People who have been involved in accidents with a commercial vehicle are often confused and uncertain about how to proceed. Fortunately, if you find yourself in this situation, you can enlist the help of an experienced truck accident lawyer to represent your interests. Here are three things that victims should keep in mind about truck accidents that happen in and around the Houston area in order to protect their legal rights.
Trucking Companies Can Often Be Held Liable
Many people who are hurt in truck accidents are not sure about who they can hold liable for their accident. After all, in most accidents, the only other party involved is the other driver involved in the wreck. In many commercial trucking cases, however, it is possible to file a claim against the trucking company responsible for the operation of the vehicle. This is relevant because trucking companies are required to carry insurance policies with significantly higher limits that those carried by individuals, making it easier for victims who are seriously injured to recover compensation.
Truck Accidents Can Cause Extremely Serious Injuries
Accidents involving commercial trucks are capable of causing extremely serious injuries. Many semis and big-rigs weigh as much as 20 or 30 times as much as most passenger vehicles, making any impact with them extremely dangerous. Examples of serious injuries that truck accident victims often sustain include the following:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- Spinal cord injuries (SCIs)
- Burns
- Broken Bones
- Crush injuries
- Accidental amputations
There Is a Good Chance That Your Case Will Not Go To Trial
Many people are under the mistaken impression that truck accident cases are resolved like the courtroom dramas they have seen on television. This is certainly not the case and, while it is true that some cases do go to trial, the vast majority of accident cases are settled out of court. This is not to say that you do not need an attorney, however – having a lawyer will ensure that your interests are well-represented during settlement negotiations and that any settlement you accept is fair.
Contact a Texas Big Rig Crash Lawyer Today to Discuss Your Case
If you have been injured in an accident with a commercial truck, you should speak to an attorney as soon as possible. To schedule a free consultation with attorney Stewart J. Guss, call our office today at 800-898-4877 or send us an email through our online contact form.
