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Big trucks cause big injuries. These large monsters go by a variety of names: Tractor-trailers, 18-wheelers, big rigs, semis… Due to the disproportionate size and weight of a commercial truck on one side and a passenger vehicle, motorcycle, or bike on the other, the smaller car is typically crushed or mangled during the impact. If you or a family member has been in an accident with a large truck, you know full well how frightening and devastating these crashes can be.
The experienced Houston accident lawyers at Tate Law Offices, P.C., are here to help you. After calling us or contacting us online regarding the facts and merit of your case, we can get to work for you right away. Meanwhile, you can focus on your health and healing. Our truck accident lawyers have the skill, resources, and experience to handle 18-wheeler accident cases in Houston, Fort Worth, Dallas, and all areas throughout Texas and surrounding states.
Please note that to protect your rights and maximize your recovery, you should take immediate action after a truck crash. We can send a team of lawyers and investigators to the accident scene right away to document and preserve crucial evidence before it is lost or destroyed.
Complexities of a Truck Accident Case
A truck accident case is inherently more complex than a standard automobile accident case. Unlike regular vehicle accidents, truck accidents involve multiple parties, including:
- Driver
- Trucking company
- Vehicle manufacturer
- Cargo loader.
Each of these entities can potentially be held liable, and determining the responsible party tends to be a difficult task in such circumstances.
Moreover, truck accidents often involve federal and state regulations, which further complicate the case. These regulations govern aspects such as truck maintenance, driver rest periods, and cargo loading, among others. A breach of these regulations can be a crucial factor in establishing liability. However, identifying such breaches requires a comprehensive understanding of these laws and regulations.
Additionally, the severity of injuries in truck accidents tends to be higher, leading to substantial medical expenses. This makes it vital to secure adequate compensation. Nonetheless, insurance companies often employ tactics to minimize payout, adding another layer of problems to these cases. Therefore, victims of truck accidents need an attorney who is well-versed in the intricacies of such cases.
What Can a Houston Truck Accident Lawyer Do For Me?
A Houston truck accident lawyer plays a pivotal role in ensuring victims receive fair compensation. These lawyers have in-depth knowledge of local laws and regulations, along with extensive experience in dealing with truck accident cases. They can effectively navigate the intricacies of such cases and advocate for the victim’s rights.
The lawyer’s role begins with a thorough investigation of the accident. They:
- Examine the accident scene
- Inspect the involved vehicles
- Analyze the driver’s logs and black box data – this comprehensive inquiry helps in determining liability and discovering the cause of the accident
- Deal with the insurance companies on behalf of the victim – handling all communication and negotiations, preventing the victim from making potentially damaging statements
- Check that the insurance company does not undervalue the claim, thereby securing the maximum possible compensation
- Help you seek all forms of compensation
- Assist you in getting care from qualified medical professionals
- File a lawsuit if a reasonable settlement cannot be reached
- Build a solid strategy to obtain a maximized jury award
- Collect and preserve evidence for your accident, including but not limited to:
- Police report
- Traffic camera footage or security camera recordings
- Information from doctors and surgeons, including – scans, x-rays, prognoses and opinions
- Defendant’s’ past records
- Recorded witness interviews
- Cellular phone data
Importance of Driver Logs and Black Box in a Truck Accident Case
In a truck accident case, the driver’s log and the black box data serve as key pieces of evidence. The driver’s log provides information about the driver’s work hours, rest periods, and any maintenance carried out on the truck. Federal regulations mandate certain rest periods for truck drivers, and a violation of these regulations can be used to prove liability.
The black box, also known as the Electronic Control Module (ECM), records various data points about the truck’s operation. To name a few, this includes data about:
- Speed
- Brake usage
- Engine RPM
- Throttle position
By analyzing this data, it is possible to reconstruct the events leading up to the accident.
It’s worth noting that accessing and interpreting this data requires specific knowledge and expertise. A Houston truck accident lawyer can make sure that this data is accurately analyzed and successfully used to strengthen the victim’s case.
