Fighting for the Compensation You Deserve After a Commercial Truck Crash
Tractor trailers rely heavily on highways running through San Angelo to transport cargo between Austin, San Antonio, and Waco to Midland Odessa and other points west.
But while tractor-trailers are essential for our economy, they also pose significant and deadly risks to other motorists. One small error or lapse of attention can spell catastrophe instantly for truck drivers and everyone in their path.
If you've been injured in a truck accident, you need a top-performing San Angelo truck accident lawyer who will fight for your rights and help you secure the compensation you deserve.
Contact the Law Offices of David M. White today for a free consultation. We understand the emotional and financial toll a truck accident can take on you and your family. Let us help you rebuild your life and secure the compensation you deserve.
San Angelo Truck Accident Guide
- Why Are Truck Accidents So Deadly?
- What Are the Top Causes of Commercial Truck Accidents?
- Who May Be Held Liable for a San Angelo Truck Accident?
- What Compensation Can Truck Accident Victims Claim?
- Can I Sue If I’m Partially to Blame for a Truck Accident?
- Let Us Deal With the Insurance Companies
- Is There a Time Limit for Filing a Truck Accident Lawsuit in Texas?
- Why Choose Us for Your San Angelo Truck Accident Case?
- Contact a DedicatedSan Angelo Truck Accident Attorney Today
Why Are Truck Accidents So Deadly?
Truck accidents are usually more catastrophic than most other types of crashes for several reasons, including:
- Size and weight disparity: Fully loaded commercial trucks can weigh 80,000 pounds, dwarfing the average passenger vehicle, which weighs around 4,000 pounds. This enormous difference in size and weight often leads to devastating consequences for passenger vehicle occupants.
- Height difference: The higher ground clearance of trucks increases the risk of smaller vehicles sliding under them in collisions.
- Longer stopping distances: Trucks require much more distance to come to a complete stop because of their size and weight
- Cargo hazards: Improperly secured or hazardous cargo can spill during an accident, creating additional dangers.
Truck Accidents are Usually More Devastating
Because commercial vehicles are so large and heavy, accidents involving these rigs are often more catastrophic.
Truck-specific crashes can include:
- Jackknife accidents: The trailer swings out at a 90-degree angle from the cab
- Underride collisions: A smaller vehicle slides underneath the trailer
- Override accidents: A truck runs over a smaller vehicle
- Rollover crashes: A truck tips onto its side or roof
- Wide turn accidents: A truck swings wide to make a turn, colliding with other vehicles
- Blind spot crashes: A truck changes lanes, unaware of vehicles in its no-zone.
Understanding these dangers underscores the importance of having a knowledgeable San Angelo truck accident lawyer on your side if you've been involved in such a collision.
What Are the Top Causes of Commercial Truck Accidents?
Truck accidents can occur for various reasons, often involving negligence by the truck driver, trucking company, or other parties.
Common causes include:
- Driver fatigue: Long hours on the road can lead to drowsy driving
- Distracted driving: Using mobile devices or eating while driving
- Speeding: Exceeding speed limits or driving too fast for conditions
- Impaired driving: Operating under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- Inadequate training: Inexperienced or poorly trained drivers
- Poor vehicle maintenance: Neglecting to maintain the truck properly
- Overloaded or Improperly Loaded Cargo: Causing instability or equipment failure
- Aggressive driving: Tailgating, unsafe lane changes, or road rage
- Weather conditions: Failing to adjust driving for rain, ice, or fog
- Defective equipment: Faulty brakes, tires, or other critical components
Identifying all of the causes of your truck accident is key to determining liability and pursuing full compensation for your injuries from every responsible party.
Who May Be Held Liable for a San Angelo Truck Accident?
Truck accidents often involve multiple parties who may share liability for the crash.
Potentially liable parties include:
- The truck driver: If their negligent actions, such as distracted driving or speeding, caused the accident.
- The trucking company: A carrier may be liable for its drivers’ actions and for issues such as hiring drivers without proper screening, improper training, or encouraging drivers to violate hours-of-service regulations.
- The cargo loading company: If improper loading or securing of cargo contributed to the accident.
- The truck manufacturer: If a defective component or design flaw in the truck caused or contributed to the accident.
- The maintenance provider: If poor maintenance or truck repairs led to mechanical failure.
