Personal Injury Lawyer in Houston, Texas: How to Handle Truck Accidents Involving Company Vehicles

ByDevwiz

Company truck accidents are complex. They typically involve a large number of parties, insurance carriers, and legal issues. In case you are injured due to such an accident, it is nice to know how to act immediately in order to protect your rights and be able to claim fair compensation. A Houston truck accident lawyer can guide you through the process.

Why Company Vehicle Truck Collisions Are Unique

Company truck accidents are not your average car accident. When it involves a company owned vehicle, at least some of the blame rests with the company. The driver may be at fault, but the company can also be liable for lack of training, driving an excessive number of hours or negligent maintenance. It is this collective liability that makes your situation even more difficult. An injury attorney will pinpoint all responsible parties in the accident and see that none escape liability.

Step 1: Get Medical Attention Right Away

The second that you are involved in a truck accident, you must receive medical help right away. Even if you are not sure that you have been hurt, go to the doctor. Internal injuries may take time to manifest themselves. Medical reports are also valuable proof when you are preparing your case. Your lawyer will employ your medical reports to link your injuries to the accident, greatly enhancing your case.

Step 2: Report the Accident and Obtain Evidence

Inform the insurance company and police of the accident at all times. Obtain phone numbers of the truck driver, employer, and witnesses. Document damage to vehicles, injuries, and road conditions with pictures. After the initial shock of a truck crash, arranging a reliable Car Transport Service Bristol to recover and relocate your vehicle can reduce further damage and evidence loss while your legal team builds your case. If the truck is a company-owned truck, record its name, license number, and DOT number. This can be used as evidence by a Houston truck accident attorney to prove company involvement.

Step 3: Don’t Talk to Insurance Adjusters Alone

Insurance adjusters won’t hesitate to call you soon after a truck crash. They’re looking out for their company’s interests and want to save money. Don’t sign anything or give statements before consulting your attorney. Your attorney will do all the negotiating for you and protect you from scams. They’ll ensure your lawsuit covers all of your damages—your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

Step 4: Identify All Responsible Parties

Truck accidents are at times the fault of more than one party:

  • The driver of the truck (for careless driving)
  • The trucking company (for poor training or upkeep)
  • The maker of the truck (for faulty equipment)
  • A contractor (in the event the truck had been rented)

A veteran Houston personal injury lawyer will look everywhere. They’ll obtain records, black boxes, and upkeep logs to determine who is responsible.

Step 5: Determine Employer Liability

Texas employers are held responsible for what their employees do in the workplace. This is referred to as respondeat superior. If one of their truck drivers was in an accident while doing his job, the employer may be held responsible for damages. But if the driver was not driving on duty or for personal purposes, the company is not responsible. Your lawyer can get evidence that the driver was driving on duty during the accident.

Step 6: Compute Reasonable Compensation

Truck accidents typically cause serious injuries, which cause massive bills. You can be compensated for:

  • Medical treatment and future treatment
  • Lost wages or reduced capacity to work
  • Suffering and emotional distress
  • Property damage
  • Wrongful death (if your loved one died)

You are assured that your attorney will scrutinize bills, wage statements, and expert reports to establish a fair settlement. He or she will assertively seek a complete recovery, not an insurance settlement proposal.

Step 7: File Your Claim Before the Deadline

 

Texas statute of limitations permits most victims of injuries two years within which to file an action. Forgoing time can waive your ability to receive damages. An attorney will make sure that you meet all filing deadlines and paperwork requirements in a timely manner.

Why a Houston Personal Injury Lawyer Matters

Tractor-trailer accident suits are never simple. Insurance layers, corporate policy, and federal trucking regulations make them so that one can never handle them alone. An attorney in Houston will:

  • Carefully investigate the accident
  • Gather physical evidence
  • Determine all parties involved
  • Negotiate aggressively with insurance companies
  • Fight for you in court if needed

Having an attorney representing you enables you to address recovery while your lawyer fights for your rights.

Problems Encountered in Business Car Accidents

  1. Proving the Driver Was Working When the Accident Occurred: Companies will deny that the driver was “on the job.”
  2. More Than One Insurer: There may be more than one insurer.
  3. Evidence Destroyed: Some companies try to destroy or conceal records in a timely fashion.
  4. Pressure from the Adjuster: Victims are pressured into settling for low amounts.
  5. Sophisticated Federal Law: Commercial trucks are covered by strict safety laws.

There’s a highly experienced attorney with expertise in overcoming these hurdles.

Evidence Sustaining Your Claim

The following information may aid your case further:

  • Crash and police reports
  • Black box truck data
  • Driver sleep time and driver logs
  • Maintenance and inspection records
  • Witness statements
  • Scene videos or photos

This type of evidence shall be collected and analyzed by your lawyer to establish a strong claim.

When a Company Truck Is Involved in a Fatal Crash

If the accident caused the death of an individual, the families can file a claim of wrongful death. Certain family members are allowed to be compensated by the law of Texas for loss of wages, emotional loss, and burial costs. A sympathetic attorney fights on behalf of families to obtain justice and healing.

Prevention Tips for Motorists on How to Avoid Truck Accidents

For others who ride alongside big rigs:

  • Move out of blind spots
  • Back away and let them have space
  • Don’t make sudden lane changes
  • Be polite to slow-moving trucks

You won’t have to be overly cautious to stay away from wrecks.

Your Next Move

If you or a loved one were hurt in an accident with a company truck, don’t hesitate. Contact a Houston personal injury lawyer today. The sooner you contact us, the stronger your case will be.

FAQs

  1. Who would be liable if the company truck is in an accident in Houston?

The employer and driver may be liable. The employer would be liable if the driver was in the course of employment.

  1. May I sue the trucking company directly?

Yes. If the company per se—e.g., fatigued driver or faulty maintenance—is what caused the accident, you may sue the company directly.

  1. What if the truck driver were an independent contractor?

Liability is contractual. A lawyer can review contracts to see if the company is still liable.

  1. How long does a truck accident case take to resolve itself?

It depends on the depth of the injury and insurance conformity. Most resolve themselves in a few months to a year.

  1. How much does a Houston truck accident lawyer charge?

Most of them work on a contingency basis. You only pay if you receive compensation.

Last Words

It requires skill and savvy to manage a truck accident with the company truck. With the Schechter, Shaffer & Harris, LLP – Accident & Injury Attorneys, you can get to the bottom of things, find out who is at fault, and get the compensation you deserve.