10 Truck Accident FAQs | Top Dallas Attorney
Half a million trucking wrecks happen in the United States every year, and these crashes are sadly on the rise. If you’ve been hurt in a commercial vehicle crash or a trucking wreck in Dallas, you may be wondering what to do next and whether or not you need to hire a personal injury attorney in Dallas.
If you’re searching for answers, our team is here to help. Read on to learn the answers to commonly asked questions and find out how to consult a qualified Dallas 18 wheeler accident lawyer for free.
Truck Accident FAQs, Answered by Our Carabin Shaw Experts
1. What Should I Do After a Trucking Wreck?There are many important steps to take following a trucking accident. First, report the accident immediately to the authorities and seek medical attention as soon as possible. If possible, it’s wise to take photographs of the accident site before the vehicles are moved. It’s also crucial to take photographs of any visible injuries (such as bruises or lacerations) you sustained in the crash.
What not to do is just as important to keep in mind. Do not admit fault, even if you think the crash was your fault. And finally, do not sign away your rights or accept an insurance payment before consulting with a top Dallas attorney.
2. Who Can Be Held Liable for a Trucking Wreck?There are many potential parties who may legally be held liable for a trucking crash, but the party or parties who may be liable will depend on the unique circumstances of your crash. Some parties who may be liable include:
- The truck driver, if they were an independent contractor and responsible for the wreck
- The trucking company, if the truck driver was at fault and working for them
- The manufacturer of the truck or any defective parts, if the crash was caused by defective machinery or equipment
Personal injury claims are civil suits brought against negligent actors who have harmed another person through their negligent acts.
4. How Much is My Trucking Claim Worth?Because every crash is unique and damages are calculated based on many different factors, there is no way to easily estimate the value of a trucking claim. The only way to know the worth of your trucking accident claim is to consult with a qualified personal injury lawyer in the state where the wreck occurred.
However, the greater your injuries, the more your case will be worth. Trucking accident claims are often worth hundreds of thousands of dollars, because many trucking accident victims sustain permanent injuries.
5. What is the Statute of Limitations to File a Trucking Accident Claim in Texas?In Texas, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims—including trucking accident claims—is two years from the date of the accident.
6. Can I Still File a Claim if the Wreck Was Partially My Fault?Yes. Texas follows a modified form of comparative negligence, meaning that even if the wreck was partially your fault, you may still sue the other at-fault driver for damages. However, the caveat is that you must be found to be 50 percent or less at fault in order to receive compensation.
7. What if I Don’t Know Whose Fault the Wreck Was? What if the Police Report is Wrong?A qualified attorney can help you investigate the wreck and determine liability. While the police report is one factor that influences fault, it is not the only factor to consider and may even be inaccurate. That’s why it’s crucial to hire an experienced lawyer.
8. Do I Really Need an Attorney?While ordinary car crashes do not always necessitate hiring an attorney, trucking crashes are different—and if you’ve been involved in a truck wreck, you definitely need to consult an attorney.
9. How Do I Choose the Right Attorney?The most important qualifications to look for in a lawyer for your truck accident claim are the following:
- Extensive experience handling trucking wrecks in your state
- A specialization in personal injury law
- A no win, no fee (contingency) pay structure
- A law firm with the financial and legal resources to tackle a trucking case
- Professional, courteous team
- Trial experience
- Positive reviews from former clients
Properly handling a local trucking accident case requires an experienced personal injury attorney in Dallas. Fortunately, our Carabin Shaw team has experience dealing with even the most complex trucking wreck cases. Our top Dallas attorneys are committed to working with you closely to ensure you get the best possible settlement following your crash.
So call our Dallas office at 1-800-862-1260 for your free consultation and case review with a talented Dallas 18 wheeler accident lawyer today.