What You Need to Know About Truck Accident Lawsuits in Texas
After a trucking accident in Fort Stockton, Texas, you may be trying to determine how to receive compensation for your injuries and losses. Unlike a two car accident, trucking accidents may have multiple parties at fault and require the help of an accident attorney from Carabin Shaw. If you have been involved in a trucking accident, here is what you need to know about truck accident lawsuits in Texas.
What Vehicles are Considered Trucks?According to Texas transportation codes, trucks are defined as motor vehicles designed or used for transporting property. These large commercial vehicles include the following:
- 18 Wheelers
- Oil and gas trucks
- Semi-trucks
- Big rigs
- Tractor-trailers
- Delivery trucks
- Dump trucks
- Tow trucks
- Refrigerated trucks
Our Fort Stockton injury lawyers have experience with all types of trucking accidents. Once we have all the details of your accident, we will get to work right away.
Causes of Truck AccidentsThere are many factors that can cause a commercial truck accident in Fort Stockton. Some of which are the fault of the driver, and other times the trucking company, truck manufacturer, or, in some cases, all three might be at fault. Some common causes of truck accidents include:
- Driver fatigue
- Speeding
- Improperly loaded cargo
- Improper maintenance
- Distracted drivers
- Lack of training for drivers
- Poor weather conditions
These causes can result in catastrophic injuries for other drivers on the road. Injured victims can suffer from broken bones, burns, spinal cord injuries, and head trauma. In worst case scenarios, wrongful death can occur. If your loved one has died due to a trucking accident, call us immediately and we will help your family file a wrongful death claim.
If you are not sure what caused your accident or have questions about any of the causes mentioned above, talk to one of our Fort Stockton trucking accident lawyers.
Who is Liable for a Truck Accident?In most cases, the truck driver is at fault, but sometimes it differs. The potential negligent parties include:
- The truck driver. If they behaved negligently, such as texting while driving or running a red light, our attorneys will hold them accountable.
- The trucking company. The company may be at fault if they violated federal or state law and/or implemented negligent hiring practices.
- The cargo company. Sometimes a truck with improperly loaded cargo can cause extreme damage to other drivers.
- The manufacturer. If your truck accident happened due to a faulty vehicle, the manufacturer can be held at fault.
In Texas, you can be awarded economic and non-economic damages.
- Economic damages. These damages refer to the losses that can be easily calculated such as medical bills and lost wages.
- Non-economic damages. These are losses that are intangible such as pain and suffering and mental anguish.
- Punitive damages. In certain cases, punitive damages are awarded if the defendant acted with malice or gross negligence, such as driving under the influence.
If you have been in a commercial truck accident in Fort Stockton, it is important to know that the statute of limitations in Texas is two years from the date of the accident. This is why it is important to talk to one of our Fort Stockton injury lawyers as soon as possible.
Call the Lawyers at Carabin Shaw TodayOnce you are involved in a trucking accident, the trucking company will get to work right away to prove they are not at fault. Our attorneys will ensure you receive fair compensation.
If you or a loved one in Fort Stockton, Texas have suffered due to someone’s negligence, you deserve a seasoned and passionate lawyer on your side.
Call us toll-free today at 1-800-862-1260 for a free initial consultation. Our Fort Stockton trucking accident lawyers will guide you through what you need to know about truck accident lawsuits in Texas.