After being in a traumatic truck accident, the last thing you need to deal with is fighting greedy trucking companies and their insurers for the compensation you’re owed. An experienced Texas truck accident lawyer can handle everything from gathering evidence, calculating your losses, negotiating a fair settlement, and even taking your case to court if needed. You should contact an attorney as soon as possible after a crash so they can get started on your case.
Should I Hire an Attorney Even If I Don’t Seem to Be Hurt?
Not all injuries will be immediately obvious. Even severe injuries such as traumatic brain injuries or internal bleeding can take time to show symptoms. It can also take time for you to realize just how serious your injuries are. You may not notice right away how much your life is impacted by the injuries you’ve suffered. Hiring a lawyer after an 18-wheeler accident, even if you don’t seem injured, can help protect any personal injury claim you need to file later on.
A skilled Texas truck accident attorney will know how to document any symptoms you experience, save evidence before it’s too late, and record any losses you suffer. If an injury is eventually discovered, they can use this to build a case for the compensation you deserve. A lawyer will also ensure you don’t make any mistakes that can hurt you down the line.
Should I Hire an Attorney If the Accident Was Not My Fault?
If the crash wasn’t your fault, you may think you don’t need the services of a truck accident lawyer. However, commercial trucking companies are usually large corporations with insurers and their lawyers ready to fight to protect their wallets. They will look for any tiny bit of evidence to use against you.
When you hire a lawyer, their job is to protect you from the trucking company’s efforts to devalue or outright deny your claim. A lawyer can locate and secure the evidence you need to prove the truck accident wasn’t your fault. They will handle all communications with the insurance company and fight for a settlement that covers all your losses. If the insurance company refuses to provide a fair number, they will fight for you in front of a judge or jury for what you’re owed.
Who Can Be Held At Fault for a Texas Truck Accident?
There are many different parties that can be involved in a truck crash. Depending on the circumstances, any of the following could be held liable:
- The truck driver
- The trucking company
- The maintenance company
- The truck or parts manufacturer
- Cargo loaders
- Other vehicle drivers
An experienced truck accident attorney can review your case and determine who is responsible for your collision. This often requires a thorough investigation to identify the exact causes of the crash. From there, they can work to hold the at-fault parties accountable for the injuries and losses they have caused you.
Could There Be Multiple Parties and Insurance Companies to Deal With?
One of the main reasons why truck accident claims can be much more complicated than a typical car accident claim is the many at-fault parties and insurance companies involved. Because there are so many parties that could be responsible for causing the accident, all with their own insurers, it can be confusing to determine who can be held liable. It can also be overwhelming to handle communication with all the different parties involved.
A trucking accident attorney can ensure any and all liable parties are held responsible for the damage they have caused. Without a lawyer, it can be easy to miss an at-fault party. Your lawyer can help you seek maximum compensation from all available sources.
What Injuries Can Happen in a Truck Accident?
Because commercial trucks are so much larger than passenger vehicles, the collisions they cause are typically much more severe than the average car accident. Because of this, serious and even fatal injuries can result, including:
- Spinal cord injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- Internal organ damage and bleeding
- Broken and fractured bones
- Amputation
- Burns, cuts, bruises, and disfigurement
After suffering severe injuries, you may need extensive medical treatment and miss time at work – all of which adds up quickly. You deserve to be compensated for the effect your truck accident injuries have on your life.
What Compensation Might I Be Eligible for from My Accident Claim?
Severe truck accident injuries can also lead to serious expenses. With the help of a Texas truck accident lawyer, you can demand compensation for losses such as:
- Past and future medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Reduced future income
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Property damage
Your lawyer can help you calculate the value of your losses and pursue the full compensation you are entitled to.
How Long Do I Have to File a Truck Accident Claim in Texas?
In most cases, Texas law gives you just two years after a trucking accident to file a lawsuit. If you miss this deadline, you could lose your right to pursue compensation for your injuries. A Texas truck accident attorney can protect your rights by ensuring you meet any deadlines involved in your case. However, it takes time to build a solid case. Contacting a lawyer as soon as possible after a truck crash gives them the time they need.
Contact a Texas Truck Accident Lawyer
If you have suffered injuries in a Texas semi-truck accident, you deserve compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more. But you shouldn’t have to pursue it on your own. An experienced Texas truck accident lawyer from The Wilhite Law Firm can handle the process for you so you can focus on recovering. Contact us today for a free consultation to learn more about how we can help.
