Consult with an award-winning Port Lavaca truck accident lawyer from The Patel Firm after surviving a truck collision to fight for your accident-related damages.

Injuries from a commercial truck collision can be catastrophic and can change how you live your life for the following years. Besides the physical and emotional pain you’re experiencing, medical bills, property damage, and lost wages can lead to financial strain, adding more pressure to the situation. Additionally, the overwhelming legal process can cause further delays in your recovery.

At The Patel Firm, our team of experienced lawyers is dedicated to helping truck accident victims get back on their feet after the tragic incident. We will put all our efforts into securing the best settlement possible or bringing the case to court if necessary.

Call us now at (361) 400-2036 or send us a message through our secure and online form to schedule a consultation at no cost. We only charge once we win or settle your case.

Why Choose The Patel Firm

The firm’s president and principal attorney, Minesh J. Patel, has successfully secured millions of dollars for clients involved in car accidents, insurance disputes, and trucking accidents. Minesh is also a member of the Million Dollar Advocates Forum, Rue Ratings’ Best Attorneys in America, and has been recognized as “40 Best Under 40” by The National Trial Lawyers Association.

Guided by his vision, The Patel Firm will go to great lengths to ensure justice prevails. We have a compassionate and knowledgeable legal team who are genuinely committed to helping you or your loved ones secure the compensation you deserve and hold the negligent parties accountable.

Our commitment is evident in our verified testimonials from satisfied Port Lavaca residents and five-star reviews on Google.

How Can We Help You In A Truck Accident?

By choosing The Patel Firm, you are entrusting your case to professionals who prioritize your well-being and advocate for your rights. Our approach is tailored to meet your specific needs, and we keep an open form of communication throughout the entire legal process. Here’s how we can assist you:

• Thorough Investigation
• Evidence Gathering
• Liability Establishment
• Negotiation with Insurance Companies
• Legal Guidance
• Maximizing Compensation

About Truck Accidents in Port Lavaca

Port Lavaca is a coastal city in Texas that sees a high volume of truck traffic due to its location. Situated along major highways like U.S. Route 87 and State Highway 35, it serves as a vital transit point for goods moving between the Gulf Coast and inland areas.

This heavy traffic flow increases the likelihood of accidents involving large commercial vehicles. In fact, 11 crashes were reported involving commercial vehicles in Calhoun County in 2023, according to the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT).

The infrastructure in Port Lavaca, while designed to support significant truck traffic, can sometimes contribute to accidents. Narrow roads, sharp turns, and occasional construction work can create hazardous driving conditions for truck drivers.

Additionally, the area’s weather, including frequent rain and occasional coastal storms, can further complicate driving conditions and heighten the risk of accidents.

Human factors also play a significant role in the prevalence of truck accidents in Port Lavaca. Driver fatigue, often exacerbated by long-haul routes, and the pressure to meet tight delivery schedules can lead to mistakes on the road.

Types of Truck Accident Injuries

Trucking accident injuries can vary widely in their nature and severity. Here are some common types of truck collision injuries:

Head and Brain Injuries

• Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI): These injuries occur when a sudden impact or jolt damages the brain. Symptoms can range from mild concussions to severe brain damage.

• Skull Fractures: These can occur when the head strikes a hard surface or object during the collision.

Spinal Cord Injuries

• Paralysis: Damage to the spinal cord can lead to partial or complete paralysis, affecting mobility and sensation.

• Herniated Discs: The force of a truck accident can cause discs in the spine to rupture or slip, leading to severe pain and mobility issues.

Broken Bones and Fractures

• Compound Fractures: These occur when the bone breaks through the skin, often requiring surgery to repair.

• Simple Fractures: These are breaks in the bone that do not pierce the skin but can still cause significant pain and require extensive healing time.

Internal Injuries

• Organ Damage: The impact of a truck accident can cause damage to internal organs, such as the liver, kidneys, and lungs, leading to life-threatening conditions.
• Internal Bleeding: This can occur when blood vessels are ruptured during the collision, requiring immediate medical intervention.

Soft Tissue Injuries

• Whiplash: Common in rear-end collisions, whiplash involves damage to the neck muscles and ligaments due to sudden back-and-forth motion.
• Sprains and Strains: These injuries affect muscles, ligaments, and tendons and can cause significant pain and reduced mobility.

Cuts and Lacerations

• Deep Lacerations: These can result from broken glass, sharp metal, or other debris, often requiring stitches or surgery to repair.

• Abrasions: These are superficial wounds caused by scraping against a rough surface but can still be painful and prone to infection.

Burn Injuries

• Thermal Burns: These occur when a truck accident involves fire or explosion, causing severe skin damage and requiring extensive medical treatment.

• Chemical Burns: These can result from hazardous materials being transported by the truck, leading to burns on contact with skin.

Where Do Most Truck Accidents Occur?

Some areas in Port Lavaca are at higher risk for truck accidents due to factors such as heavy traffic, complex road networks, and significant industrial activity. These areas include:

Major Thoroughfares and Highways

• S. Route 87: This major route experiences heavy traffic from commercial vehicles, leading to a higher risk of accidents.

