If you’ve been injured in a truck accident in Houston, Texas, you need an experienced Houston truck accident attorney to help you recover compensation for your injuries.
There’s no reason to settle for a small insurance company offer or fight your legal battle alone when help is available to you.
Truck accidents are often severe because of the size and weight of commercial trucks when compared to cars and other vehicles. Since they’re so much bigger and heavier, they also can’t stop or move out of the way very fast.
Sometimes, truck drivers get distracted behind the wheel, and that can lead to accidents, as well. It only takes a few seconds to look away from the road for a problem to occur.
No matter what the cause of your truck accident, though, there are Houston truck accident attorneys who can help you get the most value from your compensation claim.
Can You Sue a Trucking Company in Texas?
Often, after a truck accident, an attorney will work with you to sue any trucking companies involved, the insurance company, and possibly the truck driver, as well. That helps hold everyone accountable.
You can also sue without a Houston truck accident lawyer, but it’s much better to get legal representation for your accident. A truck accident lawsuit can take time to settle, and legal support can mean more compensation.
Because truck accidents involving a semi-truck and a smaller vehicle are often very devastating, you can also sue on behalf of a loved one who was killed in a trucking accident.
Whether it’s for yourself or someone you’ve lost, though, semi-truck accidents involving serious harm deserve compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages.
The best way to receive fair compensation is to work with a trucking accident lawyer to bring a personal injury lawsuit. The insurance company may offer you a settlement or your Houston truck accident lawyer may need to take the case to court.
How Much Will You Get Paid if an 18-Wheeler Hits You in Texas?
The compensation after a Texas truck crash can really vary. Fatal truck accidents are often worth more, but many commercial truck accidents involving serious injuries can mean tens of thousands of dollars in compensation.
Your trucking accident lawyer can talk with you about the medical bills and other damages from your truck wreck, helping you decide whether to pursue the case.
While a Houston truck accident lawyer won’t be able to give you an exact amount your case will settle for, they can give you an estimate based on common truck accident injuries and other factors that relate to your specific situation.
Commercial vehicles like semi trucks typically have good insurance because trucking companies know there is a lot to protect and a significant level of liability.
If you work with a Texas truck accident lawyer to sue a commercial trucking company, you can typically receive fair and just compensation from that trucking company’s insurance company. That’s true for serious injuries or for a fatal truck accident where you lost a loved one.
How Many 18-Wheeler Accidents Are There in Texas?
Because Texas is such a large state with so many semi-trucks and other vehicles on the roadways, there are thousands of semi-truck accidents every year. However, many of them are minor.
Experienced truck accident attorneys see these accidents frequently, including the more than 300 yearly accidents that cause a fatality and may result in a wrongful death claim.
Approximately 2,000 yearly truck accidents result in serious injury and could lead to a truck accident settlement. Not every person injured in this kind of accident will seek legal representation, but many do.
Should I Get a Lawyer for a Car Accident That Wasn’t My Fault in Texas?
If you’re involved in a car accident or truck accident in Texas, and you have medical expenses and other damages, getting a law firm to represent you is the right choice.
Especially when an accident isn’t their fault, truck accident victims deserve quality representation from experienced truck accident lawyers who can make their case and help them receive compensation.
You don’t have to face your Houston truck accident case alone or hope that you won’t be blamed for the negligent actions of a truck driver. Working with an attorney is the right choice.
What Are the Laws Governing Truck Accident Claims in Houston, Texas?
To make sure your truck accident claims are valid under the law, you need to make sure you follow the statute of limitations. That says you have two years from the date of the accident to file a claim.
It’s also a good idea to collect as much information at the accident scene as you can because the commercial trucking industry is held to high standards. You could be owed significant compensation for medical expenses.
Accident victims might not always be able to get a lot of data at the scene, especially if they’re in small passenger vehicles or badly injured. Your focus should be on medical treatment, with other issues being secondary.
