Don’t hesitate to speak to an acclaimed Alvin truck accident lawyer at The Patel Firm to help you handle the legalities in the aftermath of your crash.
Texas is home to many big manufacturing companies, so it’s easy to spot a commercial truck around the corner. However, this also means that vehicular accidents occur on a regular basis. Trucks don’t operate like regular vehicles and require a specific license to drive it. Due to their size and mechanism, truck accidents typically result in catastrophic collisions and severe property damage.
Over the years, The Patel Firm has successfully resolved countless cases and secured millions of dollars for clients in Alvin and all across Texas. Our team specializes in handling personal injury cases from trucking accidents, car accidents, motor vehicle-related collisions, workplace injuries, oilfield accidents, insurance disputes, and premise liability accidents.
At The Patel Firm, we take pride in providing our clients with first-class representation and exemplary customer service. See what our clients have to say about the quality of our work by browsing through our verified testimonials and five-star reviews on Google.
With years of experience in the industry, our practice has allowed us a deeper understanding of the challenges that come with tragic accidents, which is why our attorneys are always ready for your urgent needs.
Contact us at (361) 400-2036 or send us a message through our secure online form for a free consultation. 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 substantial recoveries for clients in cases like car accidents, insurance disputes, and 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.
Our team at The Patel Firm is dedicated to providing exceptional representation for personal injury victims in Alvin and across Texas. We have passionate and knowledgeable team members who are genuinely committed to helping you or your loved ones secure the compensation you deserve and hold the negligent parties accountable.
How Can We Help in A Truck Accident Case?
At The Patel Firm, we will guide you through the legal process from beginning to end. We provide comprehensive assistance and compassionate support for truck accident victims, protecting your rights and securing the maximum compensation.
Our range of services includes:
- Free Case Evaluation: The attorney will evaluate your case, explain legal options, and determine if they can assist. This initial evaluation helps you understand the viability of your claim and the next steps without any financial commitment.
- In-Depth Investigation: This involves gathering evidence, interviewing witnesses, reviewing documents, and analyzing facts to build a strong case. The goal is to uncover relevant information, identify weaknesses, and prepare for any challenges during negotiations or litigation.
- Documentation: This includes contracts, medical records, police reports, correspondence, and other relevant documents. Accurate documentation is crucial as it forms the factual foundation for the case, validates claims, and ensures proper adherence to legal procedures.
- Negotiation with Insurance Companies: This involves communicating and bargaining to reach a fair settlement for a client’s claim. Attorneys use evidence to argue for appropriate compensation for damages, injuries, or losses. This requires a deep understanding of insurance policies, legal rights, and effective negotiation strategies to ensure clients receive the maximum possible settlement.
- Litigation: This involves filing a lawsuit, presenting the case before a judge or jury, and adhering to procedural rules and timelines. Litigation can be complex and time-consuming, requiring skilled legal representation to advocate for the client’s interests, present evidence, cross-examine witnesses, and make legal arguments to achieve a favorable outcome.
About Truck Accidents in Alvin
Alvin is known for its small-town feel while being close to the amenities of a metropolitan area. Most accidents in the city occur primarily in congested areas and several key highways, aligning with the common trend of urban and suburban areas. The city’s layout, with busy roads and high-traffic regions, plays a significant role in the accidents in the area.
Texas had one of the highest numbers of truck accidents in 2023, with almost 27,000 crashes that resulted in fatal injuries, 621 severe injuries, and 2,815 minor injuries. The primary reasons behind vehicular crashes in Texas are distracted driving, drunk driving, and speeding.
Driving a commercial truck is different from driving a private vehicle, which is why it requires a Commercial Driver’s License. Commercial trucks weigh significantly more, even when empty, compared to regular cars, so they need more skill to operate. Trucks also have a high center of gravity, making them prone to capsizing when running at excessive speed.
Contact an experienced Alvin truck accident attorney today to learn more about your legal rights after a truck collision.
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:
Whiplash: Whiplash occurs when the head and neck are suddenly jerked backward and then forward, often due to the impact of a collision. This rapid movement can strain or tear the muscles, tendons, and ligaments in the neck, causing pain, stiffness, headaches, and restricted movement. In severe cases, whiplash can lead to long-term chronic pain and discomfort.
