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Houston Truck Accident Defense Lawyers

WHAT THIS PAGE COVERS:

  • Proactive Legal Measures: Immediate steps are taken to gather evidence and build a defense for trucking companies facing claims of injury or fatality, utilizing industry and insurance law expertise.
  • Comprehensive Defense Strategies: A wide range of legal disputes, including personal injury and death claims related to truck accidents, are managed by employing a network of specialists to challenge the basis of claims.
  • Custom Defense Approaches: Each case receives a tailored strategy, involving industry experts to dismantle allegations of negligence, emphasizing operational safety and adherence to regulations.
  • Expert Legal Representation: Specialized attorneys adept in truck accident litigation protect company interests through strategic negotiation and litigation, offering services across Texas.

Every day, 18-wheel and heavy haul trucks move heavy equipment, chemicals, materials, oil and gas products, and various goods throughout the United States. When accidents occur and serious bodily injury and death claims are asserted against your company, the Houston truck accident litigation attorneys at Fahl & Donaldson have the industry knowledge and trial experience to provide a vigorous defense that protects your company’s interests.

With a deep understanding of insurance law and extensive expertise in the trucking and transportation industry, our attorneys are well-equipped to handle a wide range of legal matters for both local and national companies. Our firm’s philosophy revolves around providing personalized attention to each case, ensuring our clients receive the best possible representation tailored to their needs. Whether it’s offering counsel, defending against claims, or pursuing litigation, our team has a proven track record of success.

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Defense Against Personal Injury And Death Claims

Accidents involving large trucks tend to cause more severe injuries and have a higher rate of fatality than accidents involving only smaller vehicles. People injured in truck accidents often try to hold the truck driver or the trucking company responsible for the injuries. However, in most cases, the driver of the car is the party who is truly responsible for the accident. Cars may drive in trucks’ blind spots, cut truck drivers off or hit trucks as they turn. These are all common scenarios, yet your company could still face an injury or death claim from the at-fault driver.

The Houston truck accident defense attorneys at Fahl & Donaldson can help you dispute liability and the amount of damages sought by the other party. We have extensive experience in truck accident cases involving a wide variety of issues, including personal injury and death claims. Contact our office today if your company needs representation in a case involving any of the following:

  • Alleged failure to yield right of way, unsafe lane change, etc.
  • Alleged driver fatigue
  • Aggressive driving
  • DUI/DWI
  • Unsafe road conditions, such as snow, ice, rain or fog
  • Unlicensed or untrained drivers
  • Truck rollovers
  • Oversized trucks
  • Tire blowouts
  • Brake failure
  • Truck maintenance
  • Mechanical defects

 Our Houston truck accident defense lawyers defend even the toughest claims. Put us on your side today so we can start immediately protecting your company’s interests.

Steps for Immediate Response to an Accident Involving Your Company’s Truck

Navigating the aftermath of a commercial truck accident requires swift, organized action to ensure the well-being of all involved and to safeguard your company’s legal and operational interests. It is also crucial to understand the steps involved in a truck accident lawsuit to ensure proper legal action is taken.

The following is a detailed guide on how to effectively respond immediately following an accident:

Prioritize Safety First

Your immediate action should be to assess your safety and that of others involved. If possible, move to a safe area and set up hazard signals to alert incoming traffic. Ensuring everyone’s safety is paramount and sets the stage for a calm assessment of the situation.

Document the Scene

Once it’s safe, document the accident scene thoroughly. Use your phone to take pictures of the vehicles, road conditions, and any notable signs or signals. This documentation is crucial for your employer and insurance company to understand what happened and can support you in any legal proceedings.

Notify Key Parties

Inform your dispatch or safety manager about the accident as soon as possible. They can guide you through your company’s specific protocols and ensure the right steps are taken from an operational standpoint. Timely notification is key to managing the situation effectively.

Collect Information

Gather information from parties involved in the accident, including other drivers and witnesses. Important details include names, contact information, and insurance details. Having this information on hand is essential for the claims process and any necessary.

Preserve Evidence

Do what you can to preserve evidence related to the accident. This might include securing any cargo documentation and ensuring that the truck’s electronic data isn’t tampered with. Preserving evidence is critical for defending against any claims or understanding the accident dynamics.

Seek Medical and Emotional Support

Even if you don’t feel injured, it’s wise to undergo a medical evaluation after the collision. Emotional support is also crucial, as accidents can be traumatic. Taking care of your health is not just about physical injuries but also about handling the stress and emotional impact.

Participate in the Investigation

You may need to provide your account of the accident as part of your company’s internal investigation. Be honest and detailed in your recounting. Your perspective is invaluable in piecing together the accident’s circumstances and determining any next steps.

Communicate Carefully

Be mindful of how you discuss the accident, particularly at the scene. Avoid admitting fault or making recorded statements that could be used against you or your company. Let your employer handle communications with external parties.

