The aftermath of a truck wreck is a confusing and overwhelming time. If you or a loved one was seriously injured, your priority is to get the medical care you need. Your injuries are likely to be serious, if not catastrophic, and life-changing. Your car is probably totaled, and the bills will start to pile up quickly.
The sooner you call the experienced Bedford, Granbury, Dallas, and Tyler truck accident lawyers at the Cain Law Firm, the sooner we will be able to step in on your behalf with the lawyers, insurance adjusters, and commercial trucking company executives who will be doing their best to deny or lower your claim. We will put in the hard work and preparation a successful claim against the big trucking companies requires.
To recover what you have lost you are going to need the help of an experienced car crash attorney.
Causes Of Truck And 18-wheeler Crashes In Granbury
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, nearly 4,000 people are killed, and over 100,000 are injured in crashes with big trucks every year. Not surprisingly, the truck driver is not often the one who is injured or killed in these crashes. 75 percent of the injuries and fatalities resulting from truck crashes are occupants of other vehicles. Big rigs pose big hazards on the roadways of Texas and it is all too easy for a careless or negligent trucker to cause a large amount of damage. Some causes of trucker-error crashes include:
- Distraction. Commercial truckers put in hundreds of miles on long, straight roadways in Texas and elsewhere. It is very tempting for them to ease their boredom by using a smartphone or another device. Even talking on a hands-free device can be cognitively distracting and lead to an accident. Programming a navigation system or logging driving hours while behind the wheel also distracts truckers from the task of driving safely. Any time a trucker’s eyes or thoughts are
off the road, the chance of a crash increases exponentially. - Fatigue. Although truckers are required by federal law to limit the number of hours they can drive, many ignore these hours-of-service rules and drive longer than they should. Even those who are technically adhering to the driving limits may not have gotten the needed sleep to remain awake and alert behind the wheel. Dozing off behind the wheel of a 40-ton tractor-trailer is no small mistake.
- Impairment. Whether a trucker has been drinking alcohol and using illicit drugs or is using stimulants or cold medicine, his decision-making and reaction times can be impaired enough to affect his ability to control his rig. An impaired trucker is an extremely dangerous trucker and one who is likely to cause an accident.
- Unqualified drivers. To drive a commercial truck, drivers must obtain a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) by passing a knowledge test, skills tests, background check, and medical exam. After obtaining the initial license, drivers must engage in continual re-training, drug testing, and medical exams to remain qualified. If the driver of a truck involved in a crash has not met these requirements, he may be held liable for the crash.
- Poorly maintained truck. A leading cause of truck-fault crashes is poor maintenance of the truck. Worn tires and shoddy brakes can lead to crashes, as can a damaged trailer coupling or malfunctioning lights and reflectors. Drivers and trucking companies are required to conduct regular inspections of their trucks and to make necessary repairs before taking them on a trip. A truck in poor repair is a dangerous hazard on the road.
We stand ready to protect your rights, prove fault, and collect maximum tax-free payment for your injury claims.
How Our Fort Worth-area Truck Accident Attorneys Can Help
Proving that one of these failures led to the truck wreck that injured you requires a thorough investigation by an experienced truck crash attorney. The DFW, Granbury and Bedford Truck Accident Lawyers at the Texas-based Cain Law Firm will gather evidence such as driving records, hours-of-service logs, truck black boxes, inspection records, and more. We will look into every possible liable party, including the driver, his employer, the company who loaded the cargo, and government agencies responsible for maintaining road conditions and construction zones. We will put in the work necessary to get you the settlement you will need to support you as you recover from your catastrophic injuries.
Put Our Hard-working Granbury Truck Accident Lawyers To Work For You
With offices in Granbury, Bedford and Dallas-Fort Worth, at the Cain Law Firm, we don’t try to reel in clients with gimmicks and nicknames. Instead of a catchy jingle, we offer our clients unwavering integrity and high moral character as we pursue your truck crash case.
You will be proud to have our Granbury Trucking Accident Lawyer on your team. If you were injured in a truck wreck in Granbury, Bedford, Tyler or Dallas-Fort Worth area, call our Texas offices today to schedule your free, no-obligation consultation.
Once we accept your case, we take care of everything, allowing you the time to focus on recovering from your physical and emotional injuries.
Steps To Take After a Commercial Truck Accident
Call 9-1-1:
It’s important to remain at the scene of an accident until police officers have taken down notes and completed their investigation. Do not admit fault or make assumptions about who is responsible for the accident, as this could be used against you in legal proceedings.
