Houston truck crashes are not to be trifled with. They typically cause grave injury and damage to property. If you have been involved in a truck crash, you must know your rights. You can be advised on what to do by a personal injury attorney and have your interests guarded. This report gives you a step-by-step truck accident claims guide for the Houston drivers. You will know what to do in the event of a truck accident, how to document evidence, and how attorneys can get you compensated.
What to Do If You’ve Been in a Truck Accident
The first few minutes after a crash are the most important. Safety is your first priority. Move to a safe location, but do not leave the accident scene.
- Call 911 right away. Even a low-speed collision can conceal severe injury. The emergency workers can administer medical assistance and keep the accident scene intact.
- Don’t apologize. Apologizing for “It was my fault” can defeat your claim. Police and your attorney are to decide fault.
- Obtain information from the truck driver. Obtain their name, phone number, tag number, insurer, and policy number.
- Take photos of the accident. Take pictures of cars, skid marks, signs, and damage. Obtain phone numbers of witnesses.
- Seek medical care for medical treatment, although you should be alright. Internal bleeding or whiplash will not occur immediately. Medical reports will also support your claim.
Regular Reasons for Truck Crashes
Truck wrecks usually stem from a mix of human error, machinery malfunction, and road conditions. Regular reasons include:
- Driver fatigue: Truck drivers drive extended routes. Fatigue also decelerates reaction time.
- Speeding: More stopping time is required for heavy trucks. Speeding increases the number of chances of accidents.
- Distracted driving: It causes accidents in making a call while driving, seeking assistance of GPS directions, or otherwise distracted.
- Poor maintenance: It causes accidents by bad brakes or with bad tires.
- Weather conditions: It is harder to maneuver a truck in rain, fog, or ice.
How a Lawyer Can Help
A Houston truck accident lawyer is experienced in truck accident claims. He understands the law and how insurers operate. Evidence, including police reports, medical bills, and statements of witnesses, is gathered by attorneys. Lawyers can quantify what reasonable recovery for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering would be. They also deal with insurers. All insurers will try to pay you less. A lawyer safeguards your rights. If so, a lawyer can sue on your behalf. Courts do give damages outside of insurance.
Steps to Protect Your Case
Protecting your case is key to a successful case. Here’s how:
- Do not deny injuries: Receive medical treatment and document all treatment.
- Save receipts: Save receipts, repair estimates, and photographs.
- Don’t post social media updates: Insurance adjusters track what you may post against you.
- Listen to your attorney: Don’t settle too quickly. Low initial settlements.
- Be prepared: Have it all in one location and handy.
By doing all these, there are greater opportunities of receiving good compensation.
What Damages Am I Entitled To?
Truck accident victims are entitled to several damages:
- Medical expenses: Doctor visits, hospital stays, therapy, and medication.
- Loss of wages: Wages lost due to injury or loss of capacity to work.
- Property damage: Replacing vehicle or repair.
- Pain and suffering: Lifestyle impact, mental anguish, and pain.
- Loss of future earning capacity: Where your injury impacts your future capacity to work.
A lawyer is able to accurately calculate damages and have a stronger case.
Houston Truck Accident Laws and Regulations
Houston truck accidents are governed by national trucking laws and Texas statute. Hours of operation, maintenance inspections, and standards for safety are governed by federal regulation. The law requires that accidents be reported for damage or injury over a set degree. Failure to report affects your claim. It is possible to have more than one party at fault: truck driver, trucking firm, and even car manufacturers. Lawyers uncover all possible sources of fault.
Common Mistakes to Steer Clear Of
Victims of truck accidents make mistakes that lower compensation. Steer clear of the following:
- Waiting to get treatment: Waiting complicates injuries and undermines claims.
- Talking too much with insurance adjusters: Keep to facts alone.
- Social media post: Accidental posting can be used against you.
- Presenting yourself: Presenting yourself generally means smaller checks.
- Not reading papers: Not meeting deadlines will ruin your case.
Being cautious can protect your legal rights.
FAQs About Houston Truck Accidents
- How long do I have to file a claim on a truck accident in Texas?
You have two years from the date of the accident to be able to bring a personal injury suit in Texas.
- Is insurance coverage available for a truck accident?
Insurance can cover damage, but there are more complex trucking company policies. An attorney can provide you with coverage.
- What if the truck driver is not insured?
You may sue under your uninsured motorist coverage. Your lawyer can sue all the relief the statute affords.
- How costly is a truck accident lawyer in Houston?
Most lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, so you will not be charged anything unless you win your case.
- Am I likely to recover damages if I am partly at fault?
Yes. Texas uses the proportionate fault rule, which takes your fault out of your award.
Final Thoughts
Derailed trucks can destroy your life in one night. Responsibility speeds up and thinking things out saves your health and your law rights. Meeting with a Houston personal injury lawyer puts you on the right track. Lawyers help to collect evidence, negotiate insurance settlements, and reasonable settlements. Use these steps, skip the common pitfalls, and detail each step thoroughly. Your health and well-being today hang in the balance.
