Any car accident can lead to devastating injuries. However, the odds of sustaining serious damage in a crash increase dramatically when a large truck is involved. Accidents involving these vehicles are rarely minor fender-benders. These crashes frequently involve multiple vehicles, and the resulting damage can be considerable.
At the Buzbee Law Firm, we are dedicated to ensuring that accident victims get the professional help they need to recover fair compensation. If you or a loved one was injured in a truck wreck, our Lubbock 18-wheeler truck accident attorneys can help. We offer free consultations where we will review your case and walk you through your legal options.
Who Is Liable in an 18-Wheeler Truck Accident?
Determining liability in an 18-wheeler truck accident can be challenging. There are many parties that could potentially hold a level of liability in these cases, and these parties are likely going to attempt to shift blame away from themselves.
Assessing who is liable for your damages on your own may prove too difficult. Fortunately, an experienced 18-wheeler truck accident lawyer in Lubbock can help you identify who is responsible. Potentially liable parties in these cases include:
- The driver of the 18-wheeler truck
- The driver’s employer
- The manufacturer of the 18-wheeler
- The company that loaded the cargo
- Another driver involved in the crash
- A third-party driver who was uninvolved in the collision but whose actions caused the crash to occur
Determining liability is an essential first step on the path to recovering compensation from the responsible party.
For a free legal consultation with a 18-wheeler truck accidents lawyer serving Lubbock, call 844-349-9196
Regulations for 18-Wheeler Truck Drivers
18-wheeler truck drivers and the companies that employ them must abide by a stricter set of safety regulations than other drivers on the road. Drivers of these vehicles must obtain a commercial driver’s license (CDL). Special endorsements may also be required depending on the materials being transported.
Operators of large trucks must also follow regulations regarding service hours and weight limits. The specific requirements are determined by various government agencies and can vary from state to state.
Truck drivers and trucking companies that fail to abide by these government regulations could open themselves up to charges of criminal negligence and punitive damages if a crash occurs.
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Damages You Can Claim After an 18-Wheeler Truck Accident
If you were injured in an accident involving an 18-wheeler truck, you will likely be eligible to claim several different types of damages. Compensatory damages are divided into economic and non-economic damages.
Economic Damages
Economic damages cover the monetary losses that you suffer as a result of an accident. Common economic damages include:
- Medical bills
- Future medical costs
- Property damage
- Lost wages
- Lost earning ability
Non-Economic Damages
The rest of your losses are categorized as non-economic damages. Most of these losses can never be recovered. Non-economic damages can include:
- Pain and suffering
- Diminished quality of life
- Loss of companionship
- Permanent disability
- Mental anguish
Punitive Damages
Punitive damages are only awarded in a small percentage of truck accident cases. These damages are meant as a punishment for the at-fault party. The aim of awarding punitive damages is to discourage the liable party and others in their place from acts of gross negligence in the future.
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18-Wheeler Truck Accident Lawyers Get Paid on a Contingency Fee Basis
Our 18-wheeler truck accident attorneys in Lubbock do not charge their clients unless they get results. When you hire one of these lawyers, you will agree to pay them a fixed percentage of the compensation you recover once your case has concluded. If you don’t get any money from the liable party, your lawyer will work for free.
Contingency fee-based payment structures help ensure that lawyers will do everything possible to secure a favorable outcome for their clients. You can be confident that your attorney will work to get you the most money for your case, because the more you win, the bigger their payday will be.
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Statute of Limitations for Filing an 18-Wheeler Truck Accident Lawsuit in Texas
Under Texas Civil Practice & Remedies Code § 16.003, truck accident victims generally have two years from the date of their accident to file a lawsuit and recover compensation. Failure to file within this time frame will result in a loss of your right to pursue compensation.
It is critical to be aware of the fact that there are many exceptions to this filing window that could further limit the amount of time you have to file your lawsuit with the courts. The best way to ensure that you meet all deadlines and don’t lose your right to recover compensation is by hiring a truck accident attorney as soon as possible after your crash.
Don’t Go It Alone
When fighting a trucking company for compensation, you are going to be up against an opponent with deep pockets and a strong desire to protect their bottom line. Attempting to take on these companies while representing yourself is an uneven fight. It’s essential to realize that even lawyers typically hire other lawyers when dealing with their own legal battles.
Hiring an experienced 18-wheeler truck accident attorney in Lubbock, Texas, can help even the playing field and put you in the best position to recover fair compensation.
Settling vs. Going to Court
The majority of 18-wheeler truck accident cases end up settling out of court. There are many advantages to an out-of-court settlement. Two of the primary reasons you might want to settle include getting your money quicker and not having to worry about an unpredictable courtroom battle.
However, while settling may be in your best interest, you should always be prepared to go to court if necessary. This will put you in a much stronger negotiating position as opposing counsel will likely not want to risk a larger payout should they lose at trial.
Contact an 18-Wheeler Truck Accident Lawyer Today
At the Buzbee Law Firm, we have the experience needed to take on the big trucking companies and win. Give us a call or fill out our online contact form to get started with a free consultation with a Lubbock 18-wheeler truck accident lawyer today. We can review your case, answer all your questions, and advise you on how best to proceed.
Call or text 844-349-9196 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form