Fort Worth Truck Accident Lawyer
Sharing the road with big rigs can be nerve-wracking, especially in traffic or bad weather. Just the thought of getting into an accident with one of these 10,000-pound giants is terrifying. Our Fort Worth Truck Accident Lawyer knows what it takes to hold truck drivers, insurance providers, and transportation companies responsible.
Commercial truck accidents often result in catastrophic injuries or death. In 2021, for example, 23 people were killed, and 66 people sustained incapacitating injuries with commercial vehicles in Tarrant County, according to the Texas Department of Transportation.
Fort Worth Truck Accident Lawyer Serving All of Texas
If you or someone you love has been seriously injured or killed in a commercial truck accident in Fort Worth with a big rig, 18-wheeler, semi-truck, tractor-trailer, or box truck, you may be entitled to substantial compensation from the truck driver, trucking company, cargo loader, or a negligent third-party. Rest assured; the Fort Worth truck accident lawyer at Varghese Summersett will thoroughly investigate your case to identify all possible defendants and fight to hold them responsible for your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
In this article, our personal injury lawyers explain what you should do if you’ve been seriously injured in a truck wreck and answer some frequently asked questions about pursuing an insurance or personal injury claim with our law firm. We have the experience, resources, and tenacity needed to help you secure the maximum compensation. Best of all, it won’t cost you anything up front. We work on contingency, which means we don’t get paid unless you get paid.
What should you do if you’ve been involved in a truck wreck in Fort Worth?
Many people involved in wrecks with semi-trucks are seriously injured or incapacitated and unable to take any kind of action. However, if you are fortunate enough to walk away from the wreck, there are some important steps you should try to take.
First and foremost, call 911 immediately to report the accident, so that police and emergency personnel respond to the scene and make reports. If you are physically able, take pictures or videos of vehicles involved, the roadway, traffic signs, highway markers – basically all of your surroundings. Be sure and get the truck driver’s and trucking company’s information, as well as the contact information of any witnesses. You should also exchange insurance information with the other driver.
After gathering this important information, seek medical attention. Even if you just feel shaken up, it’s important to get checked out as soon as possible. Often, injuries from a truck wreck do not present themselves until days or even weeks after the accident.
In the days following the wreck, you will likely get a call from an insurance company – either your insurance company or that of the truck driver. It’s important not to give detailed information or a statement until you have consulted with an experienced Fort Worth truck accident lawyer. The insurance adjusters will likely try to get you to say something that can be used to diminish the value of your claim.
In fact, it’s best to contact an experienced Fort Worth truck accident lawyer as soon as possible after the wreck so they can advise you on exactly how to proceed.
What are some common causes of truck wrecks in Fort Worth?
Even though truck drivers must past education and safety tests to receive a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL), they often engage in risky behavior once they get on the road. It’s not uncommon for truck drivers to work long hours because they are under immense pressure to meet deadlines to deliver cargo on time. As a result, they may engage in reckless, distracted, or fatigued driving. According to our Fort Worth Truck Accident Lawyer, some of the most common causes of truck wrecks in Fort Worth are:
- Distracted driving (texting, eating, drinking)
- Fatigued driving
- Speeding
- Improper lane changes, tailgating, unsafe passing
- Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- Inexperienced drivers
- Poorly maintained vehicle/Equipment Failure
- Improperly Loaded Cargo
What kind of laws and regulations does the commercial trucking industry have to follow?
The trucking industry has a host of state and federal laws and regulations that they must follow. If truck drivers or owners violate these rules, they can be held liable for any resulting accidents and injuries.
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) is responsible for enforcing safety regulations for interstate commercial trucking. For example, a truck driver cannot drive for more than 11 hours after being on duty for 14 consecutive hours. There are also federal regulations that dictate how long a truck driver must rest between shifts and how often they must take breaks.
Texas truck drivers are also regulated by the Texas Department of Public Safety, which has state rules in place regarding licensing, maintenance and operation. For example, in Texas truck drivers must have a CDL, maintain driving logs, and operate a frequently inspected and well-maintained truck.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a big truck wreck, it’s vital that you have a Fort Worth truck accident lawyer that is experienced and well-versed with the laws and regulations governing the trucking industry.
