Can you sue for being hit by a semi-truck in Texas? If someone else caused the accident through their negligent actions, you might be able to file a lawsuit. You could also consider settling with an insurance company.
Lawsuits and insurance settlements can help you secure compensation to cover your losses after an accident. But dealing with insurers and handling legal matters on your own can be overwhelming. Learn more about your options when you reach out to the Buzbee Law Firm.
Can You Seek Compensation After a Semi-Truck Accident?
Your ability to seek compensation after an accident with a semi-truck depends on liability. Generally, you can sue a negligent party. Individuals display negligence if they owe you a duty of care, fail to uphold that duty, and directly cause an accident.
A semi-truck accident lawyer in Texas can review the facts surrounding your case to determine who caused the collision. Our team has experience investigating accidents by:
- Speaking with eyewitnesses
- Getting a copy of the police report
- Visiting the scene of the accident
- Working with semi-truck accident experts
Find out if you’re eligible to file a lawsuit after a semi-truck collision by reaching out to a professional legal team. We can investigate your case to determine liability and who you can sue for compensation.
Who Can You Sue Following a Semi-Truck Accident?
According to the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT), commercial vehicles were involved in over 38,000 accidents in 2021. Liability varies for these collisions. However, many drivers have the option to sue:
The Truck Driver
You may sue a truck driver after some collisions. Generally, you have the option to file a lawsuit against a truck driver if they cause the accident through acts of negligence. Truckers may cause accidents if they:
- Drive too fast
- Ignore road signs and stop lights
- Swerve between lanes without checking for other vehicles
- Back up without performing a safety check
Many truckers end up causing accidents because they choose to drive while:
- Fatigued
- Distracted
- Under the influence of alcohol or drugs
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), drowsy driving represents a severe risk to all drivers. Truckers often spend longer behind the wheel, putting that at increased risk for fatigued driving.
The Trucking Company
In some cases, the trucking company holds liability for accidents in Texas. Companies might be responsible for accidents if they happen during regular business hours. They may also face liability if they:
- Failed to perform proper maintenance on the truck
- Did not provide adequate training to truck drivers
- Over-loaded the truck
A lawyer can dig into the actions of the trucking company, working to determine if they behaved improperly. Your lawyer may even look for information about previous collisions associated with the company.
The Truck Manufacturer
Sometimes, truck manufacturers produce and sell vehicles with severe defects. These defects can end up causing accidents, especially if they involve pivotal systems, like the brakes.
If a defective part caused your accident, a lawyer might help you sue the truck manufacturer or the dealership that sold the truck if they knew about the issue.
Other Drivers
Sometimes, other drivers end up causing semi-truck accidents in Texas. Drivers who fail to pay attention or drive aggressively often cause read-end, side-impact, and head-on collisions. Your lawyer can assess your specific situation to identify the negligent party.
Responsible Government Agencies
Finally, your city or local government agencies may hold a portion of liability for some semi-truck accidents. For example, if the city fails to perform proper upkeep on the roads or misplaced road signs, it could lead to a collision.
Provide your lawyer with information about your accident so that the professionals can assess liability.
Can You Secure Compensation if You Sue After a Semi-Truck Accident?
Lawsuits can often give you the chance to secure compensation after a semi-truck accident in Texas. Depending upon the kind of injuries you sustained, you could receive funds to cover your:
- Current and future medical expenses
- Lost wages at work
- Diminished earning potential
- Vehicle repairs or replacement costs
Some lawsuits allow you to seek non-economic damages or compensation for your pain and suffering. You may even receive punitive damages, which act as a way to punish the driver who struck you.
How do Lawyers Help You Sue After a Semi-Truck Accident?
If you’re interested in filing a lawsuit after a semi-truck accident in Texas, you can contact a legal team for assistance. A lawyer can step in to handle all your legal needs by:
- Answering your questions about the accident and a potential lawsuit
- Gathering evidence about the accident
- Managing communication with insurance agents and the other driver
- Building a claim for court
- Tracking all your losses
Law firms have the resources and training to work with semi-truck accident specialists and even recreate truck accidents in some situations. These steps can strengthen your claim, helping you seek damages to cover your losses.
A semi-truck accident lawyer may also help you explore other legal options. For example, you may choose to settle with the insurance company instead of taking your claim to court. Settling enables you to avoid court fees and may allow you to secure compensation more quickly.
Speak to Us About a Semi-Truck Accident Lawsuit
Can you sue for being hit by a semi-truck in Texas? In many situations, you have the option to seek legal compensation after a collision. You could also settle with the insurance company to get damages to cover medical expenses and other losses.
Find out more about your options with the Buzbee Law Firm. Call us or complete our online contact form.
