Trucking companies, drivers, and other parties can all play a role in keeping safe on the roads. It can have serious consequences when one or more people do not follow the rules. A Bedford truck accident lawyer from The Texas Law Dog can walk you through the steps to protect your rights and your claim.
Truck accident cases present numerous challenges. With a prior history in the insurance industry, our Bedford big rig accident lawyer has unique insight into settlement negotiations. Schedule a free consultation today to discuss the details of your case and how we can fight for you.
When to Consider Suing a Trucking Company After an Accident
Not every truck accident should warrant a lawsuit against the trucking company involved, but there are some situations where you should hold them accountable.
If the company’s negligence, such as improper training, unrealistic delivery schedule, or poor maintenance, played a part, you may have grounds to sue the trucking company. These factors usually are sufficient enough to move forward with a claim.
Sometimes, the driver may not be the only party at fault. A trucking company is responsible for providing safe practices, and if they cut corners to save money, it can lead to tragic situations.
If you think the accident was partly due to the driver or company ignoring federal safety regulations, uneven cargo loading, or failed inspection, the company’s role should be considered.
Thinking about pursuing a claim against a trucking company can feel intimidating. However, it is the only way to potentially secure compensation. A Bedford personal injury lawyer can help you uncover evidence and identify all liable parties.
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What a Typical Settlement May Look like After a Truck Accident
Every truck accident case will look different, and settlement amounts will be different because there will always be different factors in the case and different parties held accountable.
The factors usually involve lost wages, property damage, and medical expenses. If you experience a serious injury, it could lead to a higher settlement, as it can affect you in the long term.
In several cases, a trucking company and insurance agency will want to settle quickly and try for as little as possible. It may be tempting to accept their officer, especially when you just want to get it all over with. This is why it is important to work with a Bedford personal injury lawyer so they can look over your case and come up with an ideal negotiation for a settlement.
You should also keep in mind that settlements are not just about the money, even though they help you feel secure at the moment when you are faced with unexpected bills.
A settlement can also help rebuild your life after the traumatizing event. There is no promised outcome, but you can take the proper steps with the right big rig accident lawyer in Bedford.
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Drivers Must Follow the Federal Trucking Regulations
Federal trucking regulations ensure everyone’s safety on the road. These regulations cover many areas, such as how cargo should be secured, how often trucks should be inspected, and how many hours a driver can work. Some of the common violations may include:
- Driving too many hours
- Skipping rest breaks
- Ignoring maintenance checks
- Having unsecured loads
It matters when a driver breaks federal trucking regulations and causes an accident. It is important to prove these violations to strengthen your claim. Working with The Texas Law Dog to understand what went wrong is vital to establish negligence.
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Common Reasons Only the Driver Is at Fault
In certain truck accident cases, the driver’s actions are the main cause of the crash. These situations can point to the driver being the main point of the driver being the primary party responsible.
Some of the common reasons a truck driver may hold fault are the following:
- Driver fatigue and ignoring rest breaks or pushing through exhaustion
- Distracted driving, such as using a GPS behind the wheel or texting while driving
- Driving under the influence, whether from medications, drugs, or alcohol
- Reckless driving, which may include speeding, tailgating, or unsafe lane-changing
- Failure to follow traffic laws and ignoring stop signs or running lights
These behaviors can lead to an accident, and the trucking company may not share liability unless other factors are involved. If you have dashcam footage, it is highly beneficial to turn it in as evidence. A big rig accident attorney in Bedford can help to make sure you have all of the right details so the right people are at fault.
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Do Not Consider the First Offer
When an insurance company offers you their first settlement price, it can seem like a relief to you after you have been dealing with the entire process. Despite that feeling, you should consider it a starting point and not accept it right away. The first settlement may leave out critical information like ongoing medical treatments or long-term lost income.
Many first offers will focus on immediate expenses and will not consider the larger picture. If you settle too soon, you will end up risking paying out of pocket later. The hidden costs and expenses you did not consider can start to add up later.
You should take the time to evaluate the offer, as it can make a huge difference. One of the benefits of having a truck accident lawyer is that they will evaluate the offer to make sure your rights are met and that the settlement is as fair as it can be. Patience is critical when it comes to getting the right settlement offer from the insurance company.
Get Clarity with the Help of a Bedford Big Rig Accident Lawyer
A truck accident can leave you with piling medical bills, a long list of unanswered questions, and missed work. It is helpful to figure out who is responsible in the beginning and what your claim could be worth. With the right legal guidance, you can move forward with more certainty.
The impact and outcome of your accident do not stop the day it happens. You could face ongoing medical care and missed time from work. Contact our team to set up a consultation with a Bedford big rig truck accident attorney to make sure your future is covered.
Call (817) 775-5364 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form