Experienced, Aggressive And Effective Legal Help For Truck Accident Victims
18-wheelers are a common site on Texas roads. The state’s vast network of highways is a critical delivery route for goods destined for delivery locally and throughout the United States. Unfortunately, all of this truck traffic comes at a high cost to other drivers, as semi-truck accidents are frequent and often devastating.
If you’ve been seriously injured or lost a loved one in a trucking accident on Texas roads, contact Bradlyn J. Cole & Associates, PLLC, in Mansfield. Before opening his own practice, attorney Cole honed his litigation and trial skills at other well-regarded personal injury firms. He now offers clients the aggressive and skilled representation of a large firm with the personalized attention and service of a smaller practice.
Truck Driver And Trucking Company Negligence Often A Factor In Accidents
Each case is unique, but many trucking accidents share common causes and contributing factors. Your accident may have involved one or more of the following:
- Truck driver fatigue/drowsy driving
- Distracted, drunk or drugged driving
- Speeding and aggressive driving (to compensate for unreasonable delivery deadlines)
- Equipment problems, especially worn-out brakes and bald tires
- Truck drivers who are inexperienced, poorly trained and improperly monitored
Proving these factors is difficult without a timely and thorough investigation by an experienced personal injury firm. The statute of limitations is only two years for most truck accident cases in Texas, but you’ll need to act as quickly as possible so that Mr. Cole can preserve evidence and build a strong case against the at-fault parties.
Answers To Common Questions About Semi-Truck Accidents
Below, you’ll find answers to questions that attorney Cole commonly receives from prospective clients.
Who can be held liable in a truck accident case?
If the truck driver was at fault for causing the crash, the driver and their employer can typically be held liable. Depending on the details of the crash and the factors leading to it, other potential defendants may include the company responsible for loading the truck at the warehouse, the truck manufacturer or parts manufacturer, mechanics conducting service and maintenance and more.
It is common for personal injury attorneys to “cast a wide net” early on in legal proceedings to identify as many potentially liable parties as possible.
What damages can I claim after a truck accident?
Just as you can after a car accident, you can seek compensation for damages like medical bills, property damages, lost wages, pain and suffering, permanent disability, scarring and disfigurement and more.
Because of their size and weight compared to smaller vehicles, truck accidents are also more likely to be fatal. It is common for families of deceased victims to seek justice and accountability in a wrongful death lawsuit.
How is a truck accident legal claim different from a car accident claim?
Semi-truck accidents are much more likely to result in catastrophic injuries or deaths, meaning that potential settlements and jury awards are likely to be significantly higher than for most car accidents.
Trucking companies are also backed by high-value commercial insurance policies. While this increases the amount of compensation available, it also makes insurers more aggressive in contesting claims. They will fight to deny or minimize your compensation if at all possible, and you need an experienced advocate like attorney Cole fighting on your side.
How can evidence be collected to support my truck accident claim?
As soon as you retain the firm, Mr. Cole will begin a thorough investigation into the crash. He will work quickly to obtain evidence from the accident scene, including the truck’s event data recorder (“black box”). He will also obtain and examine truck driver logs, vehicle service records and any other information relevant to the fitness of the truck, the fitness of the driver and the details of the crash.
What federal regulations apply to truck accidents?
Interstate trucking companies and drivers are regulated by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. There are extensive rules and regulations regarding driver hours of service, safety inspections and repairs, cargo weight limits and more. Evidence that any of these regulations have been violated could prove highly valuable in proving negligence and liability.
Free Consultations Available – Contact The Firm Today
Bradlyn J. Cole & Associates, PLLC, serves clients in and around Mansfield, Texas. The firm takes cases on a contingency fee basis, meaning you only pay legal fees if Mr. Cole helps you recover money. To schedule your free initial consultation, reach out online or call 682-332-4689 today.