Broken Bones: Trucking accidents can exert immense force on the body, resulting in fractures or breaks in bones. Common bones that can fracture include those in the arms, legs, ribs, and skull. The severity of the fracture depends on the impact and may range from hairline fractures to compound fractures that penetrate the skin. Treatment often involves immobilization, surgery, and rehabilitation.
Spinal Cord Injuries: These injuries involve damage to the spinal cord itself or to the vertebrae, discs, or ligaments of the spinal column. Depending on the location and severity, spinal cord injuries can result in partial or complete paralysis, loss of sensation, and impaired bodily functions.
Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI): TBIs occur when the head is subjected to sudden impact or rapid acceleration and deceleration forces, as is common in truck accidents. TBIs range from mild concussions to severe traumatic brain injuries that can lead to long-term cognitive, behavioral, and physical impairments. Symptoms may include confusion, loss of consciousness, memory problems, headaches, and changes in mood or behavior.
Internal Injuries: These injuries occur when internal organs suffer trauma from the force of a truck accident. Common internal injuries include bruising, bleeding, or damage to organs such as the liver, spleen, kidneys, lungs, or heart. Internal injuries can be life-threatening and require prompt medical intervention, including surgery, to repair damaged organs and control internal bleeding. Symptoms may include abdominal pain, tenderness, swelling, nausea, vomiting, and lightheadedness.
Cuts and Lacerations: These injuries result from contact with debris, broken glass, or sharp objects during a truck accident. Cuts and lacerations can vary from minor wounds requiring stitches to deep, severe cuts that may damage nerves, blood vessels, or muscles. Infections are a concern with open wounds, so thorough cleaning and proper wound care are essential to prevent complications.
Burns: These occur in trucking collisions due to fires, explosions, or contact with hot surfaces or chemicals. Burns are classified by their depth and severity (first-degree, second-degree, third-degree). They can cause pain, swelling, blistering, and, in severe cases, damage to skin, tissues, and nerves.
Soft Tissue Injuries: These injuries involve damage to muscles, tendons, or ligaments that support and connect the body’s structures. In truck accidents, soft tissue injuries can result from sudden impact or forceful movements, leading to strains, sprains, or tears. Symptoms include pain, swelling, stiffness, and reduced range of motion.
Where Do Most Truck Accidents Occur?
There are areas more prone to truck collisions due to factors such as high traffic, road systems, and industrial activity. These locations include:
Highway 6: Accidents frequently happen at intersections due to vehicles crossing paths. Drivers turning left often collide with oncoming traffic, and rear-end collisions can occur when vehicles stop suddenly. This is a major highway running through Alvin and is a common site for truck accidents due to heavy traffic and high speeds.
State Highway 35: High-speed traffic on highways can lead to serious accidents. Factors such as speeding, lane changes, and merging can increase the risk of collisions. State Highway 35 is a congested highway running through Alvin, connecting it to nearby cities such as Houston and Freeport. This roadway sees a substantial amount of truck traffic and, consequently, a higher incidence of accidents.
FM 528: This Farm to Market road is frequently used by trucks, especially those involved in local deliveries and agricultural transport. FM 528 will be expanded from two to four lanes to improve connectivity with the existing four-lane section north of Highway 35 and to meet future traffic demands.
Types of Damages and Compensation From A Truck Accident Lawsuit
In a trucking accident lawsuit, the injured party seeks compensation to address the various impacts of their injury, including physical, emotional, and financial losses. The different types of damages that can be awarded are crucial for ensuring fair compensation and accountability for the responsible party.
Here is an overview of the common types of damages and compensation available in truck accident cases:
Medical Expenses: Injuries resulting from truck collisions are often severe and likely to incur high medical expenses. This includes current and future medical costs related to the injury, such as hospital bills, doctor’s visits, surgeries, medications, and rehabilitation.
Lost Wages: If you’ve experienced a loss of income due to an injury, you may be entitled to compensation for wages from missed workdays, reduced work hours, or the inability to work in the future.
Pain and Suffering: In the event of an injury, compensation may cover the physical and emotional distress experienced, encompassing pain, discomfort, anxiety, depression, and the loss of enjoyment of life.
