Muhammad is passionate about road safety, and his short PSA sheds light on how distracted driving has become normalized—particularly among young drivers. His two-minute Vimeo video follows a teen who decides to visit a friend one morning. During the drive, he engages in common but risky behaviors like eating, adjusting the radio, and texting—actions many drivers admit to doing.

The video reaches its emotional peak when the teen rear-ends another vehicle, a crash that could have been avoided with full attention on the road. However, there’s a twist: the teen wakes up, realizing it was only a dream. This wake-up call prompts him to store his phone safely in a dashboard compartment before heading out—choosing safety over distraction.

Distracted Driving Has No Place on the Roads in Texas

PSAs on distracted driving serve as important reminders of the danger drivers create for themselves, their passengers, and others on the road. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the time it takes to send or read a text while traveling at 55 miles per hour is equivalent to driving the length of a football field with your eyes closed. 

As Muhammad says, “In life, we do not get second chances. Put away your phones, do not eat or lower the music, and drive slow.” 

Loncar Lyon Jenkins Is Committed to Reducing the Number of Distracted Driving Accidents

Many law firms host scholarships that center on various causes, but as personal injury lawyers, our firm knows that distracted driving is one of the most preventable hazards on the road. That’s why we created a scholarship to encourage students to speak up and deliver an important message to their peers. 

At Loncar Lyon Jenkins, we want to be part of the solution by raising awareness and giving students a chance to use technology to educate the public. 

About Loncar Lyon Jenkins

Brian Loncar opened Loncar Lyon Jenkins in 1988, and since then, he and his legal team have advocated for accident victims and their families across Texas. We don’t just take on car accident cases, either. We can help if you suffered a slip and fall accident, injuries from a defective product, or a construction accident. You can view our entire list of practice areas on our website. 

If you suffered injuries in an accident or lost a loved one to fatal accident injuries, our personal injury lawyers can help. You can call us anytime for a free, no-obligation consultation. While you rest and recover from your injuries, we can handle the entire legal process and seek fair compensation. 

The post Loncar Lyon Jenkins Announces Distracted Driving Scholarship Winner Muhammad Faizan Farhat appeared first on Loncar Lyon Jenkins.

When you hire a big rig truck accident attorney, they can connect you with expert witnesses to help in your case. In addition, they can use their knowledge to uncover evidence that could help prove the claims you make.

What Does an Expert Witness Do in a Big Rig Truck Accident Case?

An expert witness has extensive training in a particular field. Their knowledge of a specific subject is typically far beyond the knowledge of a typical person. When cases go to a trial, the prosecution or defense could call an expert witness to testify on behalf of either party. Sometimes, one party could have an expert witness testify or provide documentation during negotiations to help prove their claim. 

The benefits of hiring an expert witness include the following:

• They have extensive knowledge within their area of expertise.
• They will thoroughly investigate to provide the most accurate information possible.
• They will form an unbiased opinion based on the facts of the truck accident.

The role of expert witnesses in big rig truck accidents is typically to provide information to assist with the judge and jury decision-making process. 

Types of Expert Witnesses in a Big Rig Truck Accident Case

Expert witnesses can have expertise in various disciplines. Depending on the case’s circumstances, either party could hire one or more expert witnesses to help their case.

Accident Reconstruction Expert

An accident reconstruction expert can reconstruct the accident by reviewing the evidence and other relevant factors. Reconstructing the accident can provide a clearer picture of what happened. An accident reconstruction expert may use sophisticated computer programs to build a model or diagram of what happened at the accident scene.

When reconstructing an accident, the expert may be able to determine the following based on physics, weather, points of impact, and other factors:

• The speed the vehicles were traveling at the time of the accident
• The severity of the impact when the vehicles collided
• If either driver dealt with visibility issues when the accident occurred
• Any negligent behavior a driver may have engaged in before the accident happened

By answering these questions, the expert can provide both parties with more information about who was at fault for the accident. Typically, either party may seek assistance from an expert when there is a dispute over who caused the accident.

Economist

An economist can provide expert testimony to help you prove that you seek fair compensation for your losses. For example, if you work as a painter and broke both arms in the truck accident, you could lose your ability to work while you recover. An economist understands the financial loss you could sustain because of your injury if you cannot work. 

The economist will consider your income, inflation, taxes, and the expected time you will have to miss work while making calculations. By having an expert provide information about your potential losses, the opposing party’s insurance company could be more likely to pay you the compensation you seek.

Medical Experts

According to StatPearls, medical experts can add significant value to a case. By receiving a scientifically sound and unbiased opinion, either or both parties in the case could gain clarity to make decisions. 

