From the second a commercial truck crashes, a powerful team springs into action, but it’s not a team that’s on your side. The trucking company and its massive insurance provider immediately deploy investigators and lawyers to the scene. Their one and only goal is to control the narrative and minimize their financial liability. They will look for any reason to shift the blame or downplay your injuries. This creates an immediate and unfair power imbalance. While you are dealing with trauma and medical care, they are already building a case against you. To level the playing field, you need an expert in your corner. A Commercial truck accident lawyer Harlingen understands these tactics and can start building your case right away.
Key Takeaways
- Liability extends beyond the driver: Trucking companies, cargo loaders, and parts manufacturers can also be at fault, which is why a thorough investigation is necessary to identify every responsible party.
- An attorney protects you from insurance tactics: Your lawyer will manage all communication with aggressive insurance companies, handle negotiations, and build a strong case so you can focus on your health.
- You must act quickly to protect your claim: Texas has a strict two-year deadline to file a lawsuit, and critical evidence like driver logs and black box data can be lost if not preserved immediately.
How Can a Harlingen Truck Accident Lawyer Help?
After a collision with a commercial truck, you’re likely dealing with serious injuries, mounting medical bills, and a lot of stress. The last thing you need is the added burden of a complex legal battle. This is where a skilled Harlingen truck accident lawyer steps in. Their job is to manage every aspect of your claim, allowing you to focus on what matters most: your recovery. From the moment you hire them, they become your personal advocate, working to build a strong case on your behalf. A dedicated attorney acts as your investigator, your strategist, and your voice against powerful trucking and insurance companies that don’t have your best interests at heart. They handle the intricate details, from gathering critical evidence to fighting for the full compensation you deserve for your medical care, lost wages, and pain. Think of them as your professional shield, protecting your rights and ensuring your story is heard and valued.
Investigate the Crash and Gather Evidence
The moments after a truck accident are chaotic, and crucial evidence can disappear quickly. An experienced lawyer immediately begins a thorough investigation to build the strongest possible case for you. This goes far beyond just reviewing the police report. Your attorney will secure vital evidence like the truck’s black box data (which records speed and braking information), driver logs, maintenance records, and cargo manifests. They also work with accident reconstruction experts to analyze the scene and gather statements from witnesses. This detailed evidence collection is the foundation for proving what happened and who is responsible for your truck accident injuries.
Identify Every Liable Party
In a typical car wreck, liability often falls on one other driver. Truck accidents are far more complicated. The driver might be at fault, but so could their employer, the company that loaded the cargo, the manufacturer of a faulty truck part, or the shop that performed shoddy maintenance. An attorney experienced in personal injury law knows how to trace the chain of responsibility to identify every single party who contributed to the crash. Uncovering all liable parties is key because it opens up more potential sources for compensation, which is critical when you’re facing significant medical expenses and lost income.
Negotiate with Insurance Companies
Shortly after an accident, you can expect a call from an insurance adjuster. Remember, their goal is to protect their company’s bottom line, not to give you a fair payout. They often use tactics like offering a quick, lowball settlement or trying to get you to make a recorded statement that can be used against you later. When you hire a lawyer, they take over all communication with the insurance companies. They will handle the paperwork, counter unfair offers, and aggressively negotiate for a settlement that covers all of your damages. This lets you avoid the stress of dealing with adjusters while your attorney fights for you.
Take Your Case to Court
While most personal injury claims are settled out of court, sometimes the insurance company refuses to offer a fair amount. If that happens, you need an attorney who is not afraid to take your case to trial. A seasoned trial lawyer, like our team at Cap City Injury Attorneys, prepares every case as if it’s going to court. This thorough preparation often convinces the insurance company to offer a better settlement. If they still won’t budge, you can feel confident knowing you have a powerful advocate ready to present your case to a judge and jury to secure the justice you deserve.
Types of Commercial Truck Accidents
When you hear “truck accident,” you probably picture a massive 18-wheeler on the highway. While those crashes are certainly common and devastating, the term “commercial vehicle” covers a much wider range of trucks you see on Harlingen roads every day. Any vehicle used for business purposes can be considered a commercial vehicle, and an accident with one can be just as complex. Understanding the type of truck involved is a key first step in your case, as it helps determine which regulations apply and who might be responsible. At Cap City, we handle claims involving all kinds of commercial trucks, from local delivery vans to the largest semi-trucks. Our goal is to get you the justice and financial support you deserve, no matter what type of truck caused your injuries.
