Motor vehicle accidents cause the injuries and fatalities of millions across the United States each year, and those that involve commercial motor vehicles (CMVs) often have serious consequences. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), approximately one in ten of the fatal traffic collisions that occurred in the U.S. in 2018 involved at least one large truck, and over 100,000 of those involved in large truck accidents suffered injuries.
All drivers have a responsibility to exercise safe habits behind the wheel to avoid preventable accidents. If the recklessness or negligence of a large truck or bus driver caused the collision that led to your injuries or the loss of your loved one, a commercial vehicle accident lawyer serving Mansfield, TX can help you seek financial recovery for your damages. Contact D. Miller & Associates, PLLC™ today at (713) 850-8600 to speak with our legal team about your case.
CMV Accidents in the Mansfield, TX Area
Situated just south of Dallas and Fort Worth between the two cities, Mansfield sits atop a major source of natural gas. According to National Public Radio (NPR), the Barnett Shale, which spans 5,000 square miles under 18 Texas counties, consists of sedimentary rock and contains an estimated 40 trillion cubic feet of natural gas. As the largest natural gas field in the state, the Barnett Shale provides thousands of jobs to Texans and energy resources to Texas and surrounding areas.
Potential Liable Parties in your CMV Accident Case
In most cases, driver error causes CMV accidents. However, other parties may hold responsibility for the collision that led to your injuries or your loved one’s passing. A commercial vehicle accident lawyer serving Mansfield, TX can help you determine the liable party in your CMV accident case.
The CMV Driver
If the driver of a large truck or bus commits a reckless act or fails to act when appropriate to protect the safety of those on the road around them, they may cause accidents that lead to injuries or fatalities. If you or an attorney can prove that the CMV driver had a duty of care to you and breached their duty of care, which caused your injuries and led to your damages, you may qualify for financial recovery from the driver’s insurance company and/or the driver themself.
The Vehicle Manufacturer
Collisions may also occur as the result of a vehicular failure, such as engine problems or faulty brakes. In certain instances, these issues take place because of the vehicle manufacturer’s failure to ensure the vehicle’s safety before releasing it onto the consumer market. A lawyer can help you determine if you have a case against the manufacturer of the truck that caused your accident.
A Government Agency
We pay taxes so that our state and local officials will ensure the preservation of public facilities and resources, including roads. If they do not ensure the safety of roads through regular maintenance, poor conditions such as potholes, inadequate signage, or missing guardrails may cause accidents.
Victims often find it difficult to establish liability, but the lawyers at D. Miller & Associates, PLLC™ can help. Contact our legal team online at any time with more information about your case.
Types of Evidence that Can Help Build Your Case
To prove fault in your case, a lawyer can gather evidence pertinent to your case to help support your claim. The types of information they may collect include:
- Photos from your accident scene
- Photos of your injuries and the injuries of other victims
- Police reports
- Eyewitness testimonies
- Expert testimonies
- Cell phone records
- Black box information
- Field sobriety tests
- Medical records
- Financial statements
Once they have gathered the appropriate evidence, your attorney can help you seek financial recovery for your injuries.
Types of Financial Awards in CMV Accident Cases
Every CMV accident case varies from the next, and the types of financial recovery, as well as the amounts you may receive, depend on the specifics of your case, such as how your injury affected your ability to work and if you lost a loved one. Financial awards victims often seek in CMV accident cases include recovery for:
- Medical bills, including emergency care, rehabilitation, equipment, procedures, tests, medications, follow-up appointments, and other accident-related care
- Pain and suffering, such as mental anguish or loss of consortium
- Lost wages if you had to take a leave from work due to your injuries or loss
- Loss of earning capacity if your injuries left you with a disability that affects your ability to earn an income or you lost a loved one who provided financial support
- Funeral and burial expenses if you had to lay a loved one to rest.
A commercial vehicle accident lawyer serving Mansfield, TX can evaluate your damages and seek fair financial awards on your behalf.
Texas Statutes of Limitations on CMV Accident Claims
Victims of CMV accidents and their loved ones have a certain amount of time within which they can file a claim against the at-fault party in their case. If they do not file their claims within this time frame, known as a statute of limitations, they forfeit their opportunity to pursue legal action in a civil court.
In most cases, victims have up to two years to file a personal injury case for their injuries, and the families of victims have up to two years to file a wrongful death suit. In some instances, though, such as those involving minors, exceptions apply. A lawyer can determine how much time you have left to file your claim and help you avoid delays and prevent missed deadlines.
Contact D. Miller & Associates, PLLC™ to Get Started on Your Case
At D. Miller & Associates, PLLC™, our lawyers understand the lasting effects your CMV accident has on your life, and we can help you pursue the financial recovery you deserve to get back on your feet. Contact us today at (713) 850-8600 to get started on your case.
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