Car accidents and truck accidents can both deserve significant compensation, depending on the specific facts of the case. By working with a Texas truck accident lawyer who understands the laws around commercial vehicles, you can feel confident that your case will meet legal guidelines.
How Do You Prove the Commercial Trucking Company is Liable in a Houston, Texas Truck Accident?
The job of proving who’s at fault and who may have been negligent in a truck accident involving serious injuries or a wrongful death claim will fall to the attorneys representing you and any other parties.
Accident victims aren’t the ones obligated to try to prove fault, which is why you need an experienced truck accident attorney to help you work with the insurance company and trucking company.
The police report, damage done to passenger vehicles and the semi-truck, eyewitness information, any pictures or video, and other evidence collected from a trucking accident investigation can all help an attorney make your case.
Commercial truck accidents happen frequently, and the trucking company will have good insurance to protect themselves against claims. Truck accident victims who work with attorneys have a higher success rate and higher rates of compensation, as well.
Should I File a Police Report After an Accident Involving an 18-wheeler?
You should definitely call the police after your accident and make sure they come to the scene and make a report. You’ll need a copy of that report to give to your Houston truck accident lawyers so they can pursue compensation for you.
The trucking company can use its insurance coverage to pay your claim, and you want to receive as much compensation as you deserve for lost wages, medical bills, and other expenses.
Your Texas truck accident case will be helped along by the police report, so you want to get a copy of it as soon as possible. If you’re not able to do that at the scene due to significant injuries or other factors, request a copy as soon as you’re able.
In the case of catastrophic injuries or fatal truck crashes, a family member can often request the report or go through a personal injury attorney to get a copy.
Injuries from a semi-truck accident are often much more severe than what would be seen in a typical car accident because of the size and weight of semi trucks, so trucking accident victims need all the information they can get from the scene. The police report is part of that.
Understanding Liability in Texas Commercial Truck Accident Cases
Liability for a rollover accident or other truck accident in Texas often falls on the truck driver who was negligent in their duties. Of course, Houston truck accidents can also be caused by circumstances out of the driver’s control or by someone in another vehicle.
However, the goal of your personal injury claim is to ensure that any negligence on the part of the truck driver or trucking company that caused you to experience harm is compensated for through a settlement.
If the truck driver is found to be fully liable, or if trucking companies aren’t taking good care of their equipment, you and your personal injury attorney can work toward getting a settlement from the insurance company.
However, if you’re partially at fault for the accident, you may also share some of the liability. In that case, you can still receive compensation, but you may not be awarded as much as you otherwise would expect to receive.
How Much Is My Truck Accident Injury Case Worth?
Every truck accident case is different, and yours could be worth more or less than the average. If you have catastrophic injuries, such as severe traumatic brain injuries, it’s more likely that your personal injury case will be worth more.
Fewer or less severe injuries often translate to a personal injury case that’s not worth as much in terms of compensation, but there can also be extenuating or unique circumstances that will affect the value of your case.
The drivers of commercial vehicles have a duty to ensure that they’re being careful when sharing the roads with much smaller vehicles. A tractor-trailer can cause significant damage if it strikes passenger vehicles, so these kinds of accidents often lead to large settlements.
If you’ve lost a loved one in a Texas truck crash, or if you’ve been seriously injured in this kind of accident, the best thing to do is reach out to a law firm that specifically handles these kinds of cases. That can help you get the compensation you deserve based on the facts of your specific case.
What Happens if I’m Partly at Fault for a Truck Accident in Texas?
Sometimes, accidents involving commercial trucks aren’t fully the fault of the truck driver. If you’ve been involved in a trucking accident where you’re partially at fault, you could see your compensation reduced.
However, as long as the other driver is more than 50% responsible for the Houston truck accident you were involved in, you can seek out and be awarded compensation.
If the roles are reversed, and the truck driver isn’t at least 50% responsible for the accident itself, you won’t have the option to seek compensation for injuries.
It’s very important to address your truck accident injuries regardless of fault because your health is important, and you want to make sure your injuries are treated properly.
