Best Truck Accident Lawyers in McKinney

FAQs

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

  The McKinney Police Department's non-emergency number is 972-547-2700.

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

  By completing an Open Records Request, you can obtain a copy of the police report. The form can be submitted in person, online, by e-mail, or by fax.

• What is the average truck accident settlement in McKinney?

  In Texas, there is no such thing as an average settlement for a truck accident case. Each case is unique, it will have its own set of circumstances and damages. On the other hand, a truck accident attorney can identify a victim's losses, evaluate their value, and estimate the potential value of an accident claim. They can also assist you in navigating the legal system and advocating on your behalf to maximize your compensation.

• Who is responsible in the event of a commercial vehicle or large truck accident in McKinney?

  An important aspect of controlling incidents involving 18-wheelers is assessing legal liability. Liable parties include the manufacturer, the truck driver, the transportation business, or the cargo company. Frequently, the truck driver's distractions or fatigue lead to the collision. Typically, the trucking company is held responsible for the activities of its driver under the Respondeat Superior legal doctrine. The incapacity of the trucking company to properly choose, manage, or teach its drivers may also be its duty. Moreover, Texas utilizes the modified comparative fault system. In these instances, you are disqualified for compensation if your share of fault for the crash is greater than 50%.

• What parts of McKinney are most likely to have accidents?

  In McKinney, a significant number of the city's most serious traffic collisions take place near intersections. Accidents like these take place at junctions on roads like the Virginia Parkway, El Dorado, Cluster Road, Lake Forest, and Stacy Road.

• What type of truck accident occurs most frequently on McKinney's highways?

  Rear-end or chain collisions are the most typical types of truck collisions in McKinney. 18-wheelers frequently act this way when close to a construction zone. Highway crashes are frequently brought on by 18-wheelers that are traveling too quickly for the surrounding traffic or are overtired. Additionally, sideswipe accidents are another typical category of traffic mishaps in McKinney. When someone is sideswiped while driving down the highway at high speeds, they lose control of their vehicle.

• Does a jackknife truck accident in McKinney indicate liability?

  Texas is an at-fault state when it comes to jackknife incidents. If you are harmed in a jackknife accident in Texas, you must be 50% or less culpable for the accident to receive compensation. You must also demonstrate that the other party was negligent. Showing that another motorist or party was at fault for your jackknife collision is part of proving carelessness. Among those who could be held liable for your accident are:

  -The truck driver, -A third-party driver, -Trucking companies, -Maintenance companies, -Mechanics, -Cargo loaders, -Truck manufacturers and designers of faulty truck parts, and -Governments or municipalities.

• 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.