A collision with an 18-wheeler — also known as a tractor-trailer, big rig, or semi-truck — is one of the most serious types of car accidents. Because of the substantial size and weight of these commercial trucks, passenger cars are commonly mangled or crushed during the impact. This can result in devastating repercussions for truck accident victims, including life-altering injuries, permanent loss of quality of life, crippling medical costs, and lost income.
If you’ve been the victim of a Texas 18-wheeler accident, you’ve suffered enough already. You shouldn’t have to worry about the additional stress of a complex legal process. At the Lopez Law Group, we know how devastating this time can be, and we’re here to help. From seeking medical care to filing a claim for medical expenses and lost wages to collect the compensation you deserve, our Weslaco truck accident lawyers will help you navigate every step of the legal process so that you can focus on your recovery.
Who Can Be Held Liable for Truck Accidents?
Truck accidents involving commercial 18-wheelers are more legally complex than accidents between two passenger vehicles for a few reasons. These types of collisions involve several parties and multiple lines of insurance coverage, making it difficult to identify negligence and prove liability.
After a truck accident, truck accident victims may be able to seek injury compensation from any of the following parties or their associated insurance company:
- The truck driver
- Truck companies
- The truck maintenance crew
- Repairmen
- Road maintenance crews
- Local governments
On top of that, complicating factors may play into your truck accident case, such as mechanical failure, driver fatigue, and whether or not regulations in the trucking industry were being followed at the time of the collision. A Weslaco accident lawyer can help you navigate truck accident law and find the right path to relief.
What To Do After a Truck Accident
After a truck accident, you may be feeling frightened and unsure of what to do next. Having a step-by-step guide can help you stay calm and stay safe. If you’ve been involved in a truck accident in Weslaco, follow the steps below:
- Stay in Your Car — An accident scene is a dangerous place. Your car can protect you from debris and passing traffic. However, if your car is flooding or on fire, exit as quickly as possible while watching for traffic.
- Call 911 — Either call 911 yourself or ask someone else to call for you.
- Check for Injuries — Check yourself and any passengers for emergency injuries. Avoid moving severely injured people unless they are in the way of oncoming traffic.
- Move Out of Traffic — If your vehicle is operational, move it out of the way of traffic. If not, wait until traffic has completely cleared, exit your vehicle, and move as far away from the roadway as possible.
- Wait for Emergency Responders — Emotions can run high after a truck accident, so it’s a good idea to interact with other drivers as little as possible until help has arrived.
- Exchange Information — Once police have arrived, you can exchange contact and insurance information with all parties involved.
- Gather Evidence — Take pictures of all relevant aspects of the accident scene, including damage to vehicles and any contributing factors.
- Contact an Attorney — Experienced truck accident attorneys can help you figure out the next steps to take.
Common Truck Accident Injuries
The sheer weight and size of 18-wheeler vehicles significantly increase the chance of severe injuries. Victims of truck accidents may face lengthy recovery times, debilitating medical costs, emotional trauma, and loss of motor function or ability to work. Common 18-wheeler vehicle accident injuries include:
- Concussion
- Neck or spinal injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Loss of limb
- Burn injuries
- Nerve damage
- Whiplash
- Internal bleeding
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Burn injuries
- Neck or spinal cord injuries
- Nerve damage
- Whiplash
- Broken bones
- Fractures
- Dislocations
What You Need To Know About Truck Accident Injuries and Compensation
Because many of the injuries commonly seen after truck accidents are severe and potentially life-altering, the medical costs and possible lost income associated with 18-wheeler accidents make calculating sufficient damages for these cases more complicated. Victims of truck accidents may face lengthy recovery times and debilitating medical costs for both emergency care and ongoing medical services in the event of injuries causing permanent loss of mobility.
In addition, victims of 18-wheeler accidents may experience emotional trauma that can result in medical costs associated with mental healthcare. Loss of motor function or the onset of mental health conditions as a result of a commercial trucking accident can also affect a victim’s ability to work. This means that lost wages and quality of life compensation must be taken into account as well.
The complexity of 18-wheeler accident case injuries and their effects on long-term quality of life make these cases particularly difficult to manage without the help of experienced legal professionals. If you’ve been injured in a Weslaco truck accident, you need help from the reliable truck accident lawyers here at The Lopez Law Group.
What Truck Accident Compensation May Be Available?
An experienced truck accident lawyer will navigate the legal process for you and work to recover both medical expenses and compensation for the losses you’ve suffered. This compensation can generally be split into three categories: economic damages, non-economic damages, and punitive damages.
While economic and non-economic damages are meant to compensate truck accident victims for the losses they face due to a truck crash, punitive damages are meant to punish defendants for wrongdoing.
Economic Damages
- Medical bills
- Rehabilitation costs
- Lost wages
- Reduced earning capacity
- Property damage to your vehicle
- Wrongful death
Non-Economic Damages
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of quality of life
- Emotional distress
- Scarring and disfigurement
- Loss of consortium
Keep in mind that your right to non-economic compensation may be more difficult to prove than your right to economic compensation. If you feel you’re owed non-economic or punitive damages, you should seek assistance from a reliable truck accident law firm.
How Long Do You Have to File a Truck Accident Lawsuit?
After some truck accidents, you may be able to file a claim with the right insurance company to get the coverage you need, but that’s rarely the case. Usually, you will need to pursue truck accident litigation in order to get a fair settlement. However, there’s a time limit on how long you have to file a truck accident lawsuit. In Texas, you have two years from the point of your accident to file a suit. Truck accident lawsuits filed on behalf of children are subject to a different statute of limitations. A Weslaco truck accident attorney can help you determine how long you have to bring your truck accident case.
How the Lopez Law Group Can Help
If you’ve been in an 18-wheeler accident, your first priority should be focusing on your health and your loved ones as you work toward healing — not trying to negotiate with insurance companies and worrying about medical costs and lost wages.
At the Lopez Law Group, we’ve dedicated our careers to representing victims of personal injuries. Our experienced truck accident attorneys proudly serve the Weslaco and Rio Grande Valley areas. We are committed to easing the minds of our clients with our many years of combined experience in 18-wheeler accident law and our unwavering support. We aim to serve as your ally during this difficult time, fighting aggressively for the compensation you deserve. Here’s what we’ll do to support you throughout your case:
Investigate the Truck Accident
Strategic Case Planning
Prepare for Trial if Needed
Maximize Your Recovery
Get Crash Compensation With Help From Weslaco Truck Accident Lawyers
At the Lopez Law Group, we care about your case — and your recovery. When you partner with us, we’ll help hold the responsible party accountable and recover the full measure of justice you deserve. If you’ve been in a car accident and need to hire an 18-wheeler accident lawyer in Weslaco, we invite you to meet with us and discuss your case completely free of charge. Get in touch with us today, and let us help you on your road to recovery.
