If you were recently involved in a collision with a large commercial truck, you may be expecting a claims process similar to what you’d go through after a standard passenger vehicle crash. However, these types of accident claims often proceed differently. Because liability and the legal process can be more complicated, it’s crucial to understand the complexities of truck accidents vs. car accidents in Texas.
Why Do Commercial Truck Accident Claims Differ from Car Accident Claims?
One of the most significant differences between truck and car accidents in Texas is that trucking companies and their drivers are subject to strict regulation at both the state and federal levels. This regulation reflects the fact that commercial motor vehicles can inflict catastrophic damage in a wreck.
Understanding how federal rules interact with Texas law is one of the biggest reasons to consider hiring a truck accident lawyer when filing a personal injury claim. The commercial trucking industry is made up of numerous parties, not just the truck driver and their employer. A violation — or history of violations — can trigger penalties that could make a significant impact on your settlement by providing concrete evidence of negligence.
Why Liability Works Differently Between Truck and Car Accidents
The average car wreck involves two drivers. In truck accident cases, liability could fall on multiple parties, including the truck driver, truck company, the truck’s owner, maintenance providers, cargo loaders, and vehicle and parts manufacturers. Identifying every possible defendant in a truck accident lawsuit presents a greater number of possible paths to recover compensation.
For example, a detailed investigation could reveal trucking company oversights or vehicle design flaws that contributed to the truck crash that injured you. A Texas truck accident lawyer can request and review records and gather evidence that supports your unique circumstances.
Are Higher Damages Awarded in Truck Accident Lawsuits?
The compensation awarded in a lawsuit depends on the extent of financial and personal harm involved. Even a relatively low-speed truck accident can cause severe injuries with costly medical expenses, making the financial stakes quite high. Truck companies protected by big insurance companies and corporate lawyers work hard to shift liability onto accident victims and other parties to reduce their payouts. An experienced truck accident attorney can help defend you against unfair claims of fault.
Statute of Limitations and Filing Considerations in Texas
Under Texas law, victims have just two years from the date of an accident to file a lawsuit seeking compensation for their truck accident injuries. However, there may be a greater sense of urgency in initiating a truck accident investigation because not all evidence must be kept forever. For example, trucking companies are only required to keep a driver’s hours-of-service logs for six months. If you were hurt in a semi-truck collision and believe driver fatigue played a role, it’s important to act quickly to preserve those records.
Contact The Patel Firm Today
If you suffered injuries in a Texas truck accident, you may be entitled to compensation for your medical bills, lost income, and other accident-related losses. The Patel Firm has a solid track record of success for accident victims in the Coastal Bend region and throughout the Lone Star State. Contact us today for a free consultation with an experienced 18-wheeler accident lawyer in Texas.
