18-Wheeler Accident Lawyer Corpus Christi

A collision with an 18-wheeler can change your life in seconds. The size of a semi-truck means the people in the smaller vehicle often suffer the most serious harm. The Daspit Law Firm helps injured people and families in Corpus Christi, Nueces County and the Coastal Bend pursue claims against truck drivers and trucking companies, as part of our broader personal injury attorney in Corpus Christi practice.

Why 18-Wheeler Accident Cases Are Different

When a car, van or motorcycle collides with a commercial truck, the injuries are frequently severe. Unlike an ordinary car accident, a trucking case may involve the driver, the trucking company, a cargo loader, a maintenance contractor or an equipment maker. Each may blame another, and insurers for trucking companies often respond quickly to protect their own interests.

A Lawyer Who Understands the Insurance Side

Our founder, Attorney John Daspit, began his career working for insurance companies that represent large corporations, including those in the transportation sector. That background gives our firm insight into how carriers may try to deflect responsibility or undervalue a claim, and we use it to help clients.

Common Causes of Truck Accidents

Truck crashes often have more than one cause and more than one responsible party. Frequent causes include:

•         Driving under the influence

•         Reckless or aggressive driving

•         Overloaded or improperly secured cargo

•         An improperly attached trailer

•         Defective or malfunctioning equipment

•         Federal Hours of Service violations

•         Improper maintenance

Defective Parts and Equipment Failures

Sometimes a brake, tire or coupling fails through no fault of the driver. In those cases, a product liability claim against a manufacturer or parts supplier may also be possible, alongside claims against the carrier.

Fatigue and Hours of Service Rules

Federal rules limit how long commercial drivers may be on the road without rest. When a company pushes a driver past those limits, tired driving may contribute to a crash. Logs and electronic records can be important evidence, so we act quickly to request them.

Injuries and Damages After a Truck Crash

The consequences of a serious truck accident can last for years. Depending on the facts, you may seek compensation for medical care, lost income, reduced earning ability, pain and suffering, and other losses. Some victims face catastrophic injuries that require lifelong treatment. When a crash takes a life, families may have the right to bring a wrongful death claim.

Passengers and Other Road Users

You do not have to be the driver to be hurt. If you were riding with someone else, our page on passenger injuries explains how those claims can work.

What to Do After an 18-Wheeler Accident

•         Call 911 and get medical attention, even if you feel fine.

•         Take photos of the vehicles, the road and your injuries if you can.

•         Collect the truck's company name, the driver's information and witness contacts.

•         Avoid giving a recorded statement to an insurance company before speaking with a lawyer.

•         Contact a lawyer promptly, since texas law generally gives two years to file under Civil Practice and Remedies Code section 16.003 and evidence can disappear.

Texas also uses a modified comparative fault rule, so a person found 51 percent or more at fault may generally be barred from recovery. That is one reason it helps to have someone gather the facts early. Guidance on recovery from insurance can also help you prepare for the claims process.

Call The Daspit Law Firm Today

You do not have to fight alone. The Daspit Law Firm is here to take on the legal side so you can focus on getting your life back together. Call us at (888) 326-3534 to request a free case review.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who can be held responsible for an 18-wheeler crash?

Potentially the truck driver, the trucking company, the owner of the trailer, a cargo loader, a maintenance provider or a parts maker. Responsibility depends on what caused the crash and who had control over the driver, the load and the equipment. An investigation helps sort out which parties may be involved.

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

The general limit is two years from the date of the accident under Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code section 16.003, though exceptions may apply. Because trucking companies may not keep records forever, it is wise to speak with a lawyer much sooner.

What if I was partly at fault?

Texas generally follows a modified comparative fault rule. Your recovery may be reduced by your share of fault, and you may be barred if you are found 51 percent or more responsible. A lawyer can review the facts and help present your side.

How do I start a claim with The Daspit Law Firm?

Call (888) 326-3534 or contact us online for a free case review. We will listen to what happened, explain how Texas law may apply and discuss next steps. If your crash was a passenger car collision, see our overview of car accident injuries too.

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