Hays Truck Accident Lawyer

Hays Truck Accident Attorney

In Texas, our highways are vital transit routes for long-haul truckers, and drivers encounter 18-wheelers almost daily. It’s an unfortunate reality that accidents happen, and those involving trucks can be particularly disastrous. If you’ve been involved in a truck accident that left you severely injured and financially vulnerable, a Hays truck accident lawyer can help you seek compensation.

With over 30 years of experience in personal injury law, The Sharp Firm is a dedicated, knowledgeable legal team serving the greater Austin area. We know how devastating tractor-trailer, semi, and 18-wheeler accidents can be. If you or a family member was recently injured in a large truck accident, it’s important to know your rights and pursue legal recourse.

What to Do if You Are Involved in a Truck Accident

No one wants to consider the possibility of being injured in an accident, but it’s crucial to know what you should do in the event of a large truck accident. There were over 42,000 crashes involving trailers on Texas roads in 2024. It’s important to follow post-accident protocol to protect your safety and the potential for a future personal injury claim.

After an accident, you should:

• Pull over safely if you can and remain on the scene. If your vehicle is drivable, move it off the roadway and wait for first responders. Leaving the scene of an accident is a criminal offense that may result in prosecution.
• Check yourself, your passengers, and the other driver for injury, if it is safe to do so, and call 911. The health of everyone after an accident should be of paramount concern.
• Exchange personal and insurance info with the other driver, as well as contact information from any witnesses who stop to offer assistance. Eyewitness testimony is a valuable element that helps reinforce personal injury claims.
• Take photographs and video footage of the damage from the accident. This is crucial evidence that can help support your truck accident claim.

Proving Fault in a Truck Accident Case

Proving fault is the most challenging aspect of a truck accident claim. Texas has a modified comparative fault statute, which requires the plaintiff in a personal injury case to prove the truck driver’s greater liability to recover compensatory damages. This is why gathering evidence is necessary. A qualified Hays truck accident attorney can help you organize your records and show supportive proof to substantiate your claim.

There are many ways truck drivers can be negligent in an accident. Fatigue due to long hours behind the wheel, driving while impaired, and speeding are all common causes of accident liability in truck accidents. Some of these actions are illegal and can result in criminal penalties. Most hearings for truck accident cases are held at the Hays County courthouse.

Damages You May Be Entitled to After a Truck Accident

Victims who sustain serious injury after a truck accident can receive damages for medical expenses, vehicle repairs, lost wages, therapy and rehabilitation costs, and pain and suffering. Family members who have lost a loved one to a truck accident are entitled to wrongful death compensation.

Why Should You Hire a Truck Accident Lawyer

It’s advisable to speak with a truck accident attorney who is skilled in negotiation, as many trucking companies will do anything to avoid paying a claim, including aggressive investigations and intimidating tactics meant to prevent victims from receiving a settlement. When you hire a Hays County lawyer to advocate on your behalf with insurance carriers, you increase the likelihood of receiving fair compensation for your claim.

At The Sharp Firm, we have a proven record of successful accident negotiation and litigation, securing efficient and fair settlement offers for our clients.

FAQs

How Is Liability Determined in Truck Accidents?

Liability is shared between both parties in an accident. Texas uses a modified comparative fault model to determine which party carries the most liability. Plaintiffs in civil suits must prove that their share of liability is less than the other party’s share to receive compensatory damages, which is why it is vital to follow correct accident protocol and gather supportive evidence to substantiate your claim.

Is Texas a No-Fault State When It Comes to Truck Accidents?

No, Texas is an at-fault state, meaning the driver most at-fault for the accident is liable for damages and injuries sustained by the other party. As described above, Texas uses a comparative fault model to determine which party is most responsible for an accident. Evidence such as eyewitness testimony, insurance records, photographs, video footage, and medical records can all help establish the percentage of liability in an accident.

How Much Are Most Truck Accident Settlements?

The amount of any personal injury settlement depends on several factors, including the severity of the injuries sustained in the accident, wages lost from work, medical costs, and other tangible and intangible non-economic damages you suffer as a result of their liability, including pain and suffering and lost earning capacity.

What Is a Reasonable Amount for Pain and Suffering Damages?

In Texas, there’s no cap on the amount for pain and suffering damages incurred due to truck accidents. The severity and duration of the suffering influence the awarded amount, as well as the lasting effect the injuries are predicted to have on the rest of the victim’s life. Pain and suffering damages can be a significant portion of a personal injury settlement.

Contact The Sharp Firm to Discuss Your Truck Accident Claim

If you or a loved one has experienced the devastating effects of a truck accident, you may be worried about the future and how you will recover, physically and financially. At The Sharp Firm, our knowledgeable, compassionate team is here to listen and offer sound advice on your legal rights. Plaintiffs may have their case heard at the Hays County Courthouse located at 712 S Stagecoach Trail, San Marcos, TX 78666.

You don’t have to suffer alone. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation to discuss the details of your case and take the first step toward a more hopeful future.