Truck Accidents

McAllen Truck Accident Attorney

Holding Liable Parties Accountable for Devastating Trucking Accidents

The big rig is essential to the American economy, keeping products moving across the country through various shipping franchises. However, operating commercial trucks can be dangerous, with driver error and equipment failure leading to catastrophic injuries for those involved in a collision. Accidents involving commercial vehicles can also be legally complicated, making it difficult to determine who was at fault for the accident.

In recent years, stringent FMCSA regulations have made it more apparent that drivers are responsible for operating their vehicles safely to avoid a crash. This includes getting adequate rest so the driver is not fatigued. However, negligence on the part of the trucking company’s maintenance system, loading crew, or even the truck manufacturer can also lead to a serious crash.

If you or your loved one has experienced a wreck involving an 18-wheeler, you may be dealing with insurance agents trying to get you to take an offer so they can close the case quickly. Please understand that most insurance companies don’t have the victim’s best interests at heart. You should speak with a lawyer about your rights and damages before signing anything or accepting any money from the insurance company.

At Brasure Law Firm, PLLC, we have over a decade of experience helping trucking accident victims collect compensation in full following severe injuries. We understand the difficulty of fighting a legal battle while recovering from your injuries, which is why we will stand by your side to protect your rights and maximize your compensation.

Let us take the legal burden of your case off your shoulders. You can rely on our dedicated, honest team to help recover damages following your truck crash. We operate on a contingency basis, so you don’t pay a thing unless we win. Call now to schedule your free consultation at 956-903-2873.

Who is Liable in a Trucking Accident?

One of the trickiest parts of seeking compensation in a trucking accident is establishing a liable party. Unlike typical car accidents, where one or the other driver is usually at fault, there could be many responsible parties in a collision involving a commercial truck. Holding the driver responsible could be relatively simple in cases with an independent contractor. On the other hand, if the trucking company is at fault, you could be dealing with a large corporation that retains skilled lawyers who will seek to minimize your damages.

Some additional parties who could be held liable in a truck accident case include:

• A driver operating a privately owned vehicle who was driving while fatigued or under the influence
• The truck company that failed to maintain their vehicle or train their drivers properly
• The loading crew that did not secure or balance the cargo according to trucking industry standards
• The truck manufacturer for selling a defective product
• The maintenance crew that failed to inspect or correct mechanical issues

If you are experiencing pain and suffering due to negligence on the part of the driver, manufacturer, company, or another party, you could be eligible for damages. Our personal injury lawyers hold companies and drivers accountable for violating safety regulations and federal laws, which can help victims recover and prevent future accidents. Reach out to our legal team immediately to learn more about your rights and get help recovering damages.

Why Are Semi-Truck Accidents So Serious?

Many people understand that you don’t want to get into an accident with a semi-truck or other tractor-trailer vehicle. However, the factors that go into a truck accident go far beyond the massive size of the truck, although this does play a significant part in the damage done to smaller vehicles.

One of the reasons truck accidents are so devastating is certainly the mass of the commercial vehicle. Large trucks weigh up to 80,000 pounds, far outweighing passenger cars, which average about 6,000 pounds. The extra mass creates a severe impact that can be catastrophic and even fatal for other drivers and passengers. The weight of semi-trucks makes driver error a critical factor since these trucks are very difficult to maneuver in emergency situations.

Another important aspect to remember is the reduced visibility available for a truck driver. Drivers should understand that there is a much larger blind spot for semi trucks than for the average passenger vehicle. This can make it difficult for even the safest truck driver to avoid an accident.

Finally, commercial vehicles may potentially carry hazardous materials. For this reason, many truck accidents are fatal because of the increased risk of fire and explosion. If accident victims are lucky enough to survive, they may have to recover from severe burns, which can be extremely painful and life-threatening. Living with the disfigurement of chemical or heat burns can also be devastating. Reach out to our law firm for help with your personal injury case against a negligent truck driver or company.

What Are Some Leading Causes of Truck Accidents?

Understanding the cause of your accident is crucial so you can pursue the best course of action following your crash. If a reckless driver or negligent company caused your injuries, consult a lawyer to see whether you are eligible to recover damages.

Some of the leading causes of truck accident claims in McAllen include:

• Driver fatigue
• Reckless driving, such as speeding, ignoring traffic signals, or sudden lane changes
• Cargo not loaded correctly in the trailer
• Vehicle not adequately maintained
• Defective vehicle with system failure causing an accident
• Poor weather conditions, including driving at night
• Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol

When you suffer injuries from a truck accident, you deserve to know why the crash occurred. A truck accident lawyer will investigate the incident, including photos of the crash scene, police reports, eyewitness accounts, and surveillance footage, to discover the reason for the crash. Call our law firm today to hire a trusted legal professional who can help you establish liability and seek compensation.

What Injuries do Truck Accident Victims Typically Suffer?

It’s no secret that auto injuries can be extremely serious. In commercial vehicle cases, the injuries can be even more catastrophic because of the extreme impact force during the collision. Victims are lucky to survive accidents involving semi-trucks, and those who do survive are likely to live with extremely painful recoveries or permanent damage.

