Truck Accident Lawyers in Houston

Guiding Victims Through the Aftermath of a Commercial Vehicle Accident

Dealing with the aftermath of a commercial vehicle accident is incredibly challenging. There are many things to do and tasks to handle after the wreck, and it can be difficult to know what to do first. First and foremost, seek medical attention immediately. We can connect you with physicians and specialists to evaluate your injuries, which may not appear until days or weeks after the crash. It’s critical that you have a full understanding of your injuries and what impact they will have on your life. Once your medical condition is stable, it’s time to talk to an attorney about how to recover the compensation you’re entitled to.

Moises Morales Law has a trusted reputation as a personal injury lawyer for handling tough commercial vehicle accident cases. Whether it’s possible to settle out of court or your case needs to proceed to trial, an experienced truck accident lawyer can ensure you have the legal representation you need for your case. Whatever issues you face, we can help. We have a proven track record of advocating for justice and securing the maximum compensation you deserve. Call 346-590-6665 today to find out how our firm helps victims in Houston and the surrounding areas.

What Are Commercial Vehicle Accidents?

Moises Morales Law offers comprehensive legal representation for a variety of accidents involving commercial vehicles. Many people only think of tractor-trailers when they think of commercial vehicles, but the truth is that this category is much broader. Texas Transportation Code Sec. 621.001 defines a commercial vehicle as a vehicle that is not a motorcycle that is “designed or used for the transportation of property or delivery purposes.”

This can be anything from a florist’s delivery van to a garbage truck. In some cases, the term commercial vehicle can also be used to refer to a company-owned vehicle that provides transportation services for passengers, such as buses, passenger vans, or taxis. Our skilled team handles the following types of commercial vehicle and truck accident cases.

Box Truck Accidents

Box trucks are commercial vehicles that are used to transport goods. They are generally used for local deliveries, but some companies also use them for long-haul trips. Box trucks get their name because the cargo area looks like a large box and is permanently attached to the truck instead of coming on and off like a trailer on an 18-wheeler.

In most cases, you don’t need a special license, such as a CDL, to drive a box truck, which can increase the risk of accidents due to inexperienced drivers. These vehicles are large and unwieldy, and drivers who don’t know how to properly load and balance cargo or maneuver the truck in traffic can put others at risk.

Cement Truck and Dump Truck Accidents

Cement trucks and dump trucks carry especially heavy loads, which can cause more wear and tear on the vehicle and potentially increase the risk of an accident related to mechanical failure. They also take longer to slow down and stop, which can result in the driver not having enough time to react to sudden changes in traffic conditions. These vehicles also have large blind spots, which can make it more challenging to see and avoid other vehicles.

Garbage Truck Accidents

Garbage truck accidents are common inside the city, where drivers have to maneuver large trucks on narrow residential streets. These vehicles also make frequent stops, which can increase the chances of an accident if other drivers aren’t paying attention or try to go around the garbage truck when they can’t see whether another vehicle is oncoming.

Tractor-Trailer Accidents

Accidents involving tractor-trailers are among the most dangerous types of accidents and have the potential to cause serious injuries or death to both the truck drivers and others on the road. A semi-truck requires a wider turn radius and takes much longer to stop than other vehicles, and a standard passenger car is often no match for the size and weight of a tractor-trailer.

While driving a tractor-trailer requires a CDL A license and compliance with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s rules, inexperienced and reckless drivers are still on the road. Accidents involving tractor-trailers can result in the truck jackknifing or rolling over, and tanker trucks may be carrying toxic or flammable liquids, which can start a fire or cause an explosion.

Delivery Truck Accidents

Delivery trucks transport goods from the retailer or service provider to the intended location. Refrigerated box trucks are commonly used in the food service industry to keep produce, meat, or frozen items at the correct temperature during transport. Many delivery trucks are box trucks, but they can also be step vans and flatbed trucks.

Delivery trucks often make frequent stops, such as when delivering packages along a residential route. Drivers may also be more likely to be distracted if they are looking at their route schedule or operating a GPS. Delivery truck drivers also often don’t receive any special training when maneuvering the vehicles on city streets, which can increase the chances of an accident.

What Types of Injuries Can Occur in a Commercial Vehicle Accident?

Commercial and truck accident victims often sustain serious injuries due to the large size and weight of these vehicles. Even when operated within normal city speed limits, the force of the impact can be substantial. At Moises Morales Law, our attorneys represent commercial vehicle accident victims, including truck drivers. Common injuries we see in these types of cases include the following.

Brain and Spinal Cord Injuries

Injuries to the head and spinal cord are some of the most severe due to the impact they can have on the rest of the body and overall function. A traumatic brain injury can cause debilitating migraines, balance issues, and dizziness that can make it difficult to continue working or going about your daily activities. Difficulty sleeping, fatigue, and vision problems are also common. Depending on the severity of the injury, the victim can experience trouble with memory or concentration or may display changes in personality or behavior, such as increased aggression.

The most severe spinal cord injuries can result in paralysis and loss of control of the bladder and bowel functions. Even more moderate or minor injuries can cause loss of sensation in a specific area of the body and ongoing nerve pain that can be difficult to treat. Because of the severity of the injury and how much it can affect the quality of life, victims with spinal cord injuries may also be at higher risk of mental health complications, such as depression, anxiety, and diminished self-esteem.

Broken Bones and Amputations

The force of impact involved in a commercial vehicle accident is significant, and one of the most common injuries victims face is broken bones. When a vehicle is crushed inward, it can result in trauma to the lower extremities, including a broken leg or foot. Broken arms are also common because people have the reflex to try to brace themselves when an impact occurs. Other common broken bones include the ribs, collarbone, and pelvis.

