Get in touch with an acclaimed Allen truck accident attorney at The Patel Firm to handle your legal troubles while you focus on your recovery. With years of experience in personal injury litigation, The Patel Firm stands out as a trusted advocate for individuals involved in trucking accidents.
Truck collisions are more complicated than one can imagine, and they usually involve 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. With its size and mechanism, the accidents caused by these vehicles can be catastrophic.
Apart from surviving the injuries, you still have to think about how to deal with 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.
Our firm understands that life after a truck accident can be devastating, which is why our attorneys are always ready to answer your call. Contact us at (361) 400-2036 or fill out our secure online form for a free consultation.
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 dedicated to providing first-class representation for personal injury victims in Allen and all across Texas. We have passionate and knowledgeable team members who are genuinely committed to helping you or your loved ones secure compensation for your damages and hold the responsible parties 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 in A Truck Accident Case?
It is in our expertise to guide you through the complicated legal process of an accident, and we will be with you from beginning to end. We provide comprehensive assistance and compassionate support for truck accident victims, protecting your rights and securing maximum compensation.
Here’s how our lawyers can help you in a truck collision:
Evaluation of Case Details
A free case evaluation is a no-cost service offered by law firms, allowing potential clients to discuss their cases with a lawyer.
During this consultation, the attorney will review the details of the case, explain possible legal options, and determine if the firm can help. This initial meeting allows clients to understand if they have a valid claim and what steps they should take next, all without any financial obligation.
Conducting an Investigation
An in-depth investigation is a thorough examination of every aspect of a legal case. This process involves gathering evidence, interviewing witnesses, reviewing documents, and analyzing facts to build a strong case.
The aim is to uncover all relevant information to support the client’s position, identify any weaknesses, and prepare for potential challenges during negotiations or in court.
Reviewing Documentation
Documentation is the process of collecting, organizing, and maintaining all necessary records for a legal case. This includes contracts, medical records, police reports, correspondence, and other relevant documents.
Proper documentation is essential as it provides the factual basis for the case, substantiates claims, and ensures that all legal procedures are followed. It is also crucial to present a clear and compelling case to insurance companies or in court.
Handling Negotiations
Negotiation with insurance companies involves communicating and bargaining with insurers to secure a fair settlement for a client’s claim.
Attorneys 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 clients receive the maximum possible settlement.
Litigation
Litigation is the process of resolving disputes through the court system. If a settlement cannot be reached through negotiation, the case may go 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 Allen
As one of the most dangerous states for trucking accidents, Texas stands with 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 Forbes Advisor’s research, Texas is not only dangerous to truck drivers, but it’s also one of the riskiest states for all types of crashes, ranking seventh for motorists.
Allen, Texas, is a growing town in Collin County, 25 miles north of downtown Dallas. Positioned along U.S. Route 75, commonly referred to as Central Expressway, it serves as a thoroughfare linking the Dallas Fort Worth metroplex with northern Texas. The city’s growth, combined with high traffic congestion, poses a risk of truck accidents in the area.
Trucks are complex vehicles to maneuver, and to get a license, specialized skills and a high level of awareness are needed to qualify. Some challenges include long hours, weather conditions, heavy traffic, and load management. To meet the demands of this job efficiently, truck drivers need a high level of physical and mental endurance.
Explore your legal options with a seasoned Allen truck accident lawyer and learn how, together, we can hold the at-fault party accountable for the damages endured and secure the maximum compensation.
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?
The roadways are dangerous these days for drivers, passengers, motorists, and pedestrians due to the growing number of trucks on the road.
In the United States, 13 million trucks are registered, and among them, 2.9 million are semi-trucks, so it’s no surprise that you can spot trucking accidents nearby. Here are the most common places where accidents occur in Allen:
Intersections: 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.
Highways and Freeways: High-speed traffic on highways can lead to severe accidents. For instance, US-75 (Central Expressway) is a major north-south highway that runs through Allen, facilitating both commuter traffic and interstate travel, with an average daily traffic volume of 247,000.
Construction Zones: Areas where road construction is ongoing can be hazardous for all vehicles, including trucks. Narrow lanes, reduced speed limits, and distracted driving can contribute to accidents. This mixed-use development area near US-75 and Bethany Drive has seen continuous growth and construction of residential, commercial, and retail spaces.
Residential Areas: Trucks delivering goods or services to residential neighborhoods may encounter tight spaces, parked cars, and pedestrians, increasing the risk of accidents. For example, Allen is home to residential areas like Twin Creeks and Starcreek and can experience congestion during rush hours as residents commute to and from work.
Parking Lots and Loading Docks: Collisions can occur when trucks maneuver in parking lots or loading docks of businesses, especially if visibility is poor or if there are pedestrians or other vehicles nearby.
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.
