The Woodlands Truck Accident Attorney

You Deserve Quality Legal Representation

The aftermath of a truck accident is exhausting and can be difficult to deal with. At Scott Law Firm, we want to help you get through this difficult time. Lawsuits with large corporations are much harder to win due to their extensive resources, and an inexperienced lawyer can cost you more money over time and can even cost you your case. Instead of putting your future at risk, choose a team that has the skill and knowledge you need.

Call Scott Law Firm today at (936) 243-4299 to speak to our truck accident lawyer in The Woodlands at your free initial consultation.

What to Do Immediately After a Truck Accident

First off, tell the police officers everything you know about the truck accident. Once you finally get home after all of the chaos, make an appointment to see a doctor. If you saw an urgent care doctor after the accident, you should still go see your doctor within the next few days after the accident. Try to take notes on how your body is feeling. Often, whiplash and other issues take a few days to become apparent. These appointments will help you get better and help to document your injury.

Additionally, find a reputable truck accident lawyer servicing The Woodlands. Look for legitimate reviews and testimonials. It is crucial that they have experience with commercial trucking accidents and not just standard car accidents. Truck accidents are more complex due to the number of parties involved.

After getting a personal injury attorney you can trust, they will help you sort out the rest. You may need new means of commuting to work and some insurance companies will provide a rental car. Additionally, you might need paperwork to get time off of work if you’ve been injured.

Common Injuries from Trucking Accidents

Commercial trucks are big and heavy, so it is not surprising that truck accidents typically result in severe personal injuries. Whiplash and soft tissue injuries are common in truck accident cases.

However, there are more serious personal injuries that can occur including:

• Head and brain injuries
• Crushed limbs
• Serious spinal injuries

Any severe injury may require surgery and rehabilitation treatment to regain your health. As a result, the mounting medical bills quickly add up and can be very stressful. Our legal team understands this and will work to get you the compensation you deserve for your pain and suffering.

If you have been injured or hospitalized and are unable to travel, we can come to you! Enjoy peace of mind knowing that your legal team will be taking care of your case while you heal.

Working with Insurance Companies

Scott Law Firm has worked on many truck accident cases in Texas. Our legal team understands how difficult it can be to work with insurance companies. Unfortunately, there is an imbalance of power between yourself, the insurance companies, and trucking companies. Working with an experienced truck accident lawyer in The Woodlands will help ensure they don’t use their power to take advantage of you. We understand what it takes to work with insurance companies so that you are properly compensated for your medical bills, loss of wages, and pain and suffering. Scott Law Firm will handle the paperwork filled with legal terminology that insurance companies may try to trick you with.

Common Causes of Commercial Truck Accidents

Many things can cause a truck accident. Fatigue is one of the biggest reasons why these accidents occur. Unfortunately, truck drivers often have strenuous deadlines that they must meet and unfortunately, may drive fatigued. Additionally, commercial vehicles often have large blind spots. People need to be aware of blind spots and avoid them. Another issue with heavy commercial trucks is that they are harder to stop due to their weight. When a car cuts off a truck and suddenly brakes, the truck cannot brake at the same speed. Sometimes, trucks do not have a balanced load and this can make driving extremely difficult if the load shifts.

Federal Trucking Laws

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) enforces regulations designed to ensure safety in commercial trucking across the United States. These rules apply to commercial motor vehicles (CMVs) engaged in interstate commerce and include:

• Hours of Service (HOS): Truck drivers can drive up to 11 hours after taking 10 consecutive hours off duty. They must stop driving after 14 hours on duty, regardless of breaks taken during that time.
• Driver Qualifications: Commercial drivers must be at least 21 years old and have a valid CDL. They also need to pass a DOT medical exam and maintain a clean driving record.
• Vehicle Standards and Inspections: All commercial trucks must meet strict safety and maintenance standards. Drivers must inspect their vehicles daily, and the trucks must pass an annual inspection by a certified inspector.
• Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs): Drivers must use electronic logging devices to automatically record driving hours. These replace paper logs and help ensure compliance with hours-of-service rules.
• Drug and Alcohol Testing: Truck drivers are tested for drugs and alcohol before hiring and randomly during employment. They’re also tested after certain accidents or if there’s reasonable suspicion.
• Weight and Size Regulations: Commercial trucks must follow federal weight and size limits, typically up to 80,000 pounds. Oversized or overweight vehicles must get special permits and follow specific routes.
• Safety Ratings and Monitoring: The FMCSA tracks trucking companies’ safety records using inspections, crash reports, and violations. Carriers receive safety ratings and may face penalties for poor performance.
• Insurance Requirements: Trucking companies must carry minimum liability insurance, ranging from $750,000 to $5 million, depending on the cargo. Smaller non-hazardous carriers need at least $300,000 in coverage.

Truck Accident FAQs

Who can be held liable for a truck accident?

Potentially liable parties include the truck driver, the trucking company, the cargo loader, the truck manufacturer, or a third-party maintenance provider—depending on the cause of the accident.

How long do I have to file a truck accident claim in Texas?

In Texas, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims is two years from the date of the accident. Failing to file within this period could result in losing your right to compensation.

What compensation can I recover from a truck accident claim?

You may be eligible for compensation for medical expenses, lost income, property damage, pain and suffering, future medical care, and possibly punitive damages if gross negligence occurred.

How is fault determined in a truck accident in The Woodlands?

Fault is determined by investigating evidence such as police reports, eyewitness statements, dashcam or surveillance footage, electronic logging device (ELD) data, and expert analysis of the crash.

Should I speak with the trucking company’s insurance adjuster?

No. It’s best to consult with a truck accident attorney before speaking with any insurance adjusters. Their goal is often to minimize your claim.

What makes truck accident claims different from car accident claims?

Truck accidents involve larger insurance policies, federal FMCSA regulations, commercial drivers, and more severe injuries, making them more complicated than typical car accidents.

How long does it take to resolve a truck accident claim?

It depends on the complexity of the case. Some settle within a few months, but others may take over a year if litigation is necessary.

Can I still recover damages if I was partially at fault?

Yes. Texas follows a modified comparative negligence rule. As long as you're less than 51% at fault, you can recover damages, but your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault.

Why You Need a Truck Accident Lawyer in The Woodlands

It doesn’t matter how safe a driver you are if the person driving next to you is driving recklessly. An accident with a commercial truck can leave you feeling shocked, injured, and overwhelmed. Right after a truck accident, you should speak with a Montgomery County police officer to file a report. Commercial truck accidents involve local, state, and federal investigative agencies. There may also be other parties involved, including big trucking companies, multiple business owners, drivers, insurance companies, and vehicle manufacturers, to name a few. This is true for the rest of the country as well. This makes these accidents more complex than your typical auto accident.

While it may seem like a simple thing to file a claim when you get into a truck accident, we want you to know that it’s a lot different than filing a car accident claim.

Our The Woodlands truck accident lawyer at Scott Law Firm will help you navigate this challenging situation. Contact us today to begin with a free initial consultation.