In some cases, such as when a crush injury occurs, the damage to the limb may be so severe that it needs to be amputated. It’s also possible for a limb to be amputated during the crash itself because the metal from the vehicles can be very sharp. Losing a limb impacts the rest of your life, and while victims do recover, they often need multiple surgeries and physical therapy, and the cost of a prosthetic limb is high.

Internal Injuries

Internal injuries are those that occur to the internal structures of the body, such as the organs or blood vessels. These injuries are serious and often have life-threatening complications. However, they aren’t always immediately apparent. For example, internal bleeding or organ damage may take hours or days to have any kind of visible symptoms, such as bloating or bruising. This is why it’s critical for victims to be thoroughly evaluated by a medical professional after a commercial vehicle accident, even if they don’t think they’re hurt. Catching an internal injury early can make a significant difference in the overall prognosis.

Lacerations and Burns

Auto accidents result in a great deal of debris, and when metal gets broken or glass is shattered, it can result in cuts and lacerations. While some of these may be minor, it’s also possible for a cut to involve an artery or to impact an organ, which can be life-threatening. Burn injuries are also common if there was a fire due to a gas leak after the accident or an explosive material in a tanker truck.

Emotional Pain and Trauma

Commercial vehicle and truck accident injuries aren’t only limited to the physical. Being involved in a crash like this is traumatic, and victims may end up with ongoing mental health issues, such as anxiety and depression or post-traumatic stress disorder. Victims are also entitled to compensation for these damages, and an attorney can help you understand how emotional pain and trauma are calculated for the purposes of a personal injury lawsuit.

Injuries from commercial vehicle accidents can be delayed by hours, days, or weeks. Diagnostic tests, orthopedic treatment, and chiropractic care can reveal the true severity of your injuries over time. Never downplay your injuries when speaking with an insurance company. Doing so can lead to a much lower settlement, as adjusters may argue they were worsened by unrelated events. It’s also important to keep documentation of all your injuries and the effect they are having on your quality of life. It may help to keep a journal during this time to accurately collect your thoughts and experiences.

What Is the Role of the Insurance Company After a Commercial Vehicle Accident?

Many people turn to insurance companies for a settlement to cover their expenses after a collision. However, it can be disappointing when the offered settlement is much lower than expected or even denied. It’s important to remember that insurance companies aren’t there to help you. Instead, they aim to minimize their payouts.

Insurance adjusters might seem helpful, but they assess damages and liability with the company’s interests in mind. If you inadvertently accept some responsibility for the crash, your claim can be significantly altered or denied.

It’s common for auto accidents to have more than one contributing factor. For example, it’s possible for one driver to be speeding and another to change lanes without checking their blind spot. In this case, the insurance companies may determine that both drivers were partially at fault. In truck accident claims, it’s also possible for third parties, such as the trucking company or a mechanic, to be named as a defendant if they acted negligently and this contributed to the wreck.

So, can victims file a lawsuit if they were partially at fault? The answer is yes. Texas follows the modified comparative negligence rule, which means that a victim can seek compensation for damages from the negligent party as long as they weren’t more at fault than the other party. However, being partially at fault can lower the amount of compensation you receive if you win your case.

An attorney can provide counsel to help you avoid unintentionally taking the blame for the accident. Our team can also explain how being partially at fault may impact your award.

How Is Compensation Determined in a Commercial Vehicle Accident Case?

One of the most frequent questions victims have when they are considering filing a personal injury lawsuit after an accident is “How much could I get?” It’s a valid question, but it’s one that varies based on the circumstances of each case. In general, compensation for personal injury lawsuits in Texas includes economic damages and noneconomic damages.

Economic damages are the financial losses you suffered as a result of the accident and your injuries. It’s common for the most substantial portion of this to be medical expenses. Many people believe that they can only include past medical bills in their lawsuits, but this isn’t true. Your claim can also consider the expected cost of future medical treatment. For example, if your doctor believes you will need another surgery in the future, you could include that expected cost and related expenses, such as physical therapy or necessary medical equipment, in your claim.

Loss of income is another major component of economic damages. If you aren’t able to work, you are likely losing income, and when victims have severe injuries, it can even affect their lifelong earning potential.

Noneconomic damages are things like physical pain, emotional distress and suffering, and loss of quality of life. These damages can be more difficult to place a value on, but there are strategies your attorney can use to arrive at a number that makes sense and is indicative of your true losses.

Why You Need Moises Morales Law as Your Houston Truck Accident Lawyers

If you’re considering a semi truck accident lawsuit or a personal injury claim involving another commercial vehicle, you need an experienced truck accident attorney who is prepared to do everything they can to get you a positive outcome. And that’s exactly what the team at Moises Morales Law does.

We Fight for Maximum Compensation

We tirelessly defend your rights and seek the maximum compensation you deserve. Insurance companies often aim to minimize their payouts, but our team is equipped to counter their tactics and ensure a fair outcome for you. Most personal injury cases are settled out of court, which means strong negotiation skills and thorough knowledge of how these companies work are crucial. The attorneys at Moises Morales Law have extensive experience dealing with insurance companies and opposing legal teams after a commercial vehicle accident, and we are here to fight for you.

We’re Prepared to Go the Distance

We prepare every case with the utmost thoroughness, treating each one as if it will go to trial. This preparation strengthens our position in negotiations and equips us to fight vigorously in court if necessary. We understand that a compromise isn’t always possible, and we want our clients to get what they’re entitled to for their injuries and suffering. We are relentless in our pursuit of the compensation you deserve to aid in your recovery.

If you’ve been injured, call 346-590-6665 to schedule an appointment with the Houston truck accident attorneys at Moises Morales Law.