Abilene Truck Accident Lawyer
Nationally Recognized Trial AttorneysTrucking accidents are among the worst types of traffic mishaps that you can be involved in. Commercial trucks can weigh up to 80,000 pounds and cause disastrous damage to drivers and passengers in smaller vehicles. In most cases where a truck has collided with a passenger car, it is the occupants of the car who suffer the most in terms of physical damage.
The trucker often walks away unharmed while car occupants suffer severe injuries or even death. Injuries sustained in these accidents can include broken bones, internal injuries, and catastrophic injuries such as traumatic brain injuries and spinal cord injuries. In the worst cases, these accidents can cause permanent disability and a compromised quality of life for victims.
Call Keith & Lorfing at (325) 308-6960 to arrange for a confidential consultation with our Abilene truck accident attorney today. Or contact us online.
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Do You Have a Truck Accident Claim?
If the following elements apply to you, then you have grounds for a truck accident case:
- Negligence: You must demonstrate that the truck driver or company was negligent. This could involve proving speeding, driver fatigue, improper maintenance, or other forms of carelessness.
- Fault: Identifying the responsible party, whether it’s the truck driver, the trucking company, or even a vehicle manufacturer in the case of defective parts.
- Injuries and Losses: Comprehensive documentation of your injuries, including medical records, along with evidence of economic losses such as medical bills, lost wages, and property damage, is essential.
- Non-Economic Damages: Consideration of pain and suffering, emotional distress, and other non-economic impacts of the accident
- Direct Link: You need to show that the accident directly caused your injuries and losses. This involves medical documentation and expert testimony if necessary.
How to Contact Our Abilene Truck Accident Lawyers
If you or a loved one has been involved in a truck accident, don’t hesitate to reach out for a free consultation. Here are the various ways you can get in touch with us:
- Call Us Directly: Speak with our experienced legal team by calling (325) 308-6960. We are available to answer your questions and provide immediate assistance.
- Online Inquiry Form: Fill out the contact form on our website with your details and a brief description of your case. One of our attorneys will get back to you promptly to discuss your situation and the next steps.
Keith & Lorfing: Experienced Abilene Truck Accident Lawyers
At Keith & Lorfing, we specialize in truck accident litigation in West Texas. Our attorneys have dedicated decades to securing justice in the courtroom, renowned for exceptional trial skills and a practical, approachable style.
- Award-Winning Lawyers: Recognized as the Best Lawyers in Abilene for 2023.
- Decades of Expertise: Over 75 years of combined experience.
- Extensive Trial Experience: More than 500 jury trials.
- Former Prosecutors: Unique insights from state and federal prosecutors.
- Tailored Legal Strategies: Personalized solutions for each case.
- Convenient Locations: Multiple offices across West Texas for easy access.
How Our Experienced Abilene Truck Accident Lawyers Can Help
Our Abilene personal injury lawyers are adept at delivering a comprehensive service:
Types of Damages You Can Claim
When you’re involved in a truck accident, several types of damages may be available for you to claim:
- Medical Expenses: This includes hospital bills, ongoing medical treatments, physical therapy, and any future medical costs related to the accident.
- Lost Wages: Compensation for income lost due to the inability to work, including future earning potential if your injuries affect long-term employment.
- Property Damage: Reimbursement for repairs or replacement of your vehicle and any other personal property damaged in the accident.
- Pain and Suffering: Damages for physical pain and emotional distress resulting from the accident.
- Loss of Consortium: Compensation for the impact on your relationship with your spouse or family due to the accident.
- Punitive Damages: In cases of gross negligence, you may be entitled to punitive damages aimed at punishing the responsible party and deterring future misconduct.
What to Do After a Truck Accident?
When you have suffered injuries caused by the negligence or wrongdoing of another, you have the legal right to hold the other party or parties accountable. Through a personal injury claim, you can pursue compensation for all of your losses and damages.
In the case of trucking accidents, this can be a complex process involving the determination of fault, federal trucking regulations, quantifying your damages, and more. You need an attorney who understands all of the facets of such a situation, how to investigate these areas, how to document evidence and build your case, and how to aggressively deal with insurance companies.
