Best Truck Accident Lawyers in Corpus Christi

FAQs

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

  The non-emergency contact number of the Corpus Christi Police Department is 361-886-2600.

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

  Your Corpus Christi truck accident police report can be obtained from The Texas Department of Transportation's Crash Report Online Purchase System. Go to https://cris.dot.state.tx.us/public/Purchase/app/home to process your file. Clients who use the online system will receive their reports via email. Alternatively, you can obtain the report from the Corpus Christi Police Department. To get a copy in person, go to CCPD's Central Records. You can also request a copy by sending a mail to the CCPD's Central Information.

• What are the most common causes of truck accidents in Corpus Christi?

  Drivers exceeding the number of hours allowed to operate their vehicle is a common cause of truck accidents in Corpus Christi. Drivers frequently break these rules to complete their journey faster. This causes a driver to become fatigued, which is just as dangerous as drunk or distracted driving. Another common cause of truck accidents is speeding. Drivers frequently exceed the legal speed limit to complete a timely delivery or increase their personal profits.

• Who can be held responsible for truck accidents in Corpus Christi?

  In a truck accident, the truck driver is primarily responsible for his negligent actions that cause injuries to other motorists. Other parties that can be held liable in a truck accident in Corpus Christi include:

  • The trucking company
  • Owners of trucks
  • Vehicle manufacturer
  • Self-employed individuals
  • Shipping contrators

• Can you still seek compensation if you were partially to blame for a truck accident in Corpus Christi?

  In motor vehicle accident cases, Corpus Christi implements a modified comparative negligence rule, which means that if you are found to be more than 50% at fault, you will be denied compensation from the truck driver. On the other hand, if you are found to be less than 50% at fault, the amount of compensation you receive will be reduced by your percentage of fault.

• How do you establish liability in a truck accident in Corpus Christi?

  You must demonstrate the following aspects in order to prove the recklessness or fault of truck drivers and other parties in Corpus Christi:

  • The offender owed you a duty of care or safety.
  • The careless person or organization disregarded this obligation.
  • You got hurt because of the breach.
  • You experienced losses as a result of the injury.

• Where do the majority of truck accidents in Corpus Christi occur?

  Fatal large truck accidents are uncommon within the city limits of Corpus Christi, but they occur daily on the state's interstates and highways. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration included the following location statistics in their national large truck crash report:

  • Interstate highways account for 27% of all fatal large truck accidents.
  • 58% of fatal large truck crashes occurred in rural areas.

• 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.