If you were in a large truck accident, you might be able to file a claim to pursue recovery for your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. An 18-wheeler and semi truck accident lawyer serving Pasadena, TX, at D. Miller & Associates, PLLC may be able to help you file a claim for your losses.
For a free evaluation of your case, contact our law office today at (713) 850-8600.
Your Legal Rights after an 18-Wheeler or Semi-Truck Accident
If you were the victim of an accident involving a large commercial truck, you might be able to pursue a claim or lawsuit.
To recover the damages you suffered because of the accident, you must first establish which party or parties are liable for your injuries. Below are just some of the parties that may be liable for your damages:
- The truck driver: The truck driver may have been negligent or reckless, such as by driving aggressively, driving while distracted, driving while fatigued, or driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
- The truck carrier: The carrier may have neglected to maintain the truck, hire qualified drivers, inspect the vehicle, or may be vicariously liable for the driver’s negligence.
- The truck manufacturer: The truck manufacturer may be liable if a defective part caused the truck to malfunction.
- A mechanic: A mechanic who worked on the truck may have neglected to fix a part, resulting in a truck accident.
- A cargo-loading company: If a company did not properly load the truck, causing an imbalance of weight which led to an accident, this company might be held liable.
- Other parties: Additional parties may be liable depending on the details of the accident.
Call (713) 850-8600 for a free case evaluation to see if we may be able to help.
Personal Injury Damages You May Recover
You may incur a wide range of expenses and losses from a semi truck accident. Some of the damages you may pursue in a financial recovery include:
- Medical bills and hospitalization: If you require emergency care, you may pursue recovery for your ambulance bills, hospitalization, surgeries, and other medical treatment. Other damages that may be part of your recovery include physician visits, medication costs, and ongoing care such as physical therapy.
- Lost wages: You may have been unable to work during your recovery period, and your injuries may affect your ability to work in the future. Thus, your recovery may include lost wages, lost earning capacity, loss of benefits, and more.
- Pain and suffering: Your recovery may include your emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life, physical pain, and other non-economic damages.
- Property damage:If your car needs to be repaired or replaced, you may receive financial recovery for these damages.
Potential Complications of Semi Truck Accident Cases
A legal case involving an accident with an 18-wheeler or semi truck may bring with it complications beyond those present in a typical car accident case.
Federal Trucking Regulations May Apply
Commercial truck carriers and drivers must comply with federal trucking regulations, which the Department of Transportation (DOT) and Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) oversee.
For example, truck drivers must comply with hours of service regulations that limit how long drivers can operate their vehicle without a mandated break. Also, federal rules stipulate that carriers maintain and regularly inspect the vehicles in their fleet. If a truck driver or carrier violated federal regulations, it might be applicable to your case.
The Truck Carrier May be Liable for the Truck Driver’s Negligence
A truck carrier might be vicariously liable for a truck driver’s negligence if the driver’s negligence caused your accident. So, even if the truck carrier itself followed all trucking regulations, it may still be liable for your injuries if its driver caused your wreck.
Multiple Parties May be Involved
The truck driver, carrier, manufacturer, and other parties may be liable for your accident. Liability may depend on the circumstances of your crash, such as how it happened and the relationships between the parties.
Truck Carrier May have Evidence You Need
The truck carrier may be in possession of crucial evidence that you need to establish fault and liability for the accident. For example, the 18-wheeler or semi truck itself may be important evidence, and the truck carrier may have the truck in its possession.
We may be able to send a spoliation letter to the truck carrier to preserve the evidence – such as the truck, driver hiring records, and other documents – before it is lost or destroyed.
An 18-wheeler and semi truck accident attorney serving Pasadena, TX from D. Miller & Associates, PLLC may be able to help you navigate the complexities of your accident case. For a free case evaluation, call (713) 850-8600.
Get Started Now Before the Texas Statute of Limitations Expires
The Texas statute of limitations is two years for the following claims:
A semi truck or 18-wheeler accident would fall under this statute of limitations. Starting your claim as soon as possible – well before the expiration of the statute of limitations – may help you gather the necessary evidence before it disappears. You also do not want to lose contact with any witnesses, if there were any, as they can offer helpful information that can benefit your case.
Two years can seem like a long time; you may not feel a rush to get the ball rolling, but one of our lawyers needs plenty of time to build your case in order to potentially achieve the best outcome for you. Do not wait to get legal help. If you wait too long, you may be barred from receiving the financial recovery that you deserve.
Get started today by contacting D. Miller & Associates, PLLC at (713) 850-8600.
Hiring an 18-Wheeler and Semi Truck Accident Lawyer Serving Pasadena, TX
A semi truck accident attorney from our firm may be able to guide you through the legal process to pursue a recovery. You have endured enough by suffering injuries in a truck accident; we do not want you to suffer further harm by taking on a tough case alone. We will take care of everything.
If you need help after an 18-wheeler or semi truck accident, an attorney at D. Miller & Associates, PLLC may be able to help. Get a free, no-obligation case evaluation by calling (713) 850-8600. A compassionate team member will listen to the facts of your case and inform you of how we can help.