Some examples of typical injuries truck accident victims suffer include:

• Broken bones, fractures, and sprains
• Spinal cord injuries, including crushed vertebrae, sprains, and tears
• Cuts and lacerations
• Neck injuries, including whiplash
• Internal organ damage
• Burns from chemical spills or fires
• Disfigurement
• Paralysis, including quadriplegia, paraplegia, and tetraplegia
• Blindness
• Hearing loss
• Loss of limbs (amputation)
• Internal bleeding
• Traumatic brain injury, such as concussions or open head wounds
• Soft tissue damage
• Death

If you or your loved one was severely injured in a wreck, you have our deepest sympathies. We know that taking legal action at this time may seem like an unthinkable burden. This is why we want to take on your legal case and allow you to focus on recovering and spending time with loved ones. We promise to protect your rights so you can rest and heal without the added stress of medical expenses. Contact our compassionate, helpful legal team today for a free initial consultation.

What Should I Do if I’ve Been Involved in an Accident with a Commercial Vehicle?

Experiencing an accident can be traumatic and disturbing. Many victims are in such shock that they don’t know what to do next. Please remember to follow these steps to protect yourself physically and legally following a collision with an 18-wheeler or other big rig:

• Get out of the flow of traffic to prevent further injury.
• Stay at the accident scene.
• Report the incident to the authorities, including the police and medical professionals.
• Don’t assume an onlooker will call 911 for you. Assign one person to call an ambulance so the crowd doesn’t think help has already been called.
• Offer reasonable aid to injured victims.
• Take pictures of the crash scene and gather contact information of witnesses who saw the accident.
• Get medical treatment as soon as possible to avoid permanent or fatal injuries, even if you think you’re fine.
• Don’t accept payouts or sign anything the trucking or insurance company offers without speaking with a lawyer.
• Keep track of medical records and other expenses associated with your injuries.
• Contact a legal professional for help collecting damages.

Will an Insurance Claim Cover My Damages in a Commercial Truck Accident?

Accident victims often think that filing a claim with the insurance company will be sufficient to cover their costs. However, the sad truth is that the insurer is probably not looking out for your best interests. Insurance agents often offer a lowball payout, hoping the victim will accept the money so they can close the case quickly. You deserve better treatment for a complete financial recovery.

When you hire the best truck accident lawyer possible, your legal team will work to negotiate a fair settlement with the at-fault party and their insurance company. This is crucial when working with trucking companies since these large corporations often hire highly skilled attorneys to represent their interests.

Working with an experienced attorney like those at Brasure Law Firm, PLLC, can make all the difference when seeking fair treatment after a crash. Call us right away to get help maximizing your compensation and giving your family a bright future.

How Much Compensation Will I Receive for My Truck Accident Injuries?

Every truck accident lawsuit is different. The settlement amount depends on many factors, such as whether the victims shared any blame for the accident and how extensive their damages were. If you have been in an accident with a semi-truck, you should contact a personal injury law firm right away for personalized advice and more accurate estimates of your compensation.

A successful truck accident case will include the following damages and more:

• Past and future medical bills, including doctor’s visits, hospital costs, ambulance charges, and more
• Rehabilitation and chiropractic care
• Past and future lost wages, salaries, bonuses, and vacation time
• Decreased income-earning capacity
• Property damage
• Non-economic damages, including emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life, and catastrophic injuries
• Wrongful death, including reasonable burial and funeral expenses
• Punitive damages in cases where the at-fault party engaged in criminal behavior, such as drunk driving

You can rely on our legal team to identify the many ways a crash has impacted your life. We will pursue compensation in full from the insurance company and through a lawsuit if necessary. Call today to hold the negligent parties accountable and make the full financial recovery you deserve.

Why Do I Need a Lawyer to Hold the Liable Party Responsible for My Collision?

When you are in an accident involving a commercial vehicle, you may feel overwhelmed by the trucking company’s demands for you to sign waivers and accept their initial payout. Please understand that you are under no obligation to sign anything or take any money without first speaking to a lawyer. A personal injury lawyer should discuss your case with you in a free consultation to help you decide how to proceed.

Some other ways an attorney can help include:

• Gathering evidence to determine liability
• Presenting evidence of your injuries to demonstrate that you deserve maximum compensation
• Negotiating with the insurance company to get a fair settlement
• Protecting your rights when you are under attack by the trucking company and insurance agent
• Representing you if litigation becomes necessary

Should You Hire Our McAllen Truck Accident Lawyer?

Our team of truck accident lawyers is prepared to handle your truck accident case, no matter how complex the legal issues become. We will listen carefully to your concerns and fight for you aggressively in negotiations and in court if necessary. Our legal team has over a decade of experience helping clients recover damages in trucking accidents. We will apply our knowledge, dedication, honesty, and skill as we seek maximum compensation on your behalf.

When you call our law office, you will recognize the difference that a caring, compassionate legal team can make. We will communicate consistently throughout your legal proceedings so you know what to expect.

Don’t go it alone or give in to insurance agents. Reach out to our law firm today to get the counsel and representation you need at this difficult time. You can reach us at 956-903-2873 for a free consultation.