As per reports, truck collisions contribute to 16% of fatal motor vehicle crashes in Houston and the rest of the country.
Being in a truck wreck is entirely different from usual auto crashes. Injuries, property loss, and other consequences are multiplied when large vehicles are involved.
If you are a victim, contact your Houston commercial truck accident attorney immediately.
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Steps to Take After a Truck Crash to Get the Desired Compensation
Auto accidents can be traumatizing when they involve something that weighs 20–30 times a car. The incident takes you by shock, with many questions swirling in your mind, such as:
- How severe are the injuries?
- Will you lose your job?
- How can you pay for the medical costs?
- Can you claim compensation?
- Who made a mistake?
- What are your rights?
Here is what you can do.
Intimate Relevant Authorities
It is essential to get medical treatment first. Call 911 to get assistance. The first responders will facilitate the needed medical care.
Next is the incident report, which is a complaint you submit to Houston police officials. You must file a report with Houston police if you want to claim insurance. Insurers rely on official paperwork to assess the damages.
Make a Note of the Surroundings
You may notice a few things that imply the other driver’s negligence or impairment. For instance, in southeast Houston, a drunk driver rammed their car into a truck. Having a detailed account of the incident can help your lawyer argue the case more effectively.
Contact Your Attorney
Not all truck accidents result in injuries or fatalities. However, you are well within your rights to claim compensation from the at-fault party. By hiring a Houston commercial truck accident attorney, you will solidify your interests.
They can help shed light on various things to consider, such as:
- What was the damage to the property?
- Are the injuries direct results of the accident?
- Do you have valid insurance coverage?
- Were you negligent?
How Does Your Lawyer Ensure You Get a Rightful Compensation?
Houston law differs from the federal law and the regulations in the rest of the country. An experienced Houston semi-truck crash attorney can represent you aptly in a settlement negotiation or court trial through:
Fault Determination
Using a multifaceted approach, your lawyer can determine who is at fault. It can include speaking to witnesses, taking expert opinions, visiting the crash scene.
Investigation
Usually, trucking companies have investigators working for them, and their evidence is not the most reliable. Your lawyer collects evidence that points in your favor, including Houston police reports and videos or photos from the site.
Most commercial trucks that ply in Houston have integrated electronic information systems. These onboard recorders have GPS technology, speed records, and driver’s shift details. You can easily find out if the truck was speeding or the driver was operating for extended hours.
Proving Negligence
Proving negligence is a significant part of the legal process.
It is easy to prove negligence if the driver:
- Has road rage
- Is aggressive or speeding
- Engages in distractions like texting
The trucking company could be negligent when:
- There is poor maintenance
- The working timings are unsafe
- They are behind on vehicle inspections and repairs
- They provide inadequate training, etc.
In Houston, a drunk driver is liable for a truck accident. But the trucking company can also be liable for hiring a driver with abuse issues.
In some cases, you can also raise a claim against the manufacturer of parts like brakes and tires. Speak to your lawyer to know if you are eligible for compensation.
What Not to Do?
Do not delay contacting your lawyer because each moment is crucial when it comes to filing a lawsuit. In the case of Houston truck accidents, the statute of limitations is two years. That means you cannot file a case after two years from the date of the incident.
Also, when you answer the questions of Houston authorities, don’t say the wrong things that can sabotage your case. Don’t make statements like, “I only looked at my phone for a second.” Such things could indicate your negligence, which shifts the fault to you.