Best Truck Accident Lawyers in Cypress, TX

FAQs

• What is the non-emergency contact number for the local police station in Cypress, Texas?

  You may contact the Harris County Sheriff’s Office for non-emergency incidents at (713) 221-6000.

• Where can you get a copy of the police report for the accident in Cypress, Texas?

  You can purchase a copy of your crash report by going to the website of the Texas Department of Transportation and using the Crash Report Online Purchase System. A surcharge will be charged for each report. Only persons involved in the accident may get a copy of the report.

  Crash report costs: • Regular copy $6 • Certified copy $8 (Official document for legal proceedings)

• How can a truck accident lawyer in Cypress, TX, help your case?

  It is recommended to work with an experienced Cypress truck accident lawyer as these cases usually involve large trucking and insurance companies. Lawyers and legal firms work to recover the maximum compensation for the client. They have the resources to conduct immediate crash investigations and legally demand evidence, like the truck’s black box and driver’s hours logs, that may disappear or get destroyed. They also work with expert witnesses, such as accident reconstructionists and physicians, to prove your case.

• Who can be held liable for a truck accident in Cypress, TX?

  Most truck accident cases are caused by driver errors. However, there may be other underlying and contributory factors that led to the accident, such as poorly maintained trucks, improperly loaded cargo, and inadequate driver training. Depending on the investigation results, the following may be held liable for a Cypress truck accident:

  • Truck driver
  • Truck owner/trucking company
  • Truck manufacturer
  • Carlo loader or shipper
  • Truck maintenance company

• What compensation can truck accident victims in Cypress, TX claim?

  Truck accident victims in Cypress can claim economic damages, like medical expenses, property damages, and lost income. They can also make a claim for non-economic damages, including disfigurement, pain and suffering, loss of bodily function, and loss of companionship for fatal cases. Punitive damages may be claimed for exceptional cases, such as the driver operating the truck under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

• How long do you have to file a truck accident lawsuit in Cypress, TX?

  According to the Texas Civil Practice & Remedies Code §16.003, the statute of limitations for filing truck accident suits in Cypress is two years from the crash date. Suits filed after the two-year deadline may be barred. The same deadline applies for truck accident-related wrongful death lawsuits, but the two-year count starts from the date of the victim’s death.

• How much do truck accident lawyers in Cypress, TX cost?

  Most truck accident lawyers in Cypress work on cases on a contingency fee agreement, where they only collect payment after successfully getting a settlement or verdict award for the client. A percentage of the compensation the client receives is taken as the lawyer’s legal fee, typically 33%. Clients usually don’t need to pay legal fees out of their own pocket.

• What does a truck accident attorney do?

  A truck accident lawyer is a personal injury attorney specializing in truck accidents. These lawyers help their clients navigate the legally complex terrain of truck accident law by gathering evidence, sending demand letters, negotiating with insurance companies, and preparing the case for trial.In most cases, they are personal injury lawyers who specialize in this particular type of claim.

• Who can be sued in a truck accident case?

  Truck accident liability is a notoriously complex area. In car accidents, liability is typically shared by one or more drivers, but that’s not always the case with truck collisions. These are just a few of the parties that may be responsible for truck accidents and subsequent injuries:

  • Equipment owners, including leasing companies
  • Truck drivers who are reckless, intoxicated, or make mistakes
  • Trucking companies accountable for hiring and keeping records
  • Maintenance providers who are negligent or fail to perform routine tasks
  • Loading personnel in accidents caused by shifting loads
  • Third-party drivers, especially in multi-vehicle collisions
  • Equipment manufacturers that sell defective parts

• What do I need to know about truck accident cases in court?

  In truck accident cases, as in all personal injury cases, the burden of proof rests on the plaintiff or party filing the lawsuit. To prevail in court, the plaintiff must prove four things:

  • The plaintiff must show that the defendant owed him or her a duty of care, such as having a legal responsibility to hire qualified drivers and maintain safe equipment.
  • In negligence claims, the plaintiff must prove that the defendant breached this duty.
  • The plaintiff must show that they suffered damages or experienced harm.
  • Finally, the plaintiff must prove that these losses were a direct result of the defendant’s breach.

  
  

• What are the common causes of truck accidents?

  Driver error is the single most common cause of motor vehicle accidents, but a variety of factors come into play on busy highways and secondary roads. Other potential causes of truck accidents include the following:

  • Inadequate or improper driver training
  • Severe weather, including rain, sleet, ice, and fog
  • Dangerous roadways, potholes, and construction zones
  • Improper loading, excess weight, and shifting cargo
  • Reckless driving involving intoxication or distractions
  • Faulty equipment, such as failing brakes

  
  

• Can I sue if I was hit by a truck owned by a big company?

  Yes, all trucking companies are responsible for hiring qualified drivers and maintaining safe equipment. However, a lengthy investigation may be required to document the scene, establish contributing factors, and hold the company responsible. Personal injury attorneys generally focus on the following points during the investigation:

  • Checking the truck driver’s record
  • Securing phone records to prove distracted driving
  • Photographing skid marks and road conditions
  • Verifying the truck’s weight and maintenance history
  • Establishing the driver’s physical and mental health
  • Reviewing logbooks to identify times of service violations
  • Checking for previous violations to establish a pattern of misconduct

  
  

• How many semi truck accidents are there per year?

  In the U.S., it's estimated that there are 500,000 large truck accidents per year with an average of nearly 1,400 per day, according to data collected from police reports. Of those 500,000 accidents, approximately 4,000 result in a death. The majority of semi truck accidents are caused by mechanical defects and driver fatigue.

• Can I sue for being hit by a semi truck?

  If you have been injured in an accident with a semi truck that is not your fault, you are entitled to compensation for the damages to your vehicle as well as for your medical bills, time missed from work, and other damages suffered. You can sue if the person or company refuses to offer fair compensation.

• What should I do after a truck accident?

  The most important thing to do after a serious accident is to seek medical attention. You should also collect witness information, photographs of the accident scene, a copy of the police report, and contact information from the driver of the truck. Gather all of your paperwork related to the accident, including copies of your medical bills. Avoid posting about the accident on social media or speaking to the driver's insurance company before seeking legal advice, because anything you say can be used against you and affect your compensation.

• How long does an 18-wheeler lawsuit take?

  Most lawsuits are settled without going to court, so reaching a settlement can happen at any point that both parties agree on fair compensation. However, in most states, once an agreement has been reached, it cannot be changed, so it's a good idea to wait long enough to ensure that there are no additional injuries before settling.

• Do semi truck accidents go to trial?

  Litigation for semi truck accidents is similar to auto accidents, but it's usually more complicated because any number of parties may ultimately be responsible for the accident, including the company that handles the truck's maintenance or repairs. If attempts at negotiating a settlement with the responsible party are unsuccessful, the lawsuit may proceed to trial. In some cases, more than one party is responsible and one of the parties may fight the lawsuit and claim no responsibility. For these reasons, it's important to seek legal help from an attorney with experience in litigating semi truck accidents.