Arlington Overweight Truck Accident Lawsuit
Fully loaded semi tractor-trailers dominate roads across the nation daily. These vehicles significantly outweigh other passenger vehicles and dwarf them in size. An Arlington truck accident lawyer can help passenger vehicle drivers and occupants who have suffered injuries due to a collision with a commercial truck.
Personal injury claims involving commercial tractor-trailers are complex and involve unique issues that govern them. Proving negligence in an Arlington overweight truck accident lawsuit requires the knowledge and skill of an experienced personal injury lawyer. Getting legal advice when you are in this situation can mean the difference between a successful and unsuccessful personal injury claim.
Are Trucks Regulated in Arlington?
Federal regulations strictly govern semi tractor-trailers and commercial trucks to keep American roadways safe for everyone. Some of these regulations involve weight restrictions on the combined weight of the vehicles and the loads that they can carry. The gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) or the carrying capacity of the truck depends on the number of axles, truck frame, braking and power train systems, and quality of the suspension.
Weigh stations exist along highways to potentially monitor truck weight as they travel. However, in some cases, weigh stations are closed, or truck drivers pass them if they fear that their loads are too heavy. When trucks are overweight, they can be at an increased risk of causing an accident.
Trucks that carry overweight loads create a more significant potential for drivers losing control of their vehicles. Overweight trucks will go faster than usual when going downhill and will take longer to stop. Excess weight also may impact the steering capacity of trucks. These problems can directly result in or contribute to a catastrophic accident.
Potential Damages in Arlington Overweight Truck Accidents
When negligence has led to a truck accident, injury victims may be able to seek compensation for their injuries from all negligent parties. Some potential damages that these individuals may be able to recover in a personal injury claim may include:
- Medical expenses, hospitalization costs, and rehabilitation services
- Costs for home health services, medical equipment, and modifications to homes and vehicles to accommodate permanent impairments
- Physical pain and suffering
- Loss of income and loss of future earning capacity
The extent and nature of the damages available through a personal injury claim vary widely from one case to the next. For instance, individuals who suffer injuries that cause irreversible damage, and permanent disabilities likely will have extensive damages. In contrast, individuals who experience a broken arm that will heal entirely probably will have far fewer damages. An overweight truck accident lawyer in Arlington can help gather documentation of all damages that injury victims have sustained to support their personal injury claims.
What is The Statutes of Limitations for a Truck Crash Case?
The State of Texas, like all other states, has statutes of limitations that restrict the ability of injury victims to file personal injury claims following accidents. Under state law, individuals generally have two years from the date of their accident or injuries to file their personal injury claims. The statute of limitations applies to all motor vehicle accidents, including truck accidents.
State law does provide for some exceptions to the general statute of limitations. However, individuals should consult a tractor-trailer collision attorney in Arlington as quickly as practicable following an overweight truck accident. Otherwise, injury victims risk being unable to file any personal injury claims against any potentially liable parties.
Seek Help From a Truck Accident Attorney
Accidents involving overweight trucks can be devastating for the occupants of nearby vehicles. When combined with other types of errors, such as driver distraction or impairment, an overweight truck easily can cause an accident resulting in multiple injuries or fatalities. A tractor-trailer collision lawyer may be able to assess your case and determine your eligibility to file an Arlington overweight truck accident lawsuit.
By pursuing the truck driver, trucking company, and any other potentially liable parties, you may be able to prevent similar collisions in the future. You also can hold those parties accountable for the injuries that you have suffered. By getting the legal assistance that you need, you may be more likely to reach a better result in your case.