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While being involved in any automobile accident is a harrowing experience, there is perhaps none so traumatic as being hit by an 18-wheeler. These massive carriers of freight and goods are several times larger than a normal car and have a 40-ton ratio in comparison to a typical vehicle’s two-ton weight.
These combined measurements, as well as the truck’s limited ability to stop rapidly, are more likely to cause catastrophic “life-changing” injuries in a collision. After the trauma of being hit by such a volatile object as an 18-wheeler, you need the care and knowledgeable support of our skilled Laredo accident lawyers at Gonzalez Druker Law Firm. Our qualified Laredo truck accident attorneys can help you obtain the compensation you deserve
Call our experienced Laredo truck accident lawyers at (956) 728-9191 for dedicated aid in confronting the big bullies that have turned your life upside down, or contact us online to schedule your free consultation. Se habla Español.
Truck Accident Resources
- What is Legally Considered a Truck in Personal Injury Claims?
- Common Types of Truck Wrecks
- Common Causes of Trucking Accidents
- Common Injuries Sustained from Semi-Truck Collisions
- Compensation Available After a Truck Accident in Laredo
- Who is Liable in a 18-Wheeler Accident?
- How to Determine Fault After a Big-Rig Wreck
- Trucking Accident Statute of Limitations
- Car Accidents vs Truck Accidents
- How Much is My Semi-Truck Accident Worth?
- How Long To Settle a Laredo Truck Accident Case?
- Importance of Legal Representation
- Why Choose the Gonzalez Druker Truck Accident Lawyers?
- Fighting Big Rig Bullies
- Semi-Truck Accident FAQ’s
What Is Legally Considered a Truck in Personal Injury Claims?
It is important to know that in the state of Texas, any motorized vehicle that is usually utilized in transporting property or goods can be designated as a “truck.” Truck accidents, however, particularly refer to larger commercial trucks.
These vehicles do include:
- 18-wheelers
- Semi-trucks
- And big rigs
However, this can also refer to:
- Delivery vehicles
- Tractor-trailers
- Dump trucks
- Or box trucks
If you or someone you love has been injured due to a truck accident in Laredo, Texas reach out to our team as soon as possible. Our knowledgeable truck accident attorneys in Laredo are here to help you recover the compensation you deserve.
What Are the Most Common Types of Truck Accidents?
The most common types of trucking accidents are:
- Jackknife accidents
- Rear-end accidents
- Underride accidents
- Rollover accidents
- And blind spot accidents
What Are the Most Common Causes of Truck Accidents?
There are multiple types of reasons that a truck driver might be at fault in a collision, all of which could help you gain reparations for the damage you have suffered.
Some of these primary causes could include:
- Driving under the influence of alcohol, medication, or illegal substances
- Ignoring speed signs and traffic signals
- Distractions from phones, other drivers, or other circumstances
- Not attending to dangerous weather conditions
- Loose or falling cargo that has been loaded incorrectly
- Lack of sleep, leading to the driver’s fatigue or lack of vigilance
- Inadequate or incomplete training or lack of driver safety programs
- Lack of regular inspections or vehicle maintenance
- Overstuffed cargo beds or illegal weight restrictions
Get in touch with a seasoned trucking accident lawyer in Laredo at Gonzalez Druker Law Firm, PLLC for experienced guidance in your claim. Call (956) 728-9191 as soon as you can.
Common Injuries Sustained in Truck Accidents
Truck accidents often result in more severe injuries than typical car accidents, primarily due to the size and weight of commercial vehicles. Understanding these common injuries is crucial for victims seeking compensation.
Common Types of Injuries in Truck Accidents include:
- Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI): These can range from concussions to more severe brain damage, often resulting from the forceful impact.
- Spinal Cord Injuries: These injuries can lead to paralysis, either partial or complete, and long-term disability.
- Broken Bones: The immense force of truck accidents can cause multiple and severe fractures.
- Internal Injuries: Damage to internal organs or internal bleeding is common in such high-impact collisions.
- Burns: If a truck accident leads to a fire or explosion, victims can suffer from severe burns.
Many of these injuries require extensive and ongoing medical treatment. Injuries like spinal cord damage can result in permanent disability, affecting the victim’s quality of life and ability to work. Apart from physical injuries, victims often endure significant emotional and psychological distress.
What Compensation Is Available in a Laredo Truck Accident Claim?
Each truck accident differs from the next. Therefore, estimating the amount of compensation that may be available is impossible without a thorough review of the circumstances surrounding your specific accident.
Typically, the amount of compensation awarded depends on:
- The severity and type of injuries the victim sustained
- The victim’s prognosis for recovery
- And the parties that are being held liable for the accident
However, typical compensation packages cover damages for:
- Medical and hospital bills
- Lost wages
- Lost earning potential
- Property damage
- Reconstructive or corrective surgeries
- Physical and/or occupational therapy
- Pain and suffering
- And emotional trauma
Who Is Liable After a Truck Accident?
Several parties may be held liable after a truck accident. Contrary to what many people think, a truck driver is not usually the one who is held legally liable for an accident, in fact, most often it is the trucking company who is. The top reason for this is that trucking companies are often caught encouraging their drivers to break trucking laws and regulations to save their company money.