Once the medical expert formulates an opinion by reviewing the case’s facts, they can prepare a statement or visual aid to explain their thoughts. For example, a medical expert could testify that the injuries you suffered will likely cause you long-term pain, affecting your quality of life and/or requiring you to miss work for an extended period.

Mental Health Professional

Mental health professionals could help when an injured party hopes to collect compensation for the emotional distress of their injuries. They can also consult on behavioral health, cognitive processing, and trauma. A mental health expert could provide information about the current and potential future mental state of someone involved in the claim after conducting a full evaluation.

A mental health professional can also determine whether a particular witness is fit to testify in court. This could either help or hurt your claim based on the circumstances of your case.

The Value of an Expert Witness in a Big Rig Truck Accident Case

If you have sustained injuries in a big rig truck accident, you can seek compensation for your losses. To win compensation, you must have strong evidence to prove you sustained damages.

Expert witnesses can have a huge impact on a case. If an expert witness provides strong testimony, it can provide credibility to one party and discredit the other. It’s important to find a good expert witness to ensure they add value to your case.

Sometimes, an expert witness can help prove you were not at fault for the accident. In other cases, they may be able to prove the severity of your injuries, the pain you feel, and the value of your losses. An expert witness could make the difference between reaching a successful outcome with your case and walking away with nothing.

An Attorney Can Hire an Expert Witness to Help With Your Case

If you need an expert witness to prove your claim, contact the big rig truck accident attorneys at Loncar Lyon Jenkins. Our lawyers understand the value they can add to your case and can connect you with an appropriate expert witness.

The post The Role of Expert Witnesses in a Big Rig Truck Accident Case appeared first on Loncar Lyon Jenkins.

These safeguards are in place for a reason. If one was disregarded and it led to your accident, you could be entitled to financial compensation. A semi-truck accident lawyer near you can examine the details of your accident, often at no cost or obligation to you. They can explain the regulations that govern big rig trucks and how they impact your case.

Hours of Service Regulations Improve Driver Performance

According to Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) guidelines, truck drivers are only allowed to drive a specific number of hours in a row. The current regulations include:

• 11 hour driving limit: The driver must first have been off duty for at least 10 consecutive hours.
• 10 hour driving limit: The driver must first have been off duty for at least eight consecutive hours.
• 14 hour working limit:  The driver must stop driving after their 14th on-duty hour after having been off duty for at least 10 consecutive hours.
• 15 hour working limit: The driver must stop driving after their 15th on-duty hour after having been off duty for at least eight consecutive hours.

Truck drivers also have regulations that govern the number of breaks they must take and how often they must be taken.

How an Hours-of-Service Violation Could Impact Your Case

When a personal injury lawyer accepts your case, they review the cause of the accident to determine liability. These regulations were initiated to give truck drivers the chance to operate when they are well-rested, refreshed, and alert.

If the driver involved in your accident committed an hours-of-service violation, your lawyer will obtain their logbooks and other documentation that proves it. They will use this evidence to build the strongest possible case for you.

Repair and Maintenance Regulations Promote Truck Safety

49 CFR § 396.3 requires trucks to be inspected for safety before the beginning of each trip. It requires systematic inspection, repairs, maintenance of the vehicle and its parts, and identification of the truck and its tires.

It also requires accurate record keeping of the name and identification of the person who did the inspections and who supplied the vehicle. These regulations help ensure safe vehicles in good condition are on the road.

How Faulty Repair and Maintenance Impact Your Truck Accident Case

Multiple parties can bear liability for a truck accident. The facility responsible for repairing and maintaining the truck could be held liable if:

• The truck was in need of repairs it did not receive.
• The truck received flawed or faulty repairs.
• The truck was not properly inspected or maintained.
• The truck’s repair and maintenance records were inaccurate.

One of the benefits of hiring a lawyer is their ability to obtain evidence you might find challenging to obtain on your own. Your lawyer will obtain the truck’s repair and maintenance records and consult trucking industry experts to substantiate your case.

Cargo Loading and Securement Regulations Promote Truck Stability

FMCSA guidelines include regulations for the loading and securing of cargo. Depending on its type, cargo is required to be secured with the appropriate number of tie downs or other securements. Properly secured cargo will not:

• Shift from its position
• Fall off the truck
• Create an imbalance

Interior and exterior cargo regulations were put into place to prevent accidents caused by cargo-related issues. If incorrectly loaded cargo contributed to your accident, the facility may have financial liability.

How Improperly Loaded Cargo Can Impact Your Case

When a big rig is properly loaded with cargo, it can be easier to drive and maneuver. It can also decrease the risk of an accidental shift that changes the balance of the truck and the way its weight is distributed. The cargo also needs to be properly fitted for the size of the truck.

Your lawyer will use cargo loading records, notes from your truck accident report, photos, videos, and witness statements that describe the cargo and its role in causing the accident.

