Fatigued Truck Driver Accident
Last Updated : February 11, 2022

Beaumont Fatigued Truck Driver Accident Attorneys

Truck drivers haul tremendous amounts of freight every day to and from the Beaumont area. Drivers who fail to get adequate rest before getting behind the wheel are endangering themselves and everyone else on the road.  If you were hurt in a crash caused by a fatigued driver, contact a Beaumont truck accident lawyer right away to discuss your rights and legal options.

Drowsy driving is negligent driving, and there is no excuse for it. Drivers and companies who prioritize delivery deadlines over the lives of others do unspeakable harm when their negligence causes an accident.

At Portner Bond, PLLC, we have 20 years of experience helping people just like you get justice and fair compensation when they’ve been hurt. Our clients are not “just another case” to us. We are fully committed to understanding your story, investigating the crash, and getting you the maximum compensation possible for your injury claim.

Call Portner Bond, PLLC today at (409) 838-4444 or reach out to us online to schedule your free and 100% confidential case evaluation.

Why Do I Need a Fatigued Truck Driver Accident Lawyer?

Insurance agents and trucking company representatives are not on your side. Please be aware that however nice they are, their loyalty is to the insurance company. Anything you say may later be used by the insurance company or the lawyers on the other side to deny your claim. Be sure to hire an attorney right away if you’ve been hurt to ensure that your rights and injury claim are protected.

There are a variety of people and groups involved in the trucking industry who may be responsible for your accident. The driver, the trucking company, the cargo loading company, government agencies, the owners of the freight, and the insurance companies could potentially share responsibility for your crash. An experienced truck accident lawyer will examine the evidence and will identify any and all liable parties who should be held accountable.

Having a lawyer in your corner will be crucial. You need to focus on your recovery and getting back on your feet. With a lawyer on your side, you can rest easier knowing that you have an advocate fighting for the full and fair compensation you’re owed.

What Should I Do After an Accident?

Before anything else, call the police immediately after a crash. Gather insurance and contact information from the driver, as well as any contact information from potential witnesses.

Take pictures of the scene, including pictures of the vehicles, the weather conditions, the road, and anything else that seems it could be useful later on. Take pictures of your injuries, if you’re able.

At the scene, don’t admit to fault or try to lay blame.  Don’t give interviews to anyone or sign any documents.

Seek medical care immediately.  Either go by ambulance to the hospital or, as soon as you leave the scene of the accident, go to an urgent care center or your doctor.  The sooner you seek treatment, the sooner you’ll begin to recover from your injuries. Additionally, you may feel fine but have injuries that will not manifest for several hours or days. It is best to see a doctor immediately so it will be clear later on that your injuries were directly connected to the accident.

Document every step, dollar, and treatment to make sure you are compensated for the totality of those losses. Having a complete collection of receipts and medical records will allow us to calculate those damages to obtain the most complete compensation possible.

Stay off social media.  The insurance company or lawyers on the other side may find a way to use your words against you.

Call a lawyer. Let Portner Bond, PLLC take on the business of dealing with insurance companies and figuring out who is at fault for your injuries.

How Will My Compensation Be Calculated?

When calculating your compensation both economic and non-economic losses will be considered.

Economic damages deal directly with your money. Any kind of medical expense related to your doctor visits, treatment or medication, or lost work will fall under this category. If you are unable to return to work at all as a result of your injuries, the loss of your future income goes in this category, too. If your loved one was killed in the accident, you could also add in the costs of the funeral and burial arrangements.

Non-economic damages are commonly known as “pain and suffering.” Here is where we can take your emotional and mental strain into account. The pain and grief that follow something horrific like this, while not easily translated into dollars, will be acknowledged here. We encourage you to keep a daily journal to document your day-to-day struggles with the physical and emotional results of the accident. Having this information provides a step in the direction of healing while also documenting everything that you are enduring, which can be useful if you decide to file a lawsuit.

How Much Time Will I Have?

The statute of limitations for filing an injury lawsuit in Texas is two years, so you must file your lawsuit within two years of the date of the accident. That may seem like a long time, but every second you wait increases the chance that the insurance company can send you away with nothing. If you miss the statute of limitations deadline because you’re waiting for a settlement offer from the insurance company, you cannot go back afterward and file a lawsuit.  Once the deadline is past so is your opportunity to gain compensation through the courts.

The statute of limitations can be extended only if you were out of the country with the military at any time after the accident, if you were of unsound mind at the time of the accident, or were under 18 when it happened.

Contact a Beaumont Fatigued Truck Driver Accident Attorney Today

If you’ve been hurt in a truck accident caused by a fatigued truck driver, contact Portner Bond, PLLC right away for help. We’ll be ready to fight for the fair compensation you’re owed, and we won’t rest until justice has been served. Our consultations are 100% free and confidential, so schedule yours today.