Accidents involving large commercial trucks are among the most hazardous collisions that occur on US-181, the Crosstown Expressway, and other roads in and around Corpus Christi. Due to a variety of factors, they’re also some of the most complex. If you suffered injuries in an accident with an 18-wheeler, you may be entitled to seek compensation through a truck accident claim. However, if you’re trying to keep up with treatment and heal after a collision, the claims process may present a far greater challenge than you can manage on your own.
This is where an experienced and knowledgeable Corpus Christi truck accident lawyer can make a critical difference. When you trust The Patel Firm to prepare and pursue a claim on your behalf, you can more easily focus on your health, secure in the peace of mind that comes with knowing a skilled legal professional is in your corner.
Contact our office 24/7 to get started with a free case evaluation. You pay nothing unless we win your case.
Why You Should Hire a Corpus Christi Attorney for Your Truck Accident Claim
Most people feel overwhelmed in the aftermath of a serious accident with a semi-truck. Medical bills begin to pile up while injuries limit their ability to work or manage other daily responsibilities. Additionally, they may start receiving calls from insurance adjusters soon after the crash, requesting statements or pressuring them to accept quick settlement offers. Meanwhile, trucking companies often move fast to protect their own interests by sending investigators to the scene and collecting evidence before victims have a chance to act.
Trying to face all of this alone can feel isolating and exhausting. The process of securing fair truck accident compensation involves more than just filing a claim. State and federal trucking regulations make these claims particularly complex, and trucking companies have powerful insurers and legal teams working on their behalf. Without legal help of your own, valuable evidence could go missing, and early errors or delays could come back to affect your entire case. Having a Corpus Christi truck accident attorney from The Patel Firm by your side means having someone fully dedicated to protecting your rights from the start.
Contact us today to speak with a qualified truck accident lawyer in Corpus Christi. Your case review is free and fully confidential.
How We Investigate Corpus Christi Truck Accident Cases
A strong truck accident case begins with a thorough investigation. To build a case that accurately reflects what happened, The Patel Firm works hard to uncover every detail about the cause of the crash and the parties responsible. When you work with us, we’ll take charge of this process. Our lawyers can fight to secure and preserve crucial evidence before it disappears and coordinate with investigators, outside experts, and witnesses to establish liability.
Evidence we may collect includes the following:
- The official police accident report and any supplemental findings from law enforcement
- Black box or electronic logging device (ELD) data showing vehicle speed, braking, and driver hours
- The truck driver’s employment and driving history, including prior violations or disciplinary actions
- Maintenance and inspection records for the truck and trailer
- Cargo loading documents and weigh station records
- Photos and videos from the crash scene
- Third-party surveillance or dashcam videos
- Eyewitness statements
- Expert accident reconstruction analyses
- Cell phone records, GPS data, and dispatch logs
- Medical records and proof of financial losses
Gathering this evidence can present a challenge. Trucking companies may delay, lose, or deny access to key records, and electronic systems may overwrite critical data within days of the crash. The Patel Firm will act promptly to issue preservation letters, obtain court orders as necessary, and coordinate with forensic specialists to secure and interpret the information needed to build a compelling claim.
What Compensation Could I Recover in a Corpus Christi Truck Accident Claim?
A collision with a big rig on I-37 can result in severe injuries and significant financial losses. Depending on the circumstances, you might pursue compensation for the following:
- Medical expenses, including future treatment costs
- Lost income, including loss of future earnings
- Physical and emotional pain and suffering
- Diminished quality and enjoyment of life
- Property damage, such as vehicle repair/replacement
The amount of compensation you may be entitled to depends on the nature and severity of your injuries and your long-term prospects for recovery. More severe injuries tend to result in greater expenses and yield higher compensation.
At your free, no-obligation consultation with The Patel Firm, a truck accident attorney in Corpus Christi can assess your situation to determine the compensation you could qualify for.
Why Are Trucking Accidents More Complicated Than Other Motor Vehicle Crashes?
Trucking accidents differ from accidents between passenger vehicles in several important ways. Commercial trucks are governed by both Texas laws and federal regulations established by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). These rules cover driver hours, cargo weight, maintenance standards, and other aspects of vehicle operation and driver behavior. A single violation can contribute to a devastating collision. Additionally, the significant damage from an 18-wheeler’s impact often leads to higher medical costs and more complex insurance claims.
Depending on the unique facts of the crash, commercial truck accidents can also involve multiple responsible parties, each of which may have its own insurance company and legal team working to reduce its liability. These overlapping interests make trucking cases far more complicated to resolve than most other motor vehicle accidents.
Who Could Be Held Liable for a Truck Accident in Corpus Christi?
Several different entities might contribute to a truck accident on Padre Island Drive or another local roadway. Every party involved in the trucking operation has a duty to follow safety regulations and exercise reasonable care, and each can be held liable if they fail to do so.
Potentially responsible parties may include the following:
- The truck driver, if their actions or inattention caused the crash
- The trucking company, if it engaged in unsafe hiring practices or pushed unrealistic delivery schedules
- The cargo loading company, if it failed to properly secure or load the cargo
- A truck or parts manufacturer, if defective components or mechanical failures caused the crash
- Maintenance providers, if negligent inspection or repair work contributed
- Other motorists, if their actions or inaction contributed to the collision