If you’re concerned that you’re at fault to some extent in your Houston truck accident, working with truck accident lawyers can give you important information about the options you have in your case and the best ways to pursue it.
What Evidence Do I Need to Win My Truck Accident Case?
To win a settlement in a trucking accident, you need to show that the truck driver was at fault or at partial fault of at least 50%. A truck accident attorney can work with you on the best way to do that, given the facts of your case.
Gathering evidence about the accident will be important, and your attorney can investigate to find the facts and see what can be proven. The police report, witness statements, medical bills, and other details all matter.
A truck accident lawsuit may be easy to win or more difficult, depending on the facts in your case, since trucking accidents aren’t all the same.
Even if you aren’t sure if you have a truck accident claim, reaching out to an attorney who handles these kinds of accidents can give you valuable information so you can decide what you’d like to do next. If you have a case, a truck accident lawyer can help you move forward and work toward a settlement.
Can I File a Wrongful Death Lawsuit if a Family Member is Killed in a Fatal Houston Truck Accident?
If a tractor-trailer accident causes the death of a loved one, you may want to sue the trucking company and the truck driver themselves. To do that, you need to work with an attorney to make a truck accident claim.
It can be emotionally difficult to file this kind of claim and move through the legal process, but it’s very important to seek out the compensation you deserve for your loss.
Trucking accidents can easily end in tragedy. While financial compensation can’t replace your loved one, it can help you find some peace and closure.
In short, yes, you can file a wrongful death claim if a trucking accident results in the death of a family member. Losing a loved one is a life-altering experience, and seeking fair and just compensation can help you move past the accident in time.
Trucking Industry Laws & Liability in Houston
Understanding how the trucking industry operates and what kind of liability coverage trucking companies need can help you decide what to do after a trucking accident. Commercial vehicles have to follow additional rules and guidelines compared to other vehicles.
For example, truck drivers are limited to the number of hours they can drive before they’re required to have a set number of hours of rest. If your truck accident was caused by a driver who was over their allowed hours, that could increase the trucking company’s liability for your injuries.
Additionally, in trucking accidents caused by distracted drivers or those who force their way into spaces or otherwise abuse smaller vehicles, the size and strength of their trucks can mean you’re owed compensation.
A Houston truck accident is a serious issue for you, the truck driver, the trucking company, and the company’s insurance carrier. Most trucking companies take their obligations very seriously, but they’re not always able to control what their drivers choose to do on the road.
Common Types of Houston Truck Collisions
Texas truck accident cases commonly involve truck drivers who fall asleep behind the wheel or are otherwise distracted.
These accidents can also be caused by truck drivers who are traveling too fast or who don’t see a smaller vehicle when they make a turn or change lanes.
On-ramps and off-ramps, construction areas, and busy intersections are the areas where a lot of Houston truck accidents occur, but they certainly aren’t the only places.
Many truck accident cases also arise from the interstate, where a truck or car changing lanes at the wrong time can cause collisions. At these higher speeds, a Houston truck accident can be particularly devastating.
The Importance of Truck Accident Laws
For anyone who’s been in a semi-truck accident, understanding the laws that were potentially broken matters. This can help establish fault, and your Houston truck accident attorney can work with you to understand how this will be used in your case.
The more evidence you have of the other driver’s negligence, the more likely it is that you’ll be able to receive compensation. Trucking companies and their insurance carriers don’t want to pay out a lot of money, but the companies can be found liable for what their drivers do.
When that happens in a Houston truck accident, the injured party may be entitled to significant levels of compensation. If you’re working with an attorney, they can explain how the truck accident laws in Houston and throughout Texas apply to your case.
Truck drivers are held to a high standard because they have a very important job carrying needed goods all over the country. But they also have a big responsibility to travel with care, especially due to the harm their large vehicles can cause.
Without trucking regulations, passenger vehicles and their drivers could be at a much higher risk. However, even with strong regulations in place, it’s still possible for truck accidents to occur when drivers get careless, frustrated, or otherwise make mistakes.
