Houston has the distinction of having some of the busiest thoroughfares in the United States, while also being a primary route for many shipping and trucking companies. With a large number of 18-wheeler trucks on the roads and highways of Houston, the unfortunate reality is that accidents will inevitably occur. In fact, in 2008, 421 fatal traffic accidents involved large commercial trucks, making these cases 9.1% or all fatal accidents in the state. This disproportionate percentage proves that 18-wheelers are extremely dangerous on the road.
Considering the size and weight of these large vehicles, the possibility of being injured in a wreck increase substantially when they are involved. A serious injury can have many different negative effects that can have a major impact on your life. This includes huge medical bills, possible rehab, loss of wages, vehicle damage, and Pain and Suffering.
Consult an attorney
If the accident is your fault, then there are not many options available. However, if you were injured due to the commercial truck driver’s negligence, you may be eligible for compensation in the form of damages. With a qualified houston 18 wheeler accident lawyer at your side, you can approach the difficult and complex process of filing suit against the offending party productively and efficiently.
Although a devastating experience such as a major auto accident can leave permanent scars, both physically and emotionally, you can lessen the pain and Suffering by getting back much of what was lost due to this disastrous event.
Damages in Houston
The amount of compensation you may be entitled to receive after a truck accident will depend on several factors. These include, but are not limited to: the extent of the injuries, if one or more parties are liable for the truck accident, the size of the truck that caused the accident, what materials they were hauling at the time, and if they were in violation of State and Federal truck industry regulations, among other considerations.
The state of Texas allows for various types of damages that an individual can sue for. This compensation will make up for both monetary and non-monetary damages that you may have incurred. Damages tend to be lumped into three categories: Economic (actual financial loss), Noneconomic (physical, mental, emotional pain, disfigurement), and Exemplary (punitive damages for gross negligence).
To receive these damages, you and your attorney must prove that the at-fault driver has impacted your life. Of the three types of compensation you are eligible for, you can separate specific damages into two broad categories: property damage and personal injury damages.
Property damages
Property damage includes the following:
·Vehicles
·Personal Belonging in the Vehicle at the Time of Accident
·Towing Costs
·Vehicle Storage Costs
·Appraisals
·Body Shop Repairs
·Replacement Fees
As for personal injury damages, many areas are eligible for compensation, including:
·Ambulance
·ER services (if applicable)
·Physical Therapy
·Physician Costs
·Temporary Transportation Costs
·Loss of Wages (work)
·Hospital Stay
·Pain and Suffering
·Permanent Injury Compensation
These are just a small listing of the potential damages that you can sue for if another injured you due to their negligence. As a citizen of this country, you have a right to sue if another has wronged you in a way that affects your ability to live your life. Understanding your options, if ever confronted with this difficult situation, will allow you to take all necessary and relevant factors into account to develop the most effective argument possible for your particular case.