Follow Legal and Insurance Guidance

Work closely with your company’s legal and insurance representatives. Provide them with all necessary documentation and cooperate fully to support the claims process and any legal defense required.

Learn from the Experience

After the immediate aftermath has been handled, reflect on the accident and consider any learnings or changes you can make to prevent future incidents. Continuous improvement in driving habits and safety practices benefits everyone on the road.

 As a commercial driver, your response in the immediate aftermath of a collision has a significant impact on your well-being, legal standing, and career.

Causes of Truck Accidents

Truck accidents can occur due to a variety of factors. Understanding these causes is crucial for building a strong defense. Some of the most common causes of truck accidents include:

 

Driver Error

Driver error is one of the leading causes of truck accidents. This can include:

  • Fatigue: Truck drivers often work long hours, which can lead to fatigue and decreased reaction time. Fatigue is a significant risk factor, as it impairs judgment and slows reflexes.

  • Distraction: Truck drivers may be distracted by their phones, GPS, or other factors, which can take their attention away from the road. Distractions can lead to missed signals and delayed reactions.

  • Speeding: Truck drivers may speed to meet deadlines or to make up for lost time, which can increase the risk of an accident. Speeding reduces the driver’s ability to react to sudden changes in traffic conditions.

  • Reckless Driving: Truck drivers may engage in reckless behavior, such as tailgating or weaving in and out of lanes, which can put themselves and others at risk. Reckless driving behaviors are often a result of pressure to meet tight schedules.

Negligent Truck Maintenance

Negligent truck maintenance is another common cause of truck accidents. This can include:

  • Failure to Properly Maintain Brakes: Brakes are a critical safety feature of any vehicle, and failure to properly maintain them can lead to accidents. Regular brake inspections and maintenance are essential to ensure they function correctly.

  • Failure to Properly Maintain Tires: Tires are another critical safety feature, and failure to properly maintain them can lead to accidents. Worn or improperly inflated tires can cause blowouts and loss of control.

  • Failure to Properly Maintain Suspension: A truck’s suspension system is critical to its stability and safety, and failure to properly maintain it can lead to accidents. Proper suspension maintenance ensures the vehicle handles well, especially under heavy loads.

Liable Parties in a Trucking Accident Case

In a trucking accident case, there may be multiple liable parties. Identifying these parties is essential for building a comprehensive defense. These can include:

  • The Truck Driver: The truck driver may be liable for their actions, such as speeding or reckless driving. Driver behavior is often scrutinized to determine if negligence played a role in the accident.

  • The Trucking Company: The trucking company may be liable for their failure to properly maintain the truck or for their hiring practices. Companies are responsible for ensuring their vehicles are roadworthy and their drivers are qualified.

  • The Insurance Company: The insurance company may be liable for their failure to provide adequate coverage or for their handling of the claim. Insurance policies and their terms can significantly impact the outcome of a case.

  • The Manufacturer: The manufacturer of the truck or its parts may be liable for defects or design flaws that contributed to the accident. Product liability can be a critical factor if a mechanical failure caused the accident.

It’s important to note that each case is unique, and the liable parties may vary depending on the circumstances of the accident. An experienced truck accident lawyer can help determine who is liable and fight for the rights of the injured party. By thoroughly investigating the accident and leveraging expert testimony, we aim to ensure that all responsible parties are held accountable.

Avoiding Social Media After the Accident

In the digital age, the impulse to share experiences on social media is strong, but discretion is crucial following a commercial truck accident. What you post online can significantly influence the perception and outcome of the incident, both legally and professionally. Here’s why avoiding social media post-accident is essential:

Preserve Confidentiality

Discussing the accident details on social media platforms can inadvertently disclose sensitive or legally significant information. Such disclosures might compromise your defense or your company’s position in any subsequent legal proceedings.

Prevent Misinterpretation

Comments, photos, or even casual remarks about the accident can be taken out of context and used against you or your employer by insurance companies or in court. What might seem like an innocent post may be misinterpreted as an admission of fault or liability.

Maintain Professionalism

As a commercial driver, your public conduct, including online behavior, reflects on your professionalism and that of your employer. Maintaining a responsible and professional online presence safeguards your reputation and career.

Follow Company Policy

Many trucking companies have policies regarding social media use, especially concerning sharing information about work-related incidents. Abiding by these policies is essential to avoid disciplinary actions and to show your commitment to your employer’s protocols and privacy concerns.

 Navigating the aftermath of an accident requires careful consideration of your actions, both offline and online. By steering clear of social media discussions about the incident, you protect your legal interests and uphold your professional responsibilities.

