Best Truck Accident Lawyers in Sugar Land

FAQs

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

  For non-emergency concerns, you may reach out to the Sugar Land Police Department at 281-275-2020.

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

  There are two ways to obtain a copy of the accident's police report. The first step is to go to the Sugar Land Police Department's Records Unit, which is located at 1200 Highway 6 S., Sugar Land, TX 77478. It is available from Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Another method is to use the Texas Department of Transportation's online crash records information system. The link is https://www.txdot.gov/apps-cg/crash_records/form.htm.

• Is there a regulatory organization in Sugar Land that oversees commercial truck drivers and companies?

  Yes. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) is the governing body under the Department of Transportation that enforces regulations for commercial truck drivers and companies in Sugar Land. It addresses issues involving drivers' qualifications, physical examinations, and requirements; commercial vehicle inspection and maintenance; and trucking companies' insurance coverages.

• What are the most dangerous roads in Sugar Land?

  The Sugar Land Police Department has identified the most dangerous intersections in the city based on several factors, including traffic volume, location, number of wrecks in the past two years, and crash types. Some of those roads are:

  • Highway 6
  • Eldridge Road
  • Dulles Avenue
  • Sweetwater Boulevard
  • Williams Trace Boulevard

• How long can a truck accident victim in Sugar Land file a lawsuit against the driver/company?

  According to the Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code Section 16.003, a truck accident victim in Sugar Land must file a case in court within two years from when the collision happened. If the deadline has passed and the victim tries to file a lawsuit anyway, their case will almost certainly be dismissed. This limitation exists to ensure that a matter is decided while the evidence that must be reviewed is still relatively fresh.

• Are there exceptions to the statute of limitations for truck accidents in Sugar Land?

  The statute of limitations for truck accidents in Sugar Land can be extended only in specific circumstances. According to the Texas Civil Practice & Remedies Code Section 16.001, the deadline can be extended when the injured individual is under 18 years old or of unsound mind at the time of the accident. Additionally, section 16.063 states that the limitations can be extended when the at-fault party leaves the state before the case can be filed.

• What are the minimum trucking liability requirements in Sugar Land?

  Trucking companies in Sugar Land must have the minimum liability insurance coverage mandated by the FMSCA, depending on the size of the vehicle and the quantity of cargo it can carry. The law requires a minimum of $300,000 in liability coverage for trucks carrying less than 26,000 pounds of goods and a minimum of $500,000 for vehicles carrying more than 26,000 pounds of freight. Trucks transporting oil and hazardous products must have a minimum liability of $1 million.

• 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.