Our Abilene truck accident attorney can take on the burden of this legal matter, handling all phases from initial investigation to settlement or trial. Your attorney will be able to forcefully negotiate for an optimum settlement based on a well-prepared case involving all of the evidence and facts.
He will also know how to quantify intangible damages such as your pain and suffering and emotional distress and potential complications such as future medical expenses, permanent disability, and more, depending on your injuries.
Our injury attorney’s sole purpose will be to advocate for you throughout the entirety of the claims process, taking your case to trial if necessary.
Call our Abilene attorneys at (325) 308-6960 to schedule a free consultation, or contact us online.The Clock is Ticking!
In Texas, the statute of limitations for filing a truck accident lawsuit is two years from the date of the accident. This means you have a two-year window to initiate legal proceedings for personal injury, property damage, or wrongful death resulting from a truck accident. Failing to file within this timeframe can result in losing your right to seek compensation.
However, there are several exceptions to this rule:
- Discovery Rule: If injuries or damages were not immediately apparent, the statute of limitations might begin from the date you discovered or should have reasonably discovered them.
- Minors: If the injured party is a minor, the statute of limitations generally begins when the minor turns 18.
- Incapacity: If the victim is mentally or physically incapacitated at the time of the accident, the statute of limitations may be extended until the incapacity is lifted.
- Defendant’s Absence: If the defendant leaves the state or is otherwise unavailable to be sued, the statute of limitations may be tolled (paused) until they return or become available.
Key Evidence to Gather After a Truck Accident
To build a strong truck accident claim, gather the following evidence with the help of your legal team:
- Photographs: Capture detailed photos of the accident scene, vehicle damage, road conditions, skid marks, traffic signals, and any visible injuries. These images can provide a visual record of the incident’s severity and contributing factors.
- Witness Statements: Obtain contact information and written or recorded statements from witnesses who saw the accident. Their accounts can corroborate your version of events and provide additional perspectives.
- Driver Details: Collect the truck driver’s name, contact information, driver’s license number, and insurance details. This information is essential for identifying the responsible party and their insurer.
- Truck Information: Record the truck’s license plate number, company name, and any identifying markings. This helps in tracing the trucking company and understanding its role in the accident.
- Police Report: Ensure you get a copy of the police report, which includes the officer’s observations, witness statements, and any citations issued.
- Medical Records: Keep all medical records, bills, and receipts related to your injuries. This documentation is vital for proving the extent of your injuries and calculating compensation.
- Repair Estimates: Obtain detailed estimates for vehicle repairs or documentation if the vehicle is declared a total loss. This helps in claiming property damage compensation.
- Black Box Data: Work with your attorney to retrieve data from the truck’s electronic logging device (ELD) or black box, which records information such as speed, braking patterns, and hours of service. This data can be critical in proving driver negligence or fatigue.
- Maintenance Records: Acquire the truck’s maintenance and inspection records to check for any history of mechanical issues or lapses in regular maintenance that could have contributed to the accident.
- Employment Records: Secure records about the driver’s employment, training history, and compliance with safety regulations. This information can reveal if the trucking company adhered to federal and state regulations regarding hiring and training practices.
What Can I Expect to Pay?
You’re likely already struggling financially after an accident with losing out on wages, so you don’t need us to add to your stress. That’s why we offer our services on a contingency fee basis.
- No Upfront Costs: You pay nothing upfront. Our fees are contingent upon winning your case.
- Payment from Settlement: We receive a percentage of the compensation awarded to you, ensuring our interests are aligned with yours.
- Risk-Free Representation: If we don’t win your case, you owe us nothing.
Why Choose Us Over Other Abilene Truck Accident Lawyers?
We pride ourselves on providing exceptional legal representation for truck accident victims. Here’s why our team is uniquely positioned to help you:
- No Upfront Costs: We cover all case expenses; if we don’t win, you owe us nothing.
- Extensive Expertise: Over 75 years of combined experience in complex truck accident cases.
- Rapid Response: Quick turnaround and response times using modern best practices.
- Highly Qualified Team: Top-quality, credentialed attorneys and staff in West Texas.
- Convenient Locations: Offices in Lubbock, Midland, Abilene, and San Angelo.