Driver Error Is the Leading Cause of Big Rig Truck Accidents

Big rig truck accidents can occur because of environmental factors, truck maintenance issues, and truck driver error. Common truck driver errors and behaviors that lead to accidents include:

• Driver fatigue (which can stem from an hours-of-service violation)
• Driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs
• Speeding or driving too fast for conditions

Driving a truck is a huge responsibility which requires truck drivers to practice care and caution. If a truck driver’s error led to your accident, your lawyer will conduct a comprehensive investigation and fight for a fair settlement.

The Legal Elements That Establish Negligence and Liability

To prove liability in your case, your lawyer will collect evidence that proves the elements of negligence — duty of care, breach of duty, causation, and damages. They can prove one or more regulation violation contributed to your accident with a solid evidence collection.

Get a Free Consultation Today and Discuss Your Big Rig Truck Accident

Were you or someone you love injured in a recent big rig truck accident? If so, our law firm will investigate the cause of your accident. If a violation of the regulations that govern big rig trucks caused your accident, we will explain how they will impact your case.

Learn more about how hard our team at Loncar Lyon Jenkins fights for you by contacting one of our case review team members now.
We represent injured parties and the surviving families of car accident fatalities. Contact one of our client-focused team members at Loncar Lyon Jenkins to get started on your quest for financial compensation today.

The post Regulations That Govern Big Rig Trucks and How They Impact Your Case appeared first on Loncar Lyon Jenkins.

Fortunately, you could get your medical bills covered after a car accident by filing a claim with the at-fault party’s insurance provider. In some cases, you may also need to file a lawsuit. Thankfully, a Dallas car accident lawyer can help you with the process.

Steps an Attorney Can Take to Help You Get Your Medical Bills Covered After a Car Accident

If you have substantial medical bills after a car accident, hiring an attorney to help you through the claims process could add value to your case. Car accident attorneys have the necessary skills and knowledge to help you. They can do the following on your behalf:

• Speak to your medical care providers to determine the extent of your injuries
• Gather your medical bills and receipts to determine how much you have paid towards your medical bills so far
• Calculate the likely costs of your future medical bills based on the severity of your injuries and the prices of potential treatments
• Determine if you qualify to seek compensation for other damages in addition to your medical bills
• Contact the insurance company to start negotiating a fair settlement offer
• File a lawsuit on your behalf, if necessary

Medical Expenses You Could Incur After a Car Accident

If you were involved in a car accident that wasn’t your fault, you shouldn’t have to pay your medical bills. If you don’t seek compensation for your losses, you could incur significant debt. 

Medical treatments you could require may include:

• Transportation to the hospital in an ambulance or helicopter
• Care from emergency room providers
• Surgeries 
• Hospitalization 
• Diagnostic tests, which may include CT scans, x-rays, lab tests, MRI scans, and others, according to Medline Plus
• Prescription or over-the-counter medications to treat infections or pain 
• Physical therapy to increase your range of motion
• Occupational therapy, which may improve your ability to care for yourself and perform everyday activities, according to the American Occupational Therapy Association
• Ongoing doctor’s visits to receive follow-up care

When determining the value of your medical expenses, you must also account for future medical costs. Your injuries could require more surgeries or treatments weeks, months, or even years down the road. Once you settle a claim, you can’t ask for more money later if you realize you need more care. This means you must account for all past and future treatments before settling.

Your attorney can help you gather evidence and calculate costs to determine how much compensation to seek for future medical expenses. They can speak to your doctors to determine how long your injuries will require treatment. Then, they can speak to economists to determine the likely costs of these treatments in the future, taking inflation and other factors into account.

You Could Collect Other Types of Damages in Addition to Medical Bills After a Car Wreck

You might think you can only recover compensation to cover the costs of your medical treatments. However, a car accident attorney could help you seek compensation for much more.

In addition to medical expenses, you could seek compensation for the following damages:

• Lost income: Car accident injuries may keep you from working. Without short-term disability insurance, this can result in significant lost wages. You may pursue compensation for this loss, and an attorney can help gather evidence to support your claim.

• Property damage: Insurance may cover repairs, but your vehicle’s value can still drop. You can seek compensation for diminished value. An attorney can consult experts to help calculate this loss.

• Out-of-pocket expenses: Accident-related costs can add up. This may include travel to medical appointments, childcare during treatment, or help with housework. Save receipts, as these expenses may be included in your claim.

• Pain and suffering: You may be eligible for compensation due to the physical pain and inconvenience caused by your injuries, even beyond financial losses.

• Emotional distress: If a mental health provider diagnosed you with conditions like PTSD due to the accident, you could seek damages for emotional suffering. An attorney can assist in documenting these losses.

