Truck crashes are some of the worst and most destructive kinds of car accidents. Most of the time, people get hurt or killed when commercial cars are hit because they are so big and heavy. Plenty of big trucks use the roads in Texas, so truck accidents are also very possible. If you or someone you care about has been in a truck crash, you should hire a lawyer right away.
1. In-depth knowledge of Trucking Regulations
One of the main reasons to hire a Houston car accident attorney is that they know a lot about the complicated web of federal and state rules that guide the trucking business. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has set many rules that trucking companies and drivers must follow. These rules include work hours, upkeep requirements, and keeping cargo safe.
If your lawyer specializes in truck accident cases, they know these rules and can quickly find any violations that may have led to the accident. For instance, if a truck driver worked longer than allowed without taking required breaks, this could be a key piece of evidence to show carelessness. A general personal injury lawyer might not know as much about these specific rules, which means they might miss important details that could help your case.
2. Experience with Complex Liability Issues
Truck accidents often involve more than one person or group, such as the truck driver, the trucking company, the car manufacturer, and even outside maintenance providers. It can be very hard to figure out who is responsible for a truck crash. A specialized truck accident lawyer has the knowledge and tools to fully look into the accident and figure out who is responsible.
This is especially important in Texas, where the idea of “proportionate responsibility” is used in the law. Under this principle, each person can be given a percentage of fault, and the amount of money you get can be lowered based on your percentage of fault. A good truck accident lawyer will try to make sure that you get the money you owe by minimizing your responsibility and maximizing the responsibility of the other parties.
3. Proven Track Record of Success
If you need a lawyer to help you with your truck crash case, you should look for someone who has won similar cases in the past. Truck accident lawyers who specialize often have a portfolio of past cases that show they can get good settlements or decisions for their clients.
This knowledge is very helpful because it shows how similar cases have been dealt with in the past and what strategies have worked. The insurance company and the other side’s lawyers are more likely to take a lawyer seriously if they have won cases before. This can lead to better payment deals.
4. Thorough Investigation and Evidence Gathering
Truck accident cases require a thorough investigation to gather all relevant evidence. This includes:
- Obtaining the Truck’s Black Box Data: Black boxes, also known as electronic logging devices (ELDs), are used in commercial trucks to keep track of things like speed, stopping, and hours of service. This information can be critical in determining the cause of the accident.
- Reviewing the Driver’s Logs and Employment Records: These documents can reveal if the driver was overworked, inadequately trained, or had a history of safety violations.
- Securing Traffic Camera Footage: In some cases, traffic cameras or dash cams may have captured the accident, providing visual evidence of what happened.
- Collecting Witness Statements: People who were there can give important information about what happened before the accident.
A specialized truck accident lawyer knows where to look for evidence and how to preserve it before it’s lost or destroyed. This thorough approach can make a significant difference in the strength of your case.
Conclusion
Hire a truck accident lawyer in Texas. This is one of the most important things you can do after a truck crash. It is very important for your case that you hire a specialized lawyer because they have a lot of knowledge about things like trucking laws and how to handle complicated legal procedures. They will do everything they can to get you the money you deserve so you can focus on getting better and starting over with your life.
If you or someone you care about was hurt in a truck crash, don’t guess what will happen next. Talk to a Texas truck accident lawyer right away to talk about your case and find out what your legal options are.
