Schedule an appointment with an acclaimed Galveston truck accident lawyer from The Patel Firm to seek justice after a truck collision and secure compensation to cover the damages.

Truck accidents are a prevalent issue in Texas, occurring more frequently than in other states. The state’s major highways for goods transportation contribute to the high volume of commercial vehicle traffic, making these incidents more likely to cause severe injuries.

If you’ve been injured in a trucking collision, you have the right to seek the best possible settlement for your suffering. The Patel Firm understands the challenges of pursuing a truck accident claim and is committed to providing you with first-class legal representation, always prepared to support you through the process.

How To Reach Us: Reach out to one of our attorneys now by calling (361) 400-2036 or filling out our secure and confidential online form. Our goal is to settle your case as soon as possible so you can focus on your recovery and move forward with your life.

Why Choose The Patel Firm

At The Patel Firm, we treat each case with personalized attention. Understanding your story is essential in handling your case effectively. With our expertise and resources, our legal team is fully prepared to help you identify the responsible parties and obtain the maximum compensation for the damages you have suffered.

Our firm’s president and principal attorney, Minesh J. Patel, is 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.

Under his leadership, we take pride in our successful track record of resolving numerous cases in personal injury litigation, including motorcycle collisions, car accidents, trucking collisions, workplace accidents, oilfield accidents, insurance disputes, and premise liability accidents. Feel free to browse through our verified testimonials 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 fight 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
• Stress Alleviation
• Maximizing Compensation

About Truck Accidents in Galveston

In 2023, 224 crashes involving commercial vehicles were reported in Galveston County. As a result of these accidents, 3 suspected severe injuries and 32 suspected minor injuries were reported.

The city’s role as a major port and industrial hub attracts a significant volume of commercial truck traffic. Trucks transport goods to and from the Port of Galveston, one of the busiest ports in Texas, handling a wide range of cargo, including bulk materials, vehicles, and cruise passengers. The constant movement of heavy trucks in and around the port area increases the risk of collisions, particularly on narrow or congested roads.

Galveston’s infrastructure includes a mix of urban and rural roadways, with older streets and bridges that may need to be adequately equipped to handle the weight and size of large trucks. The combination of tourist traffic, especially during peak seasons, and the presence of commercial vehicles can lead to dangerous situations. Tight turns, narrow lanes, and inadequate signage can further complicate navigation for truck drivers unfamiliar with the area.

Lastly, weather conditions in Galveston can be challenging, with the potential for heavy rain, flooding, and even hurricanes. These conditions can make driving hazardous, particularly for large trucks, which are more susceptible to losing control or causing accidents due to their size and weight.

Types of Truck Accident Injuries

Personal injuries from trucking accidents 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?

Most truck accidents in Galveston occur in several key areas due to high traffic volumes, infrastructure, and specific local conditions. The following are some of the most common locations:

Port of Galveston and Surrounding Areas:

• The Port of Galveston is a major hub for commercial shipping and cargo transport. The roads leading to and from the port, such as Harborside Drive, see a high volume of truck traffic, which increases the risk of accidents. The complexity of maneuvering large vehicles in this area, especially with mixed traffic, contributes to frequent incidents.

Interstate and Highway Entrances/Exits:

• Major highways like Interstate 45 (I-45) and State Highway 87 are critical routes for truckers traveling to and from Galveston. The entrance and exit ramps to these highways can be particularly dangerous due to merging traffic and the high speed of vehicles. These areas often see accidents as trucks merge tight turns.

Urban Areas and Major Intersections:

• Within the city, major intersections, such as those along Broadway Avenue (State Highway 87) and Seawall Boulevard, are prone to accidents. These roads are heavily traveled by both local traffic and tourists, making them congested, especially during peak times. The mix of different types of vehicles, along with pedestrian traffic, increases the likelihood of collisions involving trucks.

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 Galveston 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 Galveston and across Texas. This allows you to receive accurate legal advice tailored to your case.

Accessibility and Convenience: Being based in Galveston 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 Galveston 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 Galveston-based Truck Accident Lawyer Now

Call an award-winning Galveston-based truck accident attorney after suffering injuries from a truck collision and receive the highest settlement possible to cover the accident-related expenses.

Trucking accidents usually involve multiple parties, such as drivers, pedestrians, trucking companies, and insurance companies. This complicates the legal process. An experienced legal representative in this field can assist you in identifying the party responsible for the crash and in obtaining maximum compensation for the damages.

Free Consultation: To discuss your legal options, schedule your free consultation now by calling (361) 400-2036 or messaging us through our online form.