Call an acclaimed League City truck accident lawyer at The Patel Firm to advocate for your rights after a truck collision.
Truck collisions can be very complex, often involving multiple parties such as employers, contractors, or trucking companies. Heavy-duty trucks, also known as class 8 trucks, generally weigh more than 33,000 pounds. Given their size and mechanisms, accidents involving these vehicles can be devastating.
In addition to surviving the injuries, you also need to consider how to handle the property damages caused by the incident. To determine the accountability of the at-fault party, a thorough investigation is required, and The Patel Firm has the resources to help you with this complicated legal burden.
How to Get in Touch: Contact one of our attorneys by calling (361) 400-2036 or filling out our secure and confidential online form. We aim to resolve your case quickly so that you can concentrate on your recovery and progress with your life.
Why Choose The Patel Firm
The firm’s president and principal attorney, Minesh J. Patel, has successfully secured substantial recoveries for clients involved in trucking accidents. His legal practice has allowed him to focus on personal injury and personal injury litigation, and the team at The Patel Firm has been committed to bringing our clients’ cases to justice.
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.
The Patel Firm is committed to offering top-notch legal representation for individuals who have sustained personal injuries in League City and throughout Texas. Our team consists of passionate and knowledgeable members who are genuinely dedicated to assisting you and your loved ones in obtaining compensation for your losses and ensuring that the responsible parties are held accountable.
Feel free to browse through our client’s stellar feedback and five-star reviews on Google. We believe that how our clients feel says a lot about the quality of work we do.
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 League City
Truck accidents in League City can often be attributed to the area’s high traffic volume and growing population. The city’s location near major highways like I-45 means that commercial trucks frequently travel through the area, contributing to congestion.
In 2023, there were 224 crashes involving commercial vehicles reported in Galveston County, where League City is located. These accidents resulted in 3 suspected severe injuries and 32 suspected minor injuries.
Another significant factor is the condition of the roads and weather-related hazards. League City, like many parts of Texas, can experience severe weather, including heavy rain and fog, which reduces visibility and makes roads slippery.
Trucks, due to their size and weight, may have difficulty stopping quickly or avoiding obstacles in such conditions. Additionally, poorly maintained roads with potholes or uneven surfaces can cause trucks to lose control, further increasing the risk of accidents.
Driver fatigue and inexperience also play a role in truck accidents. Truck drivers often work long hours under tight schedules, leading to fatigue, which impairs their reaction time and decision-making ability. Moreover, less experienced drivers may struggle with handling large vehicles in complex traffic situations, especially in construction zones where lanes are narrower, and signage can be confusing.
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 League City tend to occur in areas with high traffic density and along major roadways. Here are some of the common locations:
I-45 (Gulf Freeway): As one of the main highways connecting League City to Houston and other surrounding areas, I-45 sees a significant amount of truck traffic. The high-speed limits combined with congestion, especially during peak hours, make this area a common spot for truck accidents.
State Highway 3: Another busy roadway in League City, State Highway 3, often experiences a mix of local traffic and commercial vehicles. The intersections and access points along this highway can be particularly hazardous for large trucks, leading to potential accidents.
FM 518 (Main Street): FM 518 is a major thoroughfare that runs through the heart of League City . With numerous businesses, intersections, and heavy local traffic, this area is prone to accidents involving trucks, especially during busy times of the day.
Construction Zones: Ongoing development and roadwork in and around League City create construction zones that can be dangerous for truck drivers. Narrow lanes, sudden changes in traffic patterns, and reduced visibility contribute to a higher risk of accidents in these areas.
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 League City 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 League City and across Texas. This allows you to receive accurate legal advice tailored to your case.
Accessibility and Convenience: Being based in League City 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 League City 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 League City-based Truck Accident Lawyer Now
Schedule an appointment with a seasoned League City truck accident attorney after suffering injuries from a trucking collision.
Trucking accidents often involve multiple parties, including drivers, pedestrians, trucking companies, and insurance companies, which can make the legal process complex. A knowledgeable legal representative in this field can help you identify the responsible party and secure the maximum compensation for the damages incurred.
Free Consultation: Schedule your free consultation now by calling (361) 400-2036 or messaging us through our online form to discuss your legal options.