Trucking accidents often result in more severe injuries and frequent fatalities, as opposed to other motor-vehicle accidents. Truck accidents generally involve multiple parties, including the driver, trucking company, and commercial manufacturers, of which all may be held liable for the accident and maintain separate insurance policies. We know from experience that truck accident victims often face aggressive tactics from insurance companies aiming to minimize payouts and downplay the severity of their injuries.
At Baker Matthews Law Collective, we specialize in handling the complexities of truck accidents in and around the greater Austin area. Our team of truck accident attorneys knows the unique challenges these cases pose and we provide personalized legal strategies for each client.
Causes of Truck Accidents
Truck accidents can occur for various reasons, let’s discuss each of them and their implications for liability:
- Speeding and Reckless Driving: Pressure to meet tight delivery schedules can lead to speeding and unsafe driving practices. Both the truck driver and the trucking company may be liable if the company imposes unrealistic deadlines that encourage reckless behavior.
- Driver Fatigue: Truck drivers often work long hours, leading to fatigue and decreased reaction times. If fatigue is the cause, the trucking company may be held liable for pushing drivers beyond safe limits or failing to enforce rest breaks as required by federal regulations.
- Distracted Driving: The use of mobile or other distractions can lead to serious accidents. In such cases, the truck driver is typically liable for failing to pay attention to the road, but the trucking company might also share responsibility if they did not enforce strict policies against distractions.
- Mechanical Failures: Poor maintenance or defective parts can result in catastrophic failures while on the road. Liability in these cases can fall on the trucking company for inadequate maintenance or on the manufacturer if a defective part caused the accident.
- Improper Loading: Overloading or incorrect loading of cargo can cause instability and accidents. The company responsible for loading the truck can be held liable if improper loading practices are the cause.
Available Truck Accident Damages in Texas
If you’ve been involved in a truck accident, you may be entitled to various types of compensation to cover the extensive costs and impacts of the accident. The available damages typically include:
- Property Damage: Compensation for the repair or replacement of your vehicle and any other personal property damaged in the accident.
- Medical Expenses: Compensation for hospital bills, surgeries, medications, rehabilitation, and any ongoing medical care required due to the accident.
- Lost Wages: Reimbursement for income lost during your recovery period, as well as compensation for any future earning potential if your ability to work has been permanently affected.
- Pain and Suffering: Damages for the physical pain and emotional distress experienced as a result of the accident.
- Loss of Enjoyment of Life: Damages for the impact on your quality of life, including the inability to participate in activities you once enjoyed.
How Baker Matthews Law Collective Can Help
At Baker Matthews Law Collective, we are committed to securing the maximum compensation for our clients. Our experienced attorneys will:
- Thoroughly Investigate: We will gather all necessary evidence, including medical records, accident reports, and witness statements, to build a strong case.
- Determine Liability: Our team will identify all liable parties, whether it’s the truck driver, the trucking company, or the manufacturer, to ensure you receive the full compensation you deserve.
- Negotiate with Insurers: We will handle all communications with insurance companies, negotiating aggressively to secure a fair settlement.
- Provide Personal Support: We understand the emotional and physical toll a truck accident can take. Our team offers compassionate support, guiding you through the legal process and keeping you informed at every step.
Contact Baker Matthews Law Collective today for a consultation. Let us help you in this challenging time to obtain the compensation you need to recover and move forward.