• State Highway 35: The high volume of trucks traveling on this highway contributes to frequent collisions.

Intersections and Industrial Zones

• Intersections where local roads meet major highways: These intersections are hotspots for truck accidents due to complex traffic movements and congestion.
• Industrial areas with frequent truck entry and exit: The constant flow of trucks in and out of industrial zones increases the likelihood of accidents.

Construction Zones and Road Maintenance Areas

• Areas with ongoing road construction: Construction zones can be particularly hazardous for trucks due to altered traffic patterns and the presence of construction equipment.

• Zones undergoing road maintenance: Road maintenance areas pose a risk for truck accidents due to unpredictable driving conditions and potential road debris.

Types of Damages and Compensation From A Truck Accident Lawsuit

In a truck accident lawsuit, victims may be entitled to various types of damages and compensation to cover their losses and suffering. These can be broadly categorized into economic, non-economic, and punitive damages:

Economic Damages

• Medical Expenses: Compensation for past, present, and future medical costs related to the injury. This includes hospital bills, surgeries, medication, physical therapy, and any necessary medical equipment.

• Lost Wages: Reimbursement for income lost due to the inability to work during recovery. This also includes compensation for future lost earning capacity if the injury results in long-term or permanent disability.
• Property Damage: Compensation for repair or replacement of the vehicle and any other personal property damaged in the accident.
• Rehabilitation Costs: Coverage for the costs of rehabilitation services needed to recover from injuries, including physical therapy, occupational therapy, and any specialized treatments.

Non-Economic Damages

• Pain and Suffering: Compensation for the physical pain and emotional distress endured as a result of the accident and injuries.

• Emotional Distress: Damages for psychological impact, including anxiety, depression, and trauma related to the accident.

• Loss of Consortium: Compensation awarded to the spouse or family members for the loss of companionship, support, and affection resulting from the victim’s injuries.

Punitive Damages

• These are awarded in cases where the defendant’s conduct was especially reckless, malicious, or egregious. The purpose of punitive damages is to punish the wrongdoer and deter similar behavior in the future.

Additional Damages

• Loss of Enjoyment of Life: Compensation for the diminished ability to enjoy day-to-day activities and hobbies due to injuries.

• Disfigurement and Disability: Damages for permanent physical changes, such as scarring or loss of limb, and the impact of these changes on the victim’s quality of life.

Working With A Local Truck Accident Lawyer

Working with a local Port Lavaca truck accident lawyer can offer several benefits:

Understanding of Local Laws: A local lawyer will be well-versed in the specific laws and regulations governing commercial trucking accidents in Port Lavaca and across Texas. This allows you to receive accurate legal advice tailored to your case.

Accessibility and Convenience: Being based in Port Lavaca means that your lawyer is easily accessible for meetings, consultations, and updates on your case. This can provide you with peace of mind and a sense of control over your legal proceedings.

Personalized Attention: A local lawyer is more likely to provide personalized attention to your case, as they are familiar with the unique aspects of the local community and can tailor their approach to meet your specific needs.

Local Resources and Connections: A local lawyer has established relationships with local experts, such as accident reconstruction specialists or medical professionals, which can strengthen your case and provide valuable support. This can help you gain access to the best professionals in the field.

Legal Considerations in a Truck Accident

It’s crucial to stay updated on the evolving legal landscape of truck collisions, including new regulations, court filings, and legal precedents. State laws and regulations vary, so it’s important to be familiar with Texas laws if you’ve suffered injuries in Port Lavaca or elsewhere in the state.

Statute of Limitations

If you have been injured and want to pursue legal action for incidents such as truck accidents, injuries on someone else’s property, or harm from a defective product, you typically have two years from the date of the injury to file a lawsuit.

If someone damages your reputation with a false statement, as in defamation cases, you have one year to take legal action. In cases of medical malpractice, you usually have two years from the date of the malpractice or the end of your treatment to file a lawsuit.

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) establishes regulations to ensure the safety of both truck drivers and the public. These regulations encompass areas such as truck maintenance, weight limits, loading procedures, and driver qualifications. Unfortunately, violations of these regulations by truck drivers and companies are still occurring, resulting in accidents that can lead to injuries, fatalities, and property damage.

Drug Test Post-Accident

According to FMCSA regulations, truck drivers must undergo drug and alcohol testing after most road accidents, especially those involving fatalities. These tests should ideally be done as soon as possible but must be completed within 32 hours of the accident. The results can be used as evidence in any resulting lawsuits against the truck driver.

Contact A Port Lavaca-based Truck Accident Lawyer Now

Trust a Port Lavaca-based truck accident attorney to provide legal assistance so you can focus on recovering quickly.

Given the size and weight of a commercial vehicle, injuries from a truck collision can be life-altering, and no one else understands the urgency of these situations better than we do.

At The Patel Firm, our mission is to provide all the necessary legal support to those who are harmed due to an accident caused by someone’s negligence.

Free Consultation: You can reach out to us by calling (361) 400-2036 or message us through our online form to schedule an appointment. We’re always available to answer your questions.