There are several different kinds of damages that arise from your accident. Here are the main categories of compensation related to trucking accidents:
Economic Damages
Medical Expenses: These include all costs associated with medical treatment following an accident. This can cover emergency room visits, hospital stays, surgeries, medications, physical therapy, and ongoing care. Both immediate and long-term medical expenses are also considered, including future medical care that may be required due to the injuries sustained.
Lost Wages: When an accident victim is unable to work due to their injuries, they may be entitled to compensation for lost wages. This includes the income they would have earned during the recovery period, as well as any future earnings lost if the injuries result in long-term or permanent disability, and it takes into account salary, bonuses, and other employment benefits.
Property Damage: This refers to the cost of repairing or replacing the truck and any other personal property damaged in the accident. Property damage claims can include the cost of parts, labor for repairs, and the replacement value of items that cannot be repaired.
Rehabilitation Costs: Injuries from truck accidents often require extensive rehabilitation, such as physical therapy, occupational therapy, and other forms of rehabilitative care, and these costs can accumulate over time and are essential for the victim’s recovery and ability to regain function and independence.
Out-of-Pocket Expenses: These are additional costs incurred as a direct result of the accident. They can include transportation to and from medical appointments, home modifications to accommodate disabilities, rental cars, and any other incidental expenses that arise due to the injuries. Out-of-pocket expenses are reimbursable if they are necessary and directly related to the accident and subsequent treatment.
Non-Economic Damages
Pain and Suffering: This encompasses the physical pain and discomfort experienced by the victim due to their injuries, and it includes both the immediate pain from the accident and any chronic pain that persists as a result of the injuries. Pain and suffering compensation aims to address the enduring physical anguish the victim endures.
Emotional Distress: Emotional distress covers the psychological impact of the accident and injuries on the victim. This can include anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and other mental health issues. The emotional toll of the accident can significantly affect the victim’s daily life, relationships, and overall well-being.
Loss of Consortium: This refers to the negative impact the accident has on the victim’s relationships with their spouse or family members, and it can include loss of companionship, affection, support, and sexual relations. Loss of consortium claims are typically brought by the spouse or close family members of the injured party.
Loss of Enjoyment of Life: This damage addresses the loss of the victim’s ability to enjoy activities and hobbies that they once found pleasurable, and it considers how the injuries have limited their ability to engage in recreational activities, social interactions, and other aspects of life that contribute to their overall happiness and fulfillment.
Disfigurement and Scarring: When an accident results in significant scarring or disfigurement, the victim may receive compensation for the impact on their appearance and self-esteem. Disfigurement can lead to social stigma, emotional trauma, and reduced quality of life. This type of damage recognizes the long-term effects of visible injuries on the victim’s physical and emotional well-being.
Role of a Specialized Attorney
Trucking collisions are traumatic experiences that no one wants to encounter, and dealing with the aftermath of the accident can be overwhelming. In the midst of all the challenges, it’s essential to consult with a skilled truck accident lawyer to guide you through the legal process from start to finish. We are committed to your case, and we do not cut corners.
If you ever face such challenges, it’s crucial to be represented by dedicated and experienced Allen truck accident attorneys who will work to the best of their ability to achieve your goal.
Legal Strategies and Client Representation
At The Patel Firm, we tailor our methods to suit each client, making sure to devise the most effective strategies for the best results. We leverage our wide-ranging resources and knowledge to advocate for your best interests.
Our goal is to shield clients from an aggressive insurance sector using our dedicated work ethic and thorough approach, resulting in outcomes we are proud of.
Additionally, by working closely with medical professionals, we ensure thorough documentation of injuries and thoughtful evaluation of future healthcare requirements.
Working With A Local Truck Accident Lawyer
Working with a local Allen truck accident attorney can offer several advantages, including:
Understanding of Local Laws: A local lawyer will be well-versed in the specific laws and regulations governing truck accidents in Allen and across Texas. This allows you to receive accurate legal advice tailored to your case.
Accessibility and Convenience: Being based in Allen 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 Allen or in Texas, it’s good to be knowledgeable of the state laws and regulations.
Statute of Limitations
If you’re a victim of a trucking accident and you want to sue the liable party, you usually have two years to file a lawsuit from the date of injury, and 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 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, violations of these rules by truck drivers and companies still happen, 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 32 hours of the accident. The results can be used as evidence in any resulting lawsuits against the truck driver.
Contact An Allen-based Truck Accident Lawyer Now
Call a trusted Allen-based truck accident lawyer from The Patel Firm for your urgent needs after experiencing a trucking accident. Our firm believes that with our years of experience and unlimited resources, we are the best advocate for your best interests.
Take the first step toward today by reaching out to one of our attorneys. Remember, consultation is free of charge! Contact us at (361) 400-2036 or complete our online form to discover more about the legal options available to you.