18-Wheeler and Semi-Truck Accidents
These are the giants of the road. A fully loaded semi-truck can weigh up to 80,000 pounds, and the sheer force of a collision is often catastrophic for those in smaller passenger cars. Accidents involving these big rigs frequently lead to severe injuries and complex legal battles. Because of the immense danger they pose, the trucking industry is governed by strict federal and state regulations. Investigating these truck accidents requires a deep understanding of these laws to determine if the driver or trucking company was negligent. We know exactly what evidence to look for, from driver logs and maintenance records to black box data, to build a powerful case on your behalf.
Delivery and Cargo Truck Accidents
With the rise of online shopping, our roads in Harlingen are filled with more delivery and cargo trucks than ever before. Vehicles for companies like Amazon, FedEx, UPS, and other local delivery services are constantly moving through our neighborhoods. While smaller than a semi-truck, these vans and box trucks can still cause significant harm. Drivers are often under pressure to meet tight deadlines, which can lead to speeding, distracted driving, and other dangerous behaviors. If you were injured by a delivery driver, determining liability can be tricky. Was the driver an employee or an independent contractor? We can sort through the corporate structures to hold the right parties accountable for your personal injury.
Dump Trucks and Other Commercial Vehicles
The category of commercial vehicles extends far beyond cargo carriers. It also includes specialized trucks used for construction, public works, and other trades. This includes dump trucks, garbage trucks, cement mixers, tow trucks, and utility vehicles. These trucks often operate in and around residential areas and construction zones, posing unique risks to pedestrians, cyclists, and other drivers. Accidents can be caused by falling debris, driver blind spots, or a failure to follow specific safety protocols for the vehicle’s equipment. Our team has experience handling these other personal injury cases and knows how to investigate the specific circumstances surrounding accidents with these specialized commercial trucks.
Common Causes of Truck Accidents in Harlingen
When a massive commercial truck is involved in a crash, the results can be devastating. Figuring out exactly what went wrong is a critical first step in any injury claim. Unlike a typical car wreck, truck accidents often have complex causes that go beyond a single driver’s mistake. The problem could start with the driver, but it might also trace back to the trucking company, the team that loaded the cargo, or even the manufacturer of a faulty part. It’s a complicated web, and untangling it is key to a successful claim.
Understanding the common reasons these accidents happen in and around Harlingen can help you make sense of your situation. It’s rarely about just one person’s error; it’s often a chain of events involving intense pressure to meet deadlines, neglected vehicle maintenance, and sometimes, a blatant disregard for safety rules. Identifying the root cause is essential for holding the right parties accountable and securing the compensation you need to focus on your recovery. Below, we’ll walk through some of the most frequent factors we see in commercial truck accident cases, so you can have a clearer picture of what might have happened.
Driver Fatigue and Distraction
Truck drivers are under immense pressure to cover long distances quickly. Federal regulations limit how many hours a driver can be on the road to prevent fatigue, but these rules are not always followed. A tired driver has slower reaction times and poor judgment, similar to an intoxicated driver. Distractions are another major issue. Whether it’s using a phone, adjusting a GPS, or eating a meal, anything that takes a driver’s eyes or mind off the road for even a few seconds can lead to a catastrophic accident. These simple mistakes can have life-altering consequences for others on the road.
Poor Vehicle Maintenance
A fully loaded semi-truck can weigh up to 80,000 pounds, and it relies on every part working perfectly to operate safely. Trucking companies have a legal duty to regularly inspect and maintain their vehicles. Unfortunately, some companies cut corners on maintenance to save money. Worn-out brakes can dramatically increase stopping distance, while a sudden tire blowout can cause a driver to lose complete control. Broken headlights, faulty steering systems, and other neglected issues are all preventable problems that put everyone at risk. When a crash is caused by poor maintenance, the trucking company itself can be held responsible for its failure to keep its fleet safe.
Improperly Loaded Cargo
The way cargo is loaded and secured is just as important as the mechanical condition of the truck. If a load is unbalanced, overweight, or not properly tied down, it can shift during transit. This sudden change in weight distribution can cause the truck to become unstable, leading to a rollover or jackknife accident. In other cases, unsecured cargo can fall directly off the truck and onto the highway, creating a sudden and dangerous obstacle for other drivers. The company that loaded the cargo, which may be a separate entity from the trucking company, could be liable for any personal injury that results from their negligence.
