Cypress Truck Accident Lawyer

Texas has around 14 million registered commercial trucks, and many more travel through due to the state’s thriving industry. Unfortunately, this abundance of big rigs also means many accidents yearly, and the need for a trustworthy personal injury attorney if you get hurt,

Texas is an at-fault state. This means that the vehicle driver at fault in the accident will be responsible for paying for damages. Therefore, if you or a loved one were injured in an accident with a big commercial truck, you need to discuss your case with a Cypress truck accident lawyer to ensure you get the compensation you deserve.

What to Do After a Truck Accident

It is not always clear what a person should do after a vehicle collision. However, as shown by Texas statute Sec. 550.021, a driver should: §

• Immediately stop the vehicle as close to the scene as possible or return to the scene
• Immediately determine if an involved party requires aid
• Remain at the scene, providing name, address, insurance, and other information to the driver or passengers of the other vehicle
• Report the accident to local authorities and allow them to create an accident report, which they are legally bound to do

There are exceptions, such as drivers who may move their vehicle to the road shoulder to increase safety for themselves or other uninvolved drivers.

When the accident involves a semi-truck, these steps still apply. However, photographing the scene and seeking medical attention may be even more beneficial, because this may help determine the truck driver’s liability. Consulting a Cypress attorney is also helpful for proving that the truck driver was negligent or at fault for the accident.

Determining Liability After a Truck Crash

Determining liability is sometimes challenging, especially if the accident involves a commercial vehicle or the company they work for. Fault may be determined by analyzing the accident scene, police reports, and photos. However, in some situations, a more in-depth look may be required. This will include investigating:

• Hours-of-service logbooks
• Drug and alcohol test results
• Cell phone records
• Repair and maintenance records
• Post-accident vehicle inspections
• Event data recorder (“black box”) logs
• Driving history and employment records

Truck drivers are held to high standards. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) imposes safety standards to keep roadways safer. This includes limiting driving time and weight limits, among other things. If it can be proven that the driver was doing the wrong thing at the time of the accident, it will be easy to establish liability. It may even be possible to sue the company they work for if the driver was not fully trained, the truck lacked maintenance, or they knowingly allowed the driver to work longer hours.

Recoverable Damages in Truck Accident

If a truck driver or the company they work for are proven at fault in an accident, they may have to pay:

• Medical expenses, ongoing treatment, and rehabilitation costs
• Lost wages and future losses
• Pain and suffering
• Loss of quality of life or enjoyment of life due to permanent disabilities

They may also have to pay for damages to property and other fines related to the accident. However, there is only a tiny window of opportunity to seek compensation for a truck accident in Cypress.

As with most things, the state sets a statute of limitations. Therefore, it is important to act quickly when a truck accident occurs in Cypress, and the truck driver is at fault since Sec. 16.003 of the Texas Statutes gives only two years to file a personal injury claim against someone.

Seek Help from Cypress Truck Accident Attorney as Soon as Possible

Anytime you go up against an at-fault driver, having a legal team on your side is beneficial. You will want a Cypress truck accident lawyer working for you since you are potentially filing claims against the driver, the trucking company, and others who may hold some level of fault in your injuries.

Contact Schechter, Shaffer & Harris, LLP today to request a free consultation about your situation. We will work to help you maximize your compensation.