Large trucks are a necessary part of our economy, transporting precious and essential goods. With a large number of trucks on the road, it is common for some of these commercial vehicles to crash into innocent drivers. Truck collisions are often more dangerous than car wrecks since a tractor-trailer is so heavy and hard to control.
An injury sustained in a truck crash could potentially be life-threatening; preventing you from returning to your job or engaging in activities that you previously enjoyed. Therefore, you should seek the assistance of an experienced personal injury attorney after a severe crash. A Midland truck accident lawyer from Kirk Law Firm, PLLC could investigate the cause of the wreck, prove that you were not to blame, and negotiate with stubborn insurance companies or commercial vehicle corporations.
What Usually Causes Truck Accidents?
Generally speaking, many of the same factors that cause vehicle collisions could result in a truck accident. However, truckers are also typically on the road for significant amounts of time. This means that some unique triggers or factors arise. Concrete examples of dangerous situations that might cause a commercial vehicle accident include but are not limited to:
- Distracted driving
- Excessive speeding
- Road rage
- Defective truck parts
- Improper maintenance
- Overweight or unsecured cargo
- Dangerous road conditions
- Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
After an accident caused by one of these factors, analyzing the crash scene and compiling evidence is critical, since doing so could help bolster the strength of an innocent plaintiff’s case. One of our knowledgeable Midland attorneys could investigate the circumstances surrounding a truck accident to help determine exactly who needs to face liability.
Potential Financial Compensation in Truck Accident Cases
The financial compensation awarded in tractor-trailer cases is typically grouped into two distinct categories: economic and non-economic damages. Economic damages usually refer to repayments for calculable expenses, including medical care and treatment, lost wages, and property damage. Meanwhile non-economic damages aim to reimburse an injured driver for their emotional suffering, physical pain, and reduced enjoyment of daily life.
However, there might also be situations where a truck driver accuses an innocent plaintiff of causing a truck accident. The state’s comparative negligence laws govern these cases, and the regulations could potentially prevent a claimant from collecting any monetary damages.
Under Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code § 33.001, an injured individual is not permitted to recover compensation for damages sustained in a truck accident if their degree of fault is found to be greater than 50 percent by a judge or jury. If an injured individual is less than 50 percent responsible for the commercial vehicle crash in question, they can still acquire monetary damages. However, the amount of recovery could be directly reduced by their individual percentage of fault. Thankfully, one or our tenacious Midland lawyers could fight against comparative negligence claims to maintain a truck accident plaintiff’s integrity.
Reach Out to a Midland Truck Accident Attorney Today
All too often, injured people fail to utilize the assistance of an attorney following a truck accident. Many drivers think that they can handle these cases on their own, but they do not recognize how comparative negligence might impact their claim. They also might struggle to figure out exactly what caused the wreck, which limits the strength of their legal action. Thankfully, a Midland truck accident lawyer from Kirk Law Firm, PLLC is here to help. Our hardworking team members can analyze your case and listen to your side of the story. Call today to learn more about your options.