No one expects to face a truck accident. Chaos, shock, and uncertainty are all natural reactions to life-changing events. But amid everything, there’s a road ahead. The journey may seem daunting, but it’s also where you regain control, seek the justice you deserve, and start rebuilding. Our guide below walks you through it every step of the way, giving you the tools you need to take control.
As you take your first steps, you might ask yourself, “How long do I have to report a truck accident?” The clock starts ticking as soon as the accident happens, but how much time do you have? Knowing the answer makes a big difference in how your case progresses—and how you protect your rights.
Understanding Truck Accident Filing Deadlines
Regarding truck accidents in Texas, time is a critical factor. You must adhere to specific deadlines to file a claim or pursue legal action. Under Texas law, after an accident, you must report it to the local authorities immediately if there are injuries or property damage. Failure to report a truck accident promptly could result in penalties and make it harder to prove your case later.
The truck accident filing deadline is the most pressing issue for anyone recovering from an accident. In Texas, you typically have two years from the accident date to file a lawsuit for personal injury or property damage. This period may seem like a long time, but it can pass quickly when your focus is on your recovery.
Speaking to a lawyer as soon as possible is crucial because the window for filing your case can close sooner than you expect. Delays in reporting the accident to authorities or failing to consult truck accident lawyers in Texas could prevent you from obtaining crucial evidence, such as the truck driver’s logs, black box data, or eyewitness testimony. Additionally, insurance companies often become more challenging to deal with as time goes on. The sooner you act, the better your chances of recovering the compensation you deserve.
Common Causes of Truck Accidents in Texas
Understanding the causes of truck accidents helps you pinpoint the source of the problem and support your case. Truck accidents in Texas happen for many reasons, each with its own challenges. Some of the most common causes of truck accidents include:
- Driver fatigue. Truck drivers often work long hours, leading to exhaustion that impairs reaction times and decision-making abilities. Fatigued driving is a major contributor to many truck accidents.
- Distracted driving. Just like passenger vehicle drivers, truck drivers are susceptible to distractions—whether from texting, talking on the phone, or using a GPS device. These distractions cause them to lose focus and cause an accident.
- Improper maintenance. Trucks require regular maintenance to stay safe on the road. Neglecting maintenance tasks like brake inspections or tire checks leads to catastrophic driving failures.
- Speeding. Trucks are required to follow speed limits, but some drivers exceed these limits to meet deadlines. Speeding reduces a truck driver’s ability to stop in time and increases the severity of an accident.
- Driving under the influence (DUI). Unfortunately, some truck drivers operate their vehicles while impaired by drugs or alcohol. DUI violations significantly increase the risk of serious accidents.
- Poor weather conditions. Rain, fog, or high winds make it harder for any driver to maintain control, but trucks are particularly vulnerable in poor weather because of their size and weight.
- Overloaded cargo. Trucks carrying too much weight or improperly loaded cargo often become unstable, making it difficult for the driver to maintain control or stop quickly.
All these factors and more contribute to truck accidents in Texas. Understanding the root causes of the accident that impacted you helps strengthen your case when proving liability.
Damages You May Recover After a Truck Accident in Texas
One of the most critical aspects of your journey toward recovery is understanding the damages you can recover. In Texas, there are two types: general damages and special damages. Each type of damage compensates you for a different aspect of your losses, and both are crucial to ensuring you receive full compensation for your suffering.
General damages, or noneconomic losses, represent the subjective losses relative to your injury. Common examples include:
- Pain and suffering. Compensation for the physical pain and emotional distress you’ve endured as a result of the accident.
- Loss of consortium. Compensation for the loss of companionship or marital relations if the accident has affected your personal relationships.
- Mental anguish. Reimbursement for the anxiety, depression, or PTSD caused by the traumatic experience.
These noneconomic damages intend to compensate for the intangible suffering you experienced. Your truck accident lawyer works to demonstrate the severity of your emotional and physical pain using medical records, therapy reports, and testimony from experts.
On the other hand, special damages, also known as economic losses, represent tangible losses directly stemming from your injuries. Common examples include:
- Medical bills. Reimbursement for hospital stays, surgeries, doctor’s visits, prescription medications, physical therapy, and any future medical care needed due to the accident.
- Lost wages. Compensation for the income you’ve lost due to being unable to work while recovering from the accident.
- Property damage. Reimbursement for the damage to your vehicle or other personal property during the accident.
- Future lost earnings. If the accident results in a long-term disability that prevents you from working in the future, you may be entitled to compensation for future lost wages.
These economic damages are more straightforward to quantify and are supported by receipts, pay stubs, medical records, and other financial documentation. Your lawyer gathers all the evidence to prove the extent of these losses and ensures that the total amount you recover reflects the financial hardships caused by your accident.
For a free legal consultation, call (254) 752-9688 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
Contact Our Truck Accident Lawyers in Texas for a Free Consultation
At The Zimmerman Law Firm, our wealth of knowledge and resources enables satisfied clients to recover compensation when they need it most. We fight to negotiate a fair settlement for damages, but we are always prepared to take your case to trial if necessary. Our experienced litigators know what it takes to get the job done. Contact us today by phone or email to schedule your free case evaluation.
Where You Can Find Our Waco, TX Office
Michael Zimmerman
Michael was born in Houston, Texas. His education at Baylor and Texas State Universities earned him a Bachelor of Science degree in 1987. His major was in Biology with a Minor in Chemistry. He finished his legal education at Texas Southern University in 1990, earning a Juris Doctorate from Thurgood Marshall School of Law. He was admitted to the State Bar of Texas in 1990.
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