Any serious accident can leave you feeling extremely vulnerable. You may be suffering from severe physical pain and emotional trauma, and on top of it all, you’re probably wondering how much it will cost you.
It’s normal to be uncertain about what steps you should be taking to make sure you are protecting yourself from being taken advantage of and to ensure that you’re getting the medical care you need to put your life back together.
When you have been hit by a commercial vehicle, however, the period immediately following can be an especially confusing and distressing time. The decisions you make, including how you communicate with insurance companies and whether you seek medical care, can have a tremendous impact on the outcome of your case.
It is important to have a basic understanding of what it takes to build the strongest case, and an experienced truck accident lawyer will help educate you as part of an initial consultation.
Contact our experienced lawyers today, we handle all motor vehicle types of cases, such as truck accidents, aviation accidents in Austin, car accidents, Austin motorcycle accidents, and more.
Austin commercial vehicle accidents typically are much more damaging than passenger vehicle accidents. As a result, higher compensation is typically necessary to cover the victim’s damages and losses that occurred from the accident. Types of compensation victims can pursue include can include:
Other expenses related to the accident
A commercial vehicle is defined as any motor vehicle used to transport goods or paying passengers — everything from semi-trucks and trailers, to pickup trucks and vans, to delivery service trucks and rideshares, to taxis and buses. Essentially, if a vehicle is owned by a company and used mainly for business transport, it’s classified as a commercial vehicle.
Collisions involving these vehicles are frequently more serious than those between two smaller vehicles, owing to the weight and size of commercial trucks and the conditions that professional drivers work under. And while every driver has the responsibility to uphold the rules of the road and operate his or her vehicle safely, there are some special considerations that may add complexity to a commercial vehicle accident case.
When pursuing a personal injury case involving a truck accident, several unique factors can complicate the process. Here are some critical aspects to consider:
In truck accidents, multiple parties may be involved, each with separate insurance policies. Determining who is liable can be complex, especially if the driver is an independent contractor versus a direct employee. Understanding the relationships and insurance coverage between the driver, the company, and potentially other parties is essential. An experienced truck accident attorney can manage these communications and demand cooperation to ensure you’re fully covered.
Truck drivers must follow strict state and federal guidelines for loading and securing cargo. Failure to meet these requirements can result in negligence if improper loading contributed to the accident. An Austin truck accident lawyer familiar with these regulations can help you determine if freight violations played a role in your case.
Commercial trucks are large, heavy vehicles, making accidents with them particularly dangerous. Proving the extent of injuries and losses in such accidents often requires significant resources and expertise. A qualified attorney can diligently document and fight for fair compensation, given the severity of these types of injuries.
Long hours and night driving increase the risk of drowsy driving accidents among commercial drivers. Regulations require rest periods, but in some cases, companies may push drivers to work without adequate breaks. Evidence of such practices can strengthen your case, and an attorney can help document and expose any negligent training or management practices.
Some commercial drivers may turn to substances to cope with job pressures, impairing their driving abilities. When substance abuse is involved, a criminal investigation may delay evidence access. An attorney can help you navigate the complexities of both the criminal and civil aspects to reach a timely resolution.
Both drivers and carriers share responsibility for maintaining safe vehicles. When maintenance lapses lead to accidents, either party may be held liable. A lawyer can help prove negligence if vehicle issues contributed to your accident, ensuring accountability for any safety failures.
Not every accident case requires the expertise of an attorney, but when commercial vehicles are involved, it’s wise to at least contact an attorney before you decide how to proceed.
Here’s what they will bring to your Austin commercial vehicle accident case:
While a commercial vehicle accident lawyer can serve as a valuable resource to you throughout your personal injury case, it’s important to choose the right one. Austin and San Antonio residents can benefit from the experience and integrity of our firm. We work hard to handle each case with the highest level of transparency, expertise, and compassion. Here’s what our team brings to the table.
Commercial vehicle accident victims in Austin deserve to have a clear understanding of their rights and options after a collision. Even if you decide not to pursue your case, you can still benefit from our expertise by contacting us today for a free evaluation. Together, we’ll review the facts of your case and help you decide whether hiring a lawyer makes sense for you as you work to recover from your collision.
Liability in a commercial vehicle accident can extend beyond the driver to include the company that owns or operates the vehicle, the vehicle manufacturer, or even a third-party maintenance provider. Determining liability often requires an in-depth investigation by your attorney.
Commercial vehicle accidents often involve larger insurance policies, stricter regulations, and more complex liability issues due to the involvement of companies and other third parties. An experienced attorney can help navigate these complexities to ensure fair compensation.
In Texas, the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury claim is generally two years from the date of the accident. It’s important to consult with an attorney promptly to ensure all filing deadlines are met.
Most personal injury attorneys, including those handling commercial vehicle accidents, work on a contingency fee basis. This means you won’t pay any upfront fees, and the lawyer only gets paid if they successfully recover compensation for you.
A lawyer can gather evidence, establish liability, negotiate with insurance companies, and represent you in court if necessary. With experience in commercial vehicle cases, they will be better equipped to secure the compensation you deserve.