- Ample Resources: Multiple attorneys ensuring high-quality service and client satisfaction.
- Flexible Meeting Options: In-person and virtual meetings to suit your needs.
- Strategic Approach: Designed to achieve outstanding results, maximizing favorable settlements or trial wins.
OUR STREAMLINED PROCESS
FASTER. SIMPLER. EASIER.
With access to your very own legal team, a network of medical professionals, and clear direction on how to maximize your recovery, we take the pain and hassle out of the equation:
- Step 1: Meet with our Legal Team – it’s free!
- Step 2: Seek Medical treatment – we’ll help.
- Step 3: Follow the checklist in your client portal.
- Step 4: We’ll Make ‘Em Pay!
- Step 5: Cash your check.
General Information on Truck Accidents in Abilene
Cases Our Abilene Trucking Accident Lawyer Handles
In 2022, Texas had the most deaths across the US with 810 deaths, compared to 436 in California.
It is a well-known fact that these massive vehicles take much longer to stop, have large blind spots, and weigh 20 to 30 times more than passenger cars. All of these factors increase their risk for accidents. Add to that a common problem of driver fatigue; truck drivers are legally allowed to drive 11-hour shifts.
Both independent truckers and trucking companies can be found to be responsible for accidents in the following ways:
- Failing to obey state traffic laws
- Driving while tired or drowsy
- Driving while drunk or on drugs
- Using a cell phone, such as texting while driving
- Failing to properly maintain vehicles
- Hiring unqualified drivers
- Poorly training drivers
- Failing to obey federal trucking laws and regulations
- Improperly loading cargo
Engaging in any of the above violations can endanger the safety and lives of other motorists and their passengers.
Can You Sue a Trucking Company in Texas?
If you have been injured in a trucking accident in Abilene, Texas, you may be wondering if you can sue the trucking company. The answer to this question depends on a number of factors, including the severity of your injuries and the amount of damages you have suffered.
An experienced Abilene trucking accident lawyer can evaluate your case and help you determine whether filing a lawsuit is the best course of action for you. If you decide to move forward with a lawsuit, your lawyer will work tirelessly to ensure that you receive the full compensation you deserve.
Other Locations We Serve
As expert Texas personal injury attorneys, we cover the entirety of West Texas, including but not limited to:
Speak to an Abilene Trucking Accident Attorney Today!
Aside from the complexity of putting together all of the facets of a truck accident claim that may be impacted by violations of federal trucking regulations, state law, and more, you will be dealing with trucking companies and their insurers.
These companies have their own representatives, accident responders, and legal staff designated to do whatever it takes to deny or reduce their liability. They commonly have extensive experience in such matters and have developed successful tactics to protect them from being held accountable.
They will work aggressively to do so, often offering you a quick settlement that is far less than what your case may actually be worth. Having an experienced attorney representing you is vital when it comes to taking an equally aggressive stance against them.
Our firm brings years of legal experience, trial skills, and an understanding of the time and effort it takes to build a strong case on behalf of accident victims. We know what it takes to get results and have built a reputation for unwavering commitment to the clients we serve.
Contact us online or at (325) 308-6960 for a case review today.
We Are
West Texas Strong
Our commitment is to stand up for hardworking Texans who have been affected by truck accidents. Our team, rooted in humble beginnings, values hard work – with family histories of farmers, mechanics, laborers, firefighters, and servicemen. This heritage drives our dedication.
We deliberately choose not to represent corporations or the elite. Instead, we fight for everyday West Texans, often taking on big trucking companies and their insurers who try to short-change you. Our mission is to level the playing field, ensuring that you receive the justice and compensation you deserve.
Trey Keith
Founding Partner Meet Trey
Russell Lorfing
Founding Partner Meet Russell
&
3 Things you’ll get With Keith & Lorfing
A Lawyer Will Answer Your Calls & Emails
You’ll Be Informed About Your Case Every Step of the Way
You’ll Be Treated With Compassion & Respect
Ask Russell a Question
At No Cost To You!
We’re committed to being the best in the West! Proudly serving clients throughout Abilene, Lubbock, San Angelo, Midland & all of West Texas.
