Commercial trucks, including large 18-wheelers, can cause significant devastation in the event of an accident. You and others might be badly hurt and in need of emergency help. Once you get to a hospital and get treated, call a lawyer to discuss how you can get financial compensation.
After an accident involving a commercial truck, your attorney can help you take legal action against the negligent trucker who caused the accident, in addition to their employer. In other cases, third parties, such as other drivers, may be held liable. To support your claims, you need evidence. Photos, videos, and witnesses are frequently used to support claims for damages. Your claims may be worth substantial compensation for medical bills, property damage, pain, suffering, and more.
Speak to our commercial truck accident attorneys to get a free case evaluation by calling Cap City Injury Attorneys (512) 612-3110.
Who You Can Sue for a Commercial Truck Accident in Killeen, TX
You may name almost anyone you believe is responsible for your injuries in your personal injury lawsuit.
Truckers
Perhaps the most commonly named defendant in truck accident lawsuits is the trucker. Negligent truckers are often directly responsible for these kinds of accidents. Driving while overly tired, distracted, or even intoxicated are a few common examples of trucker negligence, although a proper investigation may be necessary to determine the truth.
Truck Companies
It may also be possible to sue the trucker’s employer, the trucking company. Often, employers are held vicariously liable for injuries caused by negligent employees. To be successful, we must prove that the negligent trucker was acting within the scope of their job duties when they caused the accident.
Third Parties
In some cases, parties other than the trucker or their employer may be responsible for the accident. For example, if an accident happened because of the truck’s faulty brakes, the company that manufactured the brakes may be held liable.
Where to Find Evidence to Support a Commercial Truck Accident Case
Finding evidence is often one of the most difficult aspects of bringing a lawsuit to court. Your attorney should be able to help you find the proof you need to get fair compensation.
Photos and Videos
Many drivers take numerous photos of the aftermath of the collision. They may also record videos or have dashcam footage that can be very enlightening. We may also check the surrounding area for security or traffic cameras to get even more footage of the accident.
Trucking Data
Data and information may come from the truck itself. Truckers are often required to keep logs of their trips, including how long they are on the road before stopping to rest. There may also be an event data recorder, also called a “black box” device. This device records various data points about the trucker’s driving that we might use to prove negligence.
Witness Testimony
Truck accidents often affect many drivers, and many of them may come forward to provide witness testimony we can use to support your claims. The more people who can testify, the stronger your claims may be.
FAQs About Commercial Truck Accident Cases in Killeen, TX
How Do Commercial Truck Accidents Happen?
Many commercial truck accidents involve head-on collisions, rollovers, and jackknifing. Trucks are often large and heavy, and they are unable to stop very quickly, so speed is also a common factor in accidents.
What Can I Claim in a Truck Accident Case?
You may claim various damages related to medical bills, property damage, lost income from being unable to work, and other economic costs. Non-economic injuries may include pain, suffering, mental distress, and other painful experiences.
How Do I File an Insurance Claim for a Commercial Truck Accident?
You may file a claim with the negligent trucker’s liability insurance. Commercial truck drivers and their employers often have significant insurance and may be able to completely cover your damages. If they do not have insurance, you might file with your own coverage, if possible.
How Do I Sue for a Commercial Truck Accident?
You may start a lawsuit by contacting a lawyer and filing a formal legal complaint against the trucker and their employer. You need extensive details about the accident, evidence to back up your claims, and information about your damages.
Who is Responsible for Commercial Truck Accidents?
In many cases, negligent truckers are directly responsible for accidents, and their employers may be held vicariously liable. In other cases, other parties, such as negligent manufacturers of faulty truck parts, may be to blame.
When Should I File a Truck Accident Lawsuit?
In Texas, personal injury claims, such as truck accident cases, must be filed within 2 years of the accident. It is a good idea to contact a lawyer as soon as possible, as you may deal with insurance claims and lengthy investigations before you get to file your claims in court.
Should I Accept a Settlement for a Truck Accident?
Whether you accept a settlement is completely up to you, and you should seek advice from your attorney. A good settlement should cover most, if not all, of your damages. If a settlement offer is insufficient, you may negotiate for a better one or walk away and take the case to court.
How Do I Determine Damages in a Commercial Truck Accident Case?
Damages vary based on the severity of your injuries and the cost of the accident. More severe accidents tend to lead to much greater damages. You may evaluate your damages by reviewing your expenses and keeping records of more subjective claims, such as pain and suffering.
What if Other Injured Drivers Sue for the Same Commercial Truck Accident?
Commercial truck accidents often affect many drivers, and others may also be suing the trucker and the trucking company. It is possible that your case may be joined with others, and you should talk to your lawyer about what to do if that happens.
When Do I Get Compensation if I Sue for a Commercial Truck Accident?
It can take time to get compensation, even if you win your case. In many cases, it takes a couple of months for liable defendants to get together the money to pay your compensation.
Speak to Our Truck Accident Attorneys in Killeen, TX for Help Now
Speak to our commercial truck accident attorneys to get a free case evaluation by calling Cap City Injury Attorneys (512) 612-3110.