Mistakes to Avoid in Colleyville Truck Accident Cases
Truck drivers are human. And humans make mistakes. And mistakes lead to accidents—like truck accidents—which leave people like you banged up and bruised and dealing with out-of-pocket costs like medical bills, lost wages, and property damage—not to mention the pain and suffering, loss of enjoyment of life, and mental anguish you may experience.
Anyone who has been the victim of a truck accident should avoid making certain mistakes, including trying to seek compensation for their injuries on their own. One of our lawyers is available today for a free consultation to discuss how to move your case forward. Keep reading to learn more about the biggest mistakes to avoid in Colleyville truck accident cases.
Common Mistakes Made in Truck Wreck Cases
One thing an inexperienced person might be unaware of is multiple-party liability. In a truck accident, who is liable might be much more complicated than identifying who was behind the wheel of the truck that hit another vehicle or pedestrian. Sometimes, trucks are owned and operated by the local municipality or a government agency; other times, the driver is an employee of a larger transportation or shipping company.
If the accident was caused by the driver’s own negligence, such as by driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, they could be held liable. If the accident was caused by the company flouting regulations and having the driver work longer hours than is allowed by law, the company could be held liable. The local municipality could be liable, too, if poorly maintained roads, traffic signs, or signals contributed to the collision. A qualified Colleyville attorney could help identify plaintiffs in a case—a crucial step toward obtaining damages.
Recoverable Damages in Truck Wreck Cases
Plaintiffs in personal injury cases in Texas have two years from the date of injury to file a case. This is a short amount of time to do everything necessary to file a successful case. One of our experienced Colleyville truck crash attorneys could help ensure an investigation and drafting of a case brief are done by the filing deadline. They could also handle all communications with insurers, allowing their clients to focus on healing and returning to work and life.
Texas allows for two types of damages—economic and non-economic. Economic damages compensate the plaintiff for financial losses, such as medical bills, lost wages and earning potential, and property damage. Non-economic damages cover more subjective losses, such as pain and suffering, loss of enjoyment of life, and mental anguish. A third type, exemplary or punitive, damages are available in cases where the defendant’s behavior was particularly egregious.
Investigating and Negotiating for Plaintiffs
A seasoned Colleyville 18-wheeler accident attorney could do more than argue a case in court and calculate damages in a case. They could also investigate the case thoroughly, where evidence is needed to support a claim or identify a possible defendant.
They could also negotiate and handle all communications with insurance representatives on behalf of their clients. Many cases are settled, but a higher settlement amount may be possible with a skilled legal professional on your side.
Don’t Make a Mistake; Call a Colleyville Truck Accident Attorney Today
Trying to handle your truck accident case alone, without a Colleyville attorney, is a mistake. Why go up against defense counsel or insurance representatives—both of whom have deep pockets and a bottom line to protect—without support of your own?
Mistakes are a part of life, but they do not have to be a part of your legal journey. Not with a well-practiced lawyer at our firm on your side. Call today to schedule a consultation with one of our committed legal professionals. The initial consultation is free, and we can discuss how to move your case forward so you can get back to your life.