Violating Trucking Regulations
The trucking industry is governed by a host of federal and state safety regulations for a reason: to protect the public. These rules cover everything from driver hours and vehicle weight limits to drug testing and maintenance records. When a trucking company or driver ignores these regulations, they are putting profits ahead of people’s safety. Violations like falsifying logbooks to hide extra hours on the road or overloading a truck are clear evidence of negligence. An experienced attorney knows how to uncover these violations and use them to build a strong case on your behalf, showing a pattern of unsafe behavior.
Who Can Be Held Liable in a Truck Accident?
After a commercial truck accident, it’s easy to assume the driver is the only one at fault. However, the reality is often much more complex. Federal and state regulations place strict responsibilities on everyone involved in a truck’s operation, from the owner to the mechanic. Identifying every party whose negligence contributed to your accident is a critical step in securing the full compensation you deserve. An experienced attorney knows how to investigate these intricate cases to uncover all sources of liability, which can include the driver, their employer, maintenance crews, and even parts manufacturers.
The Truck Driver
The most apparent person to hold responsible is often the truck driver. If the driver was acting negligently, they can be held liable for the crash. Common examples of driver negligence include speeding, driving while distracted, operating under the influence of drugs or alcohol, or driving more hours than legally allowed, leading to fatigue. Proving the driver’s actions directly caused the accident is the first step in building your case. Our team knows exactly what evidence to look for, such as logbook violations or cell phone records, to establish driver fault in truck accidents.
The Trucking Company
Trucking companies have a significant duty to ensure public safety. They can be held liable if they failed to uphold their responsibilities, a failure that often happens behind the scenes. This includes hiring unqualified drivers, failing to provide proper training, encouraging drivers to violate hours-of-service rules, or neglecting vehicle maintenance schedules. A trucking company that puts profits over safety by cutting corners on inspections or pressuring drivers to meet unrealistic deadlines creates a dangerous environment for everyone on the road. We can hold these companies accountable for their systemic failures that lead to devastating accidents.
Third-Party Contractors
In the logistics industry, many different companies work together to get a truck from point A to point B. Liability can sometimes fall on third-party contractors who are not the driver or the primary trucking company. For example, a separate company may have been responsible for loading cargo onto the truck. If that cargo was improperly secured and shifted during transit, causing the driver to lose control, the loading company could be at fault. Similarly, if an independent mechanic performed faulty repairs on the truck’s brakes, that third-party vendor could also be held liable for the resulting crash.
Vehicle or Parts Manufacturers
Sometimes, an accident has nothing to do with the driver’s actions or the trucking company’s policies. Instead, the cause is a defect in the truck itself. Manufacturers of commercial trucks and their individual components have a duty to produce safe and reliable products. If a critical part like the steering system, tires, or braking mechanism fails due to a design or manufacturing defect, the company that made the part can be held responsible. These product liability claims require a deep technical investigation to prove that the equipment was faulty and directly caused the accident.
What Compensation Can You Recover?
After a commercial truck accident, you’re likely facing unexpected bills and stress. The good news is that Texas law allows you to seek financial compensation, called damages, from those responsible. This compensation is meant to cover all the ways the accident has affected your life, from medical costs to personal suffering. Understanding what you can recover is the first step toward getting the resources you need to move forward. An attorney can help you identify every loss to ensure your claim reflects the true impact of the accident.
Economic Damages
Economic damages are the most straightforward part of a personal injury claim because they cover your specific, calculable financial losses. Think of these as any out-of-pocket expense you have because of the accident. This includes all your medical bills, from the ambulance ride and emergency room visit to surgeries, hospital stays, and follow-up appointments. It also covers lost wages if you were unable to work while recovering. If your vehicle was damaged or totaled, the cost of repairs or replacement falls under this category as well. We make sure to gather every receipt, invoice, and pay stub to build a clear picture of the financial impact the accident has had on you.
Non-Economic Damages
Non-economic damages compensate you for the intangible, personal losses that don’t come with a price tag. While you won’t get a bill for pain and suffering, these losses are very real and can be the most difficult part of an accident’s aftermath. This category covers the physical pain, emotional distress, and mental anguish you experience. It also includes compensation for things like scarring, disfigurement, or the loss of enjoyment of life if your injuries prevent you from participating in hobbies and activities you once loved. A comprehensive personal injury claim acknowledges this human cost and fights to see you compensated for it.
