
As truck accident lawyers in Corpus Christi, we understand the complexities and challenges that arise in the aftermath of these accidents in this bustling city. These incidents, often involving large commercial vehicles, can result in severe injuries, massive property damage, and, in some instances, death.
In such situations, consulting our Corpus Christi personal injury lawyers could prove very beneficial. Our legal team is adept at navigating the intricacies of truck accident cases. Carrigan & Anderson, PLLC, is committed to guiding you through the legal process, explaining your legal rights, and seeking maximum compensation for your truck accident claim, ensuring you and your family are well-informed and can make the best decision for your future.
Our attorneys possess the knowledge required for negotiating with all parties involved in a truck accident, including the trucking companies and their insurance providers. This skill is essential in securing the best possible outcome for your case. Contact us today for a free case consultation. Our staff can review your legal options and explain how we can assist you in this challenging time.
What Damages Could You Recover in a Truck Accident Claim?
Truck and large commercial vehicle accidents can result in devastating injuries and losses for the passenger vehicles involved. Often, truck drivers are spared some of the more serious injuries, but drivers and occupants of the vastly smaller and lighter cars are not as lucky.
Victims frequently are left recovering from such catastrophic injuries as:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
- Spinal cord injuries (SCI)
- Neck and back injuries
- Crushed and broken bones
- Sprains, strains, and dislocations
- Nerve damage
- Internal bleeding and organ damage
- Contusions and lacerations
- Burns
These injuries require immediate medical attention at a facility like Corpus Christi Medical Center, but recovery can be long, and the costs are astronomical for the average family.
Thankfully, Texas law allows victims to seek compensation for their injuries.
Compensation for Your Financial Losses
Also referred to as economic damages, these losses reflect the monetary impact on you and your family. Your economic damages may include such items as:
- Medical expenses (past and future): Includes hospital bills, surgery costs, prescription medications, rehabilitation, physical therapy, and any future medical treatments
- Long–term care costs: If you require ongoing nursing care or in-home assistance
- Lost wages: Compensation for income lost due to the inability to work during recovery
- Loss of earning capacity: If injuries prevent you from returning to your previous occupation or reduce your ability to earn income in the future
- Property damage: Covers repair or replacement costs for the vehicle and any personal property
- Out–of–pocket expenses: Such as transportation to medical appointments, home modifications (e.g., wheelchair ramps), hiring, and any medical assistive devices, such as a wheelchair or crutches
We will compile your economic damages based on the invoices and bills you receive following the accident. To determine your projected expenses, though, we will consult with your doctors and financial planners for their expert opinions.
Compensation for Your Lost Quality of Life
You may also seek compensation for the non-economic damages you and your family have suffered. Though more subjective and based on the individual, these losses encompass such categories as:
- Pain and suffering: Compensation for the physical pain, discomfort, and ongoing suffering caused by the injuries
- Emotional distress/mental anguish: Covers psychological effects, such as anxiety, depression, fear, anger, or emotional trauma, resulting from the crash or its aftermath
- Loss of enjoyment of life: For the inability to participate in hobbies, sports, or daily activities you once enjoyed prior to the accident
- Loss of consortium: Applies when injuries affect your relationship with your spouse or family, including loss of companionship, affection, or intimacy
- Permanent disfigurement or disability: Compensation for visible scars, amputations, paralysis, or other lasting changes to your physical appearance or bodily function
We know the formulas and processes the insurance companies and the courts use to determine the value for these losses, and we will use that knowledge to ensure your non-economic damages are calculated fairly.
Compensation for the Loss of a Loved One
It is tragic when a truck accident results in the loss of life. We sincerely hope that is not the case for you, but if you need assistance with a wrongful death claim, we can help. Though money cannot replace your lost loved one, it can help with the hardships and difficulties you are facing.
Our Corpus Christ wrongful death lawyers can help your family seek compensation for such losses as:
- Funeral and burial expenses
- Medical expenses prior to death
- Loss of financial support, benefits, and household services
- Loss of companionship and consortium
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of guidance, care, and protection
You do not have to go through this alone. The Corpus Christi truck accident lawyers with Carrigan & Anderson, PLLC, can help you seek the compensation you need to recover.