How Does Negligent Truck Maintenance Contribute to Accidents?
Another big area that can contribute to a Texas truck accident is the maintenance and care of the truck itself. Trucks that suddenly experience a tire failure or that don’t have adequate steering or braking can cause accidents.
Sometimes, a system on a vehicle will fail unexpectedly, and there isn’t much that can be done in those cases. However, good maintenance can reduce the chances of this occurring and make it less likely that a vehicle problem will lead to a collision.
When trucking companies don’t pay close attention to the maintenance of their fleet, they can see their number of accidents and insurance claims rise.
Fortunately, most truck drivers are careful to maintain their vehicles to more easily protect the other drivers around them. This can make a vital difference in the number of accidents caused by large trucks.
How Will an Attorney Help Me Prove My Truck Accident Case?
Working with a law firm can help you prove your side of a truck accident claim. Depending on the specific facts of the case, a Houston truck accident attorney can work with you to seek out fair compensation.
While not every case is worth the same amount, even if the facts are similar, the most important thing to note about truck accidents is that the details can really matter.
Proving your case can start with the police report, as it provides the specifics of the accident and the parties involved. Getting a copy of this report to your attorney matters and can help you get started on making a claim.
From that point, Houston truck accident lawyers will focus on finding witnesses to the accident and determining if there are pictures or video recordings of the scene. Many commercial vehicles have dash cams, and the police may have taken photographs for their investigation, as well.
While you can work with the insurance company or file a claim or lawsuit on your own, a truck accident attorney knows the law and the specific guidelines surrounding big trucks.
That knowledge goes a long way toward trying to get a successful settlement that provides you with a fair and just level of compensation for your injuries and the pain and suffering you experienced.
How Long Does It Take To Settle a Texas Truck Accident Claim?
After a tractor-trailer accident, you’ll want to reach out to an attorney as soon as possible. That’s because there’s a two-year statute of limitations for you to file a claim after the accident. While that might seem like a long time, your attorney will need time to prepare your case before filing.
The sooner you reach out and get the process started, the sooner you’ll be able to get your claim settled and receive any compensation to which you are entitled for your injuries.
The length of time it will take Houston truck accident lawyers to reach a settlement that you agree to depends on a lot of different factors. If your case is very clear and direct, you might be able to settle in a few weeks.
There are a lot of cases that are more complicated, though, and it could take months or even years to settle a complex case. That’s especially true if the insurer or trucking company pushes back on settling or won’t work with your attorney.
The more information you have from the accident scene, the more your attorney may be able to make your case and get a settlement. That’s also true of your medical costs since you need to be able to prove the harm that was done.
In some cases, even if your attorney does everything right and the trucking company or its insurer doesn’t fight the settlement, it can still take time. The legal process is not always as fast as accident victims would like.
The important thing is to trust your attorney and continue moving forward, including providing any information in a timely manner. That will help your attorney do everything they can as quickly as possible to get your case settled and help you move past your accident.
Experienced Truck Accident Lawyer Services
When you need Houston truck accident attorneys, you want to make sure you find a law firm that specializes in cases like yours. That can give you the best chance of fair and just injury compensation.
You wouldn’t hire a plumber to do electrical work, and the same kind of separation applies to the legal profession. Make sure you choose a personal injury attorney who has handled truck accident cases like yours.
With the right truck accident attorney, you can have more peace of mind, and you may see your case settled faster and for a higher amount of compensation.
No attorney can guarantee that you’ll receive a specific amount or that they can absolutely win your case. Anything can happen, and sometimes things don’t go as planned.
But choosing the right kind of attorney for your claim gives you more of an opportunity to get the compensation your case deserves. A truck accident attorney will use their education and experience to contact the insurer and work toward a proper settlement.
Not only that, but truck accident lawyers can gain access to information that might be harder for you to get hold of, allowing your case to move forward faster and more efficiently while giving you additional support and peace of mind.
