Truck Accident Attorney in Missouri City, Texas
A crash involving a large truck is one of the most severe types of accidents. This hazardous event happens more often than it should. According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, there were 107,000 crashes involving large trucks in the United States in 2018 alone.
When a semi-truck is involved in an accident, the outcome for the other vehicle’s driver is often tragic. These severe accidents should never happen, but if you or a loved one was involved in one of these crashes, you do not have to suffer in silence.
To find out your options, you can consult with a truck accident attorney in Missouri City to seek compensation. K.E. Bradley Attorney & Counselor at Law represents local individuals and their families, as well as in Sugar Land, Katy, Friendswood, Pearland, and Fresno. I proudly provide reliable legal counsel and representation in personal injury cases.
Schedule a consultation with our Missouri City truck accident attorney online or call (832) 440-0585 | (915) 222-8082.
Laws Regarding Truck Accidents
There are many laws and regulations established to help prevent these serious accidents from happening — but they still do.
Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations
All parties involved in the trucking business must comply with Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration regulations. These include following the requirements for when drivers must take breaks, obeying maximum cargo weight laws, and many other aspects of trucking.
Speak with our Missouri City truck accident attorney to learn more about Texas’ safety regulations.
Texas Transportation Code
Truck drivers must also observe state transportation laws in Texas. Title 7 of the Texas Transportation Code specifically details what laws commercial drivers, trucking companies, and cargo companies must follow.
Statute of Limitations
In Texas, the statute of limitations for filing an injury claim is two years from the date of the accident. The statute of limitations is even shorter if the government was involved in the accident. Contact a truck accident attorney in Missouri City sooner rather than later to ensure you have enough time to start your case.
Accessing Liability
Your personal injury attorney will determine who is liable for the accident and establish whether you have a valid claim for damages.
Accessing Liability
Who Could Be Held Liable?
Several parties can potentially be liable in a significant truck accident. The responsible party may be:
- The truck driver: If the truck driver was not paying attention or breaking the law in any way, they could be held liable for the accident.
- The trucking company: If the trucking company did not adequately train the truck driver or otherwise did not fulfill their responsibilities, they could be held liable.
- The truck parts manufacturer: If the manufacturer of the parts supplied a faulty part that contributed to the accident, they could be held liable.
- The person who loaded the cargo: If the cargo was loaded incorrectly or exceeded the legal limit, the cargo company could be held liable.
- Maintenance personnel: If the trucking company’s maintenance personnel did not adequately perform maintenance on the truck and their negligence contributed to the accident, they could be held liable.
Get Help After a Truck Accident
Factors in Determining Liability
In addition to knowing who the potentially liable parties are, it’s also important to know what factors affect how liability is determined.
- The driver’s state of mind: Had they been driving for too long? Were they fatigued? Were they appropriately trained? The answers to these questions could impact liability.
- The injured party: Was the vehicle driver in any way at fault for the accident? If this is the case, the damages received for the accident could be reduced by the percentage of fault assigned to them.
- Road conditions: Did poor weather combine with bad roads to create dangerous road conditions? This could also affect liability.
Filing a Personal Injury Claim
When an accident involving a large truck happens, it’s essential to know the steps you can take to pursue compensation with our Missouri City truck accident attorney.
If You’re the Victim
If you were the victim of a truck accident, you may be eligible to receive compensation for the accident. Speak with a Missouri City truck accident lawyer to find out if you can file a personal injury claim.
If You’re Representing a Loved One
The outcome can be devastating when a large truck hits a smaller vehicle. In the worst-case scenario, the driver or passengers of the smaller vehicle may lose their lives. If this has happened to a member of your family, you are not alone. It is possible to hold the party that took the life of your loved one accountable for what happened.
Contact Our Truck Accident Attorney in Missouri City Today!
Whether you or your loved one was in a truck accident, you may be able to pursue compensation through the legal system. At K.E. Bradley, Attorney & Counselor at Law, we represent individuals and families in their Missouri City, TX, personal injury matters.
Contact our firm online or call (832) 440-0585 | (915) 222-8082 today to speak with a truck accident attorney in Missouri City!
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I speak to the trucking company's insurance adjuster?
It’s best to consult a lawyer before speaking to an insurance adjuster. Adjusters often try to minimize the company’s liability or reduce your compensation. A lawyer can handle communications to protect your rights and ensure you don’t unintentionally hurt your case.
Should I see a doctor even if I don't feel hurt?
Yes. Injuries from truck accidents may not be immediately noticeable. A prompt medical evaluation not only protects your health but also creates a documented record that can support your claim if injuries appear later.
What evidence is important in a truck accident case?
Important evidence includes photos of the scene, vehicle damage, police reports, witness statements, medical records, trucking company logs, and driver records. This evidence helps establish fault, prove damages, and strengthen your case.
Who can be held responsible in a truck accident?
Depending on what caused the accident, liability may extend beyond the truck driver to include the trucking company, vehicle manufacturer, maintenance providers, or other drivers involved.
Are truck accidents more complicated than car accidents?
Yes. Truck accidents often involve larger vehicles, multiple parties, federal and state regulations, and more severe injuries. Proving liability and calculating damages can be more complex than in standard car accidents.
Do different laws apply to truck accidents?
Yes. Truck accidents are subject to state traffic laws and federal regulations, such as rules on driver qualifications, hours of service, and vehicle maintenance. These laws can affect liability and the claims process.
Should I accept the insurance company's first settlement offer?
It’s usually wise to review any offer with a lawyer first. Initial offers are often lower than the full value of your claim. A lawyer can assess the offer and negotiate for fair compensation based on your injuries and damages.
What are common causes of truck accidents?
Common causes include driver fatigue, speeding, distracted driving, improper cargo loading, mechanical failures, poor maintenance, and violations of federal trucking regulations.
Should I hire a truck accident lawyer?
Yes. A lawyer experienced in truck accidents can navigate complex regulations, investigate the accident, negotiate with insurance companies, and pursue maximum compensation. Truck accidents often involve multiple parties and significant damages, making legal representation crucial.
