Every day, people in El Paso drive on highways alongside large trucks such as 18-wheelers and semitrucks. Driving is so second nature that most of us probably don’t even stop to think about the dangers involved in sharing the road with such large vehicles, especially when roads are narrowed or rerouted because of construction. But if you get hit by an 80,000 pound truck, you are likely to need compensation for medical care and fixing your damaged vehicle. Before you settle with a truck driver’s insurance company, read on to find out if a Carabin Shaw lawyer can protect you and your interests after an accident.
According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMSCA), a government agency that tracks statistics on large truck and bus accidents, collisions are the most common cause of semitruck accidents. The remainder are caused by incidents such as large truck rollovers.
A truck driver’s fatigue might also contribute to your semitruck accident in El Paso. Truck drivers are required to take breaks at appropriate intervals, but time demands sometimes lead to them cutting corners on such requirements, often to the detriment of other drivers on the road. El Paso trucking accident lawyers are experts in investigating large truck accidents and determining if a driver was neglecting to follow the law.
What to Do After an AccidentIf you are involved in a commercial vehicle accident in El Paso, the first thing you should do is seek medical care for you and any passengers in your vehicle. Even if you don’t feel injured, the smart thing to do is get checked out by a medical professional anyway. Sometimes injuries are hidden and don’t show up until after the initial shock of the accident wears off, but seeing a doctor immediately will help your Texas 18 wheeler accident lawyer down the road. Be proactive about seeking medical attention after your accident—it can only help your case.
Once you and your passengers receive medical attention and identify any injuries, you might find yourself thinking, I was injured in an 18 wheeler accident in El Paso, can I sue? The answer to this question depends on the circumstances of the accident, but in most cases, 18 wheeler wreck lawyers will be able to protect you and help you navigate the aftermath of your accident. Suing for compensation you’re entitled to doesn’t always mean going through a jury trial, but only a skilled attorney can guide you through the process and advise you when it might be best to settle and when it’s better to go to trial.
How an El Paso Attorney Can HelpOnce you’ve contacted an 18-wheeler accident attorney in El Paso, your attorney will deal with the driver’s insurance company. Truck drivers are often employed by large corporations who have aggressive insurance companies and agents on their side. They will try to get you to settle your claim before you even have a chance to file an 18 wheeler crash lawsuit. Even if you end up settling instead of going to trial, you still need a lawyer to represent your interests.
In addition to expenses for your medical care and repairing or replacing your vehicle, you might be entitled to compensation for lost wages if you miss time at work or pain and suffering. El Paso truck injury lawyers are experienced in dealing with these aggressive companies and agents, and hiring one to make sure you don’t settle for less than you deserve will give you peace of mind throughout the stress of dealing with your accident.
If you live in El Paso and have been in an accident with a large truck, call the team at Carabin Shaw at 915-779-2301. Hire a lawyer to represent your interests and leave the stress to experienced attorneys.