In the city of Houston, the presence of large commercial trucks is an everyday occurrence. These 18-wheelers play a crucial role in transporting goods across the state and country. However, with their immense size and weight, accidents involving these behemoths can lead to devastating consequences. If you or a loved one has been involved in an 18-wheeler accident in Houston, seeking the guidance of an experienced and knowledgeable Houston 18-Wheeler Accident Lawyer is crucial to ensure your rights are protected and justice is served.
Who is an 18 Wheeler Accident Lawyer
Houston 18 Wheeler Accident Lawyers are legal professionals with a deep understanding of both state and federal regulations governing the trucking industry. They specialize in representing victims of 18-wheeler accidents, fighting tirelessly to ensure their clients receive the justice and compensation they deserve. Here are some key roles they play:
Investigation and Gathering Evidence
One of the crucial aspects of building a strong case is conducting a comprehensive investigation. A skilled lawyer will work with accident reconstruction experts, obtain evidence from the scene, analyze black box data, review driver logs, and gather witness statements to establish liability and strengthen your case.
Determining Liability
Identifying the responsible parties in an 18-wheeler accident can be challenging. A knowledgeable Houston 18 Wheeler Accident Lawyer will examine all potential sources of liability, including the truck driver, trucking company, maintenance personnel, or even vehicle manufacturers. By assessing the facts, analyzing records, and consulting with experts, they can build a compelling case against the negligent parties.
Negotiating with Insurance Companies
Dealing with insurance companies can be intimidating, as they often aim to minimize payouts. An experienced lawyer will handle all communication with insurance adjusters, ensuring your rights are protected. They will negotiate aggressively to secure fair compensation for your injuries, medical expenses, property damage, lost wages, and other damages.
Pursuing Legal Action
If negotiations with insurance companies fail to yield a satisfactory outcome, a skilled 18-Wheeler Accident Lawyer will be prepared to take your case to court. They will develop a robust litigation strategy, present compelling arguments, and advocate for your rights in front of a judge and jury.
Do You Need a Lawyer in An 18 Wheeler Accident Case?
Yes. Although hiring a lawyer is not required before filing a lawsuit against a trucking company, the odds are stacked against you if you do not have qualified representation.
Trucking accident claims are not the same as car accident claims. Despite the fact that both types of claims involve collisions involving one or more vehicles, truck accident litigation is far more complicated.
When Should You Get an 18-Wheeler Accident Lawyer?
The following are the situations that warrant an 18-wheeler accident lawyer:
- A very serious or fatal accident
- An accident in which people were seriously injured.
- A situation where there is a slight chance that you will be found at fault
- Crash involving other vehicles.
- The crash occurred in a school zone or construction zone.
If the official accident report is incomplete or does not properly describe what happened.
Top 18 Wheeler Accident Lawyers in Houston
Here are some top 18-wheeler accident lawyers you can find in Houston:
Zehl & Associates
Zehl & Associates is a Houston personal injury law firm. It represents people and families who have been seriously injured or tragically killed in the truck, 18-wheeler, and commercial vehicle accidents across the country. The firm’s truck accident attorneys have recovered more than $1 billion for their clients.
It has consistently obtained some of the most significant truck and 18-wheeler accident verdicts and settlements in history, including a $65 million settlement for a client injured by an oilfield service truck. Among its many accomplishments is a $50 million settlement for a client injured by one of the largest commercial trucking companies in the United States.
The Doan Law Firm PLLC
Truck accident victims in Houston and across the country are represented by The Doan Law Firm PLLC. In personal injury cases, it has recovered billions of dollars, including more than $100 million in semi-truck collisions. A case manager and a lawyer are assigned by the firm to build a claim against the negligent truck drivers, their company, and/or any other negligent parties.
The team is prepared to take any truck accident case to trial in order to obtain the best possible results for their clients. Its founder, Jimmy Doan, has appeared on ABC, CBS, NBC, Fox, and many other major networks for his role in some of the country’s largest truck accident cases.
Attorney Brian White Personal Injury Lawyers
Attorney Brian White Personal Injury Lawyers serves Houston clients’ legal needs. Its team has over 45 years of combined experience in assisting truck accident victims in recovering the maximum compensation possible from negligent drivers and trucking companies.
