There were 658 fatal crashes that led to 664 deaths in Texas in 2018 alone. Out of these, over 13% of the fatalities were a result of truck accidents. Since trucks are obviously bigger and bulkier than most cars and passenger vehicles, they are much more difficult to maneuver. They need more space and breaking time to make turns.
Even if one thing goes wrong – if the brakes are not in top condition, the tires don’t have sufficient pressure, or the driver is not skilled enough – other motor drivers and pedestrians on the road can pay the horrifying price.
If you or someone you love has been hurt (or worse) in a crash involving a truck in Texas, talking with a Houston truck accident lawyer will help you seek the justice you deserve. Trucks are heavy and complex vehicles, and as such, truck drivers must practice caution while driving. If a truck driver was negligent, reckless, or under the influence while driving, they must be held accountable for their actions.
How Liability Is Determined In A Truck Accident Case In Texas
Truck accident settlements are usually lengthy processes involving mountains of paperwork. In addition to examining whether a violation of federal or state regulations has occurred, it also needs to be determined who/what exactly caused the accident.
In order to find out who is at fault, Houston truck accident lawyers and insurance companies will try to determine the precise cause of the accident involving a semi-truck. In the case of a commercial truck, liability may fall on:
- The truck driver
- The owner of the truck
- The designer of the truck
- Or the manufacturer of the truck and its parts
If multiple parties are found liable in a truck accident case – for example, if it turns out that the truck driver and the trucking company are both equally responsible – there is a good chance that the case will go to the trial, instead of getting settled out of court.
Since establishing liability is crucial in order to build a strong case, it is recommended to consult with a Houston truck accident lawyer who can help you navigate the legal proceedings. Due to the possibility of multiple parties being involved, the paperwork alone can become overwhelming to tackle on your own.
Not to mention, with multiple parties comes multiple insurance companies. If insurance carriers know that you are unrepresented, they will try their best to either pay you the minimum possible settlement offer or delay your claim, if not reject it altogether.
Get Expert Legal Counsel From a Houston Truck Accident Lawyer at Kirk Law Firm
At Kirk Law Firm, PLLC, our truck accident attorneys headed by Dana G. Kirk have helped thousands of injured victims seek compensation after suffering injuries and property damage from a truck wreck. We have the expertise and resources to bring the at-fault parties to justice, regardless of how well-funded they might be.
The best part is, we work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you do not have to pay a dime unless we win your truck accident lawsuit.
If you would like one of our seasoned Houston truck accident lawyers to go over your case with you – at no charge – please reach us online.
