San Angelo Truck Accident Lawyers
If you’ve been in a truck accident in San Angelo, we understand that dealing with injuries, medical bills, and lost wages can be overwhelming. Our San Angelo truck accident lawyer is here to listen and help you through it.
Our team will protect your rights and work hard to get you the compensation you deserve. From talking to insurance companies to gathering evidence and negotiating settlements, we’re here to guide you every step of the way.
Let our experienced San Angelo truck accident lawyer help you get through this difficult time and start on the path to recovery.
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Do You Have a Case?
To determine if you have a valid truck accident claim, these key elements must be present:
- Duty of Care: The responsible party, such as the truck driver or trucking company, had a legal obligation to ensure safety on the road. This means they were required to follow traffic laws and industry regulations.
- Breach of Duty: There must be evidence that the responsible party failed to uphold their duty of care. For instance, if the truck driver was distracted or the trucking company neglected proper vehicle maintenance, it constitutes a breach.
- Causation: You need to show that the breach of duty directly caused the accident. This means demonstrating that the negligent behavior or failure to adhere to safety standards was a direct factor in the collision.
- Damages: Finally, you must prove that you suffered actual damages from the accident. This includes physical injuries, medical expenses, lost wages, and any other losses directly linked to the accident.
Damages You Can Recover
If you’ve been involved in a truck accident, you might be entitled to various types of damages, including:
- Economic Damages: Cover financial losses directly resulting from the accident. This includes medical bills, lost wages, and costs for future medical care or rehabilitation.
- Non-Economic Damages: Compensate for intangible losses such as pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life. Non-economic damages are more subjective and aim to address the personal and emotional impact of the accident.
- Punitive Damages may be awarded in cases of severe negligence or intentional wrongdoing and are meant to punish the responsible party and deter similar behavior in the future. They go beyond compensating for actual losses and focus on addressing particularly egregious conduct.
How to Get in Touch With Us
If you or someone you care about has been involved in a truck accident, don’t wait to seek help. Here’s how you can contact us for a free consultation:
- Call Us Directly: Call our skilled legal team at (325) 241-9286. We’re here to answer your questions and offer support right away.
- Online Inquiry Form: Fill out our website’s contact form with your information and a brief summary of your case. Our attorneys will get in touch with you promptly to review your situation and discuss your options.
Keith & Lorfing: Experienced San Angelo Truck Accident Lawyers
At Keith & Lorfing, we focus on truck accident cases across West Texas. Our attorneys have spent decades fighting for justice and are known for their outstanding courtroom skills and down-to-earth approach.
- Tailored Legal Strategies: Customized approaches for each unique case.
- Convenient Locations: Several offices throughout West Texas for easy access.
- Award-Winning Lawyers: Named among the Best Lawyers in Abilene for 2023.
- Decades of Expertise: Combining over 75 years of experience.
- Extensive Trial Experience: Over 500 jury trials handled.
- Former Prosecutors: Bring valuable insights from both state and federal prosecution backgrounds.
How We Can Help
Our personal injury lawyers are here to guide you through every step of your truck accident claim:
- Recovering Lost Wages: If your injuries have prevented you from working, we strive to recover not just your current lost wages but also any future earnings you might miss out on due to long-term impacts.
- Help with Medical Bills: We assist in securing compensation for all medical expenses, including emergency care, hospital stays, surgeries, and ongoing treatments such as physical therapy.
- Property Damage: We work to ensure you receive compensation for repairing or replacing your vehicle and any other damaged property.
- Emotional Recovery: Beyond physical injuries, we address the emotional toll by seeking damages for pain and suffering, as well as loss of enjoyment in daily activities.
- Types of Cases: We handle a range of truck accident scenarios, including rear-end collisions, jackknife accidents, rollovers, and more.
- Insurance Negotiations: We handle negotiations with insurance companies to ensure you receive fair compensation, taking the stress off your shoulders.
- Legal Representation: Our experienced attorneys provide robust representation in court, aiming for the best possible outcome if a fair settlement cannot be reached.
- Access to Resources: We connect you with medical professionals and specialists to ensure you receive the best care for your recovery.
Important Initial Advice For Truck Accident Victims
If you’ve been injured in a truck accident, taking immediate and thoughtful actions is paramount for your health and legal case. Here’s what you should do:
- Seek Immediate Medical Attention: Get checked by a healthcare professional as soon as possible, even if your injuries seem minor. Follow all medical advice and keep a record of your treatments.
- Contact a Truck Accident Lawyer: Reach out to us for expert legal assistance. Our San Angelo truck accident lawyers can offer professional guidance, help you work through the claims process, and advocate for your rights to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.
- Avoid Social Media: Do not post about the accident or your injuries online. Anything you share can be used against you by insurance companies or other parties involved.
