McAllen Truck Accident Lawyer

Truck Accident Attorney in McAllen, TX

Truck accidents can be catastrophic. They can not only cause property damage both inside and outside of the truck, but they can also result in severe injuries or even death to those involved. If you or a loved one has received injuries resulting from an accident with an 18-wheeler, you may be entitled to damages. A McAllen truck accident lawyer can review the details of your case and help you pursue compensation.

Hire a Truck Accident Lawyer

When hiring Attorney Abraham Peña, you are hiring a truck accident lawyer from McAllen who has the knowledge and experience you need. Abraham Peña provides the confidence to navigate the complexities of your claim so that you can focus on recovery. Whether you are tending to your own injuries, caring for, or grieving for a loved one, you deserve an attorney who will represent you and support your legal efforts.

With a focus on personal injury cases, Abraham Peña knows what it takes to hold responsible parties accountable. During your initial consultation, the details of your case will be discussed to provide you with the legal options that fit your circumstances, not a one-size-fits-all model.

Truck Accidents in McAllen

In 2023, Texas saw 730 fatal truck crashes, according to the National Safety Council. Of those, 68% of the fatalities involved an occupant in another kind of vehicle. Accidents involving an 18-wheeler can be catastrophic, as many of the other vehicles involved cannot match the size and force of a commercial truck. This creates a highly vulnerable situation where negligent driving puts others on the road at risk.

If you have been involved in a truck accident, it is pertinent that you follow several key steps as you would after any type of accident:

• Seek safety. If you can, move yourself to an area that is off the road and away from any potential harm.
• Contact emergency personnel. Calling 911 will prompt both the police and medical teams to evaluate the scene and any injuries that may have been sustained. While you may be able to submit a crash report on your own, a police report can be powerful in holding others accountable.
• Exchange information. Record information of the other driver, including their driver’s license, insurance, and contact information. If they are the truck driver, note the company of both the cargo and the shipping company they work for.
• Document the scene. Take any photos of the scene to show weather conditions, street lighting, and road signs. Photograph both vehicles and record the names of any witnesses that may be present.
• Follow up with a medical evaluation. Even if you are cleared of injuries at the scene, have a medical professional complete a full evaluation. Some injuries may remain hidden and only reveal themselves after the shock and adrenaline of the accident have worn off, or may be internal and need immediate medical attention.

These steps are critical prior to calling your own insurance company or a truck accident lawyer. Capturing the complete scope of the accident at the time it happens provides the clearest details of what occurred and what that moment looked like. While insurance companies may be difficult to work with, having a lawyer see the accident through your eyes allows them to advocate for you throughout the claim process.

Common Causes for Truck Accidents

Accidents involving an 18-wheeler can be the result of any number of negligent behaviors. Common causes of truck accidents include:

• Driver error. Like any driver on the road, truck drivers must obey posted traffic signs and signals. Ignoring signs such as a posted speed limit, for example, can put others at severe risk with a greater distance needed to slow such large vehicles.
• Exhaustion. Often expected to drive many miles in a specific amount of time can put drivers at risk of exhaustion. When a driver is not well rested, they not only risk falling asleep at the wheel, but they also have a slower reaction time in adverse conditions.
• Improper securing of the load. It is crucial for drivers to verify that their cargo load has been prepared and secured properly. A faulty load can throw off the balance of the truck, causing it to respond abnormally to the driver.
• Poor maintenance. While most drivers have a basic understanding of the maintenance for a truck, it is often the responsibility of the parent company to regularly maintain the truck in working order. From brakes and tires to mechanical systems, anything that is not functioning as intended can cause an accident.

These are just a few of the many examples of negligent behaviors that could cause an accident with an 18-wheeler to occur. No matter what the circumstances are for your or your loved one’s accident, the details should be discussed with the Law Office of Abraham Peña.

Filing For Damages Following a Truck Accident in McAllen

The statute of limitations for filing a truck accident claim in McAllen is two years. If you are unable to file within that time, you may lose your opportunity to do so. Speaking with an attorney shortly after your accident does not commit you to moving forward, but provides you with the information you need to determine if you would like to. Taking time to consider your options is important, but having all the information to make the right decision matters.

Moving forward with a claim may seem challenging, particularly if you feel partially at fault for what occurred. However, Texas follows a modified comparative negligence law that allows you to still recover damages even if you are partly at fault. After discussing your claim with Attorney Abraham Peña, he can help guide you on the next steps.

With his help, you can pursue holding the other party accountable for the accident. To prove they are negligent, you must prove they:

• Had a responsibility of care in the operation of the vehicle
• They failed to uphold their responsibility intentionally or unintentionally
• Their failure to be responsible was a leading cause of the injuries sustained by you or a loved one
• The resulting injuries came with damages such as medical costs, employment changes, and more.

FAQs

How Much Are Most Truck Accident Settlements in Texas?

The settlement amount you could recover in your truck accident case depends on the severity of the accident and the circumstances of your case. Settlement amounts are impacted by the severity of injuries, damage to personal property, and more. According to Texas’s at-fault rules, you can recover damages if you are 50% or less at fault for an accident. During your initial consultation, you can discuss the potential damages you could recover.

Is it Worth Getting an Attorney for a Vehicle Accident?

While many may wish to save money by approaching a legal claim for a vehicle accident without an attorney, the benefit of their knowledge and experience could result in greater success. From filing court documents in a timely manner to negotiating on your behalf, a truck accident lawyer is your partner and advocate throughout the legal process.

Why Should You Never Admit Fault?

Admitting fault for a truck accident could not only hurt your ability to seek damages later if new details emerge, but it could also expose you to the responsibility of paying damages to others. It can be difficult not to admit fault or apologize if you feel responsible, but it is critical that you allow the investigative process to occur before making any statements of responsibility.

What Is a Typical Amount of Pain and Suffering?

There is no typical amount for pain and suffering damages in Texas. The amount you could qualify for in your settlement is determined by the details of your case. Every accident is different, and the aftermath requires different levels of medical care, resulting in a variety of changes to earning capacity, or could mean the loss of a loved one. To understand what you may be able to claim, speak to a lawyer about your case’s unique details.

contact Attorney Abraham Peña

Call Us (737) 999-3335

McAllen Truck Accident Lawyer

Significant damage and injuries occur in accidents involving 18-wheelers. These accidents can often leave you with a multitude of questions. At the Law Office of Abraham Peña, we have the answers you need. Contact our team today and let our truck accident lawyer help you pursue the compensation you may be entitled to. ¡Hablamos español!