Make sure you get a copy of the police report for your records since it will contain all necessary information about the circumstances surrounding the accident, such as contact information from other drivers involved and any citations issued. After speaking with police officers, seek medical care if needed and contact a lawyer experienced in truck accidents to discuss your rights and options for pursuing a personal injury or property damage claim. Taking these steps can help protect your legal rights should you choose to pursue legal action in the future.
Remember, the safety of all parties involved is always the number one priority in any accident. If you or someone else appears to be injured due to a truck accident, call 9-1-1 and seek medical attention immediately. Treatment for injuries should not wait until after the police report has been filed and an insurance claim made. A prompt response can help ensure everyone’s safety and get you on track to a successful recovery from the accident.
Gather Information:
It is important to document any details of the accident scene. Gather pictures of the vehicles, road conditions, other relevant property damage, debris from the accident, skid marks on the pavement, and any other evidence that can help you prove your case. Remember to take down information for anyone who witnessed the accident as well. Collect names, phone numbers, statements about what they saw, or any relevant information that could be used in court. Having this information will be essential when filing a claim with an insurance company or taking legal action against another driver. In any case, having detailed records of exactly what happened at the time of the accident and all potential witnesses can make a big difference in recovering damages related to an auto accident.
It is also important to seek medical attention as soon as possible after an accident. Even if no physical injuries are visible, it is wise to get a thorough medical evaluation by a qualified doctor to address any underlying trauma or potential long-term complications. Accurate and up-to-date medical records can be used to support your case in court or when filing a claim with an insurance company.
Finally, make sure that you contact your auto insurance company immediately following the accident. Notify them of the details of the accident and provide any necessary documentation such as photos, witness statements, police reports, and medical records. Your insurance provider will be able to help guide you through the process of recovering damages for lost wages, medical bills, and property damage.
By documenting all the information associated with an auto accident, you can ensure that you have the strongest possible case for receiving compensation for any damages or losses incurred. It is important to be thorough and organized to support your claims in court or when dealing with insurance companies. Taking the time to collect this necessary evidence will help make the process much easier and more successful.
Get Photographic Evidence:
It is important to take your photos, if possible, as it can be difficult for an officer to capture every detail that may be relevant in the future. Photographs of the location of the accident, including any signs or signals at intersections, are particularly helpful for establishing liability and building a legal case. Additionally, make sure to photograph any visible injuries you or other parties have sustained from the accident. Take extreme close-ups that show texture and wounds, so there is no doubt about their severity. Pictures of the damage to both cars involved in the crash will help with estimates of repair costs and compensation calculations.
Finally, if the property was damaged during the incident, take pictures of it too as this can help with claiming replacements or repairs. It is important to keep all your photographs in an easily accessible place, such as a folder on your computer so that you can reference them quickly when needed. With these images, you will have the necessary evidence to ensure a successful legal claim for accident-related damages.
We proudly stand up to big insurance companies that prioritize profit over people‘s well-being.
Common Injuries Caused by Truck Accidents
Truck accidents can have serious and long-lasting consequences. The most common injuries caused by truck accidents include bone fractures, lacerations, burns, traumatic brain injuries, head and neck injuries, spinal cord damage, neurological damage, broken arms or legs, paralysis, and disfigurement. These can range from minor to life-threatening and permanent disabilities. In extreme cases, a truck accident victim may even lose their life due to the severity of the crash and the potential for traumatic injuries to occur.
Victims of truck crashes must seek medical attention immediately following an accident if they experience any pain or discomfort. Doing so is important to ensure that any injuries are properly treated as soon as possible. Additionally, it is important to follow up with a medical professional if any of the injuries sustained during the accident worsen or become more severe over time.
Additionally, victims of truck accidents should contact an experienced attorney as soon as possible to ensure that they receive the compensation and justice they deserve. Attorneys specialized in truck accidents are skilled at evaluating the circumstances leading up to the crash, determining liability, and negotiating fair settlements on behalf of their clients. Victims must take advantage of this vital service to protect their rights following a truck-related crash.
The above information serves to highlight some of the physical and emotional damage often associated with truck crashes. Victims and their families need to be aware of these potential risks so that they can take the necessary steps to protect themselves and ensure that they receive the justice and compensation they deserve.
FMCSA urges all drivers to practice safe driving habits when in or around large trucks to help reduce the number of truck-related accidents on our roads. With proper awareness, care, and respect for other vehicles on the road, we can work together to make our highways safer. If you have been the victim of a truck accident, remember that you don’t have to go through it alone – contact an experienced attorney today to get the help you need.
By being informed about potential risks associated with truck accidents, taking proper precautions while out on the roads, and knowing your legal rights as a victim of such an incident, you can help to ensure that your safety and the safety of those around you are protected.