Future Damages
A serious injury can have lifelong consequences, and your compensation should reflect that. Future damages cover the costs you will continue to face long after the accident scene is cleared. This can include money for ongoing medical treatments, future surgeries, physical therapy, or prescription medications. If your injuries affect your ability to work in the long term, you can also seek compensation for loss of future earning capacity. For catastrophic injuries, this might even include the cost of in-home nursing care or modifications to your home to accommodate a disability. Accurately projecting these future needs is essential to ensuring you don’t face financial hardship down the road.
How a Lawyer Calculates Your Total Damages
Calculating the true value of your claim is more than just adding up receipts. A skilled lawyer will conduct a thorough investigation to document every single loss. We gather all your medical records, bills, and proof of lost income to establish your economic damages. For non-economic and future damages, we often work with medical and financial experts to understand the full scope of your injuries and how they will affect your life. They help us project future medical costs and demonstrate the extent of your pain and suffering. We then compile all this evidence into a comprehensive demand package to present to the insurance company, fighting to secure the maximum compensation you deserve for your truck accident case.
Why Truck Accident Cases Need a Specialized Lawyer
After a collision with a commercial truck, you might think it’s just like any other car accident case, only bigger. But that’s not quite right. These cases are far more complex and involve different rules, evidence, and opponents. The trucking company and its insurer will have a team of lawyers working to protect their interests from the moment the crash happens. Having a lawyer who specifically handles truck accidents is essential to level the playing field and protect your right to fair compensation. An attorney with this focused experience understands the unique challenges and knows how to build the strongest possible claim for you.
Complex Trucking Regulations
The trucking industry is governed by a dense set of federal and state regulations that don’t apply to regular drivers. These rules, set by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), dictate everything from how many hours a driver can be on the road to how often a truck must be inspected and maintained. When a truck driver or trucking company violates one of these regulations, it can be powerful evidence of negligence. A specialized lawyer knows these rules inside and out. They can quickly identify violations, like falsified driver logs or overdue maintenance, that may have directly caused your accident and use them to strengthen your case.
Aggressive Commercial Insurance Companies
Trucking companies carry massive insurance policies, often worth millions of dollars. Their insurance adjusters are highly trained professionals whose primary goal is to protect the company’s bottom line by paying out as little as possible. They may try to contact you right after the accident to get a recorded statement, hoping you’ll say something that undermines your claim. They might also offer a quick, lowball settlement before you even know the full extent of your injuries. A skilled personal injury lawyer acts as a shield between you and these aggressive tactics. We handle all communication and negotiations, ensuring you are not pressured into an unfair deal.
Unique Evidence Requirements
The evidence needed to prove fault in a truck accident case goes far beyond a simple police report and photos. Commercial trucks are equipped with an Electronic Data Recorder (EDR), often called a “black box,” which records critical data like speed, braking, and steering in the moments before a crash. Other vital evidence includes the driver’s logs, drug and alcohol test results, vehicle maintenance records, and the trucking company’s hiring practices. This evidence is owned by the trucking company, and they are not required to keep it forever. An experienced attorney knows how to act fast and send a spoliation letter, a legal notice that legally requires the company to preserve all relevant evidence for your case.
The Need for Expert Witnesses
Building a winning truck accident claim often requires a team of experts to analyze the evidence and explain it clearly. An accident reconstructionist can use data from the black box and the crash scene to create a scientific model of how the accident happened. Medical experts can testify about the severity of your injuries and the long-term care you’ll need. Vocational and economic experts can calculate your lost earning capacity and future financial needs. A lawyer like Matthew Mandelker who specializes in these cases has an established network of credible experts ready to help prove the true value of your claim.
Common Challenges in a Truck Accident Claim
After a collision with a commercial truck, getting the compensation you deserve can feel like an uphill battle. These cases are far more complex than a standard car accident claim, and several hurdles can stand in your way. Understanding these challenges is the first step toward protecting your rights. From dealing with powerful insurance companies to identifying every responsible party, the process requires careful attention and expertise. Knowing what to expect can help you prepare and make informed decisions about your next steps.
