Truck Accident Attorneys in Plano, Texas
Serving Plano, Texas
Modest Enough to Care. Clever Enough to Win.
Although collisions with commercial drivers may seem cut-and-dry, the reality is that trucking accidents require special investigation. You need to engage experienced truck accident lawyers right away. Our office has the track record, the tools, and the resources to undertake the kind of thorough investigation necessary to effectively pursue a trucking accident claim to find out exactly what compensation you deserve. If you or a loved one has been in a trucking accident in Plano, our lawyers can get you the compensation you need to cover your medical bills, lost wages, and other expenses associated with your injury.
Understanding Trucking Accident Claims in Texas
Did you know that the average weight of an eighteen-wheeler is 80,000 pounds whereas the average weight of a passenger vehicle is only 4,000 to 5,000 pounds? If you’re hit by a 40-ton semi, even a “fender bender” can result in catastrophic injuries. In addition to the physical differences between car accidents and trucking accidents, there are legal differences too because truckers have to follow additional “rules of the road” that don’t apply to car drivers.
If you or a loved has been injured because of a truck driver’s negligence, there are some basic things you should know if you’re thinking about making a personal injury claim. Also, we encourage you to contact us today for a free consultation with our knowledgeable injury lawyers.
There are State and Federal Laws Governing Truck Accidents
Because crashes involving trucks with passenger cars often involve more serious injuries than auto accidents and because large trucks are difficult to drive, there are several federal and state laws and regulations that govern the trucking industry. These laws establish certain standards that trucking companies, owners, and drivers must meet, and can determine who is responsible for a trucking accident. Some examples include:
- Limits on driving time
- Enhanced driver’s qualifications including additional training and physical abilities to drive
- Mandatory rest periods
- Required inspections and vehicle maintenance
- Strict documentation rules
- Minimum equipment requirements for operation on public roads
Truck Accident Injuries are Oftentimes More Serious
When a passenger car or motorcycle is involved in a collision with a tractor-trailer, the outcome is almost always devastating.
Because commercial trucks, including 18-wheelers, are long, tall, and heavier than cars, the size and weight of these trucks put them at a higher risk for causing accidents that create severe injuries and disability to other road users such as:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
- Severe head and neck injuries
- Amputations
- Bone fractures
- Permanent damage to the bones, muscles or nerves in the spinal cord
Common Causes of Truck Accidents
Because there are countless state and federal laws that apply in truck accident cases, it is vital to choose a truck accident attorney who is familiar with all the potential violations that may have contributed to your injuries. Some common negligence-related causes of truck collisions include:
- Truck driver fatigue from working more hours than allowed
- Truck drivers under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- Speeding or other reckless/careless driving
- Poorly loaded vehicles or vehicles with unsecured loads
- Improper maintenance of the truck’s brakes, tires, or other parts
- Insufficiently trained truck drivers or loaders
It takes a thorough investigation to uncover all the factors that played into a truck accident. We work with accident reconstructionist professionals, law enforcement personnel, vocational rehabilitation therapists, and other experts to gather all the evidence, assign liability, and make sure the full extent of your injuries is taken into account by the insurance company.
Truck Accident Claims Oftentimes Involve Multiple Parties
Most truck drivers do not own their trucks. Under Texas law, not only can you make a claim against the driver, but the truck’s owner can be liable for your injuries too. Also, the truck owner of the truck may be different than the corporation he or she was hired to do work for, so you may have a legal claim against that corporation. In other words, you may have multiple claims against multiple persons or businesses as follows:
- The truck’s driver
- The truck’s owner
- The owner of the trailer that the trucker was hauling
- The person or company that leased the truck or trailer from the owner
- The manufacturers of the truck, the truck’s tires, and other equipment that may have been faulty and contributed to the accident
- The shipper or the loader of the truck’s cargo if they improperly loaded the truck
Because suing multiple companies is complex, it is important to hire a trucking accident lawyer immediately after your accident.
Your Right to Compensation Includes Many Things
Your legal right to be compensated for your injuries includes many things such as:
- Past and future medical costs
- Loss of earnings
- Property damage
- Pain and suffering
- Funeral and burial expenses
- Loss of financial support and benefits
- Loss of companionship or consortium
Insurance Companies Aren’t Always Fair
In our experience, insurance companies and their adjusters oftentimes try to low-ball how much they will pay for your medical expenses, your lost wages, and other damages. In other words, many insurance companies are more focused on protecting their own bottom lines by undervaluing your claim instead of paying you what you deserve.
Some Personal Injury Cases Take More Time Than Others
We know that when you are facing medical expenses, you can’t work, and you are feeling financially pressured, you may be tempted to take the first offer that an insurance company makes. Before you accept a quick settlement offer, it is your best interest to discuss your situation with a personal injury attorney. Our lawyers know the pressures you are under, and we work without delay to fight for the financial security you’ll need now and in the future.
You Need to Act Quickly to Protect Your Legal Rights
If you’ve been harmed in an auto accident, it is very important to speak with an injury lawyer as soon as possible for 2 main reasons:
Your Time is Limited – First, the time to start a legal action for compensation is limited by Texas law to two years from the date of your injury. If you are in an accident involving a vehicle driven by a state or local government worker, the time to bring a claim for your injuries can be a short as 90 days from the date of the incident.
Evidence Needs to Be Preserved – Second, it is important for your lawyer to collect as much evidence as you can to support your claim before the evidence disappears and the witnesses forget what happened during the accident.
Our Truck Accident Lawyers Work on a Contingent-Fee Basis
We know that most people can’t afford a lawyer who charges them by the hour. That’s why our injury law firm works on a contingent-fee basis, which means we don’t get paid unless we collect money for you.
If you were hurt in a trucking accident, please contact our truck accident lawyers online or call us at 972-380-4444 for your free consultation.