Caldwell Truck Accident Lawyer

Caldwell Truck Accident Attorney

A truck accident can alter your life forever. From catastrophic injuries to major financial losses, a collision with a big rig can affect you and your loved ones in a negative way. If you or someone you care about has suffered a personal injury as a result of being hit by a large truck, you need an experienced Caldwell truck accident lawyer who understands the unique legal issues and emotional turmoil surrounding these cases.

About The Sharp Firm

The Sharp Firm proudly serves injured victims in Caldwell County from our office near the historic Caldwell County Courthouse. We have litigated and won some of the largest personal injury verdicts in the county. As a husband and wife team with more than 30 years of litigation and appellate experience each, we take a uniquely hands-on and personal approach to each and every case.

How Texas Truck Accident Laws Can Affect Your Claim

Truck accident claims are unique in that they involve Texas state laws and federal trucking regulations. These cases are much more complicated than other Caldwell car accident claims. Under the Texas Transportation Code, commercial truck drivers must adhere to stringent rules.

Texas also imposes higher insurance minimums for commercial carriers because the risk for injury or death is much greater when large trucks are involved. In addition to the state rules, trucking companies and drivers are also held to standards set by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, including:

• Hours-of-service restrictions to limit driver fatigue
• Breaks and rest periods
• Regular maintenance requirements
• Drug and alcohol testing
• Cargo securement rules
• Commercial driver training

Vehicular negligence charges can be brought against drivers and trucking companies who fail to comply with regulatory hours of service, maintenance requirements, or load safety standards. One challenge is that trucking companies will often quickly remove or lose accident records, maintenance logs, driver training files, and other documents critical to a truck accident claim. When you hire a truck accident lawyer, they can subpoena these lost documents.

Liability in a Truck Accident Case

In Texas, 19,741 large trucks were involved in collisions in 2024. Of these, 19,038 were involved in non-fatal crashes, and 703 were fatal. Unlike most car accident claims, truck accident cases often involve several parties who can be held responsible.

In addition to the truck driver, you may be able to file a claim against the:

• Trucking company
• Cargo loaders
• Repair company
• Maintenance company
• Parts manufacturer
• Any other company or entity involved in the transportation process

Each party may have separate insurance coverage and legal liability. The more complex the chain of events, the harder it is for a victim to file a claim by themselves. Trucking companies usually have legal teams waiting in the wings, ready to fight after a crash, and they will work hard to shift blame, dispute injuries, or offer a lowball settlement. A knowledgeable lawyer will know how to spot inconsistencies and faulty claims and hold all negligent parties accountable.

What to Do After a Truck Accident

If you are involved in a truck accident, safety is always the top priority. It is critical that you seek medical attention as soon as possible. Some injuries can take time to manifest, and you may not realize you’ve been hurt right away. Call the police and make sure that an official report is filed. You can also take pictures, videos, and write down the contact information of any witnesses.

It is also important to never discuss fault with anyone, particularly the trucking company or its insurance provider. In many cases, you may be approached to give a recorded statement or to sign a release. The trucking company will most likely use these statements against you in court. It is important to contact a truck accident lawyer as soon as possible to protect your rights and ensure evidence is preserved.

Hire a Truck Accident Lawyer

It is highly advisable to hire a Caldwell truck accident lawyer. Truck accident cases are high-stakes and far more complex than regular car accident claims. They are also heavily defended by commercial insurers with deep pockets and extensive legal resources.

An experienced Caldwell truck accident attorney can investigate the collision scene, secure and preserve evidence, such as trucking records and black box data, find all liable parties, and consult with professionals to build a strong claim.

FAQs

How Long Does a Truck Accident Settlement Take?

There is no set time frame for truck accident settlements. Every case is different, and the length can vary based on many factors, such as the number of parties involved, the amount of evidence that must be gathered, and the severity of the injuries suffered. Medical treatment can also take a significant amount of time. Additionally, the process can be shorter or longer depending on how fast liability is determined and the willingness of the insurance company to cooperate.

How Much Compensation Can I Get for Anxiety After a Truck Accident?

Damages for anxiety are based on how the emotional injury impacted your daily routine, employment, relationships, and quality of life. Factors that may affect this amount are the severity of the trauma and the length of symptoms and treatment required. The amount will be different for each victim because mental and emotional harm is unique to each person.

How Much Can You Get for Pain and Suffering From a Truck Accident?

Compensation for pain and suffering is determined by the extent to which the accident affects your day-to-day life. This includes not only physical pain and emotional distress but also lifestyle changes, inconvenience, and long-term limitations. There is no set dollar value for pain and suffering, as each case is unique in its severity and the duration of recovery.

What Is a Reasonable Settlement Offer?

A fair settlement offer is one that fully and accurately accounts for your medical bills, lost wages, future treatment, property damage, and pain and suffering. An offer might not be fair if it does not fully compensate you for your losses or if it seems like an attempt to pressure you into giving up your claim quickly. Discussing this with an attorney gives you better clarity on recoverable damages.

Contact The Sharp Firm

If you have been injured in a truck accident, don’t delay. Contact The Sharp Firm right away to begin advocating for your future.