What Kind of Injuries Qualify for Truck Accident Compensation?

Injured car accident victim being helped by fire department. | Patrick Daniel Law
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When pondering What kind of injuries qualify for truck accident compensation? it’s important to understand that truck accidents can lead to a range of serious injuries. These injuries are often more severe than typical car accidents due to the size and weight of large trucks.

No matter the severity, if you’ve suffered losses due to a truck accident-related injury, you qualify to pursue compensation. Whether you seek that compensation through an insurance claim or a lawsuit depends on many factors.

If you’re struggling to navigate a truck accident compensation claim, knowing about possible damages, statutes of limitations, and other rules and procedures is important. However, all of this information can seem overwhelming, especially when trying to recover and return to work.

The assistance of a Houston truck accident lawyer can help alleviate some of the additional stress related to your claim. Patrick Daniel Law has an in-depth knowledge of truck accident compensation claims. With medical bills looming and insurance companies disputing details, you need a level-headed, experienced advocate.

Call (713) 999-6666 today to schedule a FREE case evaluation. With a Strategic. Meticulous. Merciless. approach, we are dedicated to pursuing the just compensation you deserve when you need it the most.

Common Truck Accident Injuries

Large trucks aren’t involved in as many accidents as passenger cars, but they can cause massive destruction when they are. According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), Texas had 11,349 large truck and bus crashes in 2022. That is far more than any other state in the nation. As a result of those truck accidents, there were 6,644 injuries and 378 lives lost.

Truck accidents can result in numerous types of injuries, ranging from minor to catastrophic to fatal. Common injuries include:

The severity of these injuries often leads to significant medical expenses, long-term care needs, and potential life-altering consequences.

Read More: How Are Car Accidents Different from Truck Accidents?

What Damages Are Available in a Truck Accident Compensation Claim?

Victims of truck accidents in Texas can seek various forms of damages for their injuries. These include:

  • Medical expenses
  • Lost wages
  • Loss of earning capacity
  • Pain & suffering
  • Loss of consortium
  • Loss of household services
  • Physical impairment
  • Disfigurement

If the truck accident resulted in the death of a loved one, possible damages for wrongful death include:

  • Funeral & burial costs
  • Loss of earning capacity
  • Pain & suffering
  • Loss of companionship, comfort & society

Understanding the full extent of compensatory damages is crucial in ensuring a fair settlement.

How Do Texas Comparative Fault Laws Affect a Large Truck Accident?

In Texas, comparative fault laws (Tex. Civ. Prac. & Rem Code § 33.001) significantly influence the outcome of large truck accident claims. Under these laws, the compensation you can receive is affected by your degree of fault in the accident.

If you are found to be partially responsible, your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For instance, if you are awarded $100,000 in damages but are found 20% at fault, you will receive $80,000. It’s key to note that you cannot recover any compensation if you are more than 50% responsible.

This rule further reinforces the importance of having a skilled Houston truck accident attorney to present your case accurately. They can fight to ensure your percentage of fault is correctly calculated and maximize your potential compensation.

Read More: How Is Liability Determined in a Truck Accident?

How Much Are Most Truck Accident Settlements?

The value of truck accident settlements varies widely, depending on the severity of the injury, the impact on the victim’s life, and the liability aspects of the case. Settlements can range from thousands to millions of dollars, reflecting the injury’s nature and associated losses.

How Long After an Injury Can You Claim?

In Texas, the statute of limitations for personal injury and wrongful death claims is generally 2 years from the accident date (§ 16.003). Filing a claim within this timeframe is essential to preserve your right to seek compensation. Though there are some exceptions, if the statute of limitations runs out, you will likely be unable to recover damages.

Read More: What Is the Statute of Limitations for Filing a Truck Accident Lawsuit?

Two years may seem like plenty of time, but it goes by faster than you would think. In order to ensure that your lawyer has enough time to assemble all the evidence and experts necessary to properly present your case—promptly contact an attorney after a large truck accident.

How Do I Start a Truck Accident Compensation Claim?

Initiating a truck accident compensation claim in Texas involves several key steps.

Seek Medical Attention

Immediately after the accident, seek medical attention! Your well-being is of utmost importance. Even if injuries seem minor, see a doctor for a thorough evaluation. Medical records will be critical in proving the extent of your injuries.

Document the Accident

If you are able, promptly document the scene with photos and gather contact information from witnesses. Obtain a copy of the police report as an official record of the incident.

Notify Your Insurance

Inform your insurance company about the accident, but be cautious with the details you share initially. They are primarily concerned with their own profits. If it will benefit them, they will manipulate what you say. An attorney can speak with them on your behalf.

Read More: How Insurance Companies Handle Truck Accident Claims

Gather Evidence

Collect all relevant evidence, including medical bills, proof of lost wages, and any other expenses related to the accident.

Consult a Truck Accident Lawyer

Contact a Houston truck accident lawyer. An attorney can assess your claim, guide you through the legal process, and handle communications with insurance companies.

File the Claim

Your lawyer will help you file a compensation claim against the at-fault party’s insurance. This includes preparing and submitting all necessary documentation to support your claim.

Negotiations

Your lawyer will negotiate with the insurance company to try to reach a fair settlement.

Consider Legal Action

If a satisfactory settlement cannot be reached, your lawyer may advise filing a lawsuit.

How Can a Houston Truck Accident Lawyer Help You?

A Houston truck accident lawyer can be instrumental in various ways when you’re seeking compensation after a truck accident. Here’s how they can assist:

  • Experienced Legal Guidance: They provide solid advice on Texas truck accident laws, ensuring you understand your rights and options.
  • Case Evaluation: Your lawyer will thoroughly assess your case to determine the best legal strategy and the potential value of your claim.
  • Gathering Evidence: They will help collect and organize critical evidence, including accident reports, witness statements, and medical records.
  • Dealing with Insurance Companies: A skilled attorney can handle all communications and negotiations with insurance companies, protecting you from lowball offers and aggressive tactics.
  • Proving Liability: They can establish the other party’s fault, which is crucial for a successful claim.
  • Calculating Damages: Your lawyer will accurately estimate the total damages, including medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and any future costs related to the accident.
  • Legal Representation: If your case goes to trial, a truck accident lawyer will represent you in court, presenting a robust case on your behalf.
  • Peace of Mind: Having a knowledgeable attorney handle the legal aspects allows you to focus on recovery, knowing your case is in capable hands.

Contact a Houston Truck Accident Lawyer Today!

An accident involving a large truck can be devastating. There may be terrible physical injuries that you’ll need time to recover from. In the meantime, medical bills will keep piling up and insurance companies may pressure you to settle quickly.

What type of injuries qualify for truck accident compensation?Any injury that has caused you to suffer losses may qualify for compensation. A Houston truck accident lawyer provides pivotal support in navigating a truck accident compensation claim. At Patrick Daniel Law, we advocate for your rights and ensure you are pursuing fair compensation.

Contact us today to schedule a FREE case evaluation. We handle cases in Houston and throughout Texas. We know this is a difficult time. Allow our tenacity and dedication to offer some relief.

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