Lockhart Truck Accident Lawyer

Lockhart Truck Accident Attorney

Commercial truck cases are complicated in a way that most car wrecks are not. There are often multiple parties involved, federal regulations can be an issue, and insurance companies are in high gear to protect themselves, not you. The right Lockhart truck accident lawyer can understand your situation because they know the legal aspects and how these crashes impact your life.

About The Sharp Firm

At The Sharp Firm, we serve clients throughout Lockhart and Caldwell County from our law office near the historic Caldwell County Courthouse, where four generations of attorneys have gone in search of justice for their clients. Our husband-and-wife legal team brings more than three decades of combined litigation and appellate experience to serve each client with a highly individualized and detail-focused approach.

Our law firm is small by design so that we can devote the time and attention to you and your case from beginning to end. Our firm offers complimentary case evaluations and dedicated guidance through your truck accident claim while ensuring we strive to deliver the top possible outcomes for you.

Understanding Truck Accident Laws

In 2024, 14,972 large trucks were involved in crashes in Texas. Of these, 10,655 injuries and 702 fatalities were reported. Truck accidents are subject to not only Texas state laws, but also federal trucking regulations. As a result, they are far more complex than your typical motor-vehicle accident case.

The trucking industry is regulated by a number of laws from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration that put into place standards for the maximum number of hours a driver can drive without taking a break, commercial vehicle maintenance requirements, drug and alcohol testing standards, cargo loading requirements, and more. The breach of these regulations stands as critical evidence to establish negligence.

In addition, the state of Texas has strict laws in place for insurance requirements for commercial vehicles, crash reporting requirements, and statutes of limitations on how long you have to file a claim. Understanding and following all truck accident laws can be too much to deal with for an injured victim. The most effective course of action involves working with an experienced Lockhart truck accident attorney.

Common Causes of Truck Accidents

Some common causes of truck accidents include:

• Driver fatigue, especially due to driving long hours on the road and trying to meet tight deadlines
• Driver distraction, such as texting while driving
• Mechanical failures, such as faulty brakes or worn tires
• Improperly loaded cargo, which can cause rollovers or jackknife accidents
• Inexperienced drivers, especially on unfamiliar, crowded, or complex roads

Regardless of the cause, those who are involved in truck accidents may suffer catastrophic injuries that change their lives forever. It is important to determine what caused the crash in order to hold the appropriate parties accountable and seek full and fair compensation.

Liability in Truck Accidents

Determining liability is often one of the most difficult issues in a truck accident claim. It is common for more than one party to be responsible for a truck accident. The truck driver may be liable for driving negligently, and the trucking company may also be liable for negligent training, unreasonable delivery deadlines, keeping unsafe drivers on the payroll, and more.

Additionally, a cargo loader, parts manufacturer, repair company, or third-party logistics company may also be responsible for your damages. A government agency could be liable if the accident was caused by a poorly maintained roadway.

Why Hire a Truck Accident Lawyer?

The insurance companies of these parties generally do not offer fair settlements to injured victims. On the contrary, insurance companies are extremely aggressive in trying to avoid paying for the damages their insured caused.

When you hire a truck accident lawyer, they can make sure you’re not left vulnerable while you recover from your injuries. A lawyer can manage all evidence and consult professionals to evaluate your entitled compensation and liable parties.

There are typically significant damages in these cases, like medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, future medical costs, and extensive pain and suffering. Without aggressive legal representation, people accept settlements that fail to meet the rightful compensation owed. Having an attorney greatly improves your odds of a fair and adequate result.

FAQs

What Should I Do Immediately After a Truck Accident?

Immediately after a truck accident, call 911, seek medical treatment, and, if possible, document the scene. Get the contact information of witnesses, take photographs, and don’t discuss fault with anyone. Trucking companies act quickly to defend themselves. A Lockhart truck accident lawyer can secure important evidence and defend your legal rights while beginning to build your claim before valuable evidence vanishes.

How Long Do I Have to File a Truck Accident Claim in Texas?

You have two years to file a truck accident claim in Texas, which is what a truck accident falls under. Truck accident claims should be acted on quickly, since companies can destroy logbooks, maintenance records, and other evidence legally within a short period of time. A lawyer can protect your rights and help preserve important information immediately following the accident.

What Compensation Can I Recover After a Truck Accident?

Compensation may cover medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, pain and suffering, future care needs, rehabilitation, and loss of earning capacity. In the most difficult situations, victims can receive compensation for permanent disabilities or emotional distress. Trucking accident attorneys can measure your damages to retrieve the full compensation allowed by Texas law and trucking guidelines.

Will My Truck Accident Case Go to Trial?

The majority of truck accident claims are settled without going to trial. However, sometimes litigation is necessary in cases where insurance companies simply will not make a fair settlement offer. It may also go to litigation in severely complex cases or if there are serious outcomes from the crash, such as a wrongful death. An attorney can negotiate on your behalf, or go to court if your case proceeds to trial.

Contact The Sharp Firm Today

If you or a loved one was injured in a truck accident, The Sharp Firm fights alongside you for the compensation you deserve. Don’t delay. Contact us today for a free consultation.