When involved in a truck accident, it can be hard to know who to turn to for help. This can be especially difficult when there were injuries caused by that accident. The best option in this situation is to hire an attorney to help with the process of getting the needed compensation. However, trying to find the right attorney for the job can be frustrating. Asking the right questions can assist in finding the right attorney and making use of their abilities.
Why Are Truck Accidents Different?
Every year, there are over half a million accidents involving a large truck with more than 5000 fatalities from those accidents. These accidents have injured more than 110,000 people. Unlike passenger vehicle accidents, these large trucks are often driven by employees of a business, adding to the parties that are potentially responsible for damages. A Truck accident lawyer houston is needed to help determine who exactly is responsible.
When involved in such an accident, there is a lot of information vital to the case. This information includes knowing who trained the driver and who owns the truck. The company that employs the driver or owns the material being hauled may also be liable for the accident. An attorney must determine exactly who each party is and find the most likely responsible party or parties in this situation.
Who is Responsible for the Accident?
It is important for individuals who have been injured in a truck accident to discuss the potential parties that may or may not be responsible for the accident. As discussed previously, the attorney is the best bet for finding out why the accident happened and who failed to prevent the accident.
For example, a truck driver may be hired by one company to drive their vehicles but employed by a different company to haul their goods. If the accident was caused by driver error, the driver and potentially the trucking company may be responsible. If the truck had a brake failure, the owner of the vehicle may be responsible. If the goods being hauled were not packed properly by the company and caused a shift that caused the accident, that company may be responsible.
How Much Compensation for the Accident?
An attorney can assist the injured party in determining how much their case may be worth. They are skilled in compiling all damages and injuries as well as their associated costs. The attorney can even determine an approximate amount for pain, suffering, and any other type of compensation due. This calculation will provide the injured party with a rough amount they could receive from the case.
Are They Experienced with Truck Accident Cases?
Since truck accident cases are quite different from passenger vehicle accidents, it is important to find an attorney who has experience with these types of cases. Often, these types of cases may require an understanding of federal law in addition to state laws.
Long-haul truck drivers cross many states and may be subject to federal laws regulating trucking. If the attorney is unfamiliar with this, it could make the case more difficult and create a risk of losing any chance of compensation.
Are They Experienced with Corporate Legal Teams?
Facing a major corporation as a party to a truck accident can be challenging. These corporations can afford a team of lawyers to protect their interests. Just the number of attorneys on the case could be intimidating for a lawyer unfamiliar with such a case. Hiring an attorney that has success dealing with corporate legal teams can help ensure a positive outcome.
It is also a necessity that an injured party trusts their legal team. For the next several weeks or even months, the injured party will need someone that will work in their best interest and help to protect their rights. This trust will help ensure positive communication and better results.