Hiring a Truck Accident Attorney

Seeking the services of a qualified attorney can be essential, especially when you or a loved one faces a situation involving a commercial truck. Texas truck accidents can be legally intricate, often involving trucking companies and insurance companies who may vigorously try to avoid liability. Hiring an experienced truck accident attorney can help level the playing field and send a clear message to the opposing party that you are committed to seeking justice.

While seeking legal advice after a car accident is beneficial, it becomes even more crucial in complex truck accident cases. Malone Legal Group is dedicated to supporting victims of truck accidents, aiding them in recovering from significant injuries and losses.

Below are six accident scenarios that highlight the importance of retaining a skilled truck accident attorney to maximize your chances of success and secure the compensation you are entitled to.

You've Suffered Severe Injuries in a Truck Accident

Accidents involving large commercial trucks can result in devastating consequences for those in smaller vehicles, leading to profound injuries such as:

• Spinal cord trauma and paralysis
• Limb amputations
• Back-related injuries
• Severe traumatic brain damage (TBI)
• Internal bleeding and organ damage

These serious injuries, combined with the subsequent financial hardships, can have a lasting impact on your life. Teaming up with a skilled truck accident attorney significantly improves your chances of securing the rightful compensation you deserve, especially when your future is uncertain.

You're Facing Significant Financial Setbacks

In situations where substantial financial interests are at stake, insurance companies, trucking companies, and other responsible parties often employ aggressive tactics to minimize payouts to the lowest possible extent. They may assemble teams of legal experts to challenge or diminish your claim. Additionally, accurately assessing the value of your truck accident claim is crucial to securing a fair settlement or court judgment. Among your losses are:

Financial Losses

Financial losses aim to reimburse victims for actual expenses resulting from the truck accident, which may include:

• Medical bills
• Lost income
• Travel expenses
• Costs associated with home or vehicle modifications
• Out-of-pocket expenditures

Non-Financial Losses

Individuals severely affected by a truck accident may also be entitled to non-financial damages, which encompass compensation for:

• Ongoing pain
• Emotional distress
• Visible scarring and disfigurement
• Permanent disability

An Insurance Adjuster Reaches Out to You

When an insurance adjuster contacts you, it is important to immediately seek legal advice. Despite their friendly and helpful demeanor, it's essential to keep in mind that adjusters represent the interests of the insurance company, not your own. Unfortunately, their intentions may not align with your best interests. In reality, an adjuster might actively be looking for opportunities to deny or reduce your claim. For example, a seemingly innocent response like saying "I'm okay" when an adjuster asks about your well-being could potentially be misinterpreted as an indication of minor injuries.

Do Not Accept a Quick Settlement Offer Without Legal Counsel

In most cases, initial settlement offers from insurers are designed to minimize compensation for victims. Once you accept such an offer and sign on the dotted line, you typically forfeit the opportunity to pursue additional damages, including future medical expenses or lost wages. Therefore, before endorsing a settlement offer, it's crucial to ensure that the amount adequately covers both current and future losses.

Sadly, many individuals involved in accidents are unaware of their rights and often settle for much less than they deserve. Avoid falling into this predicament. The legal experts at The Ammons Law Firm have the expertise to evaluate the fairness of a settlement proposal. Furthermore, we can skillfully handle communication and negotiations with insurance companies to protect your rights. Most importantly, our experienced trial lawyers have the judgment to determine when negotiation should cease and assertive legal action in court against insurers and other responsible parties is the wisest course of action.

Parties Liable for Your Truck Accident

While car accidents often arise from straightforward circumstances, truck accidents tend to be more complex, involving multiple parties who may be held accountable for the incident. These parties include:

The Parties Involved

Truck accidents often have multiple parties involved, each with their own responsibilities and potential liabilities. These parties include:

The Truck Driver

Drivers often endure long hours on the road, which can lead to fatigue or impaired judgment due to medication. Various driver-related factors can contribute to accidents, such as:

• Distracted driving
• Excessive speed
• Intoxication
• Failure to adhere to traffic regulations

The Trucking Company

Trucking companies have operational responsibilities that encompass ensuring vehicle safety, regular maintenance, and proper upkeep. They are also accountable for the hiring and adequate training of drivers. This includes:

• Conducting thorough background checks and assessing driving records of drivers
• Verifying driver qualifications for the job
• Providing effective training for new drivers

Additionally, these companies must comply with federal and state regulations governing commercial vehicles. If a trucking company prioritizes profit over the safety of drivers and the public, it may be held responsible for accidents.

The Truck Manufacturer

In some cases, the responsibility for an accident may lie with the truck or component manufacturer due to design or manufacturing flaws. Malfunctioning parts or equipment like brakes, tires, steering systems, and electronic control modules can lead to truck malfunctions and subsequent accidents. In such instances, the truck or part manufacturer could be held accountable for the resulting damages suffered by victims.

The Repair Shop Negligent

repair shops may also bear responsibility for truck accidents if they fail to adequately maintain or repair the vehicle. By law, repair shops are entrusted with a "duty of care" to perform repairs and maintenance competently and to a high standard. Neglecting this duty and subsequently causing an accident can render the repair shop liable for resulting injuries or losses.