Insurance Company Tactics
One of the biggest challenges you’ll face comes from the trucking company’s insurer. These insurance companies are businesses, and their primary goal is to protect their bottom line, not to give you a fair payout. They often use specific tactics to minimize what they pay. You might receive a settlement offer very quickly, but it’s usually a lowball amount designed to make you go away before you realize the full extent of your damages. They may also try to overwhelm you with paperwork or delay responding to your calls, hoping you’ll get frustrated and give up. It’s crucial to remember that their adjusters are working for them, not for you.
Identifying All Responsible Parties
In a commercial truck accident, the driver isn’t always the only one at fault. Determining liability is complicated because multiple parties could have contributed to the crash. For example, the trucking company could be responsible for negligent hiring or for pushing its drivers to violate hours-of-service rules. The company that loaded the cargo could be liable if it was improperly secured. Even the manufacturer of the truck or its parts could be at fault if a mechanical failure caused the accident. A thorough investigation is needed to identify every party that shares responsibility for your injuries and hold them accountable.
Strict Legal Deadlines
In Texas, you have a limited amount of time to take legal action after a truck accident. This deadline is called the statute of limitations, and for most personal injury cases, it is two years from the date of the incident. While two years might sound like a long time, it can pass quickly when you’re focused on recovering from your injuries. It’s also important to act fast because evidence can disappear. Witnesses’ memories fade, and trucking companies are only required to keep records like driver logs for a certain period. Contacting a truck accident lawyer soon after the crash ensures these deadlines are met and crucial evidence is preserved.
Misconceptions That Can Hurt Your Claim
A common mistake people make is thinking they can handle a complex truck accident claim on their own. It’s easy to underestimate the resources trucking and insurance companies will use to fight your claim. They have teams of lawyers and experts dedicated to minimizing their liability. Trying to face them alone puts you at a significant disadvantage. An experienced attorney understands the tactics they use and knows how to build a strong case for the full compensation you need to cover your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Getting professional legal help isn’t just about convenience; it’s about leveling the playing field and fighting for the justice you deserve.
Do You Have a Strong Truck Accident Claim?
After a truck accident, it’s natural to wonder if you have a case and what it might be worth. The strength of your claim depends on a few key elements. While every situation is unique, a strong claim generally involves clear proof of who was at fault, well-documented damages, and acting within the legal time frame. Understanding these components can help you see where your case stands and why it’s so important to speak with an attorney who can put the pieces together for you.
How to Prove Negligence
The foundation of any successful truck accident claim is proving that someone else’s carelessness, or negligence, caused your injuries. This isn’t just about pointing fingers; it’s about building a case with solid evidence. To establish fault, we investigate whether the other party acted negligently (wasn’t careful enough), recklessly (disregarded safety), or even intentionally. For example, a truck driver who was texting, a trucking company that skipped mandatory maintenance, or a manufacturer that sold defective parts could all be found negligent. Our job is to uncover these facts and show how their actions directly led to the accident and your suffering.
Document Your Injuries and Losses
Proving fault is only half the battle. You also need to show the full extent of your injuries and financial losses. This is where documentation becomes your best friend. The compensation you can recover is meant to cover everything from current and future medical bills to lost wages from time off work and damage to your vehicle. It also includes non-economic damages, like pain and suffering. Keep every bill, receipt, and email from your doctor. Track your missed workdays and keep a journal detailing your physical pain and emotional struggles. This detailed record is crucial for calculating the true value of your personal injury claim.
Understanding the Statute of Limitations
In Texas, there is a strict deadline for filing a personal injury lawsuit, known as the statute of limitations. Generally, you have two years from the date of the accident to file your claim. If you miss this deadline, you will likely lose your right to seek any compensation, no matter how strong your case is. Two years might seem like a long time, but it can pass quickly when you’re focused on recovery. It’s critical to act fast because evidence can disappear and witnesses’ memories can fade. Contacting an attorney like Chandler Wallace promptly ensures your rights are protected and the legal process starts before it’s too late.
Why Choose Cap City for Your Harlingen Truck Accident Case
After a serious truck accident, choosing the right legal team is one of the most important decisions you’ll make. You need more than just a lawyer; you need a dedicated advocate who will prioritize your recovery and fight for your rights. At Cap City Injury Attorneys, we offer a personalized, white-glove approach that sets us apart. We intentionally take on fewer cases so we can provide the focused attention you deserve. From our direct attorney access to our client-first fee structure, we’ve built our firm around supporting you through this difficult time and securing the best possible outcome for your case.
