Crashes involving heavy trucks often result in some of the most devastating outcomes on Texas highways. Navigating the aftermath of a truck accident can be significantly more challenging than dealing with a collision that solely involves passenger vehicles. Given the high stakes, it is crucial for truck accident victims to enlist the services of an experienced and qualified personal injury attorney who can effectively advocate for their rights.
How Do Truck Accident Claims Differ from Car Accident Claims?
The reason that specializations for truck accident claims have developed in the practice of law is that settling truck wreck cases can be quite complicated. It is helpful to examine the main reasons for this:
- Truck Wrecks May Have Multiple Defendants: After a car accident, victims usually file a claim against the driver at fault. However, with truck accidents, the responsible party may extend beyond just the driver. You might also have valid grounds to pursue claims against the trucking company, the shipper, the cargo owner, and other parties that share in the responsibility. All of these parties will be deeply invested in protecting their own interests and avoiding responsibility for their role.
- State and Federal Regulations for Trucking: Trucks are subject to stricter regulations imposed by agencies such as the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), which oversees various aspects of commercial vehicle operations. These regulations encompass safety standards, driver qualifications, hours of service, and vehicle maintenance requirements, all of which significantly influence liability and claim processes in the event of an incident. Adhering to these standards ensures that trucking companies operate safely and efficiently, while also protecting the interests of drivers and the public.
- Trucking Investigation Requirements: Claims involving trucks often necessitate more extensive investigations due to the myriad of regulations and complexities unique to the trucking industry. These complexities include federal and state transportation laws, safety regulations, and adherence to maintenance standards, all of which can significantly impact liability and claims outcomes. As a result, investigators must be thorough in examining company records, driver logs, and vehicle maintenance histories to ensure a comprehensive understanding of the circumstances surrounding each incident.
- More Severe Injuries and Increased Liability: Due to their size and weight, truck accidents often result in more severe injuries and extensive damages compared to smaller vehicle collisions. The immense force generated in these accidents can lead to catastrophic outcomes for those involved, including long-term disabilities and significant medical expenses. Consequently, victims may pursue higher compensation claims to cover not only immediate medical costs but also ongoing rehabilitation and lost wages, which can further increase the liability for trucking companies and drivers involved.
- Larger Insurance Coverage and Multiple Policies: Larger insurance coverage and multiple policies can make truck wreck injury claims more complex. Trucking companies typically carry insurance with higher coverage limits to manage the significant risks of long-distance transport. While this can ensure ample funds for claims in the event of an accident, it also complicates the claims process. Multiple insurance policies may be in play, covering different aspects like cargo, liability, and workers’ compensation. This can create challenges in determining which policy applies, leading to potential disputes over coverage and delaying the resolution of claims. Consequently, navigating these complexities requires careful attention to detail and a thorough understanding of the insurance landscape involved in truck wreck scenarios.
What Trucking Companies Don’t Want You to Know
The United States trucking industry, valued at nearly $800 billion, offers nearly limitless resources to its largest companies. This immense scale is understandable, as trucks are responsible for transporting at least 70% of all goods across the country. In fact, many grocery stores would deplete their food supplies in just three days if long-haul deliveries were interrupted.
Despite its critical role in the economy and substantial capital investment, the industry faces a notoriously high turnover rate among drivers, reaching as much as 136% in recent years. This turnover is somewhat understandable given the challenges of the job. Federal regulations mandate driving breaks only after 14 consecutive hours behind the wheel, and alarmingly, some transit companies encourage truck drivers to manipulate their logbooks to exceed these required rest periods.
This revolving door of employment drains resources that could be used for proper vetting and training of drivers, resulting in negligent or underqualified individuals remaining in the industry or finding new positions within companies already struggling with high turnover. There are approximately 400,000 owner-operator truck drivers in the United States, and on average, they operate vehicles that are over ten years old.
How Can a Lawyer Help with Truck Accident Claims?
Navigating the complexities of truck accident claims can be daunting, particularly given the multitude of regulations and potential liabilities involved. Our experienced personal injury lawyers play a crucial role in helping victims understand their rights and pursue fair compensation effectively.
Here are several ways our attorneys assist with truck accident claims:
- Access to Medical Care: Our law firm can help ensure clients have access to necessary medical care by coordinating with healthcare providers and negotiating deferred payment agreements. These arrangements allow injured parties to receive treatment without upfront costs, as payment is deferred until a settlement or verdict is reached.
- Expertise in Trucking Regulations: Our knowledgeable attorneys are well-versed in the specific laws and regulations governing the trucking industry, ensuring that all applicable standards are considered in your case.
- Thorough Investigation: Our investigators and attorneys have the resources to conduct comprehensive investigations, including gathering evidence, interviewing witnesses, and obtaining crucial records that establish liability.
- Negotiation with Insurance Companies: We can negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf, aiming to secure a settlement that adequately covers medical costs, lost wages, and other damages.
- Representation in Court: If a fair settlement cannot be reached, we are prepared to represent you in court, advocating for your best interests and aiming to achieve a favorable verdict.
- Maximizing Compensation: Our skilled lawyers knows how to identify all potential sources of compensation, including those from multiple parties involved in the truck accident, thereby maximizing the value of your claim.
In summary, enlisting the help of our qualified attorneys can significantly enhance your chances of a successful outcome in a truck accident claim, providing you with the support and expertise needed to navigate this complex landscape.
Do You Need Help Deciding on a Truck Wreck Lawyer?
The strategy for selecting your lawyer for truck accident claims is centered around three things:
- Great Expertise: There are specialized truck accident attorneys. These professionals are most knowledgeable on current legal events and nuances in the specialty, and that means a better bottom line for you. Selecting a law firm that carefully curates a team of expert attorneys and paralegals to work on your case means better results for your treatment, negotiations process, and settlement. When you’ve been hit by an 18 wheeler, you deserve attorney representation from an expert who has fought and won cases like the one you are battling.
- Great Reputation: Consult referrals from friends and family and check the web for ratings and reviews. Places like Google reviews and Facebook pages can provide valuable feedback about the experiences of former clients and highlight a firm’s reputation.
- Great Fit: It is important that you like the firm from the very first phone call. If it feels wrong from the start, the challenges of claim negotiations and case arbitration will not make a relationship easier. Don’t underestimate your first impression.
The experienced personal injury team at Thompson Law is standing by, ready to take your call and help to get you on the path to recovery. Do not hesitate to reach out regarding any worries or concerns you have about the complicated nature of truck accident claims. We offer FREE CONSULTATIONS to truck accident victims and charge NO UPFRONT FEES.
Our firm operates on a contingency fee basis, meaning you do not owe us one penny unless we win your case for you. You deserve to be protected and are owed justice after suffering a dangerous and debilitating injury caused by a negligent truck driver and/or trucking company.
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