Speak to a seasoned Palacios truck accident lawyer from The Patel Firm after suffering injuries or property damages from a commercial truck collision.

With many transporting activities related to oil, gas, agriculture, and manufacturing, truck accidents are a common occurrence in Texas. Due to their size and weight, injuries sustained from the crash are mostly catastrophic.

If you are involved in such a tragic incident, you have the right to seek justice. At The Patel Firm, advocating for your rights is what we do best. Our experienced team is dedicated to providing first-class legal representation to those who have been hurt by a truck.

We take pride in our successful record of resolving numerous cases and securing large settlements for clients in Palacios and across Texas. Feel free to browse through our verified testimonials and five-star reviews on Google.

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. We are available 24/7 to address your legal concerns.

Why Choose The Patel Firm

With The Patel Firm, you are not just one case out of many. We genuinely want to get to know you and your story. Using our resources and years of experience, our legal team is effectively able 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.

How Can We Help You In A Truck 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
• Maximizing Compensation

About Truck Accidents in Palacios

Road and traffic conditions in Palacios can cause truck accidents. According to the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT), there have been 20 reported crashes involving commercial vehicles in Matagorda County. Among these incidents, 1 is suspected to have resulted in severe injuries, and 4 are alleged to have resulted in minor injuries.

The area’s rural and semi-rural roads, often with uneven surfaces and occasional potholes, present hazards for large trucks that require careful navigation. Additionally, the high traffic volumes at intersections, such as those along State Highway 35 and Highway 35 Bypass, can lead to increased risks of collisions due to the complexity of maneuvering large vehicles in busy areas.

Weather conditions in Palacios further contribute to the risk of truck accidents. Coastal weather patterns can lead to sudden changes in visibility and road traction, such as fog, rain, and strong winds. These conditions can make it challenging for truck drivers to maintain control and operate safely, especially when hauling heavy loads.

Driver behavior and fatigue also play significant roles in truck accidents. Long-haul truck drivers may experience fatigue, leading to decreased reaction times and impaired decision-making. Additionally, distractions or reckless driving by other road users can increase the likelihood of accidents involving trucks, particularly in high-traffic areas or during busy travel times.

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?

Truck accidents in Palacios are most likely to occur in several key areas:

• Highway Intersections: High-traffic intersections, such as those along State Highway 35 and Highway 35 Bypass, are common sites for truck accidents. The complexity of these intersections, combined with heavy traffic and frequent turns, increases the risk of collisions involving large trucks.

• Downtown Area: The downtown area, with its narrower streets and higher pedestrian activity, can be particularly hazardous for trucks. The congestion and maneuvering challenges in this area contribute to a higher likelihood of accidents.

• Rural Roads: Trucks traveling on rural roads surrounding Palacios face risks due to less frequent maintenance, unexpected wildlife crossings, and varying road conditions. These roads often have higher speed limits and fewer safety features, making them more prone to accidents involving trucks.

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 Palacios 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 Palacios and across Texas. This allows you to receive accurate legal advice tailored to your case.

Accessibility and Convenience: Being based in Palacios 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 Palacios 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 Palacios-based Truck Accident Lawyer Now

Reach out to an award-winning Palacios truck accident lawyer from The Patel Firm to protect your rights after suffering injuries from a commercial trucking crash.

We understand that getting your life back together can be difficult after an accident, but we are here to guide you through the legal challenges. Our skilled legal team can help you seek justice and gain maximum compensation to cover your accident-related expenses, allowing you to focus on your recovery.

Free Consultation: Schedule your free consultation now by calling (361) 400-2036 or messaging us through our online form to discuss your legal options.