While the amount of compensation you could recover for medical bills may exceed the value of your other damages, you should still ensure you account for all the losses you experienced. That is the best way to ensure you receive fair compensation in your case.

A Car Accident Attorney May Be Able to Help You Get Your Medical Bills Covered

A beneficial step you can take towards getting your medical bills covered after a car accident is contacting a car accident attorney. They can review your losses to determine the extent of damages you could seek compensation for. 

Contact Loncar Lyon Jenkins today for a free consultation. During the consultation, you can expect to learn about your legal options and how our car accident attorneys can help you seek compensation for your medical bills and other losses.

The post How to Get Your Medical Bills Covered After a Car Accident appeared first on Loncar Lyon Jenkins.

A Dallas car accident lawyer can enhance your potential to receive maximum compensation. Their expertise in calculating both economic and non-economic damages can result in an accurate assessment of the damages you incurred. By presenting robust evidence, your attorney can prove to the opposing counsel that you deserve the compensation you seek.

Steps That a Car Accident Attorney Can Take to Maximize Your Compensation

A car accident attorney can take many critical steps to help maximize the compensation you recover through a claim. Unfortunately, when you suffer injuries, you might not have the capacity to take these steps on your own. If you hire a car accident attorney, they can navigate the steps to recover compensation on your behalf.

Communicate With the Insurance Company

The first order of business that your attorney can handle is communicating with the insurance company for you. If you sustained injuries, you can expect the insurance company to reach out with a settlement offer. These initial settlement offers are often far less than you could receive. When you have an attorney handling these communications, they can ensure that you don’t accept a lower offer than you could fight for. 

Not accepting the insurance company’s initial offer is the first step toward maximizing your case’s value. In addition to handling all communications, your attorney can also develop a good relationship with the insurance adjuster. Negotiations could go smoother, giving you a higher probability of reaching a successful outcome.

Obtain Evidence to Prove Liability

To recover compensation, you must prove the at-fault party caused the accident. If you cannot prove they caused it and they deny fault, your case could end up without a successful recovery. A car accident attorney can collect evidence that helps prove liability.

First, they must determine the reason for the car accident. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration identifies risky driving as a common cause of car accidents. Risky driving could include drunk driving, distracted driving, reckless driving, or driving while fatigued. Other causes of car accidents include poorly maintained roads or weather conditions.

An attorney can determine the cause of the accident and identify who caused it by collecting evidence, such as street camera footage and eyewitness testimony.

Prove That You Sustained Damages

Through your claim, you will seek compensation for your damages. To seek compensation for damages, you must first prove that you sustained them. An attorney can collect evidence that proves you incurred the damages you seek compensation for.

A car accident attorney can also help you get maximum compensation by making sure they identify all your losses, not just your monetary losses. While it’s common to receive compensation for monetary losses, such as medical bills, lost income, property damage, and other out-of-pocket costs, an attorney can fight for you to receive compensation for non-monetary losses as well.

Examples of non-monetary losses after a car accident include the following:

• Physical pain and suffering: Your injuries may cause minor or excruciating pain. Whether you deal with pain daily or occasionally, you could seek compensation for pain and suffering damages. Evidence that proves your pain could include medical records or expert witness testimony that confirms your injuries.
• Emotional distress: The trauma from the accident or your injuries could leave you with emotional distress that impacts your relationships or how you feel daily. To prove that you developed emotional distress from the accident, an attorney can speak to your medical provider and get their testimony. 
• Loss of enjoyment: Your injuries could prevent you from participating in sports, hobbies, or other activities you used to enjoy. If this happens, your attorney could help you seek compensation for loss of enjoyment damages. Doing so requires providing evidence that you participated in these activities before the accident as well as medical records that show you can no longer participate.

Again, a car accident attorney’s primary goal is to maximize your case’s value. Therefore, when you hire an attorney, you can expect them to identify your damages and gather strong evidence to back them up.

Negotiate With the Insurance Company

Once your car accident attorney has built your case, they can present it to the insurance company and begin negotiating a settlement. Car accident attorneys advocate for injury victims like you through settlement negotiations and know how to strategize well. Using their strong negotiation skills, they will attempt to reach a fair compensation deal on your behalf.

A Car Accident Attorney Can Make Sure You Seek Maximum Compensation Before the Statute of Limitations Deadline

It’s important to understand that each state has a statute of limitations deadline. You must file your lawsuit before the deadline passes. Otherwise, you could lose your chance to recover compensation.

A car accident attorney can inform you of your state’s statute of limitations so you don’t miss out on your opportunity to seek compensation, then take the necessary steps to build a solid case.

