How to handle a collision with a semi-truck

Truck accidents frequently occur in Texas, and when they do happen, the degree of injuries and property damage can be quite severe. If you collided with a semi-truck, it is important to understand your rights and options for legal recourse. You may be able to pursue a personal injury claim against the driver or other responsible parties who caused the collision.

Determining fault

Truck collisions are unlike other types of motor vehicle accidents in that there are often multiple parties that can be deemed responsible for the incident. For instance, the driver could be responsible if they were negligent or failed to follow state and federal laws. You could also hold the trucking company liable if they failed to properly equip or maintain the vehicle or if they violated federal hours-of-service laws. Other parties that may also be responsible include third-party contractors, loading crews, shippers and manufacturers.

Gathering evidence

In order to prove liability in a truck accident claim, it’s important to provide pieces of evidence that show negligence contributed to the crash. This could include photographs of the scene, police reports, driver logs and other documents related to the trucking company, witness statements and more. If injured, you will also need to show the medical records from your visit to the doctor that documents your injuries. Additionally, an auto mechanic can provide an expert opinion on the condition of the vehicle and the possible cause.

Filing a claim

Texas law allows you to file a personal injury claim against the driver and other responsible parties who caused the truck accident. The court will determine liability based on the evidence you presented. If successful, you may be awarded financial compensation for medical bills, lost wages and other damages related to the accident.

It’s important to be aware of the statute of limitations for filing a lawsuit in Texas. You generally have two years from the date of the incident before you lose your right to pursue legal action. However, there are special circumstances where the timeline can be extended, for example, if you were a minor at the time of the collision or if the responsible party was working in an official capacity for a governmental entity or organization.