Collision Reconstruction: How a Truck Accident Lawyer Can Help
Collision reconstruction is a critical aspect of a truck accident case. It involves analyzing the physical evidence from the accident scene, damage to the vehicles, and data from the black box to recreate the events leading up to the accident. This helps in understanding the cause of the accident and determining liability.
A Houston truck accident lawyer can engage expert witnesses who specialize in collision reconstruction. These experts use scientific methods and advanced software to create a detailed reconstruction of the accident. This can be a powerful piece of evidence in court, helping to demonstrate the facts of the case in a striking way.
Furthermore, the lawyer can see to it that the reconstruction is carried out promptly before the evidence is lost or degraded. They can also efficiently present the findings in court, thereby bolstering the victim’s claim.
Gathering Evidence: Why it is Crucial for Your Claim
Evidence is the cornerstone of any legal claim. In a truck accident case, gathering comprehensive evidence is vital to establish liability and the extent of damages. This includes:
- Physical evidence from the accident scene
- Medical records
- Witness statements
- Driver logs
- Black box data
Still, gathering such evidence can be a challenging task, especially for a victim dealing with the aftermath of the accident. A Tate Law Offices truck accident attorney can handle this task effectively, making sure that all relevant evidence is collected and preserved.
In addition, the attorney can use this evidence to build a strong case for compensation. They can skillfully present the evidence in court, highlighting the key aspects that support the victim’s claim.
Significance of a Police Report in a Truck Accident Case
A police report is an official record of the accident, prepared by the responding police officer. It offers a detailed account of the accident, including:
- Involved parties
- Location
- Time
- Weather conditions
- Any apparent violations of traffic laws
The police report can serve as a critical piece of evidence in a truck accident case. It can aid in setting up the facts of the case and potentially indicate liability, but the interpretation of the police report represents an obstacle as it requires legal expertise.
Not so much for a truck accident attorney who can efficiently analyze the police report and use it to strengthen the victim’s claim. They can also challenge any inaccuracies in the report, making certain that the facts are accurately represented.
Leveraging Witness Testimony in Your Truck Accident Case
Witness testimony can be a powerful tool in a truck accident case. Witnesses can provide an independent account of the accident, corroborating the victim’s version of the events. This can help demonstrate the facts of the case and support the victim’s claim.
However, identifying and interviewing witnesses can be a hard task. Witnesses may be reluctant to get involved, or their memories of the event may fade over time. A truck accident lawyer can successfully handle these challenges.
They can promptly locate and interview the witnesses, seeing to it that their statements are recorded accurately. They can also prepare the witnesses for court testimony, helping them present their account clearly and confidently.
Why Hiring a Houston Truck Accident Lawyer is Essential for Your Case?
Given the difficulties and challenges associated with a truck accident case, hiring a Houston truck accident lawyer is of utmost importance. The lawyer can skillfully navigate the legal process, advocating for the victim’s rights and interests. They can take care of the investigation, gather evidence, deal with insurance companies, and represent the victim in court.
Moreover, the lawyer can ensure that the victim receives the maximum possible compensation. They can accurately calculate the damages, including:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Any future expenses.
They can also negotiate effectively with the insurance company so that the victim’s claim is not undervalued.
With everything said and done, a truck accident attorney can provide invaluable assistance in the aftermath of a truck accident. They can guide the victim through the complex legal process, making sure that they receive the compensation they deserve. Therefore, victims of truck accidents in Houston should consider hiring only a competent and experienced truck accident attorney at the earliest.
Retaining the services of a skillful lawyer is not just a prudent decision; it’s an essential step in securing justice for victims and their families. If you or a loved one has been involved in a truck accident in Houston, don’t hesitate to seek legal help at Tate Law Offices. We are legal professionals with over 30 years of experience and over 99% success rate. Your path to justice and fair compensation begins with a skilled and dedicated lawyer by your side.
To receive a free consultation, use our contact form or call Tate Law Offices at (972) 499-4813.