Securing maximum compensation for your injuries depends on identifying all parties liable for your accident. A skilled San Angelo truck accident lawyer will investigate your accident thoroughly and hold all responsible parties accountable.
What Compensation Can Truck Accident Victims Claim?
After a truck accident, you may recover compensation for:
- Medical expenses (current and future)
- Lost wages or income
- Loss of future earning capacity
- Property damage
- Rehabilitation costs
- Home modification expenses for permanent disabilities
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Loss of consortium (impact on marital relationship)
Families who have lost a loved one in a truck accident may seek compensation for wrongful death, including damages for:
- Funeral and burial expenses
- Loss of financial support
- Loss of companionship and guidance
- Mental anguish and emotional suffering of surviving family members
The damages that you can rightfully claim depend on the circumstances of your accident and the extent of your injuries. A San Angelo truck accident lawyer can help you understand and pursue all forms of compensation you may be entitled to receive.
Can I Sue If I’m Partially to Blame for a Truck Accident?
Texas is a modified comparative negligence state. This concept, called proportionate responsibility in Texas, allows you to sue for damages if you are partially to blame for the accident. However, the court will reduce your compensation by the percentage of blame, if any, you share for the accident.
You cannot seek compensation if the court determines you were 51% or more at fault.
Let Us Deal With the Insurance Companies
After a truck accident, insurance adjusters representing the trucking company may contact you with a quick settlement offer. While tempting, especially when facing mounting medical bills and lost income, these initial offers are usually far less than your case is worth.
Insurance companies protect their bottom line and their profits. They may minimize your claim or pressure you to accept a low settlement offer. They may even lead you to make statements that they could use to weaken your case.
Your San Angelo truck accident attorney will handle all communications with insurance companies. I will account for all the damages you deserve, negotiate on your behalf, and fight for your full and fair compensation. I will never back down until I know you will get every dollar you deserve.
Is There a Time Limit for Filing a Truck Accident Lawsuit in Texas?
Yes, the statute of limitations for filing a truck accident lawsuit in Texas is two years from the date of the accident for personal injury cases or from the date of death for wrongful death claims.
However, initiating your claim as soon as possible after an accident is crucial. Delays can result in lost evidence, faded witness memories, missed insurance claim deadlines, and give the trucking company more time to prepare its defense.
Why Choose Us for Your San Angelo Truck Accident Case?
Choosing the right truck accident lawyer in San Angelo can make all the difference in the outcome of your case.
When you hire the Law Offices of David M. White for your San Angelo truck accident case, you receive:
- Client-centered service: At our firm, you're not just another case number. We give each client our full support and attention and treat them with the compassion and respect they deserve.
- Experience and skill: We have a proven record of handling complex truck accident cases. We understand trucking laws and regulations and the complexities of truck accident cases.
- Resources: Truck accident cases often require extensive resources for investigation and expert testimony. We have the network and financial capacity to build the strongest possible case for you.
- Aggressive representation: We're not afraid to stand up to large trucking companies and their insurers. We'll fight tirelessly to protect your rights, and we won’t back down until we secure the compensation you deserve.
- Comprehensive approach: We handle all aspects of your case, from dealing with insurance companies to negotiating with medical providers, allowing you to focus on your recovery.
- Clear communication: We keep our clients informed. You'll always know the status of your case and what to expect next.
- Community commitment: As members of the San Angelo community, we're invested in helping our neighbors recover from devastating accidents and holding negligent parties accountable.
- Results-Oriented: Our primary goal is to secure the best possible outcome for you, whether through settlement negotiations or courtroom litigation.
- No win, no fee: We work on a contingency basis, meaning you don't pay unless we win your case. You can pursue justice without worrying about upfront legal fees.
Contact a DedicatedSan Angelo Truck Accident Attorney Today
A truck accident can turn your life upside down in an instant. At the Law Offices of David M. White, we're committed to helping you regain control and secure the compensation you need to move forward and heal.
Count on us when you need an experienced San Angelo truck accident attorney who is ready to investigate your case thoroughly, handle all communication with insurance companies, fight for maximum compensation for your injuries and losses, and provide personalized support throughout the entire process.
Call the Law Offices of David M. White today at (325) 221-4421 or visit our website for your free consultation. Let us pursue the justice and compensation you deserve. Our San Angelo personal injury attorney will answer all your questions without further obligation.