Fort Worth Truck Accident Lawyers

Few accidents can be as devastating as those involving a semi-truck. It almost goes without saying that a passenger car is no match for an oncoming eighteen-wheeler. Such an accident can result in a very serious injury or even a wrongful death. To make matters worse, these cases can be highly complicated as they may involve multiple defendants and multiple theories of liability. When such a situation arises, it can be critical to retain an experienced personal injury attorney with substantial resources. Noteboom – The Law Firm is able to handle cases against trucking companies both large and small. Our firm has the resources necessary to see your case through to the end. Contact us online or by telephone to speak with a Fort Worth truck accident lawyer.

DFW injury lawyers handling trucking accident cases

All semi-truck drivers have a responsibility to drive safely and to obey the rules of the road. If the driver works for another individual or company, then the employer also has an obligation to adequately screen, train, and supervise them. If a driver’s failure to follow the rules results in an accident then the victim may bring an action against the driver, their employer, and potentially against additional entities. Given the size and weight of an eighteen-wheeler, it should be no surprise that such cases can result in serious injuries. Such harm may include brain injuries, paralysis, or even wrongful death.

The victim of a trucking accident will typically be taken to the hospital immediately. One should accept care even if they do not believe they are seriously injured. An important early step in matters such as these is to contact an attorney as soon as possible. Counsel will immediately inform the trucking company of the representation. Counsel will also immediately begin work on identifying all potential entities who may be liable for the wreck. Such entities, again, may include the owner of the truck (whether an individual or a business entity), the parent corporation of the company if the latter is a subsidiary, as well as possible third-parties such as maintenance providers, loading companies, and more. The victim’s attorney will deal with the insurance carriers for each of these entities directly.

Once the victim’s chances of recovery and future limitations are reasonably known then counsel will send a settlement demand to the various insurers. This demand will include a statement of how much is being requested, how that amount was calculated, as well as supporting documentation. If a settlement is not reached then the matter will proceed to litigation. In addition to extensive discovery, trucking accident cases often involve the utilization of multiple expert witnesses. These individuals will produce reports and offer opinions as to whether the company was following proper industry practices. Also, medical experts will offer opinions as to the nature of the victim’s injuries as well as their future limitations. The jury will determine liability, whether comparative fault applies, and the amount of damages to be paid by each defendant. This process can be lengthy, time consuming, and can require significant up-front expenditures from the victim’s attorney. Choosing the right firm to represent you can, therefore, be crucial.

The Fort Worth trucking accident lawyers of Noteboom – The Law Firm bring extensive resources and experience to each and every case they handle. Once retained, our on-staff investigator will visit the scene of the incident and begin work on identifying all parties who may be responsible for the incident. We will quickly contact the relevant parties and will stay in contact with you while you treat your injuries. If a reasonable settlement offer is not made then our firm is prepared to file a lawsuit on your behalf. Two of our attorneys are Board Certified in Personal Injury Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization and we have the resources necessary to deal with both large defendants and insurance companies. Our firm believes in protecting the rights of persons over those of companies and we look forward to being of assistance. Contact us online or by telephone today.

In addition to Texas’ greater DFW area, we also handle matters in Arlington, Austin, Denton, Frisco, Irving, Lufkin, Garland, Houston, McKinney, Richardson, San Antonio, and the rest of the state.

Fort Worth residents should choose a truck accident attorney with the resources needed to handle the case

It is strongly suggested that Fort Worth residents choose a law firm with significant financial resources if they have been injured in a trucking accident. As mentioned above, these types of matters often involve multiple defendants as well as multiple experts. Your attorney will pay all associated expenses up front and will not be reimbursed unless the matter settles or an award is made at trial. This means that choosing a firm without the needed resources may result in a case not being properly handled. Our firm is more than prepared to deal with such matters.

Frequent questions regarding truck accident cases

How long does it take to settle a trucking accident case?

The amount of time it takes to settle any personal injury matter will always depend on the specifics of the situation. It is generally advised that a Plaintiff not accept a settlement before their long-term prognosis is reasonably known. Accepting a settlement too early can result in one receiving less than is needed to compensate them for future medical expenses and work limitations. Also, the fact that these types of matters often involve serious injuries and multiple parties means that settlement may take longer than it would in a normal car accident case.

How does comparative fault apply in a truck accident?

Texas’ comparative fault laws allow a Plaintiff to recover damages even if they are partially at fault for the incident. The Plaintiff’s award will be reduced in proportion to their share of the blame. This means, for example, that if the jury finds that the victim is fifty percent at fault then their award will be reduced by fifty percent. It should be noted that if a Plaintiff is found to be fifty-one percent, or more, liable for the wreck then they will be barred from recovery.

What causes of action can a Plaintiff bring after a truck accident?

A Plaintiff will typically sue the driver of the semi for negligence. Since employers are “vicariously liable” for the acts of their employees, the employer will also face a negligence action. The employer may also be liable for negligent hiring and supervision, depending on the facts of the matter. Also, it may be possible to bring a claim against third-parties, such as those charged with maintaining the truck if it is shown that their negligence contributed to the wreck.

Can I receive punitive damages in a trucking accident case?

Punitive damages are rare and typically are only awarded if a defendant acted intentionally or with reckless disregard for the safety of others. With that said, if it is shown that an employer knowingly turned a “blind eye” to a dangerous situation then a punitive damages award may be possible.