A truck driver can be held personally liable in certain situations, particularly if the accident was caused by their negligence, such as driving while drunk. Although it happens less often, other parties can be held liable, such as a truck manufacturer or cargo loading team. The Laredo truck accident lawyers at Gonzalez Druker Law Firm is experienced in investigating truck accident claims and is ready to help you today.
How Is Fault Determined in a Texas Truck Accident?
Liability in a Laredo truck accident is not always straight forward. While we often may assume that the truck driver is the primary party at fault, in reality there may be multiple people and companies who are liable for the severe damage, long-term and short-term, that you are now facing. All of those directly responsible for a factor that contributed to the accident may have to pay compensation.
Just a few of the potential parties who could be liable for truck accident reparations could include:
- The primary truck driver – If the truck driver was distracted, fatigued, careless of traffic regulations or speeding signals, or under the influence of drugs or alcohol, this person’s negligence could clearly result in liability.
- The truck manufacturer – Sometimes, a truck driver might be alert and following all designated regulations, but a defect in the truck itself, from an irregular trailer hitch to a malfunctioning vehicle engine, could cause a severe accident. Therefore, the manufacturer of the truck’s design could be liable.
- The company in charge of the cargo – Truck accidents are often caused because the freight that has been loaded has surpassed weight restrictions or has been carelessly loaded. Such negligence during loading can cause the cargo to fall or swing into a smaller vehicle.
How Long is the Statute of Limitations?
The statute of limitations for filing a lawsuit in a truck accident case in Texas is generally two years from the date of the accident. This means that individuals who have been injured or suffered property damage in a truck accident must start a lawsuit within this timeframe to keep their right to seek compensation for damages. If the deadline passes, the court may dismiss the case, stopping the individual from pursuing a lawsuit.
Exceptions to the statute of limitations may be applicable depending on the circumstances of the case. Certain factors, such as the involvement of government entities or claims against commercial carriers, may have different timelines and requirements. To ensure accurate information and evaluate your specific situation, it is recommended to speak with a skilled truck accident attorney in Laredo.
Why Truck Accident Cases Are More Complicated Than Car Accident Cases
Truck accidents present a unique set of challenges distinct from typical car accidents. Truck accidents can become particularly complicated if a commercial truck or government truck is involved. Understanding these complexities is vital and a skilled truck accident attorney can help you to understand your options.
The Complexity of Liability in Truck Accident Cases
- Multiple Potential Defendants: Unlike car accidents, truck accidents often involve various parties that could be held liable, such as the truck driver, the trucking company, manufacturers of truck parts, or even loading companies.
- Severe Regulations: The trucking industry is governed by stringent federal and state regulations. Violations of these regulations can be pivotal in determining liability.
- Higher Stakes: Given the size and impact of trucks, these accidents usually result in more severe damages and injuries, leading to higher compensation claims.
Investigative Challenges
- Accident Reconstruction: Due to the complexity of truck mechanics and dynamics, specific knowledge is required for accurate accident reconstruction.
- Black Box Analysis: Most trucks are equipped with electronic logging devices or ‘black boxes’ that record crucial data. Extracting and interpreting this data requires a deep understanding.
- Witness Coordination: Often, these accidents occur on busy roads or highways, leading to multiple eyewitness accounts that need careful coordination.
Insurance Complications
- Greater Insurance Coverage: Trucking companies usually have large insurance policies, which means dealing with experienced insurance adjusters.
- Cross-State Issues: Many trucking companies operate across state lines, which can introduce legal complexities in insurance claims and litigation.
Litigation Complexities
- In-depth Legal Knowledge Required: Truck accident lawyers need to navigate through complex legal frameworks involving state and federal laws.
- The Need for Extensive Resources and Strong Legal Representation: Due to the size and resources of trucking and insurance companies, truck accident victims need strong legal representation to level the playing field.
Truck accident cases in Laredo require an in-depth understanding of these unique complexities to effectively pursue justice and fair compensation.
How Much Is My Laredo Truck Accident Case Worth?
Determining the value of a truck accident case in Laredo involves several factors. Each case is unique, but understanding these factors can provide insight into potential compensation.
Factors that can influence the value of a truck accident case include:
- The Severity of Your Injuries: The nature and extent of your injuries can significantly impact the value of your case. More severe injuries typically lead to higher compensation.
- Medical Expenses: All past, present, and anticipated medical costs are considered, from emergency care to long-term rehabilitation.
- Lost Wages and Earning Capacity: Compensation includes not just your lost wages but also your diminished earning capacity if the injuries impact your long-term ability to work.
- Pain and Suffering: This non-economic damage compensates you for physical pain and emotional trauma.
- Property Damage: This includes the cost of repairing or replacing your vehicle and other personal property damaged in the accident.
It is essential to remember that no attorney can guarantee a specific outcome or dollar amount. However, understanding these factors can provide a clearer picture of what to expect in your Laredo truck accident case.
How Long Will It Take For My Truck Accident Case to Settle?
