Whether you are involved in a car accident or an 18-wheeler accident, you may have sustained serious injuries. You may think an injury is an injury, and it doesn’t really matter the source. However, there are stark differences between car wrecks and 18-wheeler accidents. Attorney Joe Lucé can assist you with either of these accidents, but it is important that you know the possible differences between the two. Here are a few things to consider. If you have specific questions relating to your accident, you should discuss these matters with our staff.
Legal Considerations Following Car Wrecks
When you are involved in a car crash, more often than not, it is with another private individual. You may be able to recover compensation through the driver’s insurance company and depending on the circumstances, from the driver themselves. Unless the driver was using a company car, you only have to consider the driver and their insurance company, barring some defect by the car manufacturer. To see who to file your lawsuit against, talk to your car accident attorney.
Key Legal Factors in 18-Wheeler Accidents
While there are some private individuals who own their own 18-wheelers, the vast majority of big-rigs are owned or operated by companies. When their employee is involved in a car accident during the course of their work, the company is responsible through a concept called “vicarious liability.” This means in addition to the insurance company; you can also name the company and possibly the employee (if they were acting maliciously) in your lawsuit. 18-wheeler accidents can get pretty complicated depending on the facts. It is best that you speak with an experienced attorney who has specific experience with 18-wheeler accidents about your case before signing anything.
Key Differences Between Car and 18-Wheeler Accidents
While there are many similarities between car accidents and 18-wheeler accidents, there could be some important legal differences you will need to consider. Car accidents are primarily governed by Texas state traffic laws. Due to the interstate nature of trucking, an 18-wheeler accident is subject to both state and federal regulations.
In most cases, the statute of limitations for car and truck accident claims in Texas is two years. However, this duration may be shorter if a government-owned vehicle is involved. Damages awarded in truck accidents are often higher than those in car crashes, primarily because injuries tend to be more severe in truck accidents, and truck commercial policies typically have higher coverage limits.
What to Do if You’re Involved in a Car or Truck Accident
Following a car or 18-wheeler accident your first priority should be safety. After initially moving to a safe area and reporting the incident, you can then begin documenting the scene. Taking photos, collecting insurance information and gathering witness details can help when it comes to making a claim. For an 18-wheeler accident, recording the trucking company’s name and identifying information is also important. Before making statements to an insurance company, it is advisable to speak with your car accident injury lawyer.
Experienced Auto Accident Attorneys in McKinney
If you’re involved in a car or truck accident in North Texas do not hesitate to contact Lucé Law, PC. Our team of personal injury attorneys provides robust representation, helping secure the compensation you deserve. Call (972) 632-1300 or request a free legal consultation today.
