A collision with an 18-wheeler can leave you facing consequences that extend well beyond vehicle repairs. The size and weight of commercial trucks can turn a roadway collision into a life-altering event, resulting in serious injuries, extended treatment, lost income, and significant financial strain.
Plano sees substantial commercial traffic throughout the area. When a truck driver, trucking company, or another party fails to follow proper safety practices, the consequences can be devastating for other motorists.
At Biggs & Greenslade, our Plano truck accident lawyers represent people injured in collisions involving 18-wheelers and other commercial vehicles. We investigate the circumstances surrounding the crash, identify potentially responsible parties, and pursue compensation for the full extent of your losses.
A commercial truck accident isn't always a simple case between two drivers. Multiple businesses and individuals may have played a role in what happened, and important evidence can be controlled by the trucking company or other parties.
Depending on the circumstances, a claim may involve:
Our attorneys examine the available evidence to determine how the collision occurred and where responsibility belongs. We can investigate driver conduct, company practices, vehicle maintenance, cargo handling, and other factors that may have contributed to the crash.
Having legal representation also means you don't have to handle trucking companies and their insurers on your own while recovering from your injuries.
Truck crashes can happen for many reasons. Sometimes a collision results from a driver's actions, while other accidents stem from problems with the vehicle, cargo, or trucking company's practices.
Speeding, aggressive lane changes, following too closely, and other dangerous driving behaviors can become especially hazardous when a commercial vehicle is involved.
Rain, standing water, poor visibility, and other weather-related hazards can make it harder for a large truck to stop or maneuver safely. Drivers are expected to account for changing conditions.
Truck drivers spend long hours on the road. When fatigue affects concentration and reaction time, a driver may be unable to respond appropriately to changing traffic conditions.
A moment of inattention can have serious consequences. Phones, navigation systems, food, and other distractions can take a truck driver's focus away from the roadway.
Commercial trucks depend on properly functioning brakes, tires, steering systems, and other components. Mechanical problems may result from inadequate inspections, poor maintenance, or defective parts.
Freight must be loaded and secured properly. When cargo shifts or falls from a truck, it can cause the driver to lose control or create dangerous conditions for surrounding motorists.
A serious truck collision can affect your health, employment, finances, and quality of life. When pursuing a claim, we look beyond the immediate costs to understand the broader impact of your injuries.
Determining fault is one of the most important parts of a commercial truck accident investigation. The person behind the wheel isn't necessarily the only party who can be held responsible.
Depending on the accident, responsibility could lie with:
Our Plano truck accident attorneys work to identify all potentially responsible parties rather than stopping with the most obvious source of fault.
A former U.S. Marine and prosecutor, Kenneth Biggs brings extensive courtroom experience and disciplined preparation to complex injury cases. He is committed to pursuing accountability for clients who have been seriously injured.
John Greenslade previously represented insurance companies, giving him firsthand knowledge of how insurers approach injury claims. He now uses that experience to advocate for accident victims.
Annie Northcutt draws on her prosecutorial and litigation experience to approach challenging cases with preparation and care. She works to provide clients with clear guidance throughout their claims.
Morgan Broyles takes a thoughtful, detail-oriented approach to personal injury representation. She helps clients understand the legal process and stays focused on protecting their interests.
There isn't a set value for a truck accident claim. The amount of compensation depends on factors such as the severity of the injuries, medical expenses, lost income, property damage, liability, and the long-term effects of the accident.
There is no reliable settlement amount that applies to every 18-wheeler accident. Commercial truck cases can range widely depending on the circumstances. A case involving catastrophic injuries, permanent disability, or wrongful death can have very different damages from a collision involving less serious injuries.
The length of a case depends on its complexity. Claims involving significant injuries, multiple defendants, disputed liability, or litigation can take substantially longer than straightforward insurance claims. We can explain the factors affecting your particular timeline during a consultation.
Many personal injury settlements are not taxable, but the tax treatment can vary depending on what the settlement compensates you for. Certain portions, including some damages related to lost income or punitive damages, may receive different tax treatment. You should consult a qualified tax professional about your specific situation.
Texas generally provides a two-year limitations period for personal injury claims. However, exceptions can apply depending on the circumstances, so it's important not to assume you have unlimited time to pursue a claim.
Your attorney handles the legal work associated with your claim while you focus on recovering. This may include:
The circumstances of the collision, your injuries, and the available evidence all matter. During a consultation, our attorneys can review what happened, discuss potential sources of liability, and explain whether pursuing a personal injury claim may be appropriate.
Not necessarily. Many truck accident claims are resolved through settlement negotiations. If the parties cannot reach a reasonable agreement, however, your attorney may recommend litigation. You will remain involved in decisions about how your case proceeds.
Biggs & Greenslade handles truck accident cases on a contingency fee basis. That means you don't pay attorney's fees upfront, and our fee is tied to recovering compensation for you. If there is no recovery, you don't owe attorney's fees.
After a collision with a commercial truck, you may be dealing with serious injuries, mounting expenses, and an uncertain future. Trying to manage a complicated claim while recovering can add even more stress to an already difficult situation.
Biggs & Greenslade represents truck accident victims in Plano, TX. Our attorneys can investigate your accident, deal with the insurance companies, and pursue the compensation available for your injuries and losses.
Contact us today to schedule a free consultation and discuss your case.