depression, PTSD, or other mental anguish
• Disfigurement and permanent disability
• Reduced quality of life and loss of enjoyment
• Loss of companionship or consortium

We handle even the most complex damage calculations to prove the full extent of losses for maximum recovery. Our Corpus Christi truck accident lawyers provide FREE CONSULTATIONS, so you have nothing to lose by calling Thompson Law today. Timing is critical in personal injury cases, WE ARE STANDING BY 24/7 so don’t delay in pursuing fair compensation.

The Thompson Law Difference

At Thompson Law, we pride ourselves on providing dedicated and tenacious legal representation to truck accident victims in Corpus Christi. Our mission is to ensure that you receive fair value for your claim and recover the money you need to move forward. With over $1.8 billion recovered for our clients, we have a proven track record of success and a deep understanding of truck accident cases.

Our Corpus Christi truck accident lawyers provide FREE CONSULTATIONS, so you have nothing to lose by calling Thompson Law today. Timing is critical in personal injury cases, WE ARE STANDING BY 24/7 so don’t delay in pursuing fair compensation.

Why Choose Thompson Law To Be Your Corpus Christi Truck Accident Lawyers?

• Experience and Expertise:  Our Corpus Christi truck accident lawyers have extensive experience in investigating and litigating truck accident cases. We understand the complexities of these cases and know how to build a strong case with supporting evidence.
• Knowledge of Federal Regulations:  Truck accidents involve federal regulations and laws governing the trucking industry. Our team is well-versed in these regulations, ensuring your legal rights are protected throughout the process.
• Thorough Investigation:  We leave no stone unturned when investigating the accident scene. We gather witness statements, review police reports, and work with medical professionals to build a comprehensive case.
• Supportive Medical Assistance:  Seeking medical attention immediately after the accident is crucial for both your health and your legal claim. We can assist you in obtaining medical treatment and records, ensuring you receive the care you need.
• No Fees Unless We Win:  We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you don’t pay any fees unless we win your case. Our priority is securing the compensation you deserve.

Our Corpus Christi truck accident lawyers provide FREE CONSULTATIONS, so you have nothing to lose by calling Thompson Law today. Timing is critical in personal injury cases, WE ARE STANDING BY 24/7 so don’t delay in pursuing fair compensation.

Our Proven Record of Results

With over $1.8 billion recovered for injury clients over our history, our legal team has the resources and dedication to pursue maximum compensation for truck accident victims in Corpus Christi.

We provide FREE CONSULTATIONS, so you have nothing to lose by calling Thompson Law today. Timing is critical in personal injury cases, WE ARE STANDING BY 24/7 so don’t delay in pursuing fair compensation.

Contact Thompson Law Today

Contact Our Corpus Christi Truck Accident Lawyers Today!

If you or a family member has been seriously injured in a truck accident in Corpus Christi, don’t wait to seek legal representation. Call Thompson Law for a FREE CONSULTATION to discuss your case and determine the best way to proceed. Remember, the statute of limitations for truck accident injury claims in Texas is two years, so time is of the essence.

With Thompson Law by your side, you can rest assured that you have the best choice for legal representation in Corpus Christi, Texas. Our experienced team is dedicated to fighting for your rights and helping you get your life back on track.

Our Corpus Christi truck accident lawyers provide FREE CONSULTATIONS, so you have nothing to lose by calling Thompson Law today. Timing is critical in personal injury cases, WE ARE STANDING BY 24/7 so don’t delay in pursuing fair compensation.