What Does a Truck Accident Lawyer Do in Texas?

Truck accidents can be particularly complicated when it comes to certain elements of legal proceedings, such as the extent of the damages and where liabilities are assigned. If you’ve ever wondered what a truck accident lawyer does in Texas, keep in mind that they can provide you with strong legal advice and representation after you’ve incurred damages due to a truck accident.

How a Truck Accident Lawyer Utilizes Their Knowledge and Experience to Help Clients

Truck accident attorneys are educated in the state and federal regulations that protect motorists who share the same roadways as truck drivers, such as work hour limits, required speed and vehicle safety, and the size and distribution of the truck’s load.

A competent truck accident lawyer is also familiar with the common causes and types of truck accidents, such as inadequate training or reckless driving that can result in disconnected trailers, tip-overs, and rollover accidents, for example. This knowledge allows attorneys to know what to look for to find strong, convincing evidence when investigating the details of your accident in an attempt to prove liability.

Injury attorneys are a crucial asset and resource because they know how much proof is required to adequately establish fault when they begin building the argument and strategies for your case. Skilled lawyers who represent truck accident victims also know the legal tactics that truck companies and their insurers are likely to utilize in order to avoid providing compensation or a fair settlement.

What a Personal Injury Attorney Can Do for You in a Trucking Accident Case

Often, after a truck accident has occurred, the trucking company and their insurance provider will take immediate action to reduce their legal exposure and liability. This can include trying to obtain statements from the victims that can be used against them in an injury claim.

Your truck accident attorney is there to protect your legal rights and advise you to avoid providing any statements without them present or without previously consulting with them. Your personal injury attorney will provide sound counsel for you during the legal proceedings and prevent you from making any mistakes that could adversely affect your ability to acquire sufficient settlement offers for the damages caused.

Experienced accident lawyers are also adept at both negotiating or litigating on your behalf. Ideally, during the negotiation phase of your injury claim, your attorney can effectively reach a fair and reasonable settlement with the guilty party or parties’ insurance providers.

Sometimes, the insurer will continue to deny liability or propose sufficient compensation. Their inability to compromise can lead to the case going to trial. Capable lawyers are just as prepared to represent you during these instances of litigation.

How Much Does a Truck Accident Lawyer Cost?

As is the case with most personal injury attorneys, a truck accident lawyer is likely to provide their services on a contingency fee basis. This form of payment consists of the attorney only collecting the cost of their fees until, or if, the case is concluded by reaching a settlement or court verdict. Before working on your case, you and your injury lawyer will discuss the percentage they’re to take should they earn you compensation for damages.

An attorney’s contingency percentage can range in amount, but it will not be the majority of the total payout you receive. The exact percentage your lawyer may take will largely depend on the complexity and details of your case. Lawyer fees will be solidified and agreed upon upfront to avoid any confusion or dispute as the case is actively ongoing. Working on a contingency basis puts all risk on the attorney and saves the client from further financial jeopardy.

FAQs

Q: How Much Are Most Truck Accident Settlements?

A: Truck accident settlements will vary due to the unique circumstances within each case, which cause awarded compensation payouts to vary. Commercial trucks come in numerous sizes and present differing levels of destructive capability.

Your settlement may be more or less than you expect, depending on the type of accident and other influencing factors.

Q: Can You Sue a Trucking Company in Texas?

A: It is possible for you to sue a trucking company in Texas in some cases. Claims against the driver’s employer are permitted when the truck accident occurred while the driver was carrying out their job duties, and they were at fault for the accident.

If the truck driver is an owner-operator or independent contractor hired by the trucking company and not an employee within their operation, you cannot sue the company. If the accident occurred while the truck driver wasn’t on duty, you also cannot sue the truck company.

Q: Can You Sue a Truck Company for Emotional Distress in Texas?

A: Yes, you can usually sue a truck company for emotional distress. In Texas, victims are not allowed to pursue an injury claim based on emotional distress alone; there must also be the presence of inflicted physical harm.

It must also be proven that the at-fault party’s actions were negligent, directly caused the victim’s emotional distress, and that the distress was significant enough to seek medical attention or struggle to function day-to-day in order for compensation to be awarded.

Q: Should I Get a Lawyer for a Car Accident That Wasn’t My Fault in Texas?

A: Always consult with a lawyer for an auto accident that wasn’t your fault in Texas, including truck accidents. They’ll ensure you’re appropriately compensated and not offered a settlement proposal from the truck company’s insurer that’s much lower than you’re entitled to.

Even if you believe you’re partially at fault for a truck accident, you can still receive partial compensation for the damages sustained. It’s advised that your settlement at least covers all medical expenses and other costs needed to reach a full recovery.

Ensure You Receive Full Compensation by Consulting With a Qualified Lawyer

At Stevenson & Murray, we have represented and successfully earned settlements for numerous clients who were injured in a truck accident because of someone else’s negligence. Schedule a meeting today with one of our personal injury attorneys who’s ready to work diligently on your case.