Being involved in an accident with a tractor trailer, an 18-wheeler or any large commercial truck can be devastating. Victims often suffer life-changing injuries, which can leave them unable to work or perform daily activities. If you’ve been hurt or have lost a loved one in an accident you believe was caused by someone else’s negligence, you may be able to recover medical expenses, wage loss, pain and suffering and other damages. Even if your claim seems cut and dry, it’s vital to seek the counsel of an experienced Dallas truck accident attorney who can evaluate your case and advise you of your options.
Truck Accident Cases Are Complex
It’s important to understand that truck accident cases are usually more complex than other motor vehicle injury claims. In addition to abiding by state laws, commercial trucking companies and drivers must adhere to Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations. The best truck accident lawyers are well-versed in these laws and regulations and know how they may apply to your specific case.
Truck accident claims also require extensive investigations to determine who was at fault. Large trucking companies have legions of lawyers and insurance adjusters whose job is to find ways to minimize liability and lay the blame for a crash on others. They may even show up at the scene of an accident after it occurs, so it’s critical to speak with a truck accident attorney as soon as you can after a collision.
Proving Negligence in Truck Accident Claims
A major element of any personal injury case is proving negligence. Your attorney will gather vital evidence and put together the pieces of the puzzle to demonstrate who was at fault for a truck accident. Some vital pieces of evidence that your truck accident attorney may use to prove fault include:
- Witness statements
- Driver logs
- Inspection and maintenance records
- Training records
- The data recorder or “black box” from the truck
- In-cab camera footage
- Traffic and security camera footage
- Expert testimony by professionals, such as accident reconstructionists
- Medical records
- Evidence showing how your injuries have impacted your quality of life
Multiple Parties May Be Liable for Damages in Truck Accident Cases
The multifaceted nature of truck accident claims can make it virtually impossible to make a full and fair recovery without a seasoned attorney by your side. Depending on the circumstances, multiple parties may be responsible for damages, including the truck driver, trucking company, maintenance company, cargo handlers and parts manufacturers. When you’re hurt and trying to heal, investigating and tracking down all potential sources of compensation is daunting. An experienced truck accident lawyer will thoroughly investigate the crash, determine who may be at fault and pursue all possible avenues of compensation.
A Truck Accident Lawyer Acts as Your Staunch Advocate
Trucking companies typically carry higher insurance coverage limits than standard auto insurance policies. This is particularly important to keep in mind if you have suffered serious injuries that require costly medical treatment like surgeries, hospital stays, rehabilitation and home care. Injuries and conditions such as traumatic brain injury, amputation, paralysis and PTSD often require lifelong treatment, which can cost millions of dollars.
Trying to recover millions of dollars on your own is a losing proposition — although trucking companies’ insurers may be capable of paying out multi-million dollar settlements, it doesn’t mean they will. A truck accident attorney can place an accurate value on your claim and help you get the medical care and financial stability you need to support you and your family.
Some truck accident cases require courtroom litigation. Without a skilled truck accident attorney, you may end up accepting an award or settlement that won’t cover all of your medical bills, let alone your long-term accident-related financial and emotional costs. Having a truck accident lawyer shows insurance companies that you mean business. Your attorney will aggressively negotiate on your behalf and fight for a full and fair recovery.
How to Find a Good Truck Accident Lawyer in Texas
The best personal injury lawyers in Dallas, Fort Wort and throughout the state of Texas are dedicated to helping clients and their families get their lives back after a truck accident. When searching for an attorney, it’s vital to ask whether they have experience handling truck accident claims and taking cases to trial. What’s their success rate for recovering compensation for their clients? Do they believe your case can be settled out of court, or do they think it may go to trial?
It’s critical to be completely honest with your attorney. When you’re looking for a truck accident lawyer, one of the most important things is that you trust them and feel comfortable telling them private details about your life. You want to find a lawyer who is responsive and compassionate but also tenacious and experienced.
How Will I Pay a Truck Accident Attorney?
Sometimes, injured victims are hesitant to hire an attorney for a personal injury claim because they aren’t sure they’ll be able to afford it. Truck accident attorneys work on contingency, which means you won’t incur any up-front costs or pay attorney fees unless or until they recover compensation for you. If your lawyer wins your case, they’re paid a percentage of any settlement or award you receive. If they don’t make a recovery, they don’t get paid. Personal injury lawyers offer free case evaluations, so you won’t lose anything even if they decide not to take your case. The time you spend talking with a lawyer about your case is well worth it. If you do have a viable claim, having a truck accident attorney in your corner can mean the difference between recovering maximum compensation or nothing at all.
Contact a Dallas or Fort Worth Truck Accident Attorney
Our personal injury attorneys at Leinart Law Firm have years of experience handling truck accident cases for injured victims throughout North Texas. To schedule a free consultation, Please email us, fill out the contact form on our website or call 469-214-6276 in Dallas or 817-426-3328 in Fort Worth/Plano.
