Being on the road, whether driving, traveling as a passenger, or crossing the road, requires alertness of the senses and sensibilities for your and others’ safety. This is equally, if not more, imperative on highways and expressways with heavy vehicles like trucks and container trailers.
Truck accidents can cause some very serious injuries, which at times can also be fatal, but contrary to the general perception or myth regarding the legal process being similar in both car and truck accidents, truck accidents, in fact, involve a very complex process, especially concerning the claims. There are many myths regarding truck accidents that expert Houston lawyers have debunked and set straight with facts. If you or someone known to you was involved in an accident with a truck, we advise you to consult a truck accident lawyer in Houston to help you through the legal process.
5 common Myths about Truck Accident Claims Debunked
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Myth: The process for truck accident claims is the same as that for car accident claims
- Fact: Trucks, being heavy cargo-carrying vehicles, follow special and specific regulations when on the road. Therefore, the claims and legal procedures are not the same as those for a car accident. Multiple parties can be affected and involved in a truck accident, like the trucking company, insurers, and other commuters, which the truck accident lawyer in Houston can expertly navigate.
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Myth: Settlements are large in all truck accidents.
- Fact: It is not a given that all truck accident settlements are substantial sums, as the decision depends on myriad factors like damages, liability, and insurance coverage. Engage a good lawyer who will help you assess the case and provide realistic expectations about the outcome or size of the settlement.
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Myth: The trucking companies will offer a fair settlement without any legal action
- Fact: Trucking companies and their insurers would like to minimize their expenses as much as possible, therefore offering you a cursory settlement if no legal action is taken against them. This quick-fix solution will barely cover your loss and damages. It is a way for trucking companies to buy themselves out of a tricky situation at a minimal cost. A good truck accident lawyer in Houston will either negotiate with the insurance companies on your behalf or advise you to take legal action and file a claim.
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Myth: Determining liability in truck accidents is easy
- Fact: In fact, it is the opposite, as multiple factors and reasons can be responsible for the accident, determining liability a challenge. Reasons like malfunction of the equipment, exhaustion and fatigue of the truck driver, improper maintenance, and even road or weather conditions. A truck accident lawyer in Houston is resourceful and experienced enough to conduct a thorough investigation to determine liability accurately. The extensive investigation includes evidence, questioning of witnesses, procuring relevant documents, surveillance footage, etc.
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Myth: Reporting a truck accident and filing a claim is time-consuming and expensive
- Fact: As stated above, the truck accident legal and claims process requires intricate understanding and navigation. However, most experienced lawyers work on a contingency basis, charging their fees only when their client wins the case. The complex legal process is handled efficiently by experienced lawyers who know the requirements for filing a claim. They work diligently to resolve the case quickly and ensure fair compensation for their clients.
Legal processes can be extremely daunting and time-consuming, so many people avoid taking legal action when involved in an accident. This is not only unfair for the damaged party but also for the public at large when the perpetrator goes unpunished and unchecked. Instead of believing the many myths around truck accidents or being daunted by the prospect of initiating the legal process for a claim, engage an experienced truck accident lawyer in Houston who will not just guide you through the process but also pursue the case and represent you in court on your behalf in the quest to gain justice for you.