Contact a Car Accident Attorney Today For a Free Consultation

A car accident attorney can add huge value to your case. Not only do they take these crucial steps on your behalf, but they also support you. Your friends and family might not understand the turmoil you face after sustaining injuries in a car accident. Because the attorneys at our firm have handled similar cases before, we understand fully what you are going through. 

The legal team at Loncar Lyon Jenkins is ready to fight for maximum compensation for you. We offer free consultations to people injured in car accidents without upfront fees or out-of-pocket costs. To get started, contact us today for a free consultation.

The post How a Car Accident Lawyer Can Help You Get Maximum Compensation appeared first on Loncar Lyon Jenkins.

Common Mistakes Car Accident Victims Make

Even if the client has made a mistake that hampers their pursuit of fair compensation, an attorney can assess the damage. Injury victims shouldn’t be unfairly compensated because an insurance adjuster twists their well-meaning apology. 

We also recommend avoiding the following:

• Apologizing to others involved in the accident: To apologize is a common human instinct, even when it’s unclear whether we have done anything wrong. However, if you apologize to others involved in your accident, it could give the appearance that you caused the accident. Insurance companies and civil defense lawyers may use this against you. 
• Refusing medical care (or delaying additional treatment): Pride or the misconception that you’re not seriously injured could lead you to refuse medical care that you may need. If you refuse medical care, though, it will give the impression that you didn’t suffer injuries during the accident. It is critical that you seek medical attention as soon as possible, especially if you refused care at the accident scene. Don’t delay medical treatment due to financial concerns, either. That’s what your attorneys are there to help you recover.
• Giving a recorded statement before you’re prepared: If you give a recorded statement that is inaccurate or incomplete, the statement could damage your case. There may be ways to rectify a flawed statement you’ve already given to an insurance company or law enforcement officer. An attorney can help you navigate this process.
• Failing to document injury symptoms: You should keep a journal, take photographs of injuries, and take any other steps to document your accident-related injuries.
• Failing to secure all accident-related evidence: We encourage you to get a copy of the police report, photograph damage to your vehicle, and keep any other evidence from your accident. While our team will secure additional evidence, we’ll make use of any existing evidence you provide us.
• Accepting a quick settlement: Insurance companies may offer quick settlements, hoping that the accident victim accepts fast money instead of waiting for fair money. Once you accept a settlement, it typically frees the insurer of further financial liability.

These are just a few of the mistakes people make after car accidents. Car accident attorneys take full control of the cases they handle, ensuring that such mistakes do not undermine your case for compensation. 

What Are the Consequences of These Mistakes?

If a car accident victim makes one or more mistakes after their collision, those mistakes may:

• Prevent the victim from getting any compensation 
• Reduce the value of any insurance settlement the victim eventually receives
• Reduce the likelihood of a successful lawsuit
• Reduce the value of a lawsuit settlement or verdict

Making a mistake does not mean your case for compensation is over. A capable lawyer may still be able to get all the money you are entitled to. However, you will want to hire your attorney as soon as possible to guide you and fight for your financial recovery.

How Hiring an Attorney Can Benefit Your Health and Your Case

The National Safety Council (NSC) explains that the cost of car accidents escalates based on the severity of injuries, with the most serious accidents costing an average of nearly $2 million in economic costs alone. You may deserve a large sum for your damages, but you have to go through the process to access your compensation—nobody is going to hand the money over voluntarily.

Hiring the right attorney could be key to getting the money you deserve with the littlest impact to your health and routine. Injury victims who handle their cases alone may experience:

• Compromised physical health
• Worsened mental health, as insurance claims and lawsuits can be stressful and energy-intensive
• Struggles to build a strong case due to inexperience, time constraints, and health limitations
• Failure to secure fair compensation for the scope of their damages

How a Car Accident Attorney Can Help You

An attorney from will manage every detail of your case, including:

• Securing all evidence that benefits your case
• Interviewing witnesses to the accident 
• Calculating the cost of your accident-related damages
• Documenting your damages with medical records, employment records, and other useful documents
• Hiring any experts whose services will strengthen your case
• Negotiating a settlement
• Taking your case to trial, if necessary

They will also deal with insurance companies who may work hard to withhold the money you deserve. Our team will prepare you to make recorded statements, manage communications with insurers, and ensure you’re safe from attempted rights violations.

Car Accident Victims Are Often Entitled to These Compensatory Damages

Your recoverable damages are unique to you. They often include the physical, personal, and financial costs of the accident, including:

• Medical expenses
• Lost income, diminished earning power, missed bonuses and promotions, and other professional damages
• Pain and suffering
• Temporary transportation expenses
• Counseling, medications, and other treatment for pain and suffering
• Vehicle repairs
• Replacement of a totaled vehicle
• Any other property expenses from your accident

No two car accident victims have exactly the same damages. Attorneys work with economists, medical professionals, and other experts to identify and value a client’s recoverable damages.

