Here are the Top 4 Factors That May Affect Your Compensation
Did you know that the Lonestar State is home to the largest number of 18-wheeler truck accidents in the United States, according to data from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA)?
In a single year, 146,930 people were injured in truck accidents in Texas and across the rest of the country. If you have been injured and are seeking compensation in a truck accident settlement, stick around to learn about the top factors affecting the compensation you may receive.
The Ugly Truth of Truck Accidents in Texas
Recent data from the Texas Department of Transportation reveals a deeply concerning trend of rapidly increasing 18-wheeler accidents. In 2023 alone, there were over 40,000 crashes involving commercial trucks on Texas roadways. These accidents resulted in 800 devastating fatalities, a staggering 5% increase from the year prior.
Houston, Dallas, and San Antonio tend to be hotspots for these types of accidents as the trucking driving business continues to boom in these cities. These alarming statistics highlight the imminent danger posed by 18-wheelers on our highways.
So, what is causing the heightened number of 18-wheeler truck accidents in Texas?
According to information from the Large Truck Crash Causation Study (LTCCS), 13 percent of commercial truck drivers were signigicantly fatigued at the time of their crash. In addition, truck braking capabilities have become a factor in many large truck crashes. Loaded tractor-trailers require 20%-40% more distance than standard cars to come to a complete stop. This discrepancy is even higher on wet, slippery roads or with poorly maintained brakes – leading to more accidents overall.
The Top 4 Factors Influencing Truck Accident Settlements in 2024
Your truck accident settlement is going to be determined by several factors beyond the scope of your injuries and the costs you’ve incurred. The following issues are shaping the size of truck accident settlements in Texas this year:
- Increased Insurance Requirements: As of January 2024, Texas now requires commercial truck drivers to carry much higher minimum insurance coverage – which may lead to larger settlement sums.
- Advanced Vehicle Technology: Many commercial vehicles are now equipped with highly advanced safety capabilities and data recording features, which can provide more detailed evidence in 18-wheeler truck accident cases.
- Changes in Texas Tort Law: Recent changes to the Texas Tort Law have impacted how liability is assessed in multi-vehicle accidents, including 18-wheeler trucks. This may affect your settlement negotiations.
- Post-Pandemic Traffic Patterns: Since the pandemic ended, traffic patterns have evolved, which has led to new risk factors on the roads of Texas. As more accidents occur, settlements continue to be affected.
Why Do Truck Accident Settlement Cases in Texas Require Specialized Legal Expertise?
As the world of 18-wheeler truck accident litigation in Texas continues to evolve, the need for specialized legal expertise becomes increasingly necessary.
New Federal Regulations
This year has brought new federal trucking regulations to the forefront which may have a serious impact on determining liability. It is not a cut and dry question, and therefore, expert legal knowledge is needed to find the answers you need.
Evolving Case Law
Recent decisions from the Texas Supreme Court have changed how trucking company liability is decided. You will need an expert personal injury attorney with up-to-date knowledge of current laws in your corner.
Technological Considerations
With the advent of Electronic Logging Device (ELD) data and advanced truck safety systems, technology plays a pivotal role in building a strong case in an 18-wheeler accident lawsuit.
Steps to Take If You’ve Been in a Truck Accident in Texas
- Even if you don’t feel hurt, you may have injuries that are being overshadowed due to the adrenaline and shock from the accident. Seek immediate medical attention to be certain you don’t have any underlying injuries.
- Be sure to report the accident to local law enforcement as soon as humanly possible and obtain a copy of the report to keep for your records in case you decide to pursue a lawsuit.
- If you’re physically able at the moment, gather an abundance of evidence at the scene, including photos of your injuries and vehicle, witness statements, and contact information.
- Contact an experienced personal injury attorney as soon as possible to discuss your 18-wheeler accident injuries.
- Do not provide any statements to insurance companies until you have spoken with your lawyer.
- Remember, in Texas, you only have two years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit. It is crucial to start the process as soon as possible to preserve evidence and protect your rights.
What is the Average Settlement for an 18-Wheeler Accident in Texas?
Every case is unique, and the details of your settlement may differ depending on a multitude of factors. That said, our recent data from cases settled in the past year suggests that truck accident settlements in Texas typically range from $750,000 to $5,000,000.
This shows a notable increase from previous years, likely due to rising medical costs, better knowledge surrounding the long-term effects of injuries incurred during an 18-wheeler truck accident, and the high insurance coverage now required of commercial truck drivers.
While these figures are certainly not guaranteed, each case is thoroughly evaluated on its individual merits to ensure you get the compensation you deserve.
Choosing the Right Attorney for Your Texas 18-Wheeler Truck Accident Case
When it comes time to choose the lawyer you are entrusting to handle your truck accident settlement case in Texas, be sure you consider all of the facts.
Do they have specific experience with Texas truck accident laws? What does their track record look like when it comes to recent settlements and verdicts? Do they have the resources necessary to thoroughly investigate and litigate complex cases? If they have a clear understanding of the latest technological and regulatory aspects of trucking and have a proven track record for success, then they may be the right personal injury attorney for you.
At Angel Reyes & Associates, we believe that the numbers speak for themselves. To illustrate, here are the details of a recent case we handled:
$4,800,000 Commercial Truck Accident Settlement (2024)
- Our client suffered a traumatic brain injury and severe spinal cord damage in an 18-wheeler truck accident on I-35 near Austin.
- The truck driver was found to be in violation of the hours-of-service regulations.
- Their fair settlement included compensation for ongoing medical care, lost earning capacity, and pain and suffering.
- This case was resolved efficiently through mediation, avoiding a painfully long trial process.
Angel Reyes & Associates
At Angel Reyes & Associates, we dedicate ourselves to staying at the forefront of truck accident litigation in Texas, in order to ensure our clients achieve the justice they seek and the compensation they deserve.
You don’t need to navigate this challenging experience on your own. Contact us today, or stop by one of our offices in Dallas, Fort-Worth, Houston or Austin so we can discuss your case face-to-face. Leverage our experience in 18-wheeler truck accident law to start on the path toward recovery.