The attorneys investigate the crash to gather evidence, determine who was at fault, and collaborate with experts to strengthen claims. They negotiate with insurance companies and, if necessary, take cases to court. Brian White, the firm’s founding partner, is a board-certified civil trial specialist and a member of the Multimillion Dollar Advocates Forum.
Edward Law Group
The attorneys at Edward Law Group have over three decades of combined experience and provide legal services to residents of Houston and the surrounding areas. It seeks compensation for injured victims of car accidents, slips and fall accidents, and medical malpractice. The firm’s other practice areas include criminal defense and immigration. More than 2,100 cases have been handled by Edward Law Group. Clients can be served in both English and Spanish.
Charles J. Argento & Associates
Charles J. Argento & Associates is a Houston law firm that represents truck driver victims. It focuses on truck accidents in general, including claims arising from the negligent operation of trucks, 18-wheelers, and tractor-trailers.
Its founder and lawyer, Charles J. Argento, has more than 33 years of legal experience and spent the first ten years of his career defending trucking companies. He has received numerous awards and accolades from clients, colleagues, and the press, and he has made winning cases the focus of his practice.
What Injuries Occur in Truck Accidents?
If you are injured in a truck accident, the driver of the truck or the company for which he or she works may be held liable for your injuries. Here are some of the most common truck accident injuries and their effects on the human body.
Wrongful Death
Unfortunately, due to the severity of the damage involved in a commercial truck accident, not everyone may survive a catastrophic crash. This is referred to as “wrongful death” in the legal system, and it may necessitate a claim on behalf of the victim’s family.
Head and Brain Injuries
Depending on the severity of the accident, a head or brain injury can have long-term consequences. Head injuries can be as minor as a concussion that heals in a day or two or as serious as mild, moderate, or severe traumatic brain injuries (TBI), which can cause a variety of negative effects ranging from personality changes to death. Truck accidents can cause severe injuries to victims’ heads and brains, and these injuries are likely to be life-changing when they occur.
Broken Bones
The amount of blunt force trauma in truck accidents can shatter bones and leave drivers and passengers with multiple severe injuries.
Amputated Limbs or Extremities
Arms, legs, hands, or feet may be severed or amputated after being crushed or severely burned in a catastrophic impact.
Burns
Unfortunately, burns are more common in commercial truck accidents than in passenger vehicle accidents. Because trucks are larger and tend to cause more damage in an accident. There is a greater risk of fuel tanks bursting and causing vehicle fires. A fire can not only destroy a vehicle. But it can also cause extremely painful and disfiguring injuries from which victims may never fully recover.
Spinal Cord Injuries
The impact of a commercial trucking accident can injure or damage the spinal cord’s bones, muscles, or nerves. This can result in partial, temporary, or complete paralysis of various body parts. Even if the injuries are not permanent, they can cause severe pain and frequently necessitate complex rehabilitation to recover. These types of injuries typically necessitate sophisticated imaging, such as an MRI scan, to properly diagnose and may necessitate surgery to treat.
Internal Injuries
The sheer force trauma of a semi-truck collision, combined with the physical stresses incurred by the body’s interaction. With safety equipment like a deployed airbag can result in blunt abdominal trauma. Internal injuries to the bladder, spleen, liver, pancreas, or kidneys can be extremely difficult to treat and result in life-long physical limitations.
Cuts and Lacerations
Cuts, while minor in comparison to internal injuries or head trauma, can have long-term consequences. It is caused by shattered glass, severed metal, or unrestrained objects within a vehicle. And can range from minor slices to permanent injury to the eyes, head, or body. Cuts can leave disfiguring scars, or they can become infected and cause serious illness or death.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Sue Someone After the Occurrence of a Truck Accident?
Yes, you can sue someone personally following a truck accident. This includes the truck’s driver as well as any other parties at fault.
To file a trucking accident personal injury claim, you must prove that the crash was caused by the truck driver’s negligence.
What Are Most Lawyer Fees for Car Accidents?
Attorneys typically take 33% of the award, so if you are awarded $100,000 in damages. Your attorney will receive $33,000 of that amount in legal fees. However, depending on the stage of the claim and the complexity of the case. Fees can range from around 25% to around 40%.
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