Missing the Filing Deadline Is a Costly Mistake

You have a limited time to file your car accident case. Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code § 16.003 generally requires that you submit both personal injury and wrongful death cases within two years of the car accident.

Missing this deadline could result in your case being barred or thrown out. In addition, the insurance company could refuse to negotiate for a more suitable settlement if the statute of limitations for your lawsuit expires.

Call Loncar Lyon Jenkins Today for a Free Consultation About Your Case

A car accident attorney from Loncar Lyon Jenkins is ready to fight for your financial recovery today. Call in the Strong Arm to fight for you. 

Call Loncar Lyon Jenkins today for your free, no-obligation consultation.

The post Common Mistakes People Make After a Car Accident appeared first on Loncar Lyon Jenkins.

Hiring a truck accident attorney means you can focus on getting better while your lawyer works to prove liability in your big rig truck accident lawsuit. They will investigate your accident, gather evidence, organize it, and submit it to the at-fault party’s legal and insurance representatives on your behalf. They may also negotiate a financial settlement or take your case to court for resolution. 

The Legal Elements That Prove Liability in a Big Rig Truck Accident Lawsuit

Liability for your accident is determined based on the act or acts of negligence that led to the collision. If a personal injury lawyer represents you, they will work to prove the following elements of negligence and liability:

• Duty of care — the obligation to act responsibly
• Breach of duty — someone failed to meet their legal duty of care
• Causation — their actions caused the truck accident
• Damages — the accident had financial consequences

Proving these elements allows you to demand compensation from the at-fault party or parties. Your lawyer will collect physical evidence and documents supporting your case. They will also use your evidence file to steer your case toward a settlement rather than a trial. 

Evidence That Proves the At-Fault Party’s Financial Liability

Truck accidents can be challenging because they can have multiple causes, which means you may build cases against multiple defendants. A lawyer can help you determine who to pursue based on the evidence, which can include:

• The truck driver’s driving record
• The truck driver’s training record
• The truck driver’s logbook
• The truck’s repair and maintenance records
• Information from the cargo loading facility
• Statements from lay and expert witnesses
• Accident scene photos and reconstruction reports

Your lawyer will also collect evidence that proves the extent of your injuries, their costs, and your related expenses and losses. This portion of your evidence file will include your medical records and bills, employment records, and vehicle repair or replacement estimates. 

Potentially Liable Parties a Big Rig Truck Accident Lawsuit Can Target

According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), approximately 415,000 truck accidents occurred in the U.S. in 2020, about 101,000 of which caused injuries, and 4,444 caused one or more fatalities. Some of the most commonly reported driver-related causes include:

• Speeding 
• Drug or alcohol impairment
• Driver fatigue

Liable parties in a big rig truck accident may include:

The Truck Driver

If the driver’s actions caused the accident and they are an owner/operator, they could be liable for compensating you. 

The Trucking Company

If the trucking company hired a driver who was improperly licensed or trained, they could be responsible for the costs of the accident. They could also be responsible if the trucker was acting within the scope of their employment.

A Truck or Parts Manufacturer

Your lawyer could seek compensation from the company that built the truck if a manufacturing or design flaw caused the accident. The company that made the truck’s parts and components could also be liable if a design or manufacturing flaw affected the brakes, tires, windshield, or other truck parts.

A Maintenance and Repair Facility

A truck should be in good repair and well-maintained before it hits the road. If the truck involved in your accident needed repairs, received faulty repairs, or was improperly maintained, the responsible facility could be liable. This could be the trucking company or an independent repair facility.

A Cargo Loader

Was the truck involved in your accident loaded with cargo at the time? The cargo loader could be liable for your post-accident damages if the truck’s contents were improperly loaded. This includes having the cargo shift during transport due to being inadequately balanced or secured.

Compensation You Can Pursue From the Liable Party or Parties After a Big Rig Truck Accident

Medical costs after a truck accident can start accumulating at the accident scene and continue until you reach maximum medical improvement. The size and weight disparity between big rigs and smaller trucks means you are more likely to be seriously injured than the truck’s occupants. 

Your lawyer will fight to recover the costs of your medical expenses throughout your treatment. In addition, they may request compensation for the following:

• Past and future lost wages
• Loss of future earning capacity
• Property damage or destruction
• Diminished property value
• Physical disability or disfigurement
• Ongoing pain and suffering
• Mental and emotional anguish
• Loss of enjoyment of life

If someone you love was fatally injured in a big rig accident, your lawyer can pursue wrongful death damages for your family. They will explain which family members are eligible for compensation and what compensation you may be eligible for, such as: 

• Your loved one’s funeral and burial costs
• Loss of financial and domestic support 
• Loss of consortium, companionship, guidance, and support

Important Time Limits That Affect Your Potential Lawsuit

One or more statutes of limitations will determine how much time you have to file your lawsuit after a big rig truck accident. 

