It doesn’t take an expert to recognize that truck accidents can have catastrophic consequences. There are many causes of truck accidents, and everyone should be informed on what to expect after enduring one. 

Being the victim of a truck accident can be overwhelming and create confusion in its aftermath, so much so, that you may be at a loss on what to do next. Your experienced Austin truck accident attorneys can assist you in getting the compensation you deserve. 

Determining Truck Accident Compensation 

Compensation for a truck accident will vary in every case. Your truck accident lawyer won’t be able to gauge how much you will receive without some investigation first.

The total amount of compensation you can receive ultimately depends on the gravity of the accident. Your injuries, property damage, and other damages suffered are major determining factors that affect how much you will be compensated. 

When you schedule a free consultation with your Austin truck accident lawyer, they will provide you with a list of documents you’ll need to start the claims process.

How Can My Austin Truck Lawyer Attorney Help Me Get Compensated? 

There are economic and non-economic damages your truck accident lawyer can help you get compensation for following an accident.

Economic Damages

The purpose of economic damages is to reimburse the victim for any financial losses sustained in the truck accident. Some examples of economic damages include:

• Medical expenses 

It is important to save all medical records and bills, including equipment, therapy medication, etc. 

• Cost of damaged property 

Securing documents that detail the cost of damages to your vehicle or property is essential in building a claim and getting compensation. 

• Long-term disability 

Depending on the severity of your injury, future medical care may be required, and you may get compensated for the medical support you will need. 

• Missed income from not working 

If the result of your accident prevents you from returning to work, you may be entitled to be reimbursed for missed income. 

Non-Economic Damages

Non-economic damages are those that aren’t visible but still affect a victim’s day-to-day life. Non-economic damages can include:

• Inability to do daily tasks due to injury from the accident

These tasks can be simple gestures such as picking up a child or walking your pet. Compensation may be provided when everyday chores become a challenge. 

• Developing anxiety and depression

After an accident, you may become anxious about being in a vehicle or depressed from injuries that prevent you from going about your normal life. 

• Mental trauma

Truck accidents are traumatizing. Being involved in a truck accident can cause PTSD and other tragic outcomes that cause mental injuries. 

Although it is a challenge to calculate non-economic damages, Texas courts do provide compensation for pain and suffering. 

If you or someone you know have been a victim of a truck accident, reach out to your Austin truck accident lawyers at Ramos James Law, PLLC, to get the compensation you deserve. 

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Being involved in any sort of auto accident can cause substantial physical and emotional trauma. Although there are many common factors between truck and car accidents, there are also many differences between the two types of crashes. 

Your Austin truck accident lawyer at Ramos James Law, PLLC, recommends motorists learn the difference between the two types of accidents to better understand their own circumstances should they be involved in one.

Truck Accident Statistic in Texas 

Truck drivers are essential to our economy, transporting goods and materials across our state and nation. However, being involved in a collision with a truck can cause catastrophic damage to your vehicle and health. 

These statistics from 2010 prove the seriousness of truck accidents:

• There were over 115,000 truck accidents in the United States 
• About 12,600 of those accidents took place on Texas roadways 
• There were almost 400 fatalities 
• These accidents led to 6,500 severe injuries 

Unfortunately, truck accidents continue to happen in Texas at a frightening rate and with calamitous consequences. If you have been involved in an accident with a truck, contact your Austin attorney to see if you can start a claim against the driver or company. 

Key Differences Between Truck and Car Accidents

Below we have listed the three principal differences between truck and passenger car accidents:

1. Truck Drivers And Their Companies Must Follow Safety Regulations

Truck drivers have specific laws targeted to them on top of obeying the standard road rules. Some safety regulations truck drivers have to follow, while other drivers do not, include the following:

• Amount of hours driven
• Weight of the vehicle 
• Truck inspections by the driver and company 
• Maintenance requirements
• CDL licensing requirements
• Drug testing
• Background checks

A truck driver or company that fails to follow these regulations may be subject to negligence. 

2. The Gravity of the Personal Injury

It doesn’t take a physicist to foresee the devastating results a truck collision can have on a passenger car. A truck’s weight can easily be double the weight of a passenger vehicle. Because of the size difference, drivers and passengers of a car involved in a truck accident can face severe injuries:

• Broken bones
• Injuries to their back and neck
• Burns
• Death 

3. Dealing With Trucking Companies and Their Insurance is Complicated

Most truck companies are prepared for any and all types of situations that can occur with their employees. The companies are aware of the severity of accidents their drivers can potentially cause, so their insurance companies are prepared to investigate and fight at any given moment. 

This is why you must act fast, if you can, and follow the steps on what to do after a truck accident to begin building your claim with your Austin truck accident lawyer. 

If you or a loved one have been involved in a truck accident, contact your Austin truck accident lawyers at Ramos James Law, PLLC, to start your personal injury claim and receive the justice you deserve.

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On Wednesday, July 28th, an Austin police officer was involved in a major accident with an 18-wheeler.

Details About the Accident

According to reports, the accident occurred in the 7800 block of FM 969 near Decker Lane. The police officer was on their way to respond to an urgent call when they were struck by an 18-wheeler.

The officer was transported to a local hospital after being pinned under the tractor and suffering catastrophic injuries.

Texas Department of Transportation data shows that the one-mile stretch of FM 969 between Johnny Morris Rd. and Decker has seen dozens of crashes since late 2018. This stretch of road has also been slated for improvements and seen a reduction in speed.

How to Drive Safely Around 18-Wheelers

Every year, more than 4,000 accidents involving large trucks or buses occur. While driving around or alongside 18-wheelers can be quite intimidating, there are steps and measures you can practice to enhance your safety.

1.Never Text and Drive

Driving while texting is extremely dangerous and should never be done when behind the wheel. When traveling on the highway, a five-second glance at your phone is like traveling the length of multiple football fields blindly. If an 18-wheeler suddenly stops in front of you, there is a great likelihood that you crash into it.

2.Do Not Cut Off Semi Trucks

You do not want to be the way of a semi-truck due to their size and weight. Because of their size and momentum, it can take an 18-wheeler a considerable amount of time to come to a complete stop. For example, it can take an 18-wheeler driving at 60 mph about the length of three football fields for them to come to a complete stop.

3.Pass Trucks Quickly

While driving alongside an 18-wheeler, you need to give them their respective space. When coming up on an 18-wheeler, it is a best practice to pass them up as quickly as possible at a safe rate of speed.

By doing so, you will also be getting out of their blind spots. Lingering in a blind spot can be dangerous and can easily lead to an accident.

4.Give Trucks Room to Turn

18-wheelers are large, long, and need space to maneuver.

To avoid getting caught in their turning space, give them adequate room to make their turn. For instance, at an intersection, it is best to stop several feet behind the stop lines so that they have adequate room to make their turn – especially if they are making a right-hand turn.

5.Give Trucks the Right of Way

If you are in a situation deliberating who has the right of way, allow the 18-wheeler to go first. This allows the truck to get out of the way, allowing you to continue on the road safely.

Other safety practices include:

• Keep an eye on the lights of the semi-truck to determine whether it is stopping, turning, or moving in some other manner
• Watch for drifting and lane straddling
• Be a responsible driver yourself and avoid negligent behavior when behind the wheel

Austin Truck Accident Attorneys Here for You

Driving alongside 18-wheelers can be intimidating for even experienced drivers, but with the right driving practices, you can best protect yourself and others. However, accidents do happen.

If you or a loved one are ever involved in an 18-wheeler accident, the Austin truck accident attorneys at Ramos James Law, PLLC, are ready to fight for the justice you deserve.

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Source:CBS Austin