Seeking Compensation After a Truck Accident
Texas truck accidents can be minor fender benders, but they can also be very serious and even fatal. That’s why compensation is available for these kinds of accidents, because the harm they cause may be life-altering.
You deserve fair treatment after an accident, whether it was something that happened to you or you lost a loved one. You don’t have to just deal with the bills and expenses, and you don’t have to take the first offer from the insurance carrier.
The goal of that offer is typically to get you to settle fast. It may even seem like a lot of money, but remember, an insurer isn’t going to offer as much as the case is worth.
They want to settle quickly and for a small amount, with a clause that you can’t sue or take any further action against them if you accept the money.
Even if you feel like the offer is a good one, don’t sign anything until you talk with a Houston truck accident lawyer. That consultation will give you important information about the true value of the offer being made to you.
Waiting a little longer and working with an attorney may be well worth it for the additional compensation that could come your way to help you with expenses and suffering after the accident.
Skilled Truck Accident Attorneys Fighting for You
Our law firm is committed to fighting for your rights and for fair and just compensation for your injuries. If you’ve been injured or a loved one has been killed as a result of a trucking accident in the Houston area, we want to hear from you.
You deserve fair compensation for your injuries or the loss of a person you loved and cherished. No matter what kinds of injuries you’ve sustained or what the insurance tried to settle for, working with an attorney is the right choice.
We know that a truck accident can be life-altering, both physically and emotionally. The reality is that it can also cause significant financial repercussions, with medical expenses, time away from work, and ongoing care needs or funeral expenses for a lost loved one.
At AMS Law, our attorneys are here to help you receive compensation that’s fair for the harm you’ve experienced. While we know that nothing can replace a loved one, or you may have long-term or even permanent damage from your accident, being financially secure still matters.
We will fight for compensation in your truck accident case so you can seek any ongoing treatment or help you need to heal and move past the accident as well as possible.
Expert Legal Representation for Truck Crash Cases
Choosing a law firm for a truck accident claim can make a difference in the results you have when it comes to a settlement. The right Houston truck accident lawyers will settle your case quickly and get you as much compensation as possible.
With that in mind, make sure you take the time to choose the right attorney. There’s nothing wrong with talking to more than one law firm or lawyer before making your decision.
Especially with a complex or very difficult case, you definitely want to have the best representation you can get. While that’s subjective to some degree, look for an attorney with good reviews and a track record of handling cases like yours.
The more expertise an attorney has with truck accidents, the more they can use that expertise to bring value to your case and help you receive proper compensation for your injuries.
Attorneys with a lot of experience in the area that relates to your case will also have a much better idea of what your particular case is worth based on what they’ve seen in the past, so they can help you understand what to expect.
Going through the legal process with a qualified AMS Law Firm attorney on your side provides security and support you wouldn’t otherwise have and can encourage you to pursue what’s truly fair in your case.
Navigating Complex Truck Accident Lawsuits
To navigate the sometimes murky legal waters surrounding a commercial truck accident, you need a law firm with the education and experience to meet your needs.
It’s not always easy to get through the legal process after an accident, especially when the insurer or trucking company doesn’t want to settle for what your attorney is asking for.
The company or insurance carrier may fight back and request a lower amount. Negotiating with them takes time, especially for cases that are complicated or that have a lot of unique details.
While every trucking accident case will have similarities, each case is also unique. Attorneys who understand that know how to adjust what they’ve done successfully in the past to fit the case on which they’re currently working.
When you have a complex case, you need to look for attorneys with experience in those kinds of cases, and you may also want an attorney who has good trial skills in case your case goes all the way to court.
Many accidents and personal injury issues are settled before they ever see the inside of a courtroom, but that’s not always the case. Being prepared can really matter if your case goes all the way to a judge.
Advocating for Victims of Commercial Truck Collisions
A Texas truck accident lawyer is more than someone to file claims and motions or to take your case in front of a mediator or judge. They’re also an advocate for their clients and the families of those who’ve been killed in accidents.