Who can be held liable for injuries in a commercial truck accident in Fort Worth?
There are many potential defendants in a commercial truck accident case, including the truck driver, the trucking company, the owner of the truck, the shipper or loader of the cargo, and even the manufacturer of the truck or its parts. An experienced Fort Worth truck accident lawyer will investigate your case and identify all possible defendants so that you can recover the full and fair compensation you deserve.
How do I pursue an insurance or personal injury claim against the truck driver or companies responsible?
The first step is to contact an experienced Fort Work truck accident lawyer. The lawyer will do all of the heavy lifting, so you can concentrate on your health and recovery. The lawyer and his or her team will investigate the accident, gather and analyze evidence, interview witnesses, and work with experts to build a strong case on your behalf.
He or she will then negotiate with the insurance companies to try to reach a fair and just settlement of your claim. If the insurance company refuses to offer a fair settlement, our Fort Worth Truck Accident Lawyer will file a personal injury lawsuit on your behalf and litigate it in court.
What types of injuries are eligible for compensation in Fort Worth truck accident cases?
Since truck wrecks often involve large vehicles colliding with smaller ones, the injuries sustained can be severe. Our Fort Worth Truck Accident Lawyer have successfully represented clients who have suffered all type of injuries in truck accidents, including but not limited to:
- Head injuries
- Neck and back injuries
- Broken bones
- Internal injuries
- Burns
- Death
What types of damages can a Fort Worth truck accident lawyer seek on your behalf?
There are three types of damages that an experienced Fort Worth truck accident lawyer can pursue – economic, non-economic and punitive.
- Economic damages are those that have a specific monetary value attached to them and are easily quantified, such as medical bills, lost wages, and vehicle damage.
- Non-economic damages are more difficult to put a price tag on and include things like pain and suffering, mental anguish, physical impairment, and loss of quality of life.
- Punitive damages, also called exemplary damages, are intended to punish the defendant(s) and are sought in serious cases caused by wanton or intentional disregard for safety.
Why are wrecks involving trucks more serious than other types of wrecks?
Trucks are much larger and heavier than passenger vehicles, so they cause more damage when they are involved in an accident. Additionally, because of their size and weight, it takes trucks longer to stop than other vehicles. This is why it’s so important for truck drivers to follow the rules of the road and drive safely. Unfortunately, many don’t and serious accidents and fatalities occur.
If you or someone you love has been injured or killed in a truck wreck, it’s important to contact an experienced Fort Worth truck accident lawyer as soon as possible. They can help you navigate the complex legal process and fight for the compensation you deserve.
How much time do I have to file a claim?
In Texas, the statute of limitations for a commercial truck wreck claim is two years from the date of the accident. If you don’t take action within this time period, you will be barred from recovery and will not be able to seek compensation for your injuries, no matter how serious they are.
What if I can’t afford a Fort Worth truck accident lawyer?
No one should have to worry about how they will pay for a lawyer after being involved in a serious accident with an 18-wheeler or other large truck. That’s why we work on a contingency basis, which means that you only pay us if we are successful in recovering compensation for you. We advance all case expenses, and we only get paid if we win your case.
Speak to a Fort Worth Truck Accident Lawyer Today.
Truck drivers and companies are required to adhere to strict state and federal trucking laws. When they fail to do so, and their negligence results in a wreck, they can – and should – be held accountable.
The Fort Worth truck accident lawyers Varghese Summersett have represented dozens of clients who were gravely injured in a large truck accident or whose loved ones were killed. We will leave no stone unturned in the wreck investigation and will build a strong case against anyone who played a role in this life-altering event.
Truck accident cases can be incredibly complex, which is why it is so important to have an experienced Fort Worth truck accident lawyer in your corner as soon as possible. The quicker we can get to work investigating your case and preserving evidence, the better the outcome. Contact us today at 817-207-4878 (HURT) to schedule a free consultation with an experienced Fort Worth truck accident lawyer. We will discuss your case and answer any questions you have
