Texas Truck Accident Attorneys Fighting For The Compensation You Deserve

At Badders Law Firm P.C., we understand the profound impact that commercial truck accidents can have on individuals and families. The devastating consequences of such collisions can range from severe, life-altering injuries to the tragic loss of loved ones. These accidents leave families grappling with not only emotional turmoil but also significant financial burdens due to medical bills, lost income and other unexpected expenses.

We strive to secure the comprehensive compensation you need to rebuild your life with our extensive experience and dedicated approach. Our firm, founded in 1964 by Bill Badders, has a long-standing tradition of providing personalized legal representation. We focus on connecting each client with a dedicated attorney who will fight tirelessly on their behalf. If you or a loved one has been affected by a truck accident, contact us today to learn how we can help you during this challenging time. Our goal is to ensure that you receive the justice and support you deserve.

Understanding The Severity Of Truck Accidents

When you’re involved in an accident with a semi truck, the stakes are incredibly high. Due to their massive size and weight, trucks can cause devastating damage. To put it in perspective, an 18-wheeler can weigh up to 80,000 pounds when fully loaded. That’s about 20 times the weight of an average car. According to the National Safety Council, in 2022, large trucks were involved in nearly 6% of all fatal crashes, highlighting their potential for serious harm.

Following a truck accident, expect quick action from trucking companies. They often send insurance adjusters immediately to manage the fallout due to the severe nature of these accidents. Here’s our advice: consult an attorney first before discussing the accident with anyone from your insurance company. Unfortunately, adjusters are more concerned about protecting their company’s interests than yours. We can help guide you through the aftermath of a truck accident and ensure your rights are protected.

What Causes Truck Accidents?

Truck accidents can happen for a variety of reasons, each potentially catastrophic. Here are some common causes:

• Driver fatigue, exacerbated by longer permissible driving hours
• Poor weight distribution, which can lead to loss of control
• Lack of driver training and oversight
• Mechanical failures such as brake malfunctions

Recent changes in national trucking regulations have allowed for longer driving hours, which can lead to increased driver fatigue and a higher risk of accidents. Additionally, trucks have specific issues like weight distribution that are less common in other vehicles. This poor weight distribution can make them harder to control in emergencies.

Understanding these factors is crucial if you fall victim to a truck accident. We are here to help analyze the specifics of your case and navigate the complex claims process. Remember, you don’t have to face this alone.

Who Can Be Held Liable For A Truck Accident?

Liability can extend beyond the truck driver. These parties may also be responsible for the truck accident:

• The trucking company that is most directly in charge of the operations of the transportation operation
• A dispatcher who sent a particular truck on a particular route
• A loading dock company that filled the trailer part of the truck with cargo
• Inspectors and maintenance companies tasked with ensuring that the truck was roadworthy
• The truck driver
• The city, state or county in charge of roads and signs

Identifying all defendants is vital for maximizing your recovery under Texas’s modified comparative fault rules.

What Is Comparative Negligence?

In Texas, the courts follow modified comparative negligence when handling truck accident cases. Under Civil Practice and Remedies Code Section 33.001, you may recover compensation for your damages, provided that your fault is less than 51%. However, understand that when the court determines that you share some responsibility for the incident, you may receive a reduced payment amount.

What Is The Statute Of Limitations For Truck Accident Cases In Texas?

Under the Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code Section 16.003, you only have two years from the date of the collision or wrongful death to file a lawsuit. Whether you got into an accident involving delivery trucks, commercial trucks or out-of-state trucking companies, this deadline applies.

Prompt action is a must to avoid future complications. By addressing the problem early, you have more time to secure evidence that builds a foundation for your injury claim. Failing to file can lead to a dismissal, even if you were not at fault.

What Compensation Can Be Recovered After An Accident?

In personal injury claims, you can claim two types of compensation:

• Economic damages: These are countable financial losses that have a clear value attached to them, including medical expenses, lost wages, property damages and loss of earning capacity.

• Noneconomic damages: These are subjective, nonmonetary losses that are challenging to quantify such as pain and suffering, loss of consortium, physical impairment and emotional distress.

[NAP NAME] can guide you in calculating your losses, ensuring that all affected aspects of your life are covered.

What Evidence Is Needed To Build A Strong Truck Accident Case?

Building a truck accident case needs solid evidence. Your claim must include the following:

• Objective data from a truck’s black box
• Trucking company records
• Police reports
• Medical records that connect your injuries to the accident
• Testimonies from eyewitnesses, physicians and vocational rehabilitation experts

With the two-year statute of limitations, securing evidence immediately is nonnegotiable. Our team can assist you in collecting valuable information that can help your claim.

When To File An Insurance Claim After A Truck Accident

Filing an insurance claim as soon as possible is ideal to prevent missing the two-year deadline. However, this may be physically impossible as you recover from your injuries.

We understand this concern and are willing to help you retrieve your losses. At [NAP NAME], our team is ready to carry your burden by securing evidence, negotiating with the at-fault party and representing you in court if needed.

Talk To A Truck Accident Attorney Today

While we investigate the causes of your car-truck accident, we will evaluate your medical records and learn about your short-term and long-term medical and personal care needs. We will also get to know you and your well.

With the insights that we gain into how your life has changed, we will be ready to persuade decision-makers, such as claims adjusters, a judge and possibly a jury, that you need maximum available compensation. Get your truck accident case started by calling our Houston truck accident lawyers today at 936-649-3169 or completing our online contact form. We serve clients throughout Nacogdoches, Houston and East Texas. Initial consultations are free.