I Survived In An 18-Wheeler Truck Accident In Houston. Who Will Pay For My Injuries Under Texas Laws?

There is no question that surviving a car accident involving an 18-wheeler truck is often nothing short of a miracle. With the flow of traffic running at high speeds, the sheer weight of an 18-wheeler truck, which can be tens of thousands of pounds, even unloaded – can cause total carnage and wreckage even to larger trucks and SUVS, let alone smaller sedans and motorcycles. Indeed, no matter what type of vehicle a motorist was driving, when they survive a motor vehicle collision with an 18-wheeler truck, they may be seriously injured and require short or even long-term treatment and medical care. An 18-wheeler truck accident survivor may be out of work for a long period of time recovering from their injuries, and they will undoubtedly suffer from pain, loss of enjoyment of life, and perhaps psychological damage.

When an 18-wheeler truck accident is not the fault of the other motorists involved, but the fault of the 18-wheeler truck driver, the other motorist survivors have rights and options under Texas laws. Survivors of an 18-wheeler truck accident in Houston who did not cause the accident may be entitled to monetary compensation for their injuries, such as money for property damage, lost wages, and medical expenses, and pain and suffering, among other remedies under the law. However, 18-wheeler truck accident survivors may wonder who will pay for their injuries and how they can get money due. Here are some basic facts about who may be held liable for an 18-wheeler truck accident under Texas laws, and how to get the process started.

The Driver of the 18-Wheeler Truck May be Held Liable for Damages

First and foremost, if the 18-wheeler truck accident was the fault of the truck driver – for example, if they were drunk, distracted, or otherwise negligent—they may be held liable for damages caused to others as the result of the truck accident. This means that an 18-wheeler truck accident survivor can name this individual in a lawsuit and secure a judgment against them for money due, if they are successful with their case.

The Employer of the 18-Wheeler Truck Driver May be Held Liable for Damages

In addition, if the 18-wheeler truck accident involved a commercial truck or trucking company vehicle, the employer of the negligent truck driver or trucking company may be held liable for damages. If this is the case, the survivor of the 18-wheeler truck accident can name the company in the lawsuit, in addition to the individual truck driver. The advantage to this is that while the individual driver may be judgment-proof, the company may be able to pay a judgment against it to the truck accident survivor if they are held liable and the survivor is awarded damages in court.

How to Get Started with Your 18-Wheeler Truck Accident Case

If you have been injured in an 18-wheeler truck accident in Houston, and the accident was not your fault, you should reach out to an experienced Houston truck accident lawyer as soon as possible. The Gilde Law Firm is a local Houston law firm and their experienced Houston truck accident lawyers offer a free and confidential consultation to learn about your case and to see if they can help. Contact the Gilde Law Firm today and speak to an experienced Houston truck accident lawyer for free.