Contact an award-winning Kenedy truck accident lawyer from The Patel Firm to secure compensation after getting injured from a truck collision.
It’s not easy to get your life back together after sustaining injuries from a trucking accident. Trucks are much bigger in size and weight, which means that the impact could be greater and the injuries more serious. If the accident was caused by someone else, poor maintenance, or issues with the vehicle, you have the right to seek justice.
At The Patel Firm, our team of compassionate and knowledgeable legal professionals is always ready to assist you with your trucking accident claim. We have successfully resolved numerous cases and secured large settlements for clients in Kenedy and across Texas.
Our goal is to settle your case as soon as possible so you can focus on your recovery and move forward with your life. Consult with one of our attorneys now by calling (361) 400-2036 or filling out our secure and confidential online form.
Why Choose The Patel Firm
With The Patel Firm, you are not just one case out of many. The best way to handle your case is to know your story. Using our resources and years of experience, our legal team is more than ready to assist you in finding the responsible parties and securing maximum compensation for the damages you endured.
Our firm’s president and principal attorney, Minesh J. Patel, is 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.
Under his leadership, we have successfully handled numerous cases in personal injury litigation, including motorcycle collisions, car accidents, trucking collisions, workplace accidents, oilfield accidents, insurance disputes, and premise liability accidents.
If you require legal help after a trucking accident, do not hesitate to contact us. We are available 24/7 for your legal needs.
How Can We Help You In A Motorcycle 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 Kenedy
Kenedy, Texas, has become a hub of activity due to the Eagle Ford Shale oil boom, leading to a significant increase in truck traffic. The presence of heavy industrial vehicles, including tankers and flatbeds, on local roads has contributed to a higher risk of truck accidents. This surge in traffic has created challenging driving conditions for both truck drivers and other motorists.
According to the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT), there have been 6 reported crashes involving commercial vehicles in Kenedy County last 2023. Among these incidents, 2 are suspected to have resulted in minor injuries.
The rural roads surrounding Kenedy often lack the infrastructure to support the increased volume and weight of industrial trucks. Poorly maintained roads with potholes and narrow lanes can make it difficult for large trucks to pass through safely, increasing the likelihood of accidents.
Additionally, inadequate signage and lighting on these roads further exacerbate the risks, especially during nighttime or adverse weather conditions. Speeding and reckless driving are also prevalent due to the pressures of meeting industrial demands and tight schedules.
Truck drivers may exceed speed limits or drive aggressively, posing a danger to themselves and others on the road. The combination of heavy traffic, subpar road conditions, and risky driving behaviors makes Kenedy a potential hotspot for truck accidents, necessitating improved safety measures and infrastructure development.
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 Kenedy tend to occur in specific high-risk areas due to traffic patterns and road conditions. Key locations where these accidents are more prevalent include:
- Highway 181: This major highway runs through Kenedy and experiences significant traffic, including heavy trucks from the oil and gas industry. The high-speed limits and frequent interactions between large trucks and smaller vehicles increase the risk of accidents on this route.
- Highway 72: Another primary route in the area, Highway 72, sees substantial truck traffic due to its connection to various industrial sites. The mix of commercial vehicles and local traffic, combined with the road’s design, makes it a common site for collisions.
- Rural Roads: The numerous rural roads around Kenedy, such as Farm-to-Market Roads (FM) 792 and 743, often lack proper maintenance and infrastructure. Narrow lanes, poor lighting, and inadequate signage on these roads create hazardous conditions for large trucks, leading to higher accident risks.
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 Kenedy 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 Kenedy and across Texas. This allows you to receive accurate legal advice tailored to your case.
Accessibility and Convenience: Being based in Kenedy 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 Kenedy 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 Kenedy-based Truck Accident Lawyer Now
Reach out to an experienced Kenedy-based truck accident lawyer at The Patel Firm to seek justice after a trucking accident.
Trucking accidents typically involve various parties, including drivers, pedestrians, trucking companies, and insurance companies, complicating the legal process. An experienced legal representative in the field can help you find the person responsible for the crash and secure maximum compensation for the damages.
Free Consultation: Get your free consultation now by calling us at (361) 400-2036 or message us through our online form to discuss your legal options.