- Do Not Accept the First Insurance Offer: Insurance companies may offer a quick settlement that doesn’t fully cover your losses. Consult with a lawyer before accepting any offer to ensure it meets your needs.
- Be Careful with Communication: When speaking with the insurance company, stick to the facts and avoid making statements that could be misinterpreted. Don’t admit fault or provide unnecessary details.
- Document Everything: Keep detailed records of your medical treatments, expenses, and any damage. Take photos of the accident scene, your injuries, and property damage to support your claim.
- Preserve Evidence: Collect and maintain all evidence related to the accident, including vehicle damage, accident reports, and witness statements. This will help strengthen your injury case.
- Follow Legal Guidance: Work closely with your attorney and adhere to their advice. They will assist you through the legal complexities, handle negotiations, and represent you if your case goes to court.
Deadlines to File a Vehicle Accident Claim
In Texas, you have two years from the date of your vehicle accident to file a truck accident claim.
Acting as quick as possible on your personal injury claim has the following benefits:
- Preserve Evidence: Early action helps keep important evidence intact.
- Witness Availability: Contact witnesses while their memories are fresh.
- Insurance Delays: Filing soon prevents complications with insurance companies.
Contact a lawyer promptly from our law firm to ensure you meet all deadlines and build a strong case. We can help guide you through the process and help secure the compensation you deserve
.Gathering Evidence For a Truck Crash
To build a solid truck accident claim, gather the following key evidence with assistance from your legal team:
- Photographs: Take detailed photos of the accident scene, vehicle damage, road conditions, and any visible injuries. These images will help illustrate the severity of the crash and its contributing factors.
- Witness Statements: Collect contact information and statements from witnesses who saw the accident. Their accounts can support your version of events and provide additional insight.
- Driver Details: Record the truck driver’s name, contact information, driver’s license number, and insurance details. This information is key for identifying the responsible party and their insurer.
- Truck Information: Note the truck’s license plate number, company name, and any identifying marks. This helps trace the trucking company involved.
- Police Report: Obtain 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 determining compensation.
- Repair Estimates: Get detailed estimates for vehicle repairs or documentation if the vehicle is declared a total loss. This is essential for claiming property damage compensation.
- Black Box Data: Work with your attorney to access data from the truck’s black box or electronic logging device (ELD), which records speed, braking patterns, and driving hours.
- Maintenance Records: Acquire the truck’s maintenance and inspection records to check for any mechanical issues or maintenance lapses that may have contributed to the accident.
- Employment Records: Secure records about the driver’s employment and training history and ensure compliance with safety regulations. This helps determine if the trucking company followed proper hiring and training practices.
Gathering this evidence can be overwhelming, especially while recovering from an accident. Our experienced truck accident lawyers in San Angelo are here to manage this process for you so you can focus on getting better.
What Can I Expect to Pay?
At Keith & Lorfing, we work on a contingency fee basis, so you don’t have to pay us any upfront fees or out-of-pocket costs.
This model ensures that our interests are aligned with yours: we’re motivated to get you the best possible outcome.
Why Choose Us Over Other San Angelo Truck Accident Lawyers?
Our firm is dedicated to delivering the best legal representation for truck accident victims in West Texas. Here’s what sets us apart:
- Flexible Consultations: We offer both in-person and virtual meetings to accommodate your preferences and make the process as convenient as possible.
- Prompt Action: We pride ourselves on quick response times and efficient case management, employing the latest strategies to address your needs swiftly.
- Proven Expertise: With over 75 years of combined experience, our team excels in handling complex truck accident claims, ensuring you get expert guidance and support.
- Accessible Locations: We have offices in Lubbock, Midland, Abilene, and San Angelo, making it easy for you to find a location that’s convenient for you.
- Robust Resources: Our team’s collective experience and resources ensure high-quality service and a dedicated focus on client satisfaction.
- Top-Tier Team: Our attorneys and staff are highly qualified and credentialed, bringing exceptional skill and knowledge to your case.
- Strategic Focus: Our approach is crafted to maximize your chances of a favorable outcome, whether through settlements or trials, by using tailored strategies designed for success.
General Information on Truck Accidents in San Angelo?
Who Can Be Held Liable?
In a truck accident case, several parties might be held liable, depending on the circumstances of the accident:
- Truck Driver: If the truck driver was negligent—such as by driving recklessly, under the influence, or while fatigued—they can be held responsible for the accident. The driver’s actions directly impact the outcome of the crash and can be a key focus in your claim.
- Trucking Company: The trucking company may be liable if it failed to ensure proper training, maintenance, or regulation compliance. If the company’s negligence contributed to the accident, such as through inadequate driver vetting or improper vehicle upkeep, they can be held accountable.
