Mesquite, TX Truck Accident Attorney

Nobody wants to imagine getting caught in a collision with a tractor-trailer. When the worst comes to pass, victims of these accidents are often left with major damage in excess of tens of thousands of dollars. If you need financial help after a commercial truck collision, contact a Mesquite, Texas truck accident lawyer.

At Jerry D. Andrews, P.C., we have represented numerous clients in auto accident claims, to great success. In our past case results, we have fought and won for our clients in truck accident cases, including a $2,000,000 settlement on behalf of a computer analyst who suffered major injuries in a head-on collision with a truck.

Is the Truck Driver or the Trucking Company Liable in an Accident?

Liability in a truck accident is not always limited to the driver. In some cases, the truck driver is directly responsible for a collision because of speeding, fatigue, distraction, intoxication, or some other careless act behind the wheel. If a driver failed to follow traffic laws or operate the truck safely, that conduct may form the basis of a personal injury claim.

However, the trucking company may also be liable. A company can sometimes be held responsible for the actions of its driver when the driver was working within the scope of his or her job duties at the time of the accident. In addition, the company may have its own separate fault. For example, a trucking business may contribute to a wreck by hiring an unqualified driver, failing to train drivers properly, pressuring employees to meet unrealistic delivery schedules, or neglecting vehicle maintenance.

Other parties may also share responsibility in a truck accident case. A maintenance company, cargo loading crew, manufacturer, or another motorist could have played a role in causing the collision. A thorough review of driver logs, inspection records, black box data, and company policies may be needed to identify everyone who should be held accountable.

What Compensation Is Available in a Mesquite Truck Accident Claim?

A truck accident claim can seek compensation for both financial and personal losses. Economic damages may include emergency medical treatment, hospitalization, surgery, follow-up care, physical therapy, medication, and any future treatment related to the collision. If the injured person misses work, a claim may also factor in lost wages and a reduced ability to earn a living in the future.

These claims can also address non-economic harm. A serious truck accident can cause lasting physical pain, emotional suffering, mental anguish, scarring, and a major loss of enjoyment of life. Some people never fully return to the same level of health they had before the collision. A fair claim should reflect that reality.

Truck accidents often result in especially severe injuries because of the size and weight of commercial vehicles. Victims may suffer brain injuries, spinal cord damage, broken bones, internal trauma, or other unpredictable damages. For that reason, it is important to fully value a claim before accepting a settlement. An early offer from the insurance company may not come close to covering the true cost of the accident.