Truck accident in Dallas? This is when you need a lawyer

Dallas, TX – This is one of the most common questions people involved in a truck accident have – do I need a lawyer? People are wary of getting a lawyer as it seems complicated, they fear they’ll be dragged into a lengthy lawsuit, and, obviously, they wonder about the costs. Here are a few facts on when you need to look up some good Dallas truck accident lawyers and what it entails.

When do you need a truck accident lawyer?

As a general rule, you don’t need a lawyer for a minor accident. A property-damage-only crash rarely requires the presence of a lawyer. If it’s just some money to fix your car, the insurance company will probably pay up.

Unfortunately, most truck accidents in Texas result in injury or death and you will need a lawyer to help you negotiate with the insurance company.

Why is it so important to get a lawyer for a truck accident case?

Liability. This is the main reason you’ll need a lawyer, to establish who can be held accountable for your damages. Unlike regular car collisions, in a truck accident, you can have more than one party liable for damages. 

If the accident was caused by some driver’s error, speeding, or distracted driving, it’s the trucker’s insurer who’s going to pay for your damages. Or not, as the trucker probably doesn’t have enough coverage to pay the kind of medical bills you’ll get if you have sustained severe injuries, such as spine damage, burns, brain trauma, or internal damage.

In most cases, a trucker only carries minimum liability, around $25,000. That’s nowhere near enough to cover surgery, intensive care treatment, prolonged medical stay, and rehabilitation treatment.

If you have sustained severe injuries, your Dallas accident lawyers will try to build a case against the trucking company, the shipping company, or the manufacturer of a defective part. A large company is bound to have good insurance.

As an example, under FMCSA regulations, trucking companies that operate interstate must carry the following types of minimum liability coverage:

• $300,000 – Non-hazardous cargo moved in vehicles under 10,001 lbs. 
• $750,000 – Non-hazardous cargo in vehicles over 10,001 lbs. 
• $1,000,000 – If the vehicle transports oil
• $5,000,000  – Other types of hazardous material

Will I have to go to trial?

The answer is no. Most truck accident claims are settled out of court. The moment you show up with a lawyer, it sends a powerful signal to the insurance adjuster in charge of your case. It means you have legal counsel, you understand what your rights are and you’re ready to go to court if need be. You’ll want some no-nonsense attorneys by your side during the negotiations, someone well-versed in legalese so the insurance adjuster will see it’s in their best interests to make you a decent offer. Trucking companies don’t want to be taken to court because all sorts of things may come out, such as them cutting corners on maintenance or using unqualified drivers, and that’s bad for business. 

How am I going to pay for a good truck accident lawyer?

You won’t. When a good truck accident lawyer agrees to take your case, they’re confident they can win it. Accident lawyers work on a contingency fee basis and don’t owe them anything until they get you the damages you deserve. 

Source: FMCSA Insurance Filing Requirements