- Cargo Loading Companies: Improperly loaded or secured cargo can cause a truck to become unstable or lose control. If a cargo loading company is responsible for an unsafe load, they may be liable for any accidents.
- Government Entities: In some cases, government entities can be liable if poor road conditions, inadequate signage, or other infrastructural issues contribute to the accident. For instance, the responsible government body might be held accountable if a road was poorly maintained or a traffic signal malfunctioned.
- Vehicle Manufacturer or Maintenance Provider: If the truck’s malfunction or defect caused the accident, the manufacturer or maintenance provider could be at fault. Issues like faulty brakes or tires or improper repairs can lead to liability for these entities.
Common Causes of Truck Accidents in San Angelo
Truck accidents can stem from various factors, each impacting road safety. Here’s a closer look at some of the most frequent causes of truck accidents in San Angelo:
- Driver Fatigue: Long hours on the road without adequate rest can severely impair a truck driver’s alertness and reaction times, leading to accidents.
- Distracted Driving: Distractions such as mobile phones, GPS devices, and in-cab technology can divert a driver’s attention away from the road, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Speeding: Driving at excessive speeds reduces a truck driver’s ability to stop quickly and can amplify the impact of a collision, making accidents more severe.
- Improper Vehicle Maintenance: Trucks require regular maintenance to ensure they are roadworthy. Mechanical failures, such as issues with brakes or tires, often result from inadequate maintenance.
- Adverse Weather Conditions: Conditions such as rain, fog, or ice can significantly affect driving conditions, making it harder for truck drivers to maintain control of their vehicles.
- Cargo Overloading: Trucks that are overloaded or improperly loaded can become unstable, making it difficult for the driver to control the vehicle and increasing the likelihood of an accident.
- Reckless Driving: Aggressive driving behaviors, such as tailgating, improper lane changes, and failure to yield, contribute to dangerous driving conditions and can lead to accidents.
Common Types of Truck Accidents
Truck accidents come in various forms, each with its own impact and causes. Here’s a concise overview of common types of truck accidents and relevant statistics:
- Rear-End Collisions: These occur when a truck crashes into the back of another vehicle, often due to driver distraction or sudden stops.
- Jackknife Accidents: This happens when a truck’s trailer swings out, forming an angle with the cab. Causes include sudden braking or slippery conditions.
- Rollover Accidents: Rollovers involve a truck tipping onto its side or roof, usually from excessive speed or improper loading. Texas safety reports highlight the severe injuries that often result from these accidents.
- Tire Blowouts: These can lead to loss of control and accidents. Poor maintenance or road debris are common causes.
- Side-Impact Collisions (T-Bone Accidents): These occur when a truck strikes another vehicle on its side. Often due to failure to yield or running red lights, they can be severe due to the lack of side protection.
- Head-On Collisions: Involving a truck crashing into the front of another vehicle, these are among the most dangerous, often caused by wrong-way driving or drowsiness.
- Wide Turn Accidents: Occurs when a truck makes a wide turn, potentially hitting adjacent lanes or pedestrians.
Types of Injuries We See as Lawyers at Our Law Firm
Fatal Injuries
Truck accidents can tragically result in fatalities. In recent years, San Angelo has seen a number of fatal truck crashes, underscoring the severe nature of these collisions. The Texas Department of Transportation reports that large truck crashes account for a significant portion of fatal accidents in the state.
Serious Injuries
Many truck accident victims suffer from serious injuries that require extensive medical care. These include:
- Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs): Often caused by impacts or sudden jolts, TBIs can lead to long-term cognitive and physical impairments.
- Spinal Cord Injuries: These injuries can result in partial or complete paralysis, drastically altering a victim’s quality of life.
- Fractures: Severe fractures, particularly to the limbs or pelvis, often require surgery and prolonged rehabilitation.
Minor Injuries
While less severe, minor injuries still require medical attention and can include:
- Bruises and Contusions: These are common from impacts with parts of the vehicle or seatbelt.
- Sprains and Strains: Resulting from sudden movements or bracing during the crash.
- Minor Fractures: Such as small breaks or hairline fractures that might not be immediately apparent but can affect mobility.
Possible Hidden Injuries
Some injuries may not be immediately noticeable but can develop over time, such as:
- Internal Injuries: Damage to organs or internal bleeding might not be evident right away.
- Whiplash: A common injury from sudden neck movement that may show symptoms days or weeks later.
Other Locations We Serve
As expert San Angelo personal injury attorneys, we cover the entirety of West Texas, including but not limited to:
Speak to a San Angelo Trucking Accident Attorney Today!
Don’t let the following days, weeks or months of a trucking accident overwhelm you. Our dedicated San Angelo commercial truck accident attorneys are here to fight for your rights and secure the compensation you deserve.
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
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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.
