What To Do After A Dallas Truck Accident
The moments following a semi-truck traffic accident can be a confusing and strenuous time for accident victims. For those who are severely injured in a trucking accident, but are unsure how to proceed with their civil injury claim, consulting a seasoned lawyer with experience handling semi-truck accident cases can help tremendously.
If you or a beloved member of your family suffer from severe injuries and/or losses due to a collision with a semi-trailer truck in Dallas, assistance with filing a civil injury claim for damages is available. For legal guidance on what to do after a Dallas truck accident, an injured party should reach out and speak with a skilled truck accident attorney today.
Claim Filing Process for Semi-Trailer Truck Accidents in Dallas
First and foremost, those injured in a trucking accident are strongly encouraged to obtain legal representation before filing their claim. Once a truck accident victim has retained a licensed attorney to pursue their civil injury claim, the next step will be the fact-finding portion of the case.
The injured party’s attorney will begin investigating and gathering additional information and documentation pertinent to effectively arguing the injured party’s claim. This stage is also referred to as discovery, which is the process of information exchanging between the injured party and the defendant. From the discovery phase, the parties then move to the settlement phase.
During the settlement stage, the injured party’s legal counsel and the opposing party’s attorney will enter into negotiations to reach an agreed-upon settlement. If the parties cannot settle, the case will go to trial, where a judge or jury will make a ruling in either the injured party or the opposing party’s favor.
Determining Liability in Big Rig Traffic Accidents
In trucking accident civil injury cases, there could be one or more parties deemed at fault for causing the accident. Depending on a case-by-case basis, the parties potentially liable for damages stemming from a big rig trucking collision could include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Truck driver
- Another motorist
- Trucking company driver is employed with
- The company responsible for loading the truck
- Truck manufacturer
In some cases (e.g., when an injured party partially contributes to sustaining their injuries), an injured party’s damages award could be significantly impaired. For instance, under § 33.001 of the Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code, if a judge or jury deems an injured party to be 51 percent or more at fault for their injuries, they will not be permitted to recover damages entirely. In cases such as these, an injured party must obtain legal representation from a skilled civil litigation attorney with trucking accident case experience.
Call Today to Learn More About What to Do After a Dallas Truck Accident
When a motor vehicle accident involving a semi-tractor-trailer truck occurs, it can detrimentally impact those involved who are seriously harmed in the accident. With damages ranging from lost wages and medical care and treatment costs to emotional harm and mental anguish, an injured party’s failure to effectively file and pursue their civil injury claim for damages can be devastating.
If you or someone you deeply care for suffered significant harm due to a severe semi-truck traffic accident, legal assistance with bringing a civil injury claim is available. For more information on what to do after a Dallas truck accident, get in touch with a knowledgeable lawyer today.