Best Truck Accident Lawyers in Odessa, TX

FAQs

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

  The Odessa Police Department's non-emergency phone number is 432-333-3641.

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

  Check with the Records Section of the Odessa Police Department located at 205 N. Grant, Odessa, Texas 79761, to determine if your vehicle accident record is available for pickup. Nonetheless, officers have ten business days following an accident to complete and file a report. Often, Odessa vehicle accident reports are accessible the day following an incident.

• What are the most hazardous roads and intersections in Odessa?

  According to News West 9, the following are the roads and intersections in Odessa that present a high risk of an accident: Grandview & 42nd Street, Parkway & 42nd Street, Andrews & 42nd Street, Andrews & University, and Loop 338 & I H 20. If you are involved in a collision on one of these intersections or any other roadway, you must know what measures to take after a collision.

• What damages can you recover following an Odessa large truck accident?

  When involved in a collision with a large truck, injuries can be severe. The size and weight of trucks also cause more extensive damage than other types of vehicles. Nonetheless, you may be entitled to equal damages for a truck accident as a car accident, only on a larger scale. You can claim general or particular damages following an accident that cover medical bills, lost income, and pain and suffering.

• How is your Odessa truck accident claim settlement calculated?

  If you want to know how much the estimate compensation you might be eligible for, check the overall costs you've incurred because of the accident. Multiply that number by three. However, this is not a fixed figure, and depending on the severity of your injuries, you may receive more or less compensation. Yet, by estimating your expenses, you can approximate the amount of compensation you and your legal team can seek following a truck accident in Odessa.

• Should you seek the black box data from a truck following an accident in Odessa?

  Yes, because it could establish culpability and demonstrate that the truck driver was at fault. The truck's speed immediately before, during, and after the collision, the truck's braking during the collision, the truck driver's evasive movements, and the vehicle's direction are some information included in the black box that can help your case. Additionally, the black box displays a diagnostic summary that may indicate whether the truck had any faults. It would indicate that a manufacturer or someone responsible for maintenance may also be liable.

• When is a trucking company responsible for an Odessa truck accident?

  The trucking companies are obliged by law to hire and train drivers with the necessary knowledge to operate large trucks. Failing to do so may lead to dangerous practices, equipment failure, and other undesirable outcomes. It can be intimidating to prove that a large trucking firm is liable. But trucking companies must maintain their vehicles and preserve records to avoid being blamed in a truck accident.

• 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.