Jan 21, 2021 | By 1p21.admin | Read Time: 2 minutesA truck accident can change your world forever, making it impossible to return to the life you had before. As a result, you may be entitled to significant compensation if another party is to blame. However, the aftermath of a crash is stressful, and although there is no specific deadline as to when you should hire a truck accident lawyer, the sooner you do the better. Determining which parties can be held liable is often complicated. With the help of a Houston truck accident attorney, you can figure out how you need to approach your claim. Other things to consider when deciding at what point should you hire an attorney, including the following. How Much Time has Passed Since the Accident? Delaying contacting an attorney after a crash can result in a loss of critical evidence that proves fault. Ultimately, that can give the trucking company a considerable advantage, which may result in either the devaluing of your claim, or it being denied altogether. Examples of valuable evidence can include, traffic camera footage, inspection of the truck involved in the accident, proof that the trucker was under the influence of drugs or alcohol, the truck driver’s logbook, the truck’s black box data, photos of the scene and of any skid marks on the ground, eyewitness statements, etc. Additionally, the state of Texas has a statute of limitations in place for truck accident claims, that allows victims up to two years to pursue compensation. Have You Been Offered a Settlement by the Insurance Company? You don’t necessarily need an attorney if the opposing party’s insurance company offers you a settlement, but consulting with one before you accept it is highly recommended. Insurers are motivated to settle quickly and for as little money as possible, which means the first settlement offer will likely be low. If your injuries and medical costs are severe, that amount probably won’t be enough to cover your current and future financial losses. Truck accident victims often win 3.5 times more in settlement compensation when they are represented by an attorney, according to a study conducted by the Insurance Research Council. Are You Severely Injured? Unfortunately, truck accidents often result in severe injuries that require immediate and possibly ongoing medical attention. A truck accident attorney can thoroughly investigate your claim and handle all negotiations with the at-fault party’s insurance company on your behalf while you recover. If your injury is so serious that you’re unable to meet with a lawyer at their office, many are willing to come to you. Have You Decided to Sue? The legal process can be complicated and overwhelming. Even more so, if multiple parties are responsible for your injuries. For example, liable parties may potentially include the driver, the trucking company, truck manufacturer, or government entities. Trucking companies have a big budget to spend on legal representation. If you decide to sue, you will need a knowledgeable attorney at trial. Texas has a comparative fault law, which can affect your amount of compensation. As long as you are less than 50 percent at fault, you can recover compensation, but the amount awarded will be reduced by your percentage of liability. Your lawyer will help you determine a strategy that will ensure you receive fair compensation, and that comparative fault laws are applied correctly. Don’t hesitate to contact a skilled Houston truck accident lawyer today.
Read More Jan 20, 2021 | By 1p21.admin | Read Time: 3 minutesAn accident of any kind can be terrifying, but especially so when an 18-wheeler truck is involved. These types of accidents are often devastating due to the size of the truck, and in some cases the weight of its cargo. If you or someone you love is ever hit by an 18-wheeler, it’s important to know what to do after. What to Do Immediately after the Accident Having guidance after an 18-wheeler accident is not only best for your health, but will also help you obtain the best results for your accident claim. Self-Check and Call 9-1-1 The highest priority is your wellbeing. Ensure you are not in any immediate danger, then call 9-1-1 and stay in your vehicle until emergency responders arrive. If you are in a dangerous situation, try to move to the side of the road. Check on your passengers and if they are injured, try not to move them and wait for first responders. Exchange Driver Information Get the most information you can about the truck driver and the company they work for, including: Name, address, and phone number for the people involved in the accident Insurance information and policy number Vehicle registration card Name, address, and phone number of the company the trucker works for. 18-wheeler year, make, model, color, and license plate number VIN number of the vehicle. It’s usually on the lower left front windshield and/or on the inside of the driver’s door. If you are immediately transported to the hospital, the police officers who arrive on the scene will file an accident report that should contain the above listed information in it. Document the Scene Write down the exact location of the accident, street names, and address, as well as the contact information for any witnesses. If you are physically able to, take photographs of: The accident scene and surrounding area from every direction and angle Any skid marks on the road Each vehicle involved in the crash and its damage The trucker’s drivers