Loss of Consortium: When someone is injured, their spouse or family members may be eligible to receive compensation for the loss of companionship, support, and intimacy they have experienced as a result of the injury.
Property Damage: Compensation for any damage to the plaintiff’s property, such as a vehicle in a car accident or personal belongings in a premises liability case.
Punitive Damages: In some cases, punitive damages may be awarded to punish the responsible party for particularly reckless or intentional conduct.
Role of a Specialized Attorney
Navigating the legal process after getting injured in a trucking accident can be daunting, especially when you should be focusing on your recovery. That’s why it’s crucial to consult with an Alvin truck accident attorney.
Here are some key aspects of their role:
Legal Expertise and Guidance: Truck accident attorneys specialize in personal injury law and provide expert guidance on cases such as car accidents, medical malpractice, workplace injuries, and wrongful death to ensure clients understand their rights and the legal process.
Case Evaluation and Investigation: An experienced attorney evaluates a client’s case thoroughly by collecting evidence, interviewing witnesses, reviewing medical records, and consulting with experts to build a strong case.
Negotiating with Insurance Companies: Lawyers will manage all communication and negotiation with insurance companies for their clients to secure a fair settlement covering medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. They are skilled at dealing with insurance companies’ tactics to minimize payouts.
Representation in Court: If a fair settlement cannot be reached through negotiation, a personal injury attorney will represent their client in court. Additionally, they prepare and present the case, argue on behalf of the client, and strive to achieve the best possible outcome through litigation.
Calculating Damages: When determining the value of a personal injury claim, attorneys consider factors such as medical bills, future medical needs, loss of earning capacity, and non-economic damages. They aim to ensure that clients receive full compensation for their injuries.
Providing Support and Advocacy: Throughout the legal process, truck accident attorneys act as advocates for their clients, providing emotional support and ensuring that their clients’ voices are heard. They also handle all legal aspects of the case, allowing clients to focus on recovery.
Contingency Fee Basis: Truck accident injury attorneys often work on a contingency fee basis, which means they only get paid if they win the case. This approach makes legal representation accessible to more people and ensures that the attorney’s interests are aligned with those of their clients.
Legal Strategies and Client Representation
At The Patel Firm, we prioritize our client’s needs by creating cohesive strategies to ensure that the at-fault parties are held liable and clients receive maximum compensation.
From conducting thorough case evaluations to reviewing the necessary documents such as medical records, accident reports, and witness testimonies, we can formulate personalized legal strategies to achieve clients’ goals.
The firm prioritizes clear and consistent communication with clients, keeping them informed and involved all throughout. By maintaining open lines of communication, we ensure that clients feel supported and confident in the legal process.
Negotiation skills are an essential part of the firm’s approach, as insurance companies can lowball the client’s settlement. If we cannot reach a settlement, we are fully prepared to take the case to court.
Working With A Local Truck Accident Lawyer
Working with a local Alvin truck collision lawyer can offer several benefits:
Understanding of Local Laws: A local lawyer will be well-versed in the specific laws and regulations governing truck accidents in Alvin and across Texas. This allows you to receive accurate legal advice tailored to your case.
Accessibility and Convenience: Being based in Alvin means that your lawyer is easily accessible for meetings, consultations, and updates on your case, which 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.
Navigating Legal Complexities in Truck Accidents
The legal landscape of personal injuries continues to evolve with new regulations, court filings, and legal precedents. Additionally, the laws in every state vary, so it’s essential to stay updated with the changes to advocate for the client effectively. If you suffered injuries in Alvin or across Texas, it’s good to be familiar with the state laws and regulations.
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 An Alvin-based Truck Accident Lawyer Now
Reach out to an Alvin-based truck accident attorney at The Patel Firm for your urgent needs after a trucking accident.
Truck collisions often leave victims with catastrophic injuries and devastating damages. Unlike private vehicle drivers, truck drivers are usually associated with employers, contractors, or trucking companies, complicating accountability.
That’s where we come in. The Patel Firm will advocate for our rights and ensure that the physical and emotional damage you endured will be fairly compensated.
If you or a loved one has suffered injuries due to a truck accident in Alvin, get your free consultation by calling us at (361) 400-2036 or message us through our online form to discuss your legal options.