Truck accidents can leave multiple victims in their wake, and those victims may feel like they don’t have a voice even though their entire lives have been turned upside down by a careless commercial driver.
Attorneys advocate for these victims to help them feel whole again. The pain of physical and emotional injuries can take time to heal, and losing a loved one is something that causes ongoing pain and sorrow.
While an attorney can’t take away the sadness or discomfort, they can aggressively work to ensure that justice is served and compensation is awarded so ongoing care can continue and expenses can be paid.
To help accident victims, a Houston truck accident lawyer will work with trucking companies and insurance carriers in order to find a fair and just settlement, allowing for closure and the opportunity to move forward.
Dedicated Attorneys for Truck Accident Claims
Truck accident claims need dedicated attorneys who understand the law and the commercial guidelines that truck drivers and their companies have to follow. By working with a law firm, like AMS Law, that focuses on these areas, you can have a better chance of proper compensation.
Many attorneys handle injury accidents, but often, they also handle a variety of other kinds of cases. That can be helpful and valuable to a point, but it can also result in the attorney not having in-depth knowledge.
Rather than choose a more generalist type of attorney, look for a Houston truck accident attorney whose primary focus is truck, car, and related personal injury cases.
By doing that, you’ll be getting help from someone who has the deep level of knowledge you need, expect, and deserve. You want your attorney to know as much as possible about your type of case and to have strong experience with it.
Choosing a veteran attorney can provide more peace of mind as your case moves through the legal system and can potentially get your case settled faster, as well. A serious truck accident requires serious support and ongoing legal guidance from the trusted, seasoned professionals at AMS Law.
Holding Negligent Truck Drivers and Companies Accountable
A law firm that’s dedicated to helping truck accident victims will understand the importance of accountability. In the trucking profession, companies and drivers are held to high standards.
With that in mind, you deserve an attorney who’s looking for that accountability and who wants to make sure drivers and companies pay adequate compensation when their actions harm others on the road.
Negligence behind the wheel of a vehicle weighing tons can cause lasting harm in ways that can’t always be corrected. Even if you heal fully from your injuries, the emotional trauma and the memories of pain and suffering will remain.
Companies that employ drivers for tractor-trailers must take their responsibilities seriously and participate in ensuring that negligent drivers aren’t on the road, driving for their companies and using their trucks. They have a duty of care to help keep irresponsible drivers off the country’s roadways.
Attorneys who work with truck accidents and their victims are helping to enforce accountability by making sure clients who were harmed in truck accidents can receive financial compensation for the harm that came to them.
Pursuing Fair Compensation After a Truck Crash
After a semi-truck accident, you need an attorney who will work with the insurance carrier and protect you from predatory practices such as trying to get you to settle for less than you deserve.
You may even be told that you won’t be able to get anything else, and if you don’t sign the deal, you won’t get anything at all. That’s generally not true, but it can scare an accident victim into signing to ensure that they at least receive something for their injuries.
Before you sign any offer from the insurance or, the trucking company, the driver, or anyone else involved, make sure you reach out to a Houston truck accident attorney. If the deal you’re offered is fair, an attorney can advise you of that.
Most likely, though, the deal is a lowball offer the company is using to try to stop you from filing a lawsuit for the actual damages you’ve sustained. It’s common for insurers to do that, but you don’t have to play along.
Working with an attorney can be a game-changer based on how much compensation you receive so you can confidently get the treatment you need and work on a future that allows you to move past your accident.
Strategic Legal Support for Truck Accident Injury Cases
AMS Law Firm understands the seriousness of truck accident claims and the importance of hiring the right attorney to protect your interests.
You don’t have to fight your legal battles alone or be intimidated by the insurance carrier or others pressuring you to sign anything in the wake of your accident. Contacting us will help you focus on healing while we negotiate a settlement for you.
The right legal representation can make a difference in the overall outcome and successful resolution of your case. Don’t take chances with your financial future after a truck accident when you can have trusted legal professionals at AMS Law to guide you toward the potential for better compensation and a more secure future.
