In the event that you sustain injuries in a truck accident, you should be aware of the fundamentals of both your legal rights and Texas law before filing a case.
Texas Statute of Limitations
In Texas, injuries and medical malpractice cases must be filed within two years of the incident. The same statute of limitations applies to motorcycle accidents, therefore you should get legal counsel as soon as you can.
Texas Truck Driver Laws
There are laws in Texas that are unique to truck drivers.
Licenses: In Texas, there are three different kinds of commercial driver licenses. Combinations of vehicles weighing 26,001 pounds or more are classified as Class A. For a single vehicle weighing 26,001 pounds or greater, choose class B. Other single vehicles or combinations that are intended to carry 16 to 23 passengers, including the driver, or that are used to transport hazardous items fall under Class C.
Speed limits: According to Texas law, the top speed is 70 mph, yet depending on the layout of the roadway, this can go as high as 85 mph. Observe signage carefully and be aware of any changes. Driving too fast can make you more liable.
Insurance coverage for commercial truck drivers in Texas must range from $750,000 to $1 million as mandated by the state. Vehicles carrying dangerous substances need at least $5 million in liability coverage, while vehicles carrying oil require a minimum of $1 million in coverage.
Determining the Cause of a Truck Accident
Because of Texas's modified comparative negligence legislation, judges are able to determine the degree of a party's fault for an accident and award damages accordingly. Legally speaking, no one is entitled to damages if they are proven to be at least 51% culpable for an accident.
How Can a Lawyer Assist You?
A truck accident attorney with experience in Houston understands how to work the court and insurance systems to get you the best settlement. Lawyers can identify your case's advantages and disadvantages to help in negotiations with the other party and ensure that all available legal options are considered.
How to Locate Houston, Texas's Top Truck Accident Attorney
The majority of lawyers market themselves, and many call themselves the greatest. How can you find out who is genuinely Houston's top truck accident attorney for your case? Observe the following items:
Identify their area of expertise. Seeking a truck accident attorney with experience in handling personal injury cases is advised. Finding a lawyer with experience in car accident cases and an understanding of the particulars of your case is ideal.
Examine their background. Have they practiced law long enough to have the necessary negotiation and courtroom expertise for your case? A lawyer who is skilled at navigating the legal system in your area and who can communicate with the attorney representing your opponent is what you need.
Examine their references. Are there any friends or relatives in Houston that you might know who practice law? Make careful to request references for a lawyer who might be able to take your case if you speak with an attorney and they don't seem like a suitable fit.
Find out the price of them. The majority of lawyers may accept cases on a contingency fee basis, which entails paying them a portion of the settlement or verdict. After compiling a list of reputable truck accident attorneys in Houston, reduce the number of options you have by taking their percentage into account. Most take a percentage of 33% to 40%.
Techniques
Forbes Advisor took into account a number of factors to determine which truck accident lawyers in Houston would be the best in 2024. Forbes Advisor's mathematical module assesses and balances the collected data to produce a final rating. It then examines these findings to identify the top lawyers in a certain practice area.
When creating the model, we took into account factors that both consumers and legal experts deem significant in an attorney's qualifications. Having given hundreds of data points weighted scores, we were able to reduce the field to our top selections based on:
experience in law
certain certificates and licenses
Morality and prohibiting disciplinary actions
Leadership in legal ideas Education and work history
academic works and presentations
Honors & Awards
Public data is gathered by Forbes Advisor from a range of sources, such as court documents, state bar associations, and other online publications. However, this material should not be regarded as exhaustive. It might not contain more pertinent details on the qualifications and experience of an attorney in law.
Every attorney on this list has advantages of their own. Remember that our ranking is based on the attorneys' prior legal experience; it does not assess the attorneys' character or level of legal expertise. There's a chance that one lawyer will work better for your particular case than another.
However, one element that cannot be measured is the relationship you have with your lawyer. When working with an attorney, personality counts, particularly when navigating a potentially challenging legal matter. When looking for the best attorney for you and your legal needs, you may use these rankings as a guide and possibly as a place to start.
FAQ
What is the typical settlement for a collision involving a truck?
The severity of the injuries and the particulars of the collision, such as the speed, weather, and state of the road, will determine how much money is awarded in a truck accident settlement. Prize money could be in the millions or just a few thousand dollars. An experienced truck accident lawyer in Houston can assess your case and provide you with an estimate of the potential compensation.
What is the average duration of truck accident settlements?
Getting a settlement for a truck accident can take several months or even years. An offer of settlement can occasionally be obtained by threatening legal action. In other situations, filing a lawsuit is necessary and takes more time. Other variables that may affect how long your case takes include the volume of cases in the local courts and the particulars of the opposing attorneys.
What portion of a settlement from a truck accident goes to attorneys?
Attorney fees are frequently deducted from settlement proceeds. Usually, the number is 33%, but it can change and should be discussed and agreed upon with the truck accident attorney you wish to work with. Certain attorneys might accept your case on a contingent fee basis. Some might wish to bill you on an hourly basis.