Semi-trucks are a necessary part of the economy. However, they can also be a hazard to others on the roadway. Because of their large size and heavy weight, these trucks tend to do extensive damage when they collide with other vehicles. Recovering compensation after a crash can be critical for covering your medical expenses and other damages.
At The Buzbee Law Firm, we are dedicated to ensuring that victims of semi-truck accidents are able to recover the money they need after a collision. Contact us today to get a free consultation with one of our Plano semi-truck accident lawyers.
Who Is Liable in a Semi-Truck Accident?
One of the first things that must be done when pursuing compensation after a semi-truck accident is to assess who is liable for your damages. Determining liability in any car accident can be a challenge, and when a semi-truck is involved, it gets even more difficult. Fortunately, a semi-truck accident attorney can help sort it all out and assess who is liable.
Some of the commonly liable parties in a semi-truck accident case include:
- The driver of the semi-truck
- The commercial trucking company
- The company responsible for loading the cargo
- The manufacturer of the semi-truck
- A company responsible for maintenance of the semi-truck
- Another driver directly involved in the accident
- A third-party driver whose actions caused the accident to occur
- The government agency responsible for maintenance of the roads where the crash occurred
For a free legal consultation with a semi-truck accidents lawyer serving Plano, call 844-349-9196
Trucking Rules and Regulations
Trucking companies and commercial truck drivers must comply with additional safety regulations beyond those required of the average driver. These regulations exist because of the increased danger posed by these oversized vehicles. Trucking companies must ensure their drivers get all the necessary training and comply with all safety regulations.
All semi-truck drivers are required to obtain a commercial driver’s license (CDL) in order to legally operate these vehicles. Depending on the cargo the driver will be hauling, they may also require special endorsements on their license. All commercial truck drivers must abide by strict service hour requirements to help prevent dangerous driver fatigue.
There are also strict limits on the maximum weight for the truck and cargo. If a trucking company or semi-truck driver fails to comply with any government regulations on safety, they open themselves up to potential punitive damages or even criminal charges.
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Recoverable Damages After a Semi-Truck Accident
If you suffered a serious injury in a semi-truck accident, you will likely be able to recover a wide range of damages. All of these damages can be divided into three main categories.
Economic Damages
Economic damages are all the losses you suffer as a result of your accident that have a direct impact on your finances. Some common economic damages in a semi-truck accident include:
- Medical bills
- Future medical costs
- Property damage
- Lost income
- Lessened earning ability
Non-Economic Damages
Any other losses you suffer due to your accident fall into the broader category of non-economic damages. While varied, one thing these damages typically have in common is that they are profound and often irreversible losses. As such, the money awarded for non-economic damages tends to be significant. Some common non-economic damages in a semi-truck accident include:
- Diminished quality of life
- Mental anguish
- Pain and suffering
- Permanent disability
- Loss of consortium
Punitive Damages
Punitive damages are far different from the damages previously mentioned. Punitive damages focus on punishing the liable party rather than compensating the accident victim. These damages are only awarded in extreme cases where the at-fault party acted in a criminally negligent manner.
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Make Sure to File Your Semi-Truck Accident Lawsuit on Time
Texas has a two-year statute of limitations for semi-truck accident victims. If you fail to file a lawsuit within two years, there is a strong possibility that you will lose your right to recover compensation. However, you need to be aware that special circumstances may apply to your case, which alter the amount of time you have to file.
In some cases, this could mean you can still file a lawsuit after two years have passed. Conversely, it could also mean that you have far less than two years to file a lawsuit. The best way to ensure that your lawsuit is filed on time and protect your right to compensation is by hiring a semi-truck accident attorney as soon as possible after your crash.
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Semi-Truck Accident Lawyers Charge a Results-Based Fee
Many types of lawyers charge their clients for every minute they spend working on their cases, no matter the outcome. However, semi-truck accident attorneys and other personal injury lawyers do things a bit differently. These attorneys charge a single fee at the conclusion of your case, which is directly tied to the compensation you receive.
When you hire a semi-truck accident lawyer, you will agree to pay them a set percentage of the money you recover from the liable party. That means that the more money you get, the more money your attorney makes. Alternatively, should they fail to secure money on your behalf, your lawyer will have worked on your case for free.
This payment system works as a strong motivator to ensure that your lawyer will always have your best interests at heart.
Should I Settle or Go to Court?
Most semi-truck accident lawsuits end up settling out of court. A settlement is often in the best interest of all parties involved because it means a quicker resolution and avoidance of an unpredictable courtroom trial. However, you should always be prepared to take your case to court if necessary.
Occasionally, the other party will be unwilling to settle the case out of court, which means that a trial will be unavoidable. Additionally, if opposing counsel knows that you are unable or unwilling to go to court, they will gain significant leverage in the negotiation process, and you likely will not receive anywhere near a fair settlement offer.
Talk to a Plano Semi-Truck Accident Attorney Today
Attempting to take on a trucking company on your own is unlikely to result in a favorable outcome. Large trucking companies typically have a team of high-priced lawyers on retainer ready to fight any claim against the company. You can help level the playing field by hiring an experienced semi-truck accident lawyer in Plano today.
At The Buzbee Law Firm, our team of dedicated semi-truck accident lawyers will work diligently to get you fair compensation after an accident. Fill out our online contact form or give us a call to schedule a free consultation.
Call or text 844-349-9196 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form