We have offices in Houston, Corpus Christi, and Victoria; and will travel to any corner of Texas if we are capable of preventing an injustice.
What Are the Most Common Causes of Big Truck Accidents?
Accidents involving big rigs and semi-tractor trailers can be attributed to such factors as the following:
Speeding
Truck accidents caused by speeding are all too common and frequently result in serious injury or death. Because it reduces the driver’s response times and braking distance, speeding increases the risk of a truck accident.
Additionally, when a truck is speeding, it can be difficult to control on curvy roads or in bad weather. Depending on the size and weight of the vehicle, a speeding truck can cause a much more severe accident than a truck going the speed limit.
Driver Fatigue
Truck driver fatigue is a significant contributor to truck accidents. Many truck drivers are underpaid and overworked, which forces them to drive for longer periods of time. This can cause fatigue and drowsiness, making it difficult for them to concentrate and make sound decisions while driving.
Tire Blowouts
Tire blowouts are a major cause of truck accidents on the road. This is frequently caused by a combination of factors, such as underinflated tires, overloaded or improperly loaded cargo, and worn tires.
When a tire blows out, the driver loses control of the vehicle, which can result in a crash or rollover. Furthermore, the sudden deflation can cause significant damage to the vehicle’s other tires, leading to loss of control and a crash.
To avoid catastrophic tire blowouts and reduce the likelihood of truck accidents, it is critical to ensure that tires are properly maintained and inspected on a regular basis.
Driving Under the Influence
Driving under the influence is a serious cause of truck accidents in Corpus Christi, often resulting in catastrophic injuries and fatalities. Truck drivers are held to stricter standards than other motorists. The legal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit is 0.04%, half the standard for regular drivers. Even small amounts of alcohol or drugs can impair reaction time, judgment, and coordination.
When a commercial driver operates a large truck while impaired, the consequences for victims can be devastating and life-altering.
Overweight and Improperly Loaded Cargo
Overloaded vehicles endanger road safety and contribute to many of our road fatalities. The vehicle’s momentum is altered when a truck is overloaded or its cargo is allowed to shift from side to side. This makes stopping and maintaining control more difficult, especially when performing necessary defensive maneuvers.
Corpus Christi Truck Accident Lawyer Near Me 361-884-4433
How Do You Handle Truck Accident Claims in Corpus Christi?
The bustling city of Corpus Christi, Texas, is no stranger to truck accidents, given its significant commercial and industrial activities. Navigating the aftermath of such an accident can be daunting, especially when it comes to legal claims.
Understanding the strategies to effectively handle these claims is crucial for anyone involved in a truck accident in this region.
The Complexity of Truck Accident Claims
Truck accident claims in Corpus Christi are inherently complex due to the involvement of multiple parties in the trucking industry, including:
- Truck drivers
- Trucking companies
- Cargo loaders
- Manufacturers of truck parts
- Truck maintenance companies
And each party has an insurance provider and their own legal representative looking to protect their client and their losses. These situations make the claim process intricate and challenging.
Gathering Crucial Evidence
The foundation of a successful truck accident claim is robust evidence. Evidence can include:
- Accident and police reports
- Medical records
- Driver’s logs
- Electronic logging device (ELD)
- Physical evidence
- Photographs and videos
- Cell phone records
- Truck maintenance records
- Personnel files
- Eyewitness accounts
In Corpus Christi, where truck traffic is heavy, timely collection of evidence is vital. A truck accident attorney in Corpus Christi from Carrigan & Anderson, PLLC, can spearhead this process, ensuring all relevant evidence is meticulously compiled.
Understanding Federal and State Regulations
Truck drivers and companies operating in Corpus Christi are bound by federal and state regulations. These include rules regarding:
Violations of these regulations can be pivotal in proving negligence in a truck accident claim.
Dealing With the Insurance Companies
Insurance companies play a significant role in truck accident claims. They often aim to minimize payouts, which can be detrimental to victims seeking fair compensation. An attorney skilled in negotiating with insurance companies can be a valuable asset in ensuring that victims receive the compensation they deserve for their injuries and losses.
Determining Fair Compensation
Determining fair compensation in truck accident cases involves considering medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and sometimes, punitive damages. In Corpus Christi, where the impact of a truck accident can be significant, calculating an appropriate compensation amount requires legal expertise and a deep understanding of personal injury law.
