Texas Truck Accident FAQ

Getting into a truck accident can lead to many questions about your rights and legal options. You may wonder, for example, who is responsible for paying for your medical bills and property repairs. The best way to get answers and advice you can trust about a truck accident injury claim is by consulting with a truck accident attorney in Houston. In the meantime, however, you can get more information with these truck accident FAQs.

What Should I Do After a Truck Accident?

It is important to know what steps to take after an accident involving a commercial truck. There are things you should do and say to protect your legal rights. Take the following steps after a truck accident in Texas, if possible:

1. Call the police.
2. Do not admit fault to the truck driver.
3. Exchange information with the truck driver.
4. Gather evidence by taking photographs.
5. Obtain eyewitness phone numbers and statements.
6. Go to a hospital right away for professional medical care.
7. Start an injury journal to document how your injuries impact you.
8. Call your own insurance company to initiate a claim.
9. Be careful when speaking to insurance claims adjusters.
10. Contact a lawyer for legal assistance with the claims process.

Always report a truck accident to the police, as it most likely caused serious injuries or property damage. Contacting the police can lead to an official report of the accident to serve as evidence during an insurance claim.

What Should I Say to an Insurance Company?

Soon after your truck accident, possibly even the day of, you will receive a phone call from the trucking company or its insurance carrier. It is important to remember during these conversations that the trucking company is not on your side. The trucking company and its insurance carrier will want to take advantage of you to save money.

Do not agree to give the insurance company a recorded statement and do not admit any fault for the collision. When asked questions about the accident, stick to the truth and keep your answers short. Before signing anything or accepting a settlement, consult with an attorney.

Who Is Responsible for a Truck Accident?

This answer depends on who or what caused your accident. Texas is a fault-based state, making it necessary to determine fault before you can file an insurance claim. A truck accident lawyer can help you determine fault with a comprehensive investigation of your accident. In most cases, trucking companies are liable for accidents that involve their trucks and drivers, even if the driver was an independent contractor.

How Much Is My Truck Accident Claim Worth?

The answer to this question depends on the extent and severity of your losses. For the most part, severe injuries will result in greater financial compensation than minor injuries, as you will have greater costs in medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. For this reason, most truck accident cases have significant settlement values, as the injuries victims suffer are often severe or catastrophic. You should not accept a settlement until you have spoken to an attorney about the value of your case.

Is There a Deadline to File a Truck Accident Claim?

Yes. In Texas, the deadline for filing a truck accident lawsuit is two years from the date of the accident, with some exceptions. This is the statute of limitations on most personal injury and automobile accident cases. If you miss your deadline, the courts will most likely refuse to award you financial compensation. This is why it is important to talk to a lawyer right away.

How Can a Truck Accident Lawyer Help Me?

Although the law does not require you to hire an attorney for a truck accident lawsuit, doing so can significantly help you and your family during the legal process. Your attorney can handle complicated steps for you, including returning to the scene to investigate your crash and going up against a powerful insurance company in pursuit of maximum compensation. To learn more about your truck accident claim, contact an attorney in Houston today.