A True Ally Who Can Lead the Way to Justice & Fair Truck Accident Compensation
Amarillo, Texas, has been named one of America’s top 20 safest cities for drivers. That’s according to recent data from insurers, but it doesn’t tell the whole story. Crash data from Texas authorities shows that Amarillo has had an average of 4,900 traffic accidents each year since 2018. That’s more than 13 collisions daily within Amarillo’s 104 mi.2
Often, those crashes are fender benders, but the most serious wrecks often involve 18-wheelers. After those collisions, an Amarillo truck accident lawyer can be a trusted partner for victims. As the following shares, there is a lot that an Amarillo truck accident lawyer can do to help, guide, and support crash survivors and families when it’s time to seek justice.
Who Can File a Truck Accident Claim?
Those hurt in an 18-wheeler accident may be eligible to file a claim for compensation if:
- Liability for the crash primarily lies with other parties: Texas law allows truck accident victims to seek compensation as long as they are no more than 50% at fault for the wreck. This is referred to as the “51% Bar Rule” or “proportionate responsibility.” In the event victims share some portion of liability, any compensation they are granted would be reduced in proportion to their level of fault.
- The statute of limitations has not expired: Texas law sets the deadline for filing an 18-wheeler accident claim at two years from the date on which the accident occurred or the date on which injuries are diagnosed (or result in death). If the 2-year window passes, the statute of limitations for a claim will no longer be active, and the expired claim can be dismissed or denied.
When tractor-trailer accident claims do exist, the individuals who can file these claims may include:
- Truck accident survivors: Drivers, passengers, pedestrians, motorcyclists, and anyone else who was involved and hurt in the wreck may have a claim. For drivers, this can include truck drivers, as well as other motorists, who are injured in crashes.
- Loved ones who have lost someone to a deadly tractor-trailer accident: Spouses, parents, and/or children of those killed in trucking accidents may be eligible to file wrongful death cases. Surviving loved ones and/or the estate of the decedent may also have the option of filing a survival action.
If you need to file a truck accident claim ASAP, you can get started right now during a confidential, FREE case evaluation.
What Evidence Is Important to Truck Accident Claims?
Any evidence that establishes fault and/or damages can be key to the success of an 18-wheeler accident claim. While the specific nature of this evidence can vary, in general, it tends to include things like (but not limited to):
- Police reports: Documenting important details of a crash, the police report can also uncover additional evidence that victims may not have been aware of immediately after a wreck. This could be anything from new witnesses to details about traffic citations, chemical tests, arrests, and more. You can report a wreck or request an official copy of a police report for an Amarillo truck accident here.
- Items from the accident scene: Debris from the crash and accident scene photos may help prove what type of negligence caused a crash, along with the damage resulting from it. While pictures are usually captured in the moments after a wreck, debris can remain at the accident scene well after. A good investigator may be able to find additional evidence by revisiting an accident scene.
- Other documents: Motor carrier records, trucker logbooks, medical bills, and reports from experts can be other evidence critical to proving liability and losses. Depending on the case, reports or depositions from expert witnesses, accident witnesses, and/or others may also help bolster a claim.
An Amarillo truck accident lawyer can identify each piece of evidence necessary to back up your potential claim, after hearing more about the circumstances of your crash.
What Damages Can an Amarillo Truck Accident Lawyer Obtain?
Damages are meant to cover the financial losses and psychological impacts victims have suffered from an 18-wheeler wreck. Consequently, truck accident compensation depends on case-specific factors and victim-specific losses. Commonly, those include can (and are not limited to) damages for:
- Medical bills: Everything from emergency care after the crash to follow-up treatments and future medical needs can be included in compensation for victims.
- Lost earnings: These damages can cover income, like wages, bonuses, commissions, benefits, and other earnings, lost due to the truck accident injuries that have prevented victims from returning to work.
- Property damage: The cost of repairing or replacing vehicles and/or other personal property damaged in a wreck can be covered in victims’ financial recoveries.
- Pain and suffering: Challenging to put a number on, pain and suffering is a form of non-economic damages that often comprises truck accident settlements and awards.
- Loss of consortium: As another form of non-economic damages, loss of consortium refers to the loss of affection or companionship that victims suffer as a result of their injuries.
Talk to a Trusted Amarillo Truck Accident Lawyer About Your Recovery Options
Have you or a loved one been hurt in an 18-wheeler wreck? If so, an Amarillo truck accident lawyer can explain your rights and legal options for pursuing fair compensation when it matters most.
Call (713) 352-7975 or contact us online for a FREE consultation.