Litigation vs. Settlement
While many truck accident claims are settled out of court, some may require litigation. The decision to settle or go to trial depends on various factors, including:
- The strength of the evidence
- The extent of damages
- The willingness of the parties to negotiate
The Corpus Christi truck accident lawyers from Carrigan & Anderson, PLLC, can provide guidance on the best course of action, whether it’s negotiating a settlement or pursuing litigation.
However, you must contact us before the two-year statute of limitations expires on your case.
Case Studies: Success Stories in Corpus Christi
To illustrate the effectiveness of these strategies, consider these hypothetical scenarios:
- A complex multi-vehicle accident: A commercial truck’s brake failure caused it to collide with several cars. The brake failure was due to poor maintenance, which was a key factor. The legal team successfully navigated the claim, securing a substantial settlement for the victims.
- A disputed liability case: The truck driver and the victim shared fault. Through meticulous evidence gathering and negotiation, the victim’s compensation was maximized despite the shared liability.
Navigating truck accident claims in Corpus Christi requires a strategic approach, considering the complexities of such cases. With legal guidance from Carrigan & Anderson, PLLC, victims can handle these challenges effectively, ensuring they receive the justice and compensation they deserve.
Representing the injured in all areas of Texas that extends back over 40 years
Can a Truck Accident Lawyer in Corpus Christi Help You?
Dealing with physical injuries or coping with the loss of a loved one due to a truck accident can be overwhelming. You shouldn’t have to fight against unjust settlements and complex legal claims during such a trying period. Allow Carrigan & Anderson, PLLC, to stand up for you during these tough times.
With our knowledge, dedication, and resources, we are committed to assisting you in pursuing full financial restitution for your truck accident.
A Corpus Christi Truck Accident Attorney Can Help
Navigating the busy roads of Corpus Christi, whether it’s on I-37 or along TX-35, drivers face unique challenges and dangers. Despite your best efforts to drive safely, the reality is that drivers are often at risk due to the negligence or inattention of others on the road. If you’ve been involved in a truck accident, it’s crucial not to let the carelessness of others prevent you from obtaining the compensation you rightfully deserve.
At Carrigan & Anderson, PLLC, our focus is on championing the rights of accident victims. Truck accidents can lead to significant damage, both to individuals and property, and our Corpus Christi truck accident attorneys are dedicated to ensuring that victims of such accidents receive just and fair compensation. We understand the complexities of truck accident cases and are prepared to fight vigorously on your behalf.
If you’ve been affected by a truck collision, don’t hesitate to contact Steve. He can help you understand your options.
Our Truck Accident Attorneys in Corpus Christi Understand What You Are Facing
Carrigan & Anderson, PLLC, is here to help if you or someone you love was injured in an accident with an 18-wheeler or other large truck. We handle commercial trucking accident cases across the entire state of Texas and have fought for the injured for over 35 years.
Semi-truck accident claims present particular complexities, making it more important to involve an attorney:
- 18–wheeler accidents are more likely to cause catastrophic injury and property damage, even when they occur at relatively low speeds. Resulting claims often have higher values, and it will be more important for a victim to recover complete compensation for all injuries and losses.
- The at–fault party may be a large trucking company, distributor, or other large organization. With 18-wheeler accidents, it is more likely that responsibility may lie with a company as opposed to an individual driver. Trucking companies and their insurance providers may have entire teams of attorneys to counteract claims. You need an attorney who has experience winning cases against these million-dollar monsters.
If you’ve been in a wreck with a semi-truck anywhere in Texas, you need a responsive lawyer who cares. Text or call Steve, day or night.
You need a skilled advocate to protect your legal rights and present your claim in such a way as to maximize your recovery.
Connect With Our Corpus Christi, Texas, Truck Accident Attorneys Today
Call our office immediately if you have been seriously injured by a big truck in Corpus Christi, Texas. We have over 40 years of combined legal experience fighting against insurance companies for our accident victims in South Texas.
Call us for a complimentary no-obligation consultation. A Corpus Christi truck accident lawyer is just a phone call away.
At Carrigan & Anderson, PLLC we can talk to you about your options and rights.