Direct Access to Your Attorney
When you’re dealing with the aftermath of a truck accident, the last thing you want is to feel like just another case number. At many large firms, your primary contact might be a paralegal or case manager. At Cap City, you will have a direct line to your attorney. We believe that open and consistent communication is the foundation of a strong case. Our lawyers, including Matthew Mandelker and Chandler Wallace, personally manage their cases, answer your questions, and keep you informed every step of the way. This direct involvement means we can start investigating immediately, gathering crucial evidence before it disappears and ensuring every deadline is met.
No Win, No Fee Representation
The financial strain after a truck accident can be overwhelming. Medical bills pile up while you may be unable to work. We believe that your financial situation should never prevent you from getting expert legal help. That’s why we handle all truck accident cases on a contingency fee basis. This is our “no win, no fee” promise to you. It means you pay absolutely nothing upfront. We cover all the costs of building and litigating your case, from hiring investigators and expert witnesses to court filing fees. You only pay us if we win a settlement or verdict for you. This approach removes the financial risk and aligns our goals completely with yours: securing maximum compensation for your injuries.
Expertise in Texas Trucking Laws
Truck accident claims are far more complex than typical car accident cases. They are governed by a dense network of federal and state trucking regulations, and fighting the large commercial insurance companies requires specific experience. Our attorneys specialize in these intricate cases. We have a deep understanding of Texas trucking laws, including regulations on driver hours, vehicle maintenance, cargo loading, and driver qualifications. This specialized knowledge allows us to effectively investigate the crash, identify every liable party, and build a powerful personal injury claim on your behalf. We know exactly what evidence to look for and how to counter the tactics used by trucking companies to minimize their responsibility.
Related Articles
- Lockhart, TX Commercial Truck Accident Lawyer
- Hutto, TX Commercial Truck Accident Lawyer
- San Marcos, TX Commercial Truck Accident Lawyer
- Commercial Truck Accident Lawyer in New Braunfels, TX | 18-Wheelers
- 8 Reasons to Hire a Truck Collision Attorney
Frequently Asked Questions
I’m worried about legal fees. How can I afford a lawyer right now? This is a concern for almost everyone in this situation, so please know you’re not alone. We handle truck accident cases on a contingency fee basis. This means you pay nothing upfront for us to start working on your case. We cover all the costs of the investigation and litigation. You only pay a fee if we successfully recover compensation for you through a settlement or a court verdict. This approach removes the financial risk from your shoulders and allows you to get expert legal help when you need it most.
How long does a truck accident case usually take to resolve? There isn’t a single answer for this, as the timeline depends entirely on the specifics of your case. A straightforward claim where liability is clear might be resolved in several months. However, a more complex case involving multiple responsible parties or a dispute over the extent of your injuries could take a year or longer, especially if it needs to go to trial. Our priority is to secure a fair outcome for you, not a fast one, and we will manage the entire legal process so you can concentrate on your recovery.
The trucking company’s insurance adjuster keeps calling me. Should I talk to them? It is best if you do not speak with them. While the adjuster may seem friendly, their job is to protect their company’s financial interests, which means paying you as little as possible. They are trained to ask questions that could lead you to say something that weakens your claim. It is much safer to direct all their calls to your attorney. We can handle all communications and negotiations, ensuring your rights are protected from these tactics.
My accident involved a delivery van, not a huge 18-wheeler. Is my case still as complicated? Yes, it most likely is. Any vehicle used for business, whether it’s a delivery van, a dump truck, or a semi-truck, is considered a commercial vehicle. An accident with any of these vehicles introduces complexities you don’t see in a typical car wreck. These cases still involve corporate insurance policies, questions about the driver’s employment status, and specific federal and state regulations. The core issues of company negligence and aggressive insurers are often the same, regardless of the truck’s size.
What if the accident was partially my fault? Can I still have a case in Texas? You absolutely might. Texas follows a rule called proportionate responsibility. This means you can still recover damages as long as you are not found to be 51% or more at fault for the accident. Your final compensation award would simply be reduced by your percentage of fault. Don’t assume you don’t have a claim because you think you might share some of the blame. An experienced attorney can analyze the specific facts of your accident and give you a clear understanding of your legal options.
