Every year, thousands of trucks are involved in serious and fatal traffic accidents throughout the United States. Flatbed trucks in particular pose unique crash risks to the public, as their cargo is often oversized and must be properly secured to avoid lost load incidents.
If a flatbed truck gets involved in a traffic accident in Texas, it is vital for victims to understand liability, the available types of coverage and how to protect their legal rights. Victims can benefit from bringing their cases and questions to an experienced truck accident attorney in San Antonio for answers.
Who Is Liable for a Flatbed Truck Accident in Texas?
In Texas, the driver or party responsible for causing an automobile accident is held liable, or financially responsible, for the victim’s medical bills and property repairs. This is because Texas is a fault state, not a no-fault state.
When a flatbed commercial truck gets into a collision in Texas, an official investigation will be done to understand the cause of the crash and who is at fault. Police officers, insurance companies and investigators will examine the truck driver, trucking company or cargo loaders who may have played a role.
Flatbed truck accidents can be caused by truck driver negligence, such as speeding around curves, using incorrect braking techniques and driving while distracted. They may also be caused by unsecured loads, which may drop into the road from the open truck bed. An assessment of the circumstances surrounding the crash can determine which party or parties are at fault.
What Insurance Is Offered By Truck Companies in Texas?
The trucking company that owned the flat bed truck or hired the driver – even if the driver is classified as an independent contractor – could be held vicariously liable for an accident involving its truck in Texas.
Trucking companies are required to carry certain amounts of insurance to pay for accidents and injuries caused by the company or one of its workers. The insurance requirements range from $500,000 to $5 million, depending on the type of cargo being moved.
If you get injured in a flatbed truck accident, liability insurance should be available to cover your medical costs and property repairs. These cases often involve multiple defendants, which means you could have more than one insurance policy to use for coverage.
How to Get Better Truck Accident Claim Results in Texas
Multiple parties are involved in the safe operation of flatbed trucks in the State of Texas. For this reason, you should not accept a quick settlement from one insurance company. Instead, work with a truck accident attorney to identify all liable parties and maximize your financial recovery.
An accident attorney in San Antonio can help you navigate the complex legal landscape that comes with flat bed truck accident claims. Your lawyer can conduct an investigation to determine what caused the flatbed accident, for instance, and collect evidence to support your case. This can include the truck’s black box information for data about the truck’s operation and maintenance.
A lawyer can advocate for your best interests during settlement discussions with an insurance provider and, if necessary, represent you in court for a fair outcome. A San Antonio injury lawyer can also make sure you receive the medical treatment and property repairs that you need to restore your life to what it was before the trucking accident as much as possible.
To learn more about how legal services at Hill Law Firm Accident & Injury Lawyers can help you during a flatbed truck accident case in Texas, contact us for a free case review.