killeen truck accident lawyers

Commercial trucks are a big part of Texas’s and our nation’s economies.

They are on roads and highways at all times of the day and throughout the year, no matter the weather.

They also cause thousands of accidents every year. There are a number of factors that make these accidents more dangerous, including the size and weight of a semi-truck compared to a regular passenger vehicle.

When you are in a truck accident in Killeen, determining liability and seeking compensation can feel overwhelming. You may not know who should be responsible for your injuries or who to contact to begin the recovery process.

At The Zimmerman Law Firm, our experienced team of Killeen truck accident lawyers is here to help. For immediate assistance, please call our firm at (254) 752-9688 or send us a message.

Trucking Accident Statistics

truck accident attorney Killeen tx

Commercial trucks transport around 70% of America’s goods across the country. Over 15 million of these trucks drive on roads and highways every year, with over 2 million of those being tractor-trailer semis.

These tractor-trailer semis cause around 65% of fatal accidents every year, with over 5,000 passenger car occupants and 700 truck drivers dying in that time period.

Put simply, trucking accidents are more likely to result in severe injury or death.

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Why Choose a Killeen Truck Accident Lawyer from The Zimmerman Law Firm?

Trucking accidents have a number of potential complications compared to a regular auto accident.

Knowing who is liable for your injuries and how to pursue compensation often takes an experienced Killeen truck accident attorney.

The personal injury lawyers of The Zimmerman Law Firm aren’t afraid to take on the big corporations and insurance companies. Our legal team knows how to build a strong case to give you the best chance for compensation for your physical, emotional, and financial damages.

We will fight to negotiate a fair settlement, but we are prepared to take your case to trial if needed.

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Who Is Liable for My Injuries?

Most retailers hire trucking companies to transport their goods across the country. As a result, the employment status of the driver can make a big impact on who is liable for an accident.

Many truckers operate through various agencies as independent contractors instead of being full-fledged employees. An employee’s mistake is the company’s responsibility, but an independent contractor’s may not be. This is a major way that companies look to reduce liability and avoid the costs of paying for trucking accidents.

A semi-truck accident lawyer in Killeen can help you navigate these complex legal relationships to make sure the right party is held accountable.

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How Long Do I Have to File a Lawsuit?

Under Texas law, you have two years from the date of your accident to file a lawsuit.

If you lost a loved one in a truck accident, you have two years from the date of their death to bring a wrongful death claim. If you fail to file your claim within the limitations period, it is likely you will be unable to obtain damages.

It’s important to consult with a semi-truck accident lawyer in Killeen to ensure you file your claim on time.

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What Are Possible Damages in a Texas Trucking Accident?

If you are injured due to someone else’s negligence, you are entitled to seek compensation. Here are the most commonly awarded damages under Texas law.

Medical Expenses

Medical expenses are common costs that a plaintiff suffers as the result of a trucking accident injury.

Under Texas law, you may recover any medical costs incurred due to the accident, as well as necessary future treatments. Save all of the medical records, bills, and receipts related to your care. This way, you can provide proof of your injuries and associated costs and prevent the defendant from short-changing your recovery.

Lost Wages and Loss of Earning Capacity

If you are unable to work due to the accident, you can recover your lost wages.

In addition, if your injuries are severe enough that you cannot work in your previous vocation, you may also seek compensation for your loss of earning capacity.

Pain and Suffering and Disfigurement Damages

Trucking accidents can also cause significant physical pain and suffering for an injured person.

Texas law allows a plaintiff to seek damages for this pain, as long as it is backed up by evidence. A jury can also award additional damages if a plaintiff’s disfigurement or disability will severely impact their lives

Accident victims can also experience emotional and psychological trauma. You may suffer from anxiety, PTSD, depression, or another disorder due to the crash.

As long as you provide proper expert testimony to support your damages, you can seek compensation for this anguish as well.

Punitive Damages

Punitive damages are damages awarded to punish a person for injuries caused by malice or gross negligence.

In the corresponding Texas statute, these are called exemplary damages. However, there is a limit to this damage category.

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Does Texas Law Limit Compensation?

Unlike some states, Texas does not put a cap on non-economic damages for personal injury claims, except in the case of medical malpractice.

However, the law does limit the amount of exemplary damages a plaintiff can recover.

Damages are capped at:

  • $200,000, or
  • Two times the amount of economic damages plus an equal amount of non-economic damages up to a maximum of $750,000, whichever figure is larger.

Contact a Killeen trucking accident attorney for a consultation.

We can answer any questions you may have and explain how damage caps may affect your case.

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Contact a Killeen Truck Accident Attorney

If you were injured in a trucking accident, the team at The Zimmerman Law Firm is here to help.

Our truck accident lawyers in Killeen, TX, have over 80 years of combined experience and are ready to put our knowledge of Texas personal injury law to work for you.

We will fight to get you the compensation that you deserve and put you on the road to physical and financial recovery. We offer a no-cost consultation, and we never collect any fees until we recover compensation on your behalf.

Call us at (254) 752-9688 or fill out our online contact form to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation today.