If You've Been Hurt In a Truck Accident, Jeff Can Help
Athens, TX truck accident attorney who won't stop fighting for you
We see big trucks each and every day in Henderson County. Most of the time, we don't even think twice about them. But when you're in an accident with an 18-wheeler or another big truck, your life can change in a flash. You're left with serious injuries and medical bills you can't pay. Attorney Jeff Weinstein of Weinstein Law helps the injured recover compensation.
When a semi-truck is fully loaded, it can weigh up to 80,000 pounds. When it collides with a car while speeding down a highway, you can imagine the damage it can cause. Accident victims suffer serious injuries that may require surgery, hospitalization, physical therapy and medication. Recovery can take months. Some people never fully recover.
But recovering financial compensation for your injuries can be complicated. Drivers and trucking companies don't admit to doing anything wrong. Insurance companies are more concerned about protecting their profits than paying you. And they have high-powered lawyers working against you.
Types of truck accident cases we handle
Truck accidents are a common occurrence on the roads of East Texas, and they can result in significant physical, emotional, and financial damage to victims and their families. Understanding the different types of truck accidents that can occur is crucial for drivers to stay safe on the road and for those who have been involved in crashes to seek the appropriate legal representation.
Here are some of the most common types of large truck and bus accidents that happen in Texas:
18-Wheeler Accidents. Operating 18-wheelers, tractor-trailers, semi-rigs, big rigs, or semi-trucks is no easy feat, hence why drivers require rigorous training and a commercial driver's license (CDL). These mammoth vehicles are challenging to control, particularly at high speeds on highways, and even one instance of negligence can lead to devastating accidents resulting in severe injuries.
Commercial Vehicle Accidents. Commercial drivers often deny responsibility for the accidents they cause. And their companies stand behind them, because they don't want their premiums to go up. That's why you need an experienced lawyer to protect your rights. Examples of commercial vehicles include vans, box trucks, cargo vans, tow trucks, dump trucks, cement trucks and garbage trucks.
Bus Accidents. Bus accidents are inherently complex, similar to truck accidents, as they involve multiple parties. These include the bus driver, the bus company, the bus and parts manufacturers, numerous passengers, and other drivers involved in the accident. It is not uncommon for each party to have their own legal representation and insurance carrier, further complicating matters.
Truck Rollover Accidents. When these accidents occur, the semi-truck's wheels forcefully lift off the pavement, causing the entire vehicle to topple over. The potential for harm is vast. The truck may crush a car upon rolling over or violently collide with other vehicles before finally coming to a halt. Additionally, cargo from the truck can scatter and obstruct the path of oncoming traffic, creating further dangers.
Jackknife Accidents. Here’s how they usually happen: A semi-truck, tractor-trailer, or other big rig is traveling down the road when the driver starts to lose control. The trucker slams on the brakes, the wheels lock up, and the truck starts to skid. The trailer swings out in the shape of a jackknife. And the 18-wheeler crashes into anything in its path.
Underride Truck Accidents. Underride truck accidents are a real danger that cannot be ignored. They occur when a semi-truck suddenly slams on its brakes or when its brake lights malfunction, making it difficult for nearby cars to stop in time to avoid a catastrophic collision. Due to the significant height differential between the two vehicles, the car slides underneath the trailer upon impact, magnifying the severity of the accident.
Who pays for truck accidents in Texas?
Texas is an “at-fault” or “tort” state. This means whoever caused the accident pays for the victims’ damages. The modified comparative fault rule means if you are found to be at least 51% responsible for causing the accident, you cannot recover any damages. So insurance companies will try anything they can to blame you for what happened.
Dealing with the insurance companies after a Texas truck accident
Soon after the accident, someone from the insurance company may contact you with an offer to settle your claim. It sounds great, especially if the bills are piling up and they are promising quick payment. But they are trying to shortchange you. Their offer will likely fall far short of covering the damages you actually suffered. They're just trying to save money. Never accept a settlement without consulting an experienced attorney first.
Experience that gets results
That’s why you need a truck accident lawyer who has taken on trucking companies and insurance companies and knows how to get results. Jeff Weinstein has been helping accident victims in Henderson County for more than 20 years. The big companies and their lawyer don’t intimidate him. He focuses on building strong cases they can’t ignore.
The first thing Jeff does is investigate your accident to find out which party's negligence caused your crash. The driver may have been texting, speeding or under the influence of alcohol. The trucking company may have given the driver an unrealistic schedule or failed to properly maintain the truck.
Jeff takes quick action to preserve evidence that is controlled by the trucking companies. This includes maintenance records, employment records, hours of service (HOS) logs and information from the truck's event data recorder (the truck's "black box"). He interviews witnesses. If needed, he consults accident reconstruction experts.
This allows him to build a strong case to hold negligent parties accountable. Jeff also determines the total damages you have suffered. For example, the medical expenses for treating your injuries - both now and in the future. You may also be eligible to recover lost wages. There may be other damages, such as pain and suffering and emotional distress.
If you've been hurt, Jeff can help
When insurance companies see that Jeff has built a strong case and is ready to fight them to the end, they usually agree to talk about a settlement. But he is focused on getting you the best possible outcome. Any resolution of your case has to be one that meets your needs. And if the insurance company won't negotiate, Jeff is ready to fight for you in court.
There can be multiple parties involved in a truck accident, each with their own lawyer and their own insurance company. Sorting out such a complicated case can take some time. But Jeff will guide you through every step of the legal process and keep you informed about how your case is progressing.
If you have questions or concerns about how your case is going, all you have to do is call. You won't be transferred to a case manager or an assistant here. Our clients get Jeff's cell phone number and can call him any time.
We work on a contingency fee basis. That means you don't owe us a dime unless we recover money for you. Learn more about how an experienced truck accident attorney can help you. Call 903-677-5333 or contact us online for a free consultation. We can meet in our Athens, TX office, your home or anyplace else that works for you.