Being involved in a serious accident raises a lot of questions and knowing how to protect yourself in the event that you’re involved in a tractor trailer accident is extremely important.
If you’ve been hit by a tractor trailer, the driver, the company employing that driver, the truck manufacturer and even more individuals or entities may be liable for the injuries you have sustained.
Your life can be forever changed after you have been hit by a tractor trailer so it is important to realize the steps you can take early on to protect yourself, minimize your medical conditions, and gather the evidence from the your Texas trucking accident.
Commercial Semi-Truck Accident Guide
If you have been hit by a tractor trailer in Texas, you need to get medical attention as soon as possible. Some of the most severe injuries may not be readily apparent at the scene of the accident. For example, someone who has sustained a traumatic brain injury may not notice the symptoms until hours, days or even weeks after the incident has occurred. Following up on all of your medical treatment and appointments can give you a better perspective on the injuries you’ve sustained and the best way to minimize these.
Consulting with your insurance company as soon as possible after the accident is also strongly recommended but you should know that your insurance company does not always have your best interests in mind. The insurance company may be interested in pursuing legal claims against the responsible parties but you should also retain an experienced attorney to protect yourself if you have been hit by a tractor trailer. If you are hit by a commercial tractor trailer, you may be eligible to sue the truck driver in addition to the company who hired the driver.
There could be other potential defendants in your lawsuit such as a manufacturer of a defective component of the semi-truck. Semi-trucks and the drivers who operate them are governed by strict state and federal laws and having an attorney to assist you with an investigation at the accident scene as soon as possible after it has occurred is imperative.
Some of the most common causes of trucking accidents in Texas include an improperly trained driver, a drowsy driver, a driver under the influence, or a distracted driver.
Do not sign any releases or make any statements to the insurance company until you have had the opportunity to retain an attorney. If you have been hit by a tractor trailer, having a doctor who can diagnose your conditions and help to prepare a treatment plan as well as an attorney who is knowledgeable about tractor trailer accidents gives you the best possible chance of maximum recovery in a personal injury lawsuit.
No one should have to suffer the consequences of being struck by a tractor trailer but unfortunately, the sheer size and weight of these vehicles can lead to catastrophic and life changing injuries. Any victim who finds themselves in this situation needs to schedule a consultation with an experienced Houston personal injury attorney as soon as possible.
If you’ve been hit by a tractor trailer, contact the attorneys at McDonald Worley today for a free case review.