Understanding Legal Rights Following a Truck Accident in Texas

Texas highways are busy year-round, with semi-trucks hauling everything from gasoline to livestock. When one of them crashes, the results can be catastrophic. Due to their size and force, truck accidents often result in more severe injuries than typical car wrecks. Victims are sometimes left with lengthy hospitalization or months off from work without clear answers.

It is crucial to understand your rights after a truck accident. If you were hit by a commercial truck in Texas, a local attorney from Felix Gonzalez Accident and Injury Law Firm can help you pursue your claim and seek fair compensation.

You are entitled to safety and medical attention after a truck collision in Texas. First responders will generally arrive on the scene quickly, but your rights go beyond emergency treatment.

If necessary, you are entitled to follow-up treatment, diagnostic testing, physical therapy, and specialist visits. Medical records from these visits can support your injury claim later. Waiting to get treated may hurt your health and weaken your case. Insurers will likely argue that your injuries are not as bad if you do not show up to appointments or put off seeking treatment.

You are entitled to receive compensation from the at-fault parties after a truck accident. They can be drivers, trucking firms, or even maintenance staff from third-party companies.

A claim can cover more than the cost of medical treatment. Loss of wages, pain and suffering, property damage, and the expense of lengthy rehabilitation are only some of what you can recover.

However, you can lose this right if you miss important deadlines. Texas has a two-year statute of limitations to file truck accident lawsuits. After that, courts will have no choice but to dismiss your case.

Police reports often play a significant role in determining liability in truck accident claims. Copies of these reports can be accessed by contacting the Texas Department of Transportation or the responding police agency.

Crash reports typically include officer observations, witness statements, weather conditions, and scene diagrams. Commercial truck crashes can also trigger a Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) investigation. Your rights are not limited to public records. Your lawyer can demand truck logs, black box data, and maintenance records through discovery.

You are not obliged to accept the insurance company's first offer following a truck accident. You have the right to a fair determination of your claim either through settlement negotiations or in litigation.

Trucking companies and their insurance providers typically have aggressive attorneys. They may initially offer lowball settlements, hoping you will accept the offer without fully understanding the extent of damages.

You can present evidence, challenge inaccuracies, and call professional witnesses at hearings. Having an attorney experienced in Texas personal injury law can help you maximize your compensation.

Truck accidents can be complex, especially when multiple parties are involved. Handling them on your own while recovering can be overwhelming.

An experienced Texas truck accident lawyer can handle the legal hassle for you, allowing you to focus on your recovery. They can help you collect evidence, negotiate with insurers, and file claims that meet strict legal standards.

Most Texas personal injury lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, so they don't get paid unless you win. That system reduces your risk while giving them a significant incentive.

If you have been involved in a truck accident in Texas, the law offers avenues to demand better outcomes and seek fair compensation. Whether it is obtaining access to reports, negotiating against low offers, or keeping a company on its toes, each action counts. Most importantly, if you need help, call an experienced Texas personal injury lawyer with a high success rate in truck collision cases.