You may have seen stories on Facebook about someone in another country getting run over by a trash truck. You may even laugh when you watch videos of these types of accidents. You never think for a second that something like this could happen to you.
Believe it or not, these types of accidents do happen in real life. These trucks are slow but they’re heavy and powerful. When they crash into a passenger vehicle, the results can be disastrous. The passengers in the other vehicle will likely suffer very serious injuries.
Regardless of what kind of vehicle hits you, there are a few things you need to do. First, you need to call the police. Even if the trash truck is a county vehicle, you still need to call the cops. They’ll conduct a thorough investigation. They’ll also prepare a police report that your auto accident lawyer in Houston will rely on to prove your case.
The second thing you need to do is go to the hospital. Even if you think your injuries are minor, you have to seek immediate medical attention. You could have injuries that you aren’t aware of such as internal injuries. You also need to see a doctor so you’ll have proof of your injuries.
The last thing you need to do is call an auto accident lawyer in Houston. They can review your case and find out just who you need to go after for your injuries.
Who Owns the Truck?
Who you pursue in your car accident claim really depends on who owns the trash truck. Garbage trucks are either owned by a private company or they’re owned by the city. This can make a huge difference when it comes to winning your case.
Regardless of who owns the truck, you’ll have to file an insurance claim. But the fact of the matter is, the insurance company for the city is not going to be quick to pay your claim. You’ll have a better chance of getting your claim paid if the trash truck is owned by a private company.
Your claim could be denied for a variety of reasons, including:
- The policy wasn’t valid
- The policy had lapsed for non-payment
- The driver wasn’t listed on the policy
- You didn’t file your claim in time
- The insurance company doesn’t believe you were hurt
- They think you caused the accident
- You have a history of filing false claims
The odds of the city letting their insurance policy lapse are slim to none. So that is one point in favor of having to deal with the city instead of a private owner. However, they could still deny your claim for any of the other reasons outlined above.
If your claim is denied, your Houston car accident attorney will try to negotiate a settlement. If they’re unable to do this, they’ll have no choice but to file a lawsuit on your behalf.
Is it Easy to File Suit Against the City?
Some people think that you can settle for millions if you file suit against the city. This couldn’t be further from the truth. The city has no incentive to settle your case quickly. In fact, they have teams of lawyers already on the city’s payroll. The lawsuit will cost them the same whether they drag it out or resolve it right away.
If your case does go to court, you also face a disadvantage. Juries and judges tend to side with the city in cases like this. This means that your Houston auto accident attorney will have to work harder to win your case. However, that doesn’t mean they’ll accept a low-ball settlement offer.
Your car accident lawyer in Houston is still going to try to get you the compensation you deserve. This includes:
- Medical bills
- Lost wages
- Property damage
- Pain and suffering
- Permanent disability
Because your injuries in trash truck accidents are usually serious, your damages may be significant. It’s important that you have a skilled car accident lawyer by your side.
Contact a Skilled Auto Accident Lawyer in Houston
If you or your loved one have been injured in a car accident, you need to call a Houston personal injury attorney. They can review your case and let you know what it may be worth. They can also answer any questions you may have.
Call McDonald Worley today and schedule your initial consultation. It’s absolutely free and you pay nothing unless you settle your case.