Richmond, TX Truck Accident Lawyer
When a massive commercial truck collides with a passenger vehicle in Richmond, the results can be catastrophic. If you or a loved one has been injured in a truck accident, you need an experienced Richmond, TX truck accident lawyer who understands the complexities of these cases. At Henrietta Ezeoke Law Firm, we have over 20 years of experience helping injury victims across Texas recover the compensation they deserve. Our passionate advocacy and personalized approach ensure that every client receives the attention their case demands.
Truck accidents are fundamentally different from typical car accidents due to the size and weight of commercial vehicles, complex federal regulations, and multiple parties that may be liable. Our firm has successfully handled hundreds of accident cases, and we understand the unique challenges that truck accident victims face. We operate on a no recovery, no fee basis, which means you don’t pay any legal fees unless we recover compensation on your behalf.
Understanding Truck Accident Cases in Richmond
Commercial truck accidents in Richmond often occur on major thoroughfares like Highway 99, FM 1093, and Highway 6, where heavy truck traffic intersects with local commuter routes. These accidents can involve various types of commercial vehicles, including 18-wheelers, delivery trucks, construction vehicles, and other large commercial trucks that service the growing Richmond area.
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration governs commercial trucking operations, establishing strict rules for driver qualifications, hours of service, vehicle maintenance, and cargo loading. When trucking companies or drivers violate these regulations, serious accidents can result. Our experienced legal team thoroughly investigates each case to identify all regulatory violations and safety failures that contributed to your accident.
Truck accident cases often involve multiple liable parties, including the truck driver, trucking company, vehicle manufacturer, maintenance company, cargo loader, or even government entities responsible for road maintenance. This complexity requires an attorney who understands how to navigate these multi-party claims and ensure all responsible parties are held accountable.
Common Causes of Commercial Vehicle Accidents
Driver fatigue remains one of the leading causes of truck accidents in the Richmond area. Despite federal regulations limiting driving hours, some trucking companies pressure drivers to exceed these limits to meet unrealistic delivery schedules. Fatigued truck drivers have slower reaction times and impaired judgment, creating dangerous conditions for all road users.
Distracted driving has become increasingly problematic in the trucking industry. When truck drivers use cell phones, GPS devices, or other electronic devices while operating their vehicles, they can easily lose control of their massive trucks. Even a momentary distraction can have devastating consequences when a truck driver is navigating Richmond’s busy streets or highways.
Improper vehicle maintenance is another significant factor in truck accidents. Commercial trucks require regular inspections and maintenance to operate safely. When trucking companies cut corners on maintenance to reduce costs, critical systems like brakes, tires, or steering can fail catastrophically. Our firm works with accident reconstruction experts and mechanical engineers to identify maintenance-related causes of truck accidents.
Overloaded or improperly secured cargo can cause trucks to become unstable, leading to rollover accidents or cargo spills that create hazardous road conditions. Federal regulations specify weight limits and cargo securement requirements, but not all trucking companies comply with these safety standards.
Recovering Maximum Compensation for Your Injuries
Truck accident injuries are often severe due to the massive size and weight difference between commercial trucks and passenger vehicles. Common injuries include traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, multiple fractures, internal organ damage, and severe burns. These injuries frequently require extensive medical treatment, long-term rehabilitation, and can result in permanent disabilities that affect your ability to work and enjoy life.
At Henrietta Ezeoke Law Firm, we understand that every case and every client is equally important. We don’t operate on volume and settle cases too quickly just to move on to the next case. Instead, we put in the time and effort required to maximize the value of your claim. Our comprehensive approach includes documenting all current and future medical expenses, lost wages, reduced earning capacity, pain and suffering, and other damages you have suffered.
We work with medical experts, vocational rehabilitation specialists, economists, and other professionals to build a complete picture of how your injuries have affected your life. This thorough documentation helps us negotiate effectively with insurance companies and present compelling evidence if your case proceeds to trial. Our goal is to secure compensation that truly reflects the full extent of your losses and provides for your future needs.
Insurance companies often try to minimize payouts by claiming that victims were partially at fault for their accidents. We know the tricks insurance companies use to lessen or avoid liability, and we’re prepared to fight back against these unfair tactics. Our experienced team protects your rights throughout the claims process and ensures that insurance companies treat you fairly.
Richmond Truck Accident FAQs
How long do I have to file a truck accident lawsuit in Texas?
In Texas, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims, including truck accidents, is generally two years from the date of the accident. However, there are exceptions to this rule, and certain circumstances can extend or shorten this deadline. It’s important to contact an experienced attorney as soon as possible after your accident to protect your legal rights and ensure all deadlines are met.
What makes truck accident cases more complex than regular car accident cases?
Truck accident cases involve federal regulations, multiple potentially liable parties, more severe injuries, and higher insurance policy limits. The trucking industry is heavily regulated by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, and violations of these regulations can strengthen your case. Additionally, evidence like driver logs, maintenance records, and electronic data from the truck must be preserved quickly before it’s lost or destroyed.
Can I still recover compensation if I was partially at fault for the accident?
Texas follows a modified comparative fault rule, which means you can still recover compensation even if you were partially at fault for the accident, as long as your fault is less than 51 percent. However, your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault. An experienced attorney can help minimize any allegations of comparative fault and maximize your recovery.
How much is my truck accident case worth?
The value of a truck accident case depends on many factors, including the severity of your injuries, medical expenses, lost wages, future medical needs, pain and suffering, and the degree of negligence involved. Truck accident cases often have higher values than regular car accidents due to the severity of injuries and higher insurance policy limits. We provide personalized evaluation of each case during a free consultation.
What should I do immediately after a truck accident?
If you’re able, seek immediate medical attention, call the police, document the scene with photos, gather contact information from witnesses, and avoid admitting fault or making statements to insurance companies. Contact our firm as soon as possible so we can begin preserving evidence and protecting your rights. Time is critical in truck accident cases because evidence can disappear quickly.
Serving Throughout Richmond
- Pecan Grove
- Cross Creek Ranch
- Brazos Landing
- Riverstone
- Lakeside
- Richmond Trace
- Austin Lakes
- Westheimer Lakes
- Plantation Lakes
- Sweetwater
Contact a Richmond Truck Accident Attorney Today
If you or a loved one has been injured in a truck accident, don’t wait to seek legal representation. At Henrietta Ezeoke Law Firm, we treat you like a person, not a number on a case file. You’ll meet with your lawyer at your initial consultation and any time you need to see her or talk to her. We focus on your needs and give your case our full attention because we want to get you the best result we can. Contact our experienced Richmond truck accident attorney today for a free consultation to discuss your case and learn about your legal options.