In Texas, you generally have two years to file a personal injury or wrongful death lawsuit, per Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code § 16.003. However, certain circumstances may cause this deadline to change. Your lawyer can help you understand what the applicable filing deadline is and explain any factors that could alter it. 

Contact Our Truck Accident Case Review Team Now

If you or someone you love was injured in a collision with a big rig, you could be entitled to financial compensation. Your truck accident lawyer will aim to build a strong case that proves financial liability in your big rig truck accident lawsuit. We will also fight hard to negotiate a favorable settlement.

Get started today by calling one of our team members at Loncar Lyon Jenkins for a free review of your case.

The post Proving Liability in a Big Rig Truck Accident Lawsuit appeared first on Loncar Lyon Jenkins.

You do not have to build your case alone. If a car accident lawyer represents you, they will explain how fault is determined in a Texas car accident. They will also explain your right to financial recovery. Many law firms will review the details and merits of your accident at no cost or obligation. They will also explain the steps they take to prove the negligence that led to your accident.

Understanding the Legal Components That Constitute Negligence in a Car Accident

You may be entitled to compensation after a car accident caused by another party’s negligence. The personal injury lawyer who represents you will aim to prove the following elements of negligence:

• Duty of care: The at-fault driver had a legal obligation to drive safely and obey the rules of the road while sharing it with you and other drivers.
• Breach of duty: The at-fault driver acted in a way that breached their legal duty of care. This could include driving while distracted, fatigued, or under the influence of drugs or alcohol. It could also include disregarding traffic signs and signals. An investigation will identify the accident’s exact cause.
• Causation: Your lawyer must prove that the accident would not have occurred if not for the at-fault driver’s negligent actions.
• Damages: The accident must have had financial consequences, i.e., medical bills, property damage, income losses, etc.

Proving these elements is a complex legal process. It can also be a stressful one with many elements and moving parts. The lawyer handling your case will collect evidence that establishes negligence. While they collect and organize your evidence, you can focus on getting better or helping a loved one through their recovery.

Documenting Evidence to Establish Negligence

Evidence supporting your right to financial recovery is crucial to your case. Its weight and substance can steer your case away from a lengthy court case and toward a financial settlement.

The at-fault driver’s insurance company will request proof of their policyholder’s financial liability. To bolster and support your case, your legal team will collect the following:

• Official car accident report: This report will describe the investigating officer’s observations, points of impact, and road and weather conditions. It will also provide details on the accident’s causes and contributing factors. 
• Medical records and bills: These will describe your injuries, their cause, and their extent. They will also include a written prognosis that describes the medical care and costs you will continue to incur until you reach maximum medical improvement.

These are only two types of evidence that may substantiate your case. Your lawyer may also include lay and expert witness statements, accident scene and injury photos, dashcam and surveillance footage, and accident scene reconstruction in your case file.

Your lawyer will compile your evidence file and submit it to the at-fault party and their insurance and legal representatives in an organized and timely fashion.

How Texas’ Comparative Negligence Law Could Affect Your Compensation

Negligence for a car accident is apportioned in percentages. If the at-fault party alleges that you are partially at fault for the accident, it could affect your compensation based on the degree of fault apportioned to you.

Per Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code § 33.001, any settlement or verdict you recover will be decreased accordingly. For example, a financial award of $500,000 would be reduced to $350,000 if 30% of the fault is attributed to you. If more than half of the fault is assigned to you, the court will bar you from recovering any compensation.

The lawyer representing you will work hard to prove where the fault lies and how it should be accurately apportioned.

The At-Fault Party’s Negligence May Entitle You to Compensation After a Car Accident

According to Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code § 41.001, you may recover economic damages from the at-fault party, such as:

• Past, present, and future accident-related medical bills
• Past, present, and future lost wages
• Loss of future earning capacity
• Treatment-related travel expenses
• Property damage or total loss

Your lawyer can typically support the monetary value of your economic damages with bills, receipts, and other accompanying documents.

You may also be entitled to recover non-economic damages. They can be more challenging to document and may include:

• Physical disabling injuries
• Physically disfiguring injuries
• Ongoing pain and suffering
• Mental and emotional trauma
• Loss of enjoyment of life

Your lawyer will explain which documents and evidence substantiate the monetary value of these intangible damages.

