Best Truck Accident Lawyers in Amarillo

FAQs

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

  Amarillo Police Department's non-emergency contact number is (806) 378 3038.

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

  Requests for copies of accident reports in Amarillo can be sent in writing, by fax, or via email. A form is provided to people who need to obtain copies and detailed information about the accident should be included to process the request.

• What are the most common types of truck accidents in the area of Amarillo?

  Jackknifing, rollover, and blind spot accidents are the three most frequent forms of truck collisions in the area of Amarillo. Due to their enormous size and weight, trucks are particularly vulnerable to catastrophic injuries and property damage. Other causes of truck accidents include malfunctioning brakes, overloaded cargo, falling debris, and driver mistakes.

• When do most truck accidents occur in Amarillo?

  When a truck driver tries to change lanes and runs into a car that is already in the lane, this leads to many truck blind spot accidents in Amarillo. The truck could hit the car's side and knock it off the road or into another traffic lane. Blind spot collisions involving trucks frequently happen at crossroads and on multi-lane highways from the driver's decreased visibility.

• Who can be held liable for truck accidents in Amarillo?

  There are different parties who can be responsible for truck accidents resulting in catastrophic injuries and property damage in Amarillo. The driver, the trucking company, the shipper, and the truck manufacturer are some of the parties that can be held liable. You might presume the truck driver was at fault when you first get into a collision with an 18-wheeler. But, given what occurred to you, that might not be the case.

• What are the common reasons for truck accidents in Amarillo?

  Some of the common factors of car accidents occurring in Amarillo include speeding, distracted driving, fatigue, inexperience, overloading, and defective truck parts. The victims of truck accidents, due to the reasons mentioned above and other kinds of negligent acts, are likely to sustain severe injuries and may suffer terrible consequences.

• What types of evidence are needed involving truck accident cases in Amarillo?

  The success of a truck accident claim in Amarillo may depend on proof of liability and damages you present. Although the specifics of this evidence can vary, in general, it typically consists of items like police reports, pictures of the accident scene, and documents like truck driver logbooks, motor carrier records, medical bills, and witness statements. The lawyer you retain can assist you in determining each piece of proof required to support your claim.

• 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.