Types Of Truck Accident Lawsuits
Personal Injury Claims:
In the event of a truck accident, any of these parties may be liable depending on the circumstances. Negligence must be proven for an individual or company to be held accountable for resulting injuries and damage. This requires extensive investigation and evidence to determine who is at fault. An experienced personal injury lawyer can help victims gather the necessary proof that is required to build a strong legal case against those deemed responsible for their losses.
The process of filing a claim following a truck accident can be complicated and time-consuming, which makes it more important that you have legal representation from someone with experience in this type of law. A knowledgeable attorney will understand how state and federal laws apply to your situation, as well as how much compensation you might be eligible to receive.
The bottom line is that truck accident claims should not be taken lightly – it’s important to have an experienced personal injury lawyer on your side from the start. They will help you navigate the complexities of truck accident law and craft a compelling case for maximum compensation for your losses. Don’t wait – contact an attorney today and get the justice you deserve.
Property Damage Claims:
To maximize the chances of having your property damage claim accepted, it’s crucial to collect ample evidence and follow the necessary steps. Start by documenting all physical evidence such as photos or videos of any structural damage, including those sustained both on- and off-road. Additionally, take note of vehicle registration numbers, contact information from witnesses, and anything else that could be used to support your case.
It may also be beneficial to speak with an experienced truck accident attorney who can guide you through the claims process and help ensure your rights are being adequately represented. The lawyer will have access to resources such as accident reconstruction experts that can determine fault in a crash involving large semi-trucks. Furthermore, they will be familiar with the applicable laws surrounding commercial trucking and can provide valuable insight as to the most effective course of action for filing a successful claim.
In conclusion, filing a property damage claim after a truck accident can be daunting but is far from impossible. With proper evidence collection and legal representation, you may have an increased chance of seeing your financial losses restored.
Factors That Affect Truck Accident Claims
Whether Negligence Was Involved:
When it comes to truck accidents, determining who was at fault is crucial to recovering an injured party’s losses. Negligence can be established when a truck driver fails to meet the standard of care—the legal requirement for them to act responsibly and avoid causing injury. Examples of negligent behavior by truck drivers include driving recklessly or under the influence of drugs/alcohol, not getting enough rest before taking on a long-haul trip or failing to properly maintain their vehicle.
In addition, other parties may also be liable in a truck accident case if they contributed to the accident due to their negligence. For example, if a trucking company failed to properly train its employees in safe driving practices or did not provide adequate maintenance for its vehicles, it too could be liable in an accident.
Ultimately, if your truck accident was the result of negligence, you may be eligible for financial compensation. It is important to consult a qualified personal injury attorney who can help you identify who is responsible and fight for the justice you deserve.
Who Can Be Held Liable in A Trucking Accident?
The trucking industry is heavily regulated and thus, any violations of federal or state laws could lead to an injured party filing a lawsuit against the responsible parties. In addition to trucker errors, there are other common causes of commercial truck accidents such as mechanical failure, poor road conditions, driver fatigue, overloaded trailer weight, insufficient training, and inadequate vehicle maintenance.
If you have been involved in a commercial truck accident, you must contact an experienced attorney right away. The complexity of determining fault and liability makes this type of case more complicated than regular car accidents. An experienced lawyer can help navigate the complexities associated with these types of claims to ensure that legal action is taken against all liable parties. A successful claim could result in compensation for medical bills, pain and suffering, lost wages, emotional trauma, and other damages.
If you have been injured in a commercial truck accident, do not hesitate to contact an experienced attorney right away. Your lawyer can assess the facts of your case and help determine the best course of action. You may be entitled to receive financial compensation that can ensure that you get the medical care needed to make a full recovery. Don’t wait—seek justice today!
How Much Compensation Can You Win?
When you’re considering a truck accident lawsuit, it’s important to know what kind of compensation you might be able to win. This can vary depending on the severity of the accident and resulting injuries, as well as other factors such as negligence or recklessness on the part of either party involved in the accident.
A skilled truck accident attorney will be able to provide an estimate for your settlement amount after learning all relevant information about your case. Depending on these circumstances, the range of potential settlements could span thousands up to millions of dollars.
You must have accurate expectations when entering any form of legal action related to a truck accident. That’s why it’s essential to seek out professional legal advice from an experienced truck accident attorney to get a good understanding of the compensation you could be entitled to. With the right representation, you can help ensure that your case and all its related details are handled properly and help maximize your potential settlement award.
If you’re considering filing a claim for a truck accident, contact an experienced local attorney to discuss your options today. They will be able to accurately assess the value of your case and provide valuable insight into any potential settlement offers you may receive. With their expert counsel, you can pursue your truck accident lawsuit with confidence and seek justice for yourself or your loved ones.
We help victims of car and truck wrecks with integrity and perseverance.