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It is almost impossible to drive in Bellaire or anywhere else in the state without encountering commercial vehicles. Whether these include utility vans, eighteen-wheelers, or tractor-trailers, these large trucks are a constant sight on the road. Unfortunately for drivers and passengers in smaller cars, the presence of these massive trucks can present a considerable danger. The size of these vehicles means that they are slow to stop in an emergency, and collisions often result in severe injuries.
If you experienced an accident involving a large truck, you might be entitled to compensation with the help of a seasoned personal injury attorney. A Bellaire truck accident lawyer could help determine if a driver’s negligence was the cause of your injuries and fight on your behalf for what you are owed.
The drivers of large trucks have an absolute duty to operate their vehicles safely. This includes a requirement to follow the rules of the road. For example, all truckers must:
Ignoring these rules could result in collisions with objects and other drivers, multiple vehicle pileups, and a truck jackknifing or flipping. A Bellaire attorney could provide more information about the responsibilities of truck drivers and how an inability to meet these responsibilities could cause an injury.
Even though commercial vehicle collisions are a leading cause of injuries in Bellaire, an injured person still carries the responsibility to prove that a defendant’s negligence was the source of the incident. Courts make this more complex by using the modified comparative negligence theory in accident cases. This means that a trucker could allege that an individual’s actions were the cause of their injuries and that they should not receive compensation for their losses.
Injured parties who are able to prove liability solely on the part of a truck driver, however, are entitled to recover full damages. This includes medical bills, follow-up care and treatment, surgeries, prescriptions, and lost income. A comprehensive case will also evaluate non-economic hardships such as mental anguish, a loss of enjoyment of life, pain and suffering, and the loss of companionship.
Most insurance companies will act quickly to get ahead of a claim, which makes it crucial to seek qualified legal representation as soon as possible. A seasoned attorney in Bellaire with experience handling truck crashes could work quickly to gather police reports, visit the accident scene, and talk to witnesses to build a robust case.
Truck drivers have the same responsibilities to operate their vehicles safely as all other motorists. In addition, federal regulations control how many hours a driver can operate on any given day and limit how heavy a truck may be. A failure to uphold any of these laws, or even simple carelessness, could result in an accident that causes life-changing repercussions and injuries.
If you were in a collision with an eighteen-wheeler or other commercial truck, things might feel confusing and intimidating. You may be unsure of your legal rights, how to obtain necessary medical treatment, and how to move forward with pursuing a claim against a negligent trucker. A Bellaire truck accident lawyer could help you navigate this trying time and advocate on your behalf to seek compensation. The team at Gutierrez Law Firm is unafraid to fight for you and what you deserve. Call our office today to schedule a free consultation.