Houston Truck Accident Lawyers
If You’ve Been In An Accident, Our Houston Truck Crash Lawyers Can Help You
Large trucks are a common sight on Houston roads. Even if you’re only driving a short distance – and you’re definitely on the highway – you’ll likely see an 18-wheeler or tow truck.
At the Milano Legal Group, PLLC office, our personal injury team is aware that these trucks can be as dangerous as they are necessary. In fact, more than one major truck accident occurs in our state each year, with many resulting in fatal or serious injuries.
After a truck accident that seriously injured you or a loved one, our Houston truck accident lawyers are here to help you understand your options and your rights. To schedule a free consultation, please call our Houston truck accident attorney today.
Why Are Major Truck Accidents Disastrous?
Major truck accidents can be absolutely devastating for those involved and often have life-changing implications for passenger car occupants.
When a large truck and a passenger car collide – the latter possibly 20 times lighter than the previous one – the vehicle is often completely crushed and destroyed, resulting in serious injury to the occupants. Small cars cannot withstand the power of a large 18-wheeler truck in a motor vehicle accident.
Some of the most common injuries to passenger car occupants in major truck accidents include:
- Spinal cord injuries;
- bone fractures;
- Amputation and loss of use of limb injuries;
- traumatic brain injuries;
- facial injuries;
- Internal injuries;
- Soft tissue injuries; and
- Psychological injuries.
In the most serious cases, the types of injuries listed above can be fatal. When the injury is not fatal, it can leave the victim with long-term or permanent disability and disfigurement.
And it’s not just the injuries that are tragic. When a person is seriously injured, they will likely experience a decline in their quality of life as well. This occurs as a result of the individual’s inability to take care of himself or to do the things he once loved, to work and earn an income to support himself and his loved ones, and perhaps even to maintain social or close relationships. Of course, this is above the economic costs of a truck accident, including medical bills, lost wages, and property damage expenses.
“They defended my rights very well” ALPEREN K.
“Extremely professional and reliable. They tell you with great care what you have to do at every stage and they know what you have to do during the case. They defended my rights very well. Thank you Milano Legal Group (Mr and Ms Milano ).”
Top Causes of 18 Wheeler Accidents in Texas
Most major truck accidents that occur in our state are completely preventable and are caused by negligence – lack of due diligence. Examples of negligence that can lead to an accident include:
- Falling asleep at the wheel;
- Driving while disabled ;
- Speeding up or turning too fast;
- Driving while distracted ;
- Improperly loading cargo on a truck that may slide during transportation;
- Improperly keeping a vehicle in a safe condition;
- Failure to properly train a truck driver;
- Aggressive driving; and
- More.
In addition to the above, sometimes vehicle defects such as faulty brakes or tires are also the cause of a collision. If a vehicle defect is to blame, a claim for damages can be brought against the vehicle part manufacturer or anyone in the distribution chain.
Determination of Liability After a Truck Accident in Texas
Since Texas is a faulty car insurance case, after an accident has occurred, an injured party can receive compensation by filing a claim against the faulty party’s liability insurance. However, in a truck accident, determining the fault can be complex, as there are so many parties that could be at fault. Therefore, it is important to open an investigation as soon as possible after an accident.
Working with Houston truck accident attorneys in this process is essential – your attorney will have the resources and connections needed to investigate your case, send proof letters to the appropriate parties, hire experts, interview eyewitnesses, contact the insurance company, and more.
Parties that may be held liable in a truck accident claim include:
- Truck driver;
- Freight company;
- Third-party driver involved in the accident;
- Shipper or shipper of the cargo; or
- Vehicle part manufacturer or distributor.
Responsibility sometimes falls on the shoulders of a single party, and sometimes it can be shared by more than one party.
Steps to Claim a Truck Crash in Houston
A truck accident claim can leave you incapable of doing anything, let alone collecting evidence and going through the process of filing a truck accident claim, as you could end up in a hospital bed. However, there are things to be done after an accident to protect your right to compensation. Ask a loved one to do these for you or hire a lawyer as soon as possible.
Steps to take after an accident involving the emergence of a truck accident claim include:
- File a police report and request a copy of the report for your records;
- Seek medical care and document all care;
- Gather all the evidence you can find at the scene of the accident, including taking pictures of the crime scene and getting the names of witnesses; and
- Report the accident to your insurer as soon as possible.
After a truck accident has occurred, Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code Section 16.003 requires a lawsuit to be filed within two years from the date of the accident. If you wait more than two years to make your claim, you will be permanently barred from recovery.
Our 18 Wheel Accident Lawyers in Houston, TX Are Ready to Help
It may feel like the world is crashing on you after a crash, but you’re not alone.
At the Milano Legal Group, PLLC office, our 18-wheel accident attorney in Houston is here to provide the legal support and guidance you need. Our Houston injury attorney is passionate about helping resolve your claim as quickly and painlessly as possible and will aggressively defend your right to receive your full recovery amount.
Please request a free consultation by phone or online today.