The timeline for settling a truck accident case in Laredo is influenced by various factors, and it is challenging to predict an exact timeframe. However, understanding the key stages involved can provide a general idea.
The stages involved in settling a truck accident case are generally as follows:
- Investigation and Gathering Evidence: This initial stage involves collecting all relevant information, which can take several months.
- Completing Medical Treatment: Settlement discussions usually do not start until the victim reaches maximum medical improvement.
- Negotiation with the Insurance Companies: This can vary greatly, from a few months to over a year, depending on the negotiation process.
- Litigation: If a lawsuit is filed, the process can take several years due to court procedures and potential appeals.
With that said, there are steps that can be taken to expedite the claims process:
- Taking Prompt Legal Action: Engaging a lawyer early can help streamline the process.
- Thorough Documentation: Well-documented evidence can speed up negotiations.
- Open Communication: Regular communication with your attorney can ensure the timely progression of your case.
It is crucial to balance the desire for a swift resolution with the need for fair compensation. Rushing to settle can result in inadequate compensation, especially in complex truck accident cases.
Why Legal Representation Matters After a Truck Accident
- Your Extensive Medical Costs: Legal representation is needed to ensure that you receive compensation for all your medical expenses, both immediate and long-term.
- Your Loss of Income: If injuries lead to loss of income or diminished earning capacity, a skilled attorney can help secure compensation for these economic losses.
- Help Navigating the Complexity: An experienced Laredo truck accident attorney understands the complexities of truck accident cases and can help you navigate the insurance and legal hurdles to secure fair compensation.
Victims of truck accidents often face a challenging road to recovery. The right to legal representation is crucial in seeking appropriate legal recourse and compensation.
Why Choose Gonzalez Druker Law Firm, PLLC for Your Truck Accident Case?
In the aftermath of a truck accident, you require a group of seasoned and committed attorneys by your side. At Gonzalez Druker Law Firm, PLLC, we’ve established a history of successful outcomes in managing truck accidents in Laredo and nearby regions.
Here’s why we should be your preferred choice:
- Expertise: Our team of attorneys focusing on truck accidents possesses a deep understanding of the intricate aspects of such cases. We know the specific issues that may arise in truck accident claims and are well-versed in crafting a robust case in your favor.
- Results: We have obtained multi-million dollar settlements for clients who have been injured in truck accidents. Our track record attests to our dedication, and we are committed to fighting for the maximum restitution you are entitled to.
- Personalized Attention: We are committed to delivering individualized attention to every client. We’ll attentively hear your story, learn more about your needs, and customize our legal approach to ensure the most favorable resolution for your situation.
- Resources: Cases involving truck accidents frequently demand a thorough inquiry and substantial resources. We possess the required assets, such as specialists in accident reconstruction and healthcare professionals, to construct a compelling case for you.
- Compassion: We understand the physical, psychological, and financial toll that a truck accident can have on your life. We will be there for you every step of the way, delivering advice, understanding, and empathetic legal representation.
Don’t be deterred by the trucking company or their insurance provider. Reach out to Gonzalez Druker Law Firm for a no-cost consultation. We’ll stand up for your rights and work relentlessly to make sure you obtain the rightful compensation for your injuries and losses.
Fighting Big Rig Bullies
Because the drivers of 18-wheelers have a much higher vantage point than do drivers of smaller vehicles, they should have a wider angle of visibility and greater ability to see potential hazards.
Unfortunately, due to long travel times, fatigue, or simple distraction, truck drivers can lose focus on attending to their surroundings, and in a split second, cause a severe or even fatal accident leading to a wrongful death claim. You have already faced the emotional impact of colliding with a massive semi-truck, and the prospect of finding excellent Laredo truck accident attorneys can be daunting. However, our skilled lawyers can lay your fears to rest.
Contact us at (956) 728-9191 for a free consultations so our truck accident attorneys at Gonzalez Druker Law Firm, PLLC can fight the giants for you.
Commonly Asked Questions
What should I do immediately after a semi-truck accident in Laredo, TX?
It’s critical to prioritize your safety and well-being after a semi-truck accident in Laredo, Texas. Obtain medical attention for any injuries, no matter how minor they appear to be. Get in contact with police enforcement to report the incident and obtain pertinent information. Photograph the accident scene, including vehicle damage and road conditions. If there are witnesses present, get their contact information. Finally, retain the services of an experienced truck accident lawyer in Laredo to learn more about your legal rights and options.
Can I still pursue a truck accident claim if I was partially at fault?
Even if you share some blame, you might still have the opportunity to file a truck accident claim. Texas adheres to a modified comparative negligence principle, implying that your potential compensation could be diminished in proportion to your degree of fault. It’s essential to seek advice from a truck accident attorney who can scrutinize the specifics of your situation and advise on the optimal strategy.
The Attorneys of Gonzalez Druker Can Help You
If you or a loved one were injured in a trucking accident, you may be entitled to compensation. Contact our team of Laredo personal injury attorneys today to learn more about your options and schedule a free consultation. Call us at (956) 728-9191 or contact us online to get started with an experienced attorney.