license ID Your injuries. If you have a dashcam, make sure to save any video footage. All of this information can eventually be used as evidence when it comes time to prove liability and obtain compensation. Contact an 18-Wheeler Truck Accident Attorney Take advantage of a free consultation with an experienced 18-wheeler truck accident lawyer in Houston. They will walk you through the next steps and advise you on what you need to do to obtain the compensation you will need for medical bills, to fix your vehicle, to cover lost income, and for any other accident-related expenses. Why 18-Wheeler Truck Accidents Often Happen in Texas The most common illegal actions that result in 18-wheeler accidents are: Distracted Driving: often due to talking on a cellphone, texting, eating and drinking, watching TV, or surfing the Internet. Violating hours of service requirements: if a trucker spends too many hours on the road, he may become drowsy, inattentive, or even fall asleep behind the wheel. Reckless driving: some truck drivers use drugs or alcohol while on the road, which can result in aggressive or unsafe driving maneuvers, or traveling over the speed limit. Improper maintenance: truckers must ensure that all parts of their vehicles, trailers, and cargo are in proper working order before beginning a journey. Overloading the trailer, improper fasteners, thinning tires, broken mirrors, and other maintenance problems can all lead to an accident. Poorly trained drivers or lack of experience. Trucking companies may engage in negligent hiring practices to get truck drivers on the road. For example, failing to perform background checks, drug testing, and adequate driver training. Speak to an Experienced Houston 18-Wheeler Truck Accident Lawyer If you or a loved one is hit by an 18-wheeler truck in Texas, you may be entitled to legal compensation. Contact Milano Legal Group so we can help you get your life back together. Call (713) 489-4270 or message us online to schedule a free consultation today.
Read More Dec 28, 2020 | By 1p21.admin | Read Time: 2 minutesAfter a car accident, figuring out how to handle medical bills is often a tremendous concern. Unfortunately, you will bear the responsibility for paying your medical bills, but only at first. If another party is at fault for your accident, they are responsible for paying your treatment. However, their insurance company is only going to make one payment to you once your claim is resolved, rather than reimbursing you on an ongoing basis for every appointment or procedure. Potential Sources of Payments for Your Medical Bills You are responsible for your medical bills after a car accident, but that doesn’t mean the payments have to all come out-of-pocket. There are a few potential sources that may cover your treatment. Personal Injury Protection (PIP) Coverage PIP is the most common source of payment for medical bills in Texas. It is a form of auto insurance coverage and will pay for your medical bills up to your policy limits. It will also pay for other things like lost wages and other non medical costs. Auto policies in Texas will automatically come with PIP, unless you inform your insurer in writing that you are opting out. Health Insurance Personal health insurance coverage is also a common source of payment for medical bills. It can be used on its own, or to cover the remaining expenses after your PIP has reached its limit, but you will still have to pay for any deductibles or copayments. Oftentimes, people make the mistake of not wanting their health insurance provider to cover their bills that arise from a car accident. However, more often than not, you should have all of your medical bills go through your health insurance provider if possible. Doing this can save you a lot of money in the long run. Even though your health insurer is entitled to recoup the payments made on your behalf from your settlement or judgement, your attorney can negotiate how much will come out of your award. Medical Payment Coverage (Med Pay) Med Pay is similar to PIP, as it is an optional form of auto insurance coverage, but it only pays for your medical bills after an accident. It does not come with stipulations, meaning it will cover fees from any licensed doctor, ambulance, hospital, etc. The one restriction is your policy limit. Policies often range from $1,000 to upwards of $100,000, but it will depend on the type of coverage you bought. Any costs for treatment beyond your coverage limit will be your personal responsibility. When to Expect Payment for Your Medical Bills Resolving your case with the at-fault party can be a long process, especially when it comes to obtaining payment for medical bills related to your injury. How quickly you recover payment will depend on the severity of your injuries and your requirement for ongoing care, as well as whether you settle outside of court or take the case to trial. Settling fast, however, might mean you will receive an amount of compensation that is 60 to 70 percent less than what you might be offered if your case makes it to trial. Speak to a Highly Qualified Houston Car Accident Attorney It can be incredibly frustrating to have to deal with medical bills after being hurt in a car accident that someone else is responsible for. To discuss your options and for help with your claim, call (713) 489-4270 or contact Milano Legal Group online. We offer free consultations, schedule one today.
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