On April 13th, 2023, a semi-truck lost a tire while heading east on the Katy Freeway in Texas. The tire propelled and hit an oncoming car heading west in the opposite lane.
The tire’s impact destroyed the KIA SUV’s passenger side, killing the passenger and leaving the driver with minor injuries.
Investigators assume that a spare tire fell off the vehicle without the truck driver’s knowledge because the driver did not stop or crash.
The case is an example of the potentially catastrophic harm that trucks may do to other road users and passenger cars, which did not even necessitate a truck accident.
If you or your loved one has been injured in a truck accident in Texas, you may qualify for compensation for your damages. But first, let us explore the fatal truck accident injuries you can sustain on the road.
Truck Accidents Often Result in Serious Injuries for Other Road Users
While truck accident victims can seek compensation for their damages, most are left with permanent disabilities.
The size difference between an ordinary passenger car and a semi-truck has consistently led to significant, permanent injuries or even deaths for the passengers of the passenger car.
Vehicle accidents result in about 180,000 injuries annually and over 4,600 fatalities in the United States.
Semi-trucks may inflict significant harm even without crashing with a passenger vehicle, as seen in the fatal truck accident in Texas. If the passenger car occupants survive, they may suffer severe injuries like:
- Broken bones
- Traumatic brain injury
- Spinal cord injuries
- Severe contusions and lacerations
- Soft tissue injuries
You should seek medical attention immediately if you were hurt in a vehicle collision, even if you think your injuries are minor. A healthcare professional will determine the suitable treatment for your injuries and prevent further harm.
Seeking treatment also validates your claim. The defendant’s attorneys cannot allege that you hesitated seeking medical treatment because you oversold your injuries or deliberately left your injuries to worsen to obtain a higher settlement for your truck accident claim.
Recovering Damages in a Truck Accident Lawsuit
Victims can seek compensation for economic and non-economic damages in a truck accident claim. The financial harm that truck accident victims experience because of their injuries is frequently compensable as economic damages.
Similarly, many truck accident victims suffer intangible losses, compensable as non-economic damages.
Examples of damages in a fatal truck accident claim:
- Medication
- Surgery
- Hospital stays
- Physical therapy
- Imaging
- Lab tests
- Home medical equipment
- Lost wages
- Missed promotions
- Reduced capacity to earn
- Funeral and burial expenses
- Loss of consortium
- Loss of parental guidance and instruction
The Texas statute of limitations for car accident claims (including trucks) is two years. That generally means that potential plaintiffs have two years from the date of the truck accident to file a personal injury claim.
Delaying filing a claim might make it more difficult for you to obtain the financial support you need since evidence can disappear or erode with time, and the memories of eyewitnesses may fade.
You should consult a truck accident attorney to assist you in estimating the cost of your damages so that you are adequately reimbursed.
Determining Liability in a Texas Truck Accident
It is generally easier to determine liability in a car accident claim than in a truck accident claim. For instance, in the earlier-mentioned Texas truck accident, whoever is to blame for the spare tire coming off the vehicle will be held liable.
There may be multiple parties involved in this. The tire manufacturer or device used to secure it may have been negligent and made a defective product.
Likewise, whoever fitted the spare tire to the truck may be held accountable if they did not do it correctly. The truck driver might be liable if reckless driving caused the spare tire to come off.
Engaging a truck accident lawyer as soon as feasible is the best way of determining who was at fault. The lawyer is knowledgeable enough to know who is legally liable for your damages, especially if several negligent parties are involved in your case.
Why Should I Hire a Truck Accident Attorney to Represent Me?
Truck accident claims are difficult to negotiate, so you must handle them with the help and guidance of a lawyer. Here are some reasons why you should engage a skilled truck accident attorney.
Experience in truck accident cases
Truck accident lawyers are conversant with the complex legal process involved in these claims. They know the kind of evidence to collect, how to build a strong case, and what to do to get you the best outcome. You can only get a better understanding of the legal process by hiring a truck accident lawyer.
In-depth knowledge of trucking laws
A truck accident attorney knows the laws that apply explicitly to trucking, including federal and state legislation, industry standards, and benchmarks.
Such information can help you get the compensation you deserve for your fatal truck accident injuries, including medical bills and lost income.
Ability to collect and present credible evidence
Truck accident attorneys have the knowledge and tools to collect and present vital evidence in truck accident cases.
Evidence collection entails conducting investigations, speaking with witnesses, and gathering data from the accident scene.
By making a strong claim, a truck accident attorney aids in securing you the most compensation. Usually, there are different kinds of insurance and methods for recovering compensation for fatal truck accident injuries, which generally do not occur in typical motor accidents.
Get you the maximum compensation
The primary role of a truck accident lawyer is to help clients obtain the maximum compensation to cover their medical expenses, property damage, and pain and suffering.
They achieve this through expert legal advocacy, negotiating with insurers and trucking businesses, and, if required, court representation.
Protect your legal rights
You may feel confident knowing your constitutional rights will be upheld if you work with a truck accident attorney.
A knowledgeable truck accident lawyer will fight to protect your rights throughout the case and ensure you receive the settlement you are entitled to.
Get Help in a Fatal truck accident Claim
You may struggle with physical and emotional recovery after sustaining injuries in a fatal truck accident. Your damages can be extensive, and having a lawyer on your side when claiming compensation is invaluable.
Legal Giant can help if you have been injured in a truck accident in Texas. We are a reputable lawyer referral service that links victims to experienced lawyers.
Our partner truck can accident lawyers are dedicated to providing the best legal representation and support to win your case and get the compensation you deserve.
Contact us at (855) 740-5024 for a free case evaluation.
