Justice for Those Injured in 18-Wheeler Accidents in San Angelo, TX
San Angelo, Texas, has experienced a remarkable decline in traffic collisions recently. In fact, the latest statistics show San Angelo has had a 23% drop in motor vehicle accidents over the past decade. Nevertheless, from Old Ballinger Hwy to S. Koenigheim St., S. Chadbourne St., and beyond, San Angelo still sees an average of 5 traffic collisions every day on its roads.
Sometimes, those wrecks involve tractor-trailers that are up to 30 times heavier than passenger vehicles. The damage from these crashes can be catastrophic, leaving victims with horrific injuries and lasting trauma. When that happens, the injured can rely on a San Angelo truck accident lawyer for help recovering.
Discover more about a potential claim and what a San Angelo truck accident lawyer can do for you in the FAQs below.
Who Is At Fault for My 18-Wheeler Accident in San Angelo, TX?
Motorists, motor carriers, vehicle makers, and/or others could be liable for your wreck. The parties who are at fault will crucially depend on the series of events — and, really, the specific forms of negligence — that directly contributed to the accident.
That’s why it’s important for a San Angelo truck accident lawyer to go over the details of your 18-wheeler crash. That said, here is a closer look at some parties that are typically liable for truck accidents in San Angelo, TX.
Motorists
More than 87% of tractor-trailer crashes are caused by driver errors, authorities at the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) report. Those errors include preventable mistakes and misconduct behind the wheel, like (but not limited to):
- Drunk driving
- Aggressive or reckless driving
- Distracted driving
- Speeding
- Noncompliance with traffic laws
If officers from the San Angelo Police Department responded to the scene, their police report for the wreck can contain essential evidence regarding driver negligence, including negligence on behalf of truck drivers, passenger vehicle drivers, motorcyclists, and/or others on the roads.
Trucking Companies
Motor carriers have a responsibility to put safe drivers and vehicles on the roads. When they fall short and their negligence results in 18-wheeler accidents, these trucking companies can be among the at-fault parties. Generally, some specific forms of motor carrier negligence that play a role in causing truck accidents can include:
- Failures to drug test drivers
- Lack of training for drivers
- Unreasonable delivery schedules
- Any policies that violate federal trucking regulations or that incentivize truckers to violate them (i.e., paying bonuses for violating hours-of-service rules or keeping two logbooks)
- Failures to comply with any federal trucking regulation
Automakers and/or Manufacturers
More than 10% of tractor-trailer crashes involve a vehicle equipment problem, the FMCSA reports. In fact, according to the FMCSA:
- Brake problems are the leading issue in terms of vehicle-related factors that cause big rig accidents and out-of-service orders issued by regulators.
- 18-wheelers’ tires and wheels also experience problems at significantly high rates.
- Shifting cargo commonly contributes to vehicle equipment failures.
The negligence that causes big rig equipment to fail on the roads can come at the hands of the manufacturers who built it, the technicians who installed it, the parties who failed to maintain the truck, and others. It often takes the help of an attorney and experts to go after companies and/or others when their negligence has led to equipment failures and 18-wheeler crashes.
Other Parties
About 1 in 5 big rig wrecks involves roadway factors, according to FMCSA data. Those could be failures to remove debris, a lack of signage, poorly set up highway work zones, or other hazards that cause crashes. That could put cities, counties, engineers, and/or others in the hot seat if those roadway dangers cause crashes.
Beyond these parties, several others can also be involved in causing them — either on the roads or off. Looking at all possibilities so that you can hold each negligent party liable is just one crucial way a San Angelo truck accident lawyer can help you after a wreck.
How Long Do Truck Accident Cases Take to Resolve?
Like liability, the time it takes to resolve a claim depends on case-specific factors. Your actions, choices, and objectives also matter here, as those can all impact how your potential claim proceeds.
When it comes to the length of an 18-wheeler accident case, here are some of the most important things to understand about the time it takes to resolve it:
- Simple claims may mean faster resolutions: If there’s not a lot to debate or prove or if liability is clear-cut, it may simply be a matter of determining and negotiating damages from an at-fault party who is ready and willing to settle. As cases get more complex and there’s more to prove, it can take longer to gather evidence and bring all the essential facts to light.
- Disputes draw out truck accident cases: If there are disagreements about who is at fault, what the injuries were, or how much the total damages should be, it can take longer to resolve cases. That may be due to more back and forth with insurance companies. Sometimes, it can mean a longer path to resolution because the court needs to get involved to settle the dispute(s).
- Your decisions matter too: Have you been offered a fair truck accident settlement and will you take it? Are you focused on fast, fair resolutions or do you want to see your day in court? Your objectives and choices can also affect the course of your claim and how long it takes to resolve it. No matter what your goals for a claim may be, having a San Angelo truck accident attorney on your side can be the key to making better, more informed choices at each step.
How Much Does a San Angelo Truck Accident Lawyer Cost?
They cost zero upfront. You pay nothing to retain a reputable San Angelo truck accident attorney because (s)he works on contingency. You only pay if compensation is secured for your claim. That can help you focus on getting the justice you may deserve without having to worry about taking on more financial stress. It can also give you confidence that your lawyer is 100% dedicated to winning compensation for you.
Even though money can’t make up for permanent trauma and losses, it can cover medical treatments while giving you some room and financial support to focus on the future.