Wrongful Death Damages for Surviving Family Members

The sudden loss of a loved one can wreak financial havoc on the surviving family. If you lost a loved one in a Texas car accident, your lawyer may be able to help your family recover wrongful death damages, which can include:

• The costs of your loved one’s funeral and burial
• Your loss of their financial and familial support
• Loss of consortium, companionship, and guidance

Per Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code § 71.004, a family member, such as a spouse, child, or parent, must file a wrongful death action within three months of the decedent’s death. If more than three months elapse, the decedent’s estate executor must file the lawsuit. Your lawyer will clarify this distinction, as well as the state’s statute of limitations and its potential impact on your case.

Get Your Free Car Accident Consultation Today

Were you or someone you love injured in a recent car accident? If so, our law firm can explain how fault is determined in a Texas car accident. We can also explain your rights and help you navigate the personal injury system effectively.

We represent injured parties and the surviving families of car accident fatalities. Contact one of our client-focused team members at Loncar Lyon Jenkins to get started on your quest for financial compensation today.

The post How Fault Is Determined in a Texas Car Accident appeared first on Loncar Lyon Jenkins.

Insurance companies can be intimidating—an attorney can protect you. Focus on your recovery while your legal team deals with aggressive insurance adjusters.

Specific Tactics Insurance Adjusters Use to Save Their Employers Money

Insurance companies vow to protect their policyholders and injury victims. Yet, insurance adjusters have a clear financial motivation to withhold compensation, as this is how insurance companies maximize their profits.

In order to withhold compensation, aggressive insurance adjusters may:

Deny Your Claim Outright

If an insurance company can justify paying you nothing, it will. Some insurers may even unjustly deny a claim, perhaps by arguing that:

• Its policy does not cover the specific type of accident you were involved in
• You caused your accident, and therefore are not entitled to the compensation you seek
• Other circumstances warrant the denial of your claim

Denying your claim may be nothing more than a tactic. The insurance company may know it is financially responsible for your losses but may hope that you’ll accept the denial without a fight. Don’t fall for it; let our team hold the insurance company accountable.

Contest Specific Losses

If an insurance company knows it is financially responsible for your losses, it may try to whittle down its settlement as much as possible. This could lead the insurer to deny specific claims, again hoping that you won’t contest their denial of certain losses.

Pressure You Into Making a Recorded Statement

It may be in the insurance company’s interest to have you make a recorded statement when you are:

• Confused
• Tired
• Not thinking clearly
• Not fully focused
• In any other compromised state

If an insurance adjuster can have you admit fault, cast doubt on your own recollection of the accident, misspeak, or misremember, it could play into the insurance company’s financial interests. It’s not advisable to make a recorded statement until you’ve spoken with an attorney.

Steer Your Conversation in a Direction That Benefits the Insurer

Once you agree to make a recorded statement, the insurance adjuster may steer the conversation in a certain direction. They may ask leading questions, word questions to be deliberately confusing, and set you up to fail in other ways.

Lie About Your Policy

Insurance companies are well-versed in their policies. When you find that an insurance company has misled you about your policy (and specifically the coverage you are entitled to), you can be reasonably certain it misled you on purpose.

You would be surprised at the tactics we have seen from aggressive insurance adjusters. You must protect yourself from the most disconcerting attempts to deprive you of fair compensation.

Offer a Lowball Settlement

The National Safety Council (NSC) explains that severe accidents cost hundreds of thousands of dollars (or even millions) in economic costs alone. This does not account for the individual personal toll of an accident, such as physical pain and emotional anguish.

Therefore, if an insurer can convince you to accept a cheap settlement, it may stand to save tens of thousands of dollars (or more).

Pressure You to Accept the Settlement

Once an insurance company offers a settlement, it may pressure you to accept that settlement. Pressure tactics may include:

• Implying or stating outright that the settlement offer is the best it will provide
• Indicating that there is a deadline for accepting a settlement
• Indicating that, if you do not accept the settlement, you will get no compensation

Do not submit to these tactics. You deserve a fair settlement that covers your accident-related damages, and you should not settle for anything less.

Discourage You from Hiring an Attorney

This tactic is extremely inappropriate, unprofessional, and unethical. Yet, it’s a tactic we have seen from adjusters. Insurance companies know that experienced attorneys can hold them accountable, and would rather negotiate with you directly.

Let yourself rest and recover free of insurance companies’ bothersome tactics. An attorney can fight for the money you’re entitled to.

Protect Yourself from These Aggressive Tactics by Hiring a Lawyer

Many car accident victims are unfamiliar with insurance companies. They may not even recognize when an insurance company is trying to take advantage of them. Affected by injuries and occupied with new and unexpected responsibilities, you may be vulnerable to insurance adjusters’ aggressive tactics.

By hiring a lawyer from our team, you would be able to:

• Rely on a legal team that knows every possible tactic an insurance adjuster may use against you
• Prevent the insurance company from contacting you directly, adding a layer of protection that could prevent you from saying anything damaging
• Prioