Large commercial trucks and 18-wheelers are so common on the highway that drivers tend to pay them no mind. However, if the driver of an 18-wheeler makes one wrong move, you could be caught up in a highway disaster. If that happens, remain calm, call for help, and get a lawyer immediately.
One of the most complex aspects of a commercial truck accident is determining who is responsible. You may seek to hold the negligent truck driver responsible, but they might not be the only one involved. Their employer, the trucking company, might be held vicariously liable for their employee’s negligence. Still, other drivers may have contributed to the crash and may also be held responsible. It is best to hire a lawyer to handle your legal claims.
Speak to our commercial truck accident attorneys about your crash in a free legal review by calling Cap City Injury Attorneys at (512) 612-3110.
Who Should I Sue for a Commercial Truck Accident in Hutto, TX?
Knowing who to include in an injury lawsuit after a truck accident might not be easy. Multiple people may be implicated, and all will likely deny responsibility. Your attorney should assist you in determining who should be held liable for your damages.
Commercial Truck Drivers
A good place to start is with the truck driver. Trucker negligence is a common cause of commercial truck accidents. A trucker operating an 18-wheeler might be speeding or make an overly sharp turn. Because trucks are so heavy, they can tip over if they turn incorrectly, and they are very difficult to stop when traveling at high rates of speed.
Commercial Trucking Companies
Our commercial truck accident lawyers should also determine who employs the truck driver in your case. Their employer, such as a commercial trucking company or the business that owns the truck, may be held liable. A business or employer may be held vicariously liable for injuries caused by negligent employees, provided the employee was acting within the normal scope of their work at the time of the accident.
Additional Drivers
The trucker might not be the only one directly responsible for the accident. Other drivers on the road might also be to blame. If a driver ahead of the truck tried to brake-check the trucker, cut them off, or engaged in other reckless or improper behavior, they may also be held partially responsible. We may not know the full extent of who is or is not to blame until the authorities complete their investigation.
FAQs About Commercial Truck Accidents with 18-Wheelers in Hutto, TX
What Causes Accidents with Commercial Trucks or 18-Wheelers?
Truck accidents often occur due to speeding, sharp turns, and inattentive or fatigued drivers. Trucks are extremely large and heavy, and they cannot stop very quickly. As such, even when a trucker tried to stop to avoid a crash, they might be unable to do so.
Who is Liable for Damages in an Accident with an 18-Wheeler?
In many accident cases involving commercial trucks or 18-wheelers, negligent truckers are held responsible. Their actions are usually the direct cause of the accident, and they should be named in a lawsuit. However, you may also include their employer in the lawsuit, as employers are often vicariously liable for injuries caused by negligent employees.
Can I File an Insurance Claim After an Accident with a Commercial Truck?
Yes. In Texas, you may file a third-party claim with the truck driver’s insurance and possibly the trucking company’s insurance. Depending on what insurance policies you have, you might also claim first-party benefits if the defendant’s insurance is insufficient.
Should I File a Personal Injury Lawsuit After a Commercial Truck Crash?
Usually, injured victims begin by filing insurance claims with the at-fault driver’s insurance. Depending on the driver’s employment status, victims may also file claims with their employer’s insurance. If insurance is unavailable or insufficient, your attorney can help you file a lawsuit. Typically, courts want plaintiffs to exhaust their insurance options before filing lawsuits.
What Evidence Should I Have in a Commercial Truck Accident Case?
When filing an insurance claim or lawsuit for a commercial truck accident, we must have evidence from the accident. Photos of the crash site, security camera and dashcam footage, and statements or testimony from witnesses are good places to start. We should also have evidence of your injuries and damages, such as medical records and proof of financial costs.
What Are My Damages in a Commercial Truck Accident Case Worth?
Accidents with large trucks tend to be severe, and victims often claim significant economic and non-economic damages. You may claim the costs of medical treatment and property damage in addition to pain, suffering, and distress. The extent of your damages will be unique to your situation, and your attorney should help you determine your specific damages.
Should I Accept a Settlement Offer After an 18-Wheeler Accident?
You should not accept any settlement offer without first reviewing it with your lawyer. Our attorney can advise you on whether the settlement is adequate or whether you could obtain a higher amount through trial. You may need to negotiate for a better settlement before accepting anything.
When Should I Hire a Lawyer After a Commercial Truck Accident?
You should hire an attorney as soon as possible after a truck accident. Your first priority should be getting to a hospital for emergency medical care. Once you have received treatment, you should call a lawyer. If you are too injured to call, a friend or family member should call a lawyer on your behalf.
How Much Time Do I Have to Sue for an 18-Wheeler Accident in Hutto, TX?
In Texas, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims gives potential plaintiffs 2 years to file suit. Your time begins on the day of the accident, so it is best to act fast and call a lawyer as soon as possible.
How Long Will My Commercial Truck Accident Case Take to Complete?
Civil injury lawsuits often take several months or longer to complete, depending on the complexity of the case. If a truck accident is especially large and affects multiple drivers, your case may be consolidated with others, and it might take longer, possibly over a year, to fully complete.
Get Legal Help from Our Commercial Truck Accident Attorneys Now
Speak to our commercial truck accident attorneys about your crash in a free legal review by calling Cap City Injury Attorneys at (512) 612-3110.