Trusted Southlake Truck Accident Attorneys Ready To Help You
You see them out on the road everywhere you go—enormous semi-trucks carrying thousands of pounds of cargo. While these trucks are useful and necessary, they can often cause horrible accidents resulting in severe injuries and major property damage.
If you or a loved one has experienced a truck accident, The Hartley Law Firm may be able to help you recover the financial compensation you need and deserve.
What Makes Truck Accidents Different?
Truck accidents vary greatly from other kinds of accidents, including car accidents and motorcycle accidents. These differences can make truck accident claims much more challenging to navigate.
Trucks Are More Likely to Cause Serious Harm
Semi-trucks, because of their massive size and weight, have a much higher chance of causing extensive injuries and property damage. This can mean a more involved case and more at stake.
Trucks Are Protected by Larger Insurance Policies
Insurance policies for vehicles are nowhere near as significant as those protecting trucks. Because of their size, weight, and capacity to cause harm and damage, semi-trucks need much larger insurance policies. Insurance companies will often fight back in an effort to avoid paying claims.
Unlike Other Vehicles, Trucks are Highly Regulated
Semi-trucks must follow many rules and regulations to be allowed on the road. This can add a level of complexity to your case. Fortunately, truck accident attorneys are extremely knowledgeable in this area.
Who Is At Fault In a Truck Accident Claim?
Typically, fault will automatically fall on the driver of the truck. But in a surprising number of cases, the truck driver is not at fault. Many factors can contribute to an accident, and therefore, various parties can share responsibility. Some of the common at-fault parties in truck accident cases include:
- The truck driver;
- The trucking company;
- The owner of the truck;
- The truck’s manufacturer;
- The manufacturer of the truck’s parts; and
- The individual or company responsible for the truck’s maintenance.
Many times, a thorough investigation is needed to figure out the cause of the accident and determine which parties are at fault.
Common Causes of Truck Accidents
As stated, truck drivers are not always responsible for truck accidents. Because there are so many moving parts, many details can play a part in such a crash. Common causes of truck accidents include:
- Driver error;
- Driver fatigue;
- Insufficient training;
- Brake failure;
- Improper maintenance;
- Tire issues; and
- Malfunctioning truck parts.
These and many other factors can lead to an unfortunate truck accident. Your truck accident lawyer will investigate your case to find the root cause of the crash.
Typical Injuries Resulting from Truck Accidents
No two truck accidents are the same, and so injuries can vary greatly. Some of the common kinds of injuries after a truck accident can include:
- Burns;
- Cuts and lacerations;
- Broken bones;
- Head and neck injuries;
- Back injuries;
- Spinal cord injuries and paralysis; and
- Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs).
Injuries can often be severe and require extensive medical attention. In the worst cases, truck accidents can lead to the victim’s death.
After suffering injuries in a truck accident, do not hesitate to contact a Southlake truck accident lawyer right away.
What To Do After a Truck Accident
What you do immediately following a truck accident can greatly impact your case.
Call 911
Right after the accident, call 911 and request police presence. If anyone is injured, also be sure to ask for emergency medical help.
Seek Medical Attention
If you do not receive medical care at the scene, be sure to visit an emergency room or your primary physician as soon as possible. While some injuries are evident immediately following an accident, some injuries take time to surface. A visit with a medical care provider can provide some insight into your injuries, giving you the opportunity to begin treatment and recovery.
Gather Evidence
If possible, gather evidence as soon as you can. Any evidence collected can help strengthen your case. This can include:
- Photos and video;
- The truck driver’s information;
- The trucking company’s information; and
- Witness information.
Additionally, your truck accident lawyer will collect further information as your case progresses, including police reports and medical records.
Discuss Your Case with a Qualified Truck Accident Lawyer
Do not wait to contact a truck accident attorney after a truck accident. There is a limited amount of time to file a personal injury claim, and the sooner you discuss your case with a lawyer, the better. Your attorney will collect information, answer your questions, and begin working on your claim right away.
Consult with a Southlake Truck Accident Attorneys
The Hartley Law Firm, led by Austin Hartley, is dedicated to helping injured clients during a time of need. Our firm offers the highest quality legal representation while providing the care and compassion each client needs.
At Hartley Law Firm, we also accept injury cases involving:
Our attorneys strive to give you the peace of mind you deserve while helping you get on the road to financial recovery. Our firm offers free case evaluations. Contact us today, and let’s see how we can help you.
