Can I Sue for Being Hit by a Semi Truck?

The American economy runs on the semi trucks we use to transport goods and cargo to destinations across the country. Unfortunately, when semis are involved in collisions with other vehicles, the results can be devastating.

What do you do if you get hit by an 18 wheeler?

If you get hit by an 18 wheeler, the first thing you should do is make sure you are in a safe location and won’t be hit again.

Then, take the following steps:

  • Call the local law enforcement to file an accident report. In Texas, you are legally required to immediately inform the police if you are involved in a crash that results in injury, death, or damage to a vehicle to the extent that it cannot be normally and safely driven.
  • Seek medical attention immediately. If you think you are injured,  even slightly, agree to take an ambulance from the scene.
  • If you can safely do so, take photos of the semi truck and other vehicles involved, the location of the crash, and any road conditions that may have played a role in the accident.
  • Record the truck driver’s name, as well as their contact and insurance information.
  • Record the names and contact info for any witnesses.
  • Record the name of the trucking company that hired the semi driver and any information they will give you about their recent trips, stops, or maintenance.
  • Contact a semi truck accident attorney as soon as possible.

Do semi truck accidents go to trial?

While semi truck accident cases can often be resolved out-of-court through a settlement, in some situations, you may need to go to trial to secure maximum compensation. 

For this reason, you should look for a semi truck accident attorney that is willing to fight for you and take your case to trial if necessary. Many personal injury attorneys shy away from trials and will convince you to accept a lower settlement than you deserve. When choosing a lawyer to represent you, look for a law firm with a history of successfully taking semi truck accident cases to trial. If you choose an experienced semi truck accident lawyer who has won personal injury cases in the courtroom, you can be confident that your attorney is willing to fight for what you deserve. 

When should I contact a semi truck accident lawyer?

If you’ve been in a motor vehicle crash with a big rig, you should contact a semi truck accident lawyer as soon as possible. 

Medical expenses in semi truck accidents can add up quickly, and many crash victims feel pressured to accept the insurance company’s lowball first offer to pay their bills. Throughout this process, it is essential to keep in mind that insurance adjusters are not your friends! Insurance companies are for-profit businesses, and their goal is always to pay you the smallest settlement amount that you’ll accept. An adjuster’s job is to protect their employer’s bottom line, not to help you.  

For this reason, you should avoid talking to an insurance company, even your own provider, without an attorney present. Claims adjusters are trained on manipulation tactics to minimize the injuries you suffered to justify a lower settlement. They are also taught to ask leading questions that will trick you into saying what they want to hear. To ensure you receive full compensation for your injuries, reach out to an experienced semi truck accident attorney as soon as you can. If you are represented by an attorney, they will handle all communication with the insurance companies for you.

Only a semi truck accident lawyer will have the knowledge and experience that is necessary to investigate and argue with the insurance companies about your injury claim. If you’ve been injured in a semi truck accident, it’s essential to hire an aggressive and experienced personal injury attorney to take on the insurance companies. Since semi truck accident cases are more complicated than other types of motor vehicle crash cases, you will need a lawyer with specific knowledge of state trucking laws and regulations and experience handling these types of cases to negotiate the settlement you deserve.

Have questions? We protect victims like you every day.

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Email ralph@atty911.com

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About Attorney911 
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Attorney911 Legal Emergency Lawyers™ legal services is a Texas-based personal injury and criminal defense law firm with offices in Houston and Austin, though we are proud to serve Texans from all over the state and represent clients in federal court. We handle a wide variety of legal issues — from car accidents to worker’s compensation to DUI/DWI offenses. Our staff is bilingual, friendly, and genuinely passionate about helping our clients, whether it’s a million-dollar case or a thousand-dollar case. We also understand that cost can be a prohibitive factor in hiring a lawyer, and are willing to work with you on structuring payment in a way that is fair and feasible. We do accept credit cards for our hourly fees, and take some cases on contingency, which means you don’t pay us unless and until you get paid yourself. We know that you have a choice in your legal representation, and we believe that what makes us stand out from the competition is our real emotional investment in our clients. We see you as a person — not a paycheck. And we will fight hard for you, because we truly care.