You may have a valid truck accident claim in San Antonio if you can show that someone else was negligent in causing you harm. Here is more information about what this means.
The Defendant Owed You a Duty of Care
One of the complicating factors involved in truck accident cases is that many defendants can potentially be responsible for a trucking accident, including:
- Truck drivers
- Trucking companies
- Truck owners
- Cargo loading companies
- Trucks and parts manufacturers
All of these parties have different responsibilities. For example, truck drivers must follow state and federal regulations and drive safely to avoid causing injury to others. Trucking companies have a responsibility to properly hire, train, and monitor their drivers. Truck owners must maintain their vehicles in good condition. Cargo loaders must safely load goods onto large trucks to prevent them from falling or shifting during transit. Manufacturers must produce products that are safe to use as intended.
Your San Antonio underride truck accident attorney can help identify the party or parties responsible for your injuries and the legal duties they owed you under the circumstances.
The Defendant Breached the Duty of Care
Next, you must show that the defendant breached the duty of care you identified. For example, the truck driver may have been speeding and violating traffic laws, or the employer could have failed to conduct a proper background check.
The Breach Caused the Accident
You must be able to show that the defendant’s breach directly caused the accident. Proving this element of your legal claim typically requires evidence, such as:
- Accident reports
- Video footage
- Traffic citations
- Photos of the accident scene
- Witness statements
- Medical records
- Reports from accident reconstruction experts
An experienced personal injury lawyer can help identify, preserve, and gather relevant evidence to help support your claim.
The Accident Caused You Harm
Finally, you must prove that the accident actually caused you harm or quantifiable losses. Truck accidents often have a significant impact on victims because they usually cause serious injuries.
You can file a claim if you can show the elements listed above, as well as that the truck accident caused you to suffer economic or non-economic damages. Economic damages are quantifiable losses with a direct economic impact, such as:
- Medical bills you incurred because of the accident
- Ongoing medical treatment, including for physical therapy and rehabilitation
- Future medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Reduced earning capacity
- Costs to repair or replace your damaged vehicle
Non-economic damages are more difficult to quantify but represent losses that are just as real as economic damages, such as:
- Physical pain and suffering
- Mental anguish
- Emotional distress
- Reduced quality of life
- Permanent impairments and disabilities
- Scarring and disfigurement
An experienced attorney can help compile your personal injury claim to account for the full extent of your damages.
Contact Our Experienced Semi Truck Accident Lawyers for Legal Help in Texas
The best way you can determine whether you have a valid truck accident claim is to contact an experienced San Antonio garbage truck lawyer for a free, no-obligation consultation. Call George Salinas Injury Lawyers to get started with your free case review.