Tractor-Trailer Accident Lawyer in Sugar Land, TX

Trucks have a substantially higher weight, usually 20 to 30 times more than smaller vehicles, and their height and length put those in their vicinity at a disadvantage in terms of safety. They also require more time to come to a complete stop, which can lead to collisions with other vehicles if they have to stop suddenly.

Large truck accidents often cause more than physical and emotional pain. Some victims and their families also suffer from the financial difficulties that arise from medical bills, inability to work, and other injury-related expenses.

If you or a loved one suffered injuries or lost their lives in a semi-truck collision, a tractor-trailer accident lawyer serving Sugar Land, TX can help you pursue financial recovery. Contact D. Miller & Associates, PLLC at (713) 850-8600 to speak with our legal team about your case evaluation.

Causes of Tractor-Trailer Accidents

Between 2001 and 2003, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) conducted the Large Truck Crash Causation Study (LTCCS) to determine the reasons for accidents involving vehicles over 10,000 pounds. Researchers assigned the critical reason for the accident to the large truck in over half of all accidents involving them. In 87% of accidents caused by the truck, the driver held responsibility, and the LTCCS categorized their behaviors into four categories.

Non-Performance

The driver’s failure to take action accounted for some crashes. Some involved preventable circumstances, like falling asleep at the wheel, while others involved emergency situations such as heart attacks.

Recognition

Some accidents involved distracted driving, such as not paying attention to the road, paying attention to something else on the road, or failing to observe the situation that led to the accident.

Decision

Some drivers made negligent decisions that led to their collision, such as speeding, driving too fast for conditions, or tailgating other vehicles. This category also involves accidents caused by truck drivers who caused the collision because they drove under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

Performance

Some accidents occurred when the driver failed to perform adequately due to unfamiliarity with the road or conditions, inexperience, or other factors. Performance-related errors include panicking and overcompensating.

You have the option to allow a lawyer to handle the legal process. D. Miller & Associates, PLLC can help you and your family determine the cause of your Texas tractor-trailer accident and seek financial recovery for your losses.

A Tractor-Trailer Accident Lawyer Serving Sugar Land, TX Can Help You Determine Liability

In order to pursue a legal claim against the driver of a tractor-trailer, you or your lawyer must first prove liability for the accident. In the State of Texas, the driver who holds responsibility for the accident must provide recovery for the injuries of all involved victims.

Insurance Company Tactics

Insurance companies usually begin investigating the accident right away to determine the at-fault driver. If their client caused your accident, an adjuster may contact you to offer a settlement, but this initial settlement offer may not fairly compensate you for your losses.

A lawyer can help by proving the truck driver’s negligence, assessing your injuries, and seeking fair financial awards from the insurance company on your behalf.

Settling Out of Court

In some cases, our attorneys try to settle truck accidents claims out of court to avoid the risk, length, and potential delays associated with a trial. However, if they feel that you do not receive an adequate offer after continued negotiation with the insurance company, they will take your case in front of a judge to fight for sufficient recovery.

Types of Evidence in a Tractor-Trailer Accident Case

In order to prove liability and seek financial recovery in your tractor-trailer accident case, a lawyer can help you collect the appropriate evidence. The types of evidence that may support your case depend on your specific circumstances, but they may include:

  • Photos of the vehicles
  • Photos of debris and skid marks
  • Photos of injuries
  • Videos of the scene
  • Police reports
  • Medical history
  • Documentation from employers
  • Witness testimony
  • Deposition

A tractor-trailer accident lawyer serving Sugar Land, TX can help you determine the types of evidence that may help your case and gather the information for you.

Texas Statute of Limitations

Under Texas law, you have a right to file a claim for your truck accident injuries within a certain time frame. If you suffered injuries and wish to file a claim for your own losses, you have up to two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury claim. If you lost a loved one in a fatal tractor-trailer accident, you have up to two years from the date of their passing to file your claim.

Some circumstances may vary, such as those involving minors, but a lawyer can help you figure out how much time you have and get started on your case before the statute of limitations expires.

Contact D. Miller & Associates, PLLC Today

If you or a loved one suffered serious or fatal injuries in a tractor-trailer accident in Sugar Land, TX, you may feel confused or overwhelmed about where to start with the claims process. You deserve to focus on your recovery and well-being after an accident with a semi-truck, and a legal case can prove overwhelming and time-consuming.

The lawyers at D. Miller & Associates, PLLC can help by evaluating your case, establishing an approach, and managing your claim for you so you can focus on recovery and healing. We work on a contingency fee basis so you do not have to pay any out-of-pocket fees.

Contact us today at (713) 850-8600 to speak with our legal team about your case. You have nothing to lose by taking advantage of the free consultation to learn about your legal options.