Consult with a renowned Abilene Truck Accident Lawyer at The Patel Firm to bring your truck accident case to justice and be properly compensated for your damages and injuries.
Vehicular accidents happen almost every day in Texas, and many of those incidents involve commercial trucks. Due to their size and differences in mechanism, truck accidents typically result in catastrophic collisions and severe property damage. Unlike private vehicle drivers, truck drivers are usually associated with employers, contractors, or trucking companies, which can complicate liability.
Over the years, The Patel Firm has successfully resolved countless cases and secured millions of dollars for clients in Abilene 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 work tirelessly to ensure that the results of your claim speak to the quality of our work. We believe in going to great lengths to maximize compensation. Feel free to check out our verified testimonials and five-star reviews on Google.
Our experience in the industry has given us a deep understanding of the difficulties of bouncing back from a tragic accident, which is why our attorneys are always ready to answer your call.
For free consultation, call (361) 400-2036 now or send us a message through our online form. There are no upfront fees, and 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
We offer clients a free case evaluation to discuss the details of their case at no cost. During this consultation, our attorneys will assess the merits of the case, explain the legal options available, and determine how we can assist. This initial evaluation helps clients understand whether they have a viable claim and what the next steps might be without any financial commitment.
In-Depth Investigation
This process includes gathering evidence, interviewing witnesses, reviewing documents, and analyzing facts to build a strong foundation for the case. The goal is to uncover all relevant information that can support the client’s position, identify any potential weaknesses, and prepare for any challenges that might arise during negotiations or litigation.
Documentation
This refers to the process of collecting, organizing, and maintaining all necessary paperwork and records related to a legal case. This includes contracts, medical records, police reports, correspondence, and any other relevant documents. Proper documentation is crucial as it provides the factual basis for the case, helps to substantiate claims, and ensures that all legal procedures are correctly followed.
Negotiation with Insurance Companies
Negotiation with insurance companies involves communicating and bargaining with insurers to reach a fair settlement for a client’s claim. Attorneys or legal representatives will use the evidence and documentation gathered during the investigation to argue for appropriate compensation for damages, injuries, or losses. This process requires a deep understanding of insurance policies, legal rights, and effective negotiation strategies to ensure that clients receive the maximum possible settlement.
Litigation
If a settlement cannot be reached through negotiation, the case may proceed to 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 Abilene
Known for its vibrant community, Abilene also has a rich culture and strong economy. Over the years, Abilene has grown into a thriving center for commerce and education, home to several universities and colleges.
The city’s population has shown steady growth, resulting to over 126,000 recorded residents, and authorities anticipate continued expansion in the future. Unfortunately, congestion and urbanization have contributed to the high frequency of accidents in the city.
Texas encountered more than 26,000 truck crashes in 2023, 160 of which resulted in fatal injuries, 621 severe injuries, and 2,815 minor injuries. According to the Texas Department of Public Safety, many of these incidents are caused by speeding, distracted driving, and driver fatigue.
Driving a commercial truck is different from driving a private vehicle, which is why it requires a Commercial Driver’s License. Without the load, trucks already weigh a lot more than regular vehicles, so they require 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 Abilene 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: Truck 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. e.
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 truck accidents 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 accidents due to factors such as high traffic, road systems, and industrial activity. These locations include:
I-20: Abilene is located directly on Interstate 20, which serves as a crucial connection between El Paso to the west and Dallas/Ft. Worth to the east. This interstate sees an average daily traffic volume of around 40,000 vehicles, signifying its importance as a major transportation route in the area.
U.S. 83 North: The intersection of U.S. 83 North at FM 89 in Abilene is significant for the area, as it is home to the regional mall and several major retailers and restaurants.
Loop 322: It is a loop around the southeastern part of the city that connects to major highways and industrial areas and it facilitates the movement of both local and through traffic, including commercial trucks. It has since undergone reconstruction to improve traffic flow.
Business Route I-20: Known locally as Business 20 or “Business Interstate 20,” this route sees a mix of local and through traffic, including trucks. It passes through central Abilene, providing access to numerous local businesses, residential areas, and public facilities.
Key Intersections: Busy intersections such as those at Treadaway Boulevard, South 14th Street, and Judge Ely Boulevard can be hotspots for accidents involving trucks due to the volume of traffic and the complexity of vehicle movements.
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
Dealing with the legalities after suffering from a trucking accident can be stressful, especially when you should still be recovering from the physical and emotional damages.
That’s why it’s even more important to consult with a specialized truck accident attorney, and the attorneys at The Patel Law Firm are not only skilled but also compassionate.
Here are key aspects of their role:
Legal Expertise and Guidance: Truck accident attorneys have specialized knowledge in the field of personal injury law, including the nuances of various types of cases such as car accidents, medical malpractice, workplace injuries, and wrongful death, and they provide expert legal guidance to ensure that clients understand their rights and the legal process.
Case Evaluation and Investigation: An experienced attorney will thoroughly evaluate the details of a client’s case to determine its merit. This involves gathering evidence, interviewing witnesses, reviewing medical records, and consulting with experts to build a strong case.
Negotiating with Insurance Companies: Truck accident attorneys handle all communications and negotiations with insurance companies on behalf of their clients, and their goal is to secure a fair settlement that covers all damages, including medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. They are skilled negotiators who understand the tactics used by insurance companies 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: Determining the value of a personal injury claim involves more than just adding up medical bills. Attorneys consider all factors, including future medical needs, loss of earning capacity, and non-economic damages such as emotional distress and loss of enjoyment of life. They work 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: Many truck accident injury attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, meaning they only get paid if they win the case, and this arrangement makes legal representation accessible to those who might not afford it otherwise and aligns the attorney’s interests with those of their clients.
Legal Strategies and Client Representation
The Patel Firm prioritizes clients’ needs by developing comprehensive strategies and providing first-class representation to ensure that the responsible parties are 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 believes in clear and consistent communication with clients, keeping them informed and involved throughout the legal process. 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.
The Patel Firm understands the many challenging phases of personal injury cases, which is why we are committed to providing personalized methods to help you achieve justice without compromising compassion.
Working With A Local Truck Accident Lawyer
Working with a local Abilene 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 truck accidents in Abilene and across Texas. This allows you to receive accurate legal advice tailored to your case.
Accessibility and Convenience: Being based in Abilene 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 Abilene or in Texas, it’s good to be knowledgeable of the state laws and regulations.
Statute of Limitations in Texas
If you’ve been hurt and want to sue for incidents like truck accidents, injuries on someone else’s property, or from a defective product, you generally have two years to file a lawsuit from the date of the injury.
If someone hurts your reputation with a false statement, like in defamation cases, you have one year to sue. For medical malpractice, you generally have two (2) 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) sets rules to keep truck drivers and the public safe. These rules cover things like truck maintenance, weight limits, loading procedures, and driver qualifications.
However, truck drivers and companies still violate these rules, leading to accidents that can cause injuries, deaths, 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 thirty-two (32) hours of the accident. The results can be used as evidence in any resulting lawsuits against the truck driver.
Contact An Abilene Truck Accident Lawyer Now
Call an Abilene truck accident attorney at The Patel Firm to discuss your legal needs after a trucking accident. Our attorneys are ready to take your call.
Being involved in a crash is no easy feat, and we understand that many complications can arise in the aftermath. That is why our compassionate team is ready to help. We will advocate for our rights and ensure that the physical and emotional damage you endured will be brought to justice.
If you or a loved one has suffered injuries due to a truck accident in Abilene, get your free consultation by calling us at (361) 400-2036 or message us through our online form to discuss your legal options.
