When you have been injured in a Texas truck accident, it is best to contact a Texas trucking attorney at the Merritt & Merritt Law Firm as soon as possible after the accident. There are several reasons for this, including the need to gather evidence before too much time has passed. Also, Texas sets a specific amount of time wherein a lawsuit for personal injury due to another’s recklessness or negligence must be filed, and that time is two years from the date of injury or when the injury could have been reasonably discovered. There are factors that may affect this time frame, so speaking with an attorney as soon as possible is imperative.

After a truck accident, you are probably wondering how you can afford to pay for a Texas trucking attorney to represent you. Fortunately, at the Merritt & Merritt Law Firm, we will review your case for no fee. Then, if we decide to represent you and you decide to retain our services, we do not collect a fee until the successful conclusion of your case. If for some reason you do not collect any compensation, then you owe us nothing.

If you have been injured in an accident with a truck, it is likely you will need to recover compensation quickly so that you can pay for your bills, especially if the accident has caused you to miss a significant amount of work. Your Texas trucking attorney at the Merritt & Merritt Law Firm will work as quickly as possible on your behalf to recover the compensation you are owed. Even so, it may still take some time to reach the conclusion of your case. If the defendant(s) are reasonable, you may be able to settle the claim. If not, you will have to proceed to trial, which will take longer.

After a trucking accident, a representative from the insurance company, or their lawyer, may contact you. They may say they need a statement, or they may ask you questions about yourself and the accident. While these questions may seem innocent enough, be advised that the insurance company will want to pay you as little as possible for your accident, and they will be looking for reasons to reduce, or eliminate, the amount you are owed. Because of this, it is best to refer any person that attempts to communicate with you to your Texas trucking attorney. Do not speak with them yourself.

The monetary amount you are able to recover for your Texas truck accident will vary based on several different factors. First of all, it will depend on who is at fault in the accident. If you are not at fault but another party is, you may be able to recover different types of damages, including compensatory damages, which are paid to compensate you for the damages you incurred. Other types of damages include money for pain and suffering, lost income, and medical care. In some rare cases, you may be able to recover punitive damages. The types of damages, as well the amount you can recover, will be a topic your Texas accident attorney will discuss with you.

Who you are able to recover from is a matter your Texas accident attorney will determine. However, there are some parties that are commonly held liable in truck accidents. This includes:

• Truck Driver: The truck driver may be responsible for the accident, if they engaged in distracted driving, or abused drugs or alcohol, or were negligent in any manner.
• Trucking Company: Trucking companies may be held liable if their negligence caused the accident. Negligent conduct would include failing to ensure their drivers are properly trained as well as having their trucks maintained.

You should definitely see a doctor after your Texas truck accident, for several reasons. First of all, even if you do not think you have any serious injuries, there are some injuries that are not immediately visible. Also, if you later pursue a case for compensation against another party for your truck accident, your Texas accident attorney will need medical documentation regarding any injuries you sustained. Finally, it is also important, for the same reason, to follow through with any additional recommendations or appointments made by your healthcare provider.

There are differences between truck accidents and car accidents. Trucks are much larger than most other motor vehicles. A fully loaded semi can weigh up to 80,000 lbs. Compare that to the average weight of a car, which is approximately 4,200 lbs. When two vehicles of such different size and weight collide, the injuries suffered by the occupants of the smaller vehicle are more prone to suffer catastrophic injuries. Also, the party that is liable in a Texas truck accident can be one or more people or entities, including the truck driver, the trucking company, and the maintenance company.