18-Wheeler Accidents in Texas

 

Driving through Texas, you will observe one major factor that makes our highways different than most. The sheer number of 18-wheelers that normal drivers have to share the road with. You might not notice, but you’d be hard pressed to take a trip anywhere in the Lone Star State without seeing one of these giants speeding by. Where there are semi trucks, there are accidents, and not just normal fender benders with a regular citizen. Accidents with 18-wheelers on the interstate are different and can result in terrible damage and loss of life. This is due to their inherent speeds and size. Which is where having a seasoned truck accident attorney can benefit you!

The average weight of a semi truck can vary between 30,000 to 35,000 pounds when empty, with fully loaded vehicles reaching upwards of 80,000 pounds.  It is no secret that heavy-weight vehicles take longer to stop and do more damage upon collision. On top of scale and damage, 18-wheeler accidents are different because most truckers carry a team of legal defenders that help protect both drivers and the company’s interests. Lastly, multiple vehicle pile-ups cause a wide range of issues when trying to label the liable party. 

All of these factors demonstrate the importance of seeking help from an experienced truck accident attorney. Your Houston truck accident lawyer can help wade through the red tape and legal troubles you are sure to experience on your way to proper financial compensation. In this article, we will discuss how finding the right 18 wheeler accident attorney for your needs is an important step for starting your truck accident injury claim on the right foot. 

Understanding the Unique Challenges of 18-Wheeler Accidents 

It should come as no surprise that auto accidents involving 18-wheelers are complicated, both legally and physically. Truck drivers operate under both state and federal laws that focus on safety, hours of operation, and licensing. This can lead to a tangled web of legal understanding that the average driver may not understand. On top of this confusion comes labeling the at-fault party.

Semi truck crashes tend to leave a trail of destruction, including multiple drivers, points of view, and insurance companies to deal with. The 18-wheeler itself can have multiple parties associated with it that could bear responsibility for the accident. These parties include but are not limited to the driver, trucking company, cargo loaders, and manufacturers. Furthermore, dealing with shipping companies is no easy task. They hold teams of lawyers on retainer and extensive insurance coverage for moments like these. In many cases, these companies use aggressive defense tactics to prevent paying damages to those injured by their drivers and poor industry practices. With help from a trusted Houston truck accident lawyer, you can rest easy knowing your case is being pursued by a knowledgeable and loyal teammate. By siding with an 18-wheeler attorney, you can trust that you’ll receive the compensation you need for lasting injuries and pain.

Why You Need a Specialized Truck Accident Attorney 

Are you wondering if seeking help from a Houston 18-wheeler accident attorney is in your best interest? There are different reasons why an injured driver would and would not seek legal assistance after a truck accident injury. We are here to tell you that an experienced truck accident lawyer can bring many benefits to your case and can even boost the amount of compensation you receive! A team like the Maida Law Firm can help you in more ways than one. With an extensive understanding of relevant laws and regulations governing semi trucks, we can provide a level of expertise you would not regularly have. This can help expedite your claim and get you the financial restitution you’re looking for sooner.

With this knowledge comes unmatched experience in investigating complex truck accidents. Your legal representative can accurately rebuild the accident from start to finish, pointing out the missteps taken by the truck driver or the trucking company. When you do choose the right truck accident attorney for your needs, you gain access to their network of experts and the benefits that come from them. These experts can help prove your case and injury severity, leading to proper and complete compensation. Experience is important when it comes to choosing the right truck accident attorney. A tested accident lawyer will know all about trucking companies and insurance adjuster tactics and be able to avoid pitfalls that could cost you compensation. Lastly, a proven track record can indicate a legal team’s understanding of truck accident claims. It’s wise to choose a law firm that is open about its successes in this area of expertise.  

Key Steps to Finding the Right Truck Accident Attorney 

Not sure where to start when looking for the best truck accident attorney for your needs? Follow the step-by-step list we provided below to help make your selection process easy and effective. 

• Step 1: Start Your Search Early:

  It’s never too soon after an accident to get in contact with your top Houston accident attorney. The more time your team has to prepare, the better off your result will be. Early contact can help your legal team build your case, collect evidence to support your claim, and even negate the need for a trial. Deadlines start from the moment you are hit; get ahead of stressful situations by contacting your lawyer immediately after an accident. 

• Step 2: Identify Potential Candidates:

  There is no replacement for thorough research! Looking online for local and trusted truck accident lawyers can yield all the information you need without unwelcome stress. It’s wise to start with legal directories, law firm websites, and reviews to get a better understanding of the team that might represent you. Secondly, word of mouth referrals can help you find the right fit for your needs. Ask your friends, family, or community who they trust with their auto accident claims. You may also want to look into state and local bar associations. These are a great way to learn about a legal team from their peers.

• Step 3: Evaluate Their Credentials and Experience:

  Not just any accident attorney will do; you will need a Houston law firm with experience in 18-wheeler-associated accidents. Make sure when deciding that you specify their experience with semi-truck-related accidents. You can expedite this process by looking for board certification, specialized training, or awards pertaining to this discipline. You can also review their case results and testimonials, although all testimonials should be taken with a grain of salt. 

• Step 4: Schedule Initial Consultations:

  Initial consultations or case evaluations help legal teams get a better understanding of your situation and the strength of your claim. These meetings give you the opportunity to explain your side of the story and get a better feel for how the accident attorneys will move forward with your case. This will give you the chance to ask important questions, specific experience, included fees, communication style, trial experience, available resources, and more. It is always wise to have these meetings so you can get a full picture of what is to come.

• Step 5: Assess Communication and Comfort Level:

  It is important, early on, to establish how information and progress will be communicated and to start in a comfortable place. Maintaining a good comfort level with your legal team is crucial due to the possibility of these cases dragging on. A good rule of thumb is to take notice of response times, empathy, and how willing they are to explain complex legal issues. The more comfortable you are with your lawyers, the smoother the whole process will be.

• Step 6: Understand Fee Structures:

  Lastly, getting a clear understanding of fees before signing on is a must! Ask for a detailed explanation of their fee arrangement, otherwise known as contingency fees, up front. This can help you ensure clarity and trust when considering all costs and expenses.

Common Law Firm Red Flags

Red flags can help you decide if a Houston law firm is right for you before you get in too deep. See what you can be on the lookout for in the list below. 

• • Guarantees of a specific outcome.
  • High-pressure tactics to sign immediately.
  • Lack of specific experience in truck accidents.
  • Poor communication or lack of transparency.
  • Unprofessional behavior or negative reviews.

Moving Forward With Your 18-Wheeler Accident Injury Claim 

Now that you know the important factors of picking the right Houston 18 wheeler accident attorney, you can move forward with confidence and peace of mind. Always look for professionalism, transparency, and a proven track record before you hire your truck accident lawyer. 

Consider the Maida Law Firm for your semi truck accident claim, and let our experienced team help you seek the compensation you deserve. Trust our specialized 18 wheeler accident attorneys to give you the guidance you need and to look after you in these troubling times. Move past injuries and medical bills quickly with help from our proven Houston law firm today.