10 FAQs After an 18 Wheeler Accident | San Angelo Attorneys

There’s nothing like the feel of the open road when you’re driving around the vast countryside, especially around San Angelo, Texas—but unfortunately, even if you always practice safe driving techniques and remain alert, accidents can sometimes happen. And while all car accidents are scary and awful, crashes involving 18 wheelers can be particularly devastating.

If you’ve recently been involved in a trucking collision in San Angelo, you may be full of questions and concerns, and you may already be thinking of retaining a lawyer. In the immediate aftermath of a wreck, you need to stay calm, and the San Angelo 18 wheeler accident attorneys at Carabin Shaw want to help you do so. Our San Angelo personal injury lawyers have put together the following 10 frequently asked questions people have after an 18 wheeler accident, so read on to learn more.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. I’ve been in an accident. What do I do now? You need to seek medical attention immediately. This is not only because you need to be treated for any injuries (especially those that aren’t readily apparent), but also because you’ll need a record of your injuries for any case you may pursue down the line.
2. Can I sue for damages? This depends on the circumstances of your individual case, but your attorney will need to establish negligence on behalf of the truck driver, trucking company, or another third party. If they can prove negligence, then you will be able to sue.
3. What kind of damages can I sue for? There are two types of damages in personal injury cases: economic and non-economic. The former, economic damages, are those that have a specific monetary value such as medical bills, or lost wages. The latter, non-economic damages, do not have a specific value, and they include things such as pain and suffering, loss of companionship, or sometimes even punitive damages.
4. Do I need an attorney? This depends on each accident, but generally speaking, we encourage you to at least consult with an attorney. If you are liable for the accident—for example, you were speeding, or driving under the influence—then most likely an attorney is not going to be able to help you. But if you were following the rules of the road and the driver of the 18 wheeler is at fault or the truck itself malfunctioned then yes, an attorney will be able to help you with your case.
5. What kind of attorney should I seek out? You want a seasoned personal injury attorney who has experience with large trucking companies and their vast legal teams; you also will want someone with the resources and ability to fight them in court.
6. Should I tell anyone about my accident? Generally, we recommend that you shouldn’t talk about your case with anyone other than your lawyer, and you should especially avoid social media. In addition, do not speak with insurance companies—let your lawyer handle that for you.
7. Who will I sue? Your lawyer will help you with the specifics of your individual case, but generally speaking, there may be a number of different defendants you can sue after a trucking collision in San Angelo, depending on where negligence is found: it could be the truck driver, the trucking company, or even a manufacturer of a faulty part.
8. How much is my case worth? This all depends on the nature and severity of your injuries and damages, including property damage, pain and suffering, your projected recovery time, and if you are unable to work or go back to work. Each case is different, but a qualified attorney will be able to estimate your claim’s value after going through all the details.
9. Should I take a settlement? Generally, we recommend that you do not agree to any settlement before first consulting with qualified San Angelo 18 wheeler accident attorneys. This is because they will be able to provide you with advice on whether the settlement offer is high enough for your damages, or if you’re potentially leaving money on the table.
10. How long do I have to file my claim? The statute of limitations on personal injury claims in Texas is two years. This means you (and your lawyer) have two years after an 18 wheeler accident to file your claim.

If you’ve been involved in a trucking accident recently, please reach out to the San Angelo personal injury lawyers at Carabin Shaw — we have over 20 years of experience fighting for victims like you, and we offer a no cost, no obligation consultation. Call our San Angelo office today at (432) 620-0544.

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