UTILIZING PROFESSIONAL RESOURCES TO DEFEND YOUR COMPANY

In defending against personal injury claims following a commercial truck accident, the opposing side will likely attempt to demonstrate that the injuries incurred were a direct result of negligence on the part of your company or your driver. To counter these claims effectively, it is essential to work with Houston commercial truck accident lawyers who have focused knowledge in various aspects of trucking collisions. 

 Our team engages with a network of respected experts whose insights into the complexities of such incidents are invaluable in presenting a robust defense. The following is how we utilize these expert resources:

Comprehensive Expert Consultation

Our defense strategy involves consulting with experts across multiple disciplines, each bringing a deep understanding of factors that can contribute to trucking accidents. This multidisciplinary approach ensures that all angles are considered and that we’re prepared to counter claims of negligence with well-substantiated arguments.

  • Trauma Doctors and Chiropractors: Medical professionals provide insights into the nature of the injuries. Their expertise is crucial in challenging exaggerated claims of injury severity.
  • Forensic Engineers: Specialists in accident reconstruction, forensic engineers analyze the mechanics of the accident to identify its cause. They help jurors understand complex technical details, such as vehicle dynamics and the impact of road conditions.
  • Mechanics: Experts in truck mechanics can testify about the vehicle’s condition and maintenance history, disputing claims that neglect in upkeep contributed to the accident.
  • Accident Reconstruction Analysts: These professionals use data from the scene, such as skid marks and vehicle positioning, to recreate the accident. Their reconstructions can often demonstrate how the dynamics of the crash do not align with the claims made by the plaintiff.

 By integrating the detailed analyses and testimonies of these experts, we construct a narrative for the jury that elucidates the actual causes of the accident, distinct from the allegations of negligence. This evidence-based approach is designed to clearly articulate why your company should not be held liable for the injuries claimed.

Customized Defense Strategies

Understanding that each accident is unique, we tailor our defense strategies to the circumstances of your case. This involves selecting the right experts who can most effectively challenge the claims against your company and working closely with them to ensure their findings are communicated clearly and compellingly to the jury.

 Our objective is not only to defend your company against unjust claims but also to highlight the diligence and safety measures you implement in your operations. By leveraging our comprehensive network of professional resources, we aim to protect your company’s interests and reputation effectively throughout the litigation process.

How to Find a Qualified Trial Attorney for Truck Accident Defense

Finding a qualified Houston truck accident defense lawyer is crucial to ensure your company’s interests are protected and you receive the best possible representation. However, navigating the world of law to find your perfect fit can be challenging when you don’t know what to look for and ask. When choosing your attorney, consider the following factors:

  • Look into attorneys or law firms with significant experience in truck accident defense and transportation-related cases
  • Verify the attorney’s credentials and qualifications
  • Check online reviews and testimonials from previous clients
  • Ask relevant questions about their process, practice, and experience
  • Assess the attorney or law firm’s communication skills
  • Consider their payment and fee structure 
  • Schedule a consultation to learn more about the firm

 After a truck accident, our Houston truck accident defense lawyers quickly converge on the scene to gather evidence for your defense. We measure and photograph the scene of the accident to preserve such crucial evidence as skid marks and vehicle positioning. We talk to witnesses while their memories are fresh. We also take notice of any special circumstances that would indicate whether driver intoxication or fatigue played a role in the collision.

We Achieve Optimal Results Through Negotiation, Arbitration, and Litigation

Injury claims involving commercial vehicles have potential consequences that can place your company in significant danger. Having the right attorney is vital for your business’s interests in these critical situations. Our Houston truck accident attorneys pride themselves on employing a practical and professional approach that centers on the best interests of your company. With extensive experience in litigation and a deep understanding of the trucking industry, we are well-equipped to handle the complexities of these cases.

When representing trucking and shipping companies, we bring our years of experience, strategizing and advocating on your behalf throughout the entire legal process. From investigation to gathering evidence and building a solid defense, we leave no stone unturned to present a compelling case.

Speak With an Experienced Houston Truck Accident Litigation Defense Lawyer at Fahl & Donaldson

As a testament to our experience and professionalism, our Fahl & Donaldson lawyers have successfully handled numerous high-stakes, complex insurance and transportation-related cases. Our in-depth industry knowledge allows us to navigate the intricacies of these cases effectively, offering practical and strategic solutions and providing clients with favorable outcomes.

When you choose our firm, you partner with a team passionate about upholding our clients’ rights and securing successful results. As your Houston truck accident attorney, we are dedicated to protecting your rights and navigating the complexities of insurance claims. Whether you are facing a legal challenge or seeking proactive legal advice, our attorneys are here to provide you with highly qualified legal representation. We understand the unique challenges faced by truck accident victims and are committed to helping them seek the significant financial compensation they deserve. We handle cases all across Texas and will come to you. Schedule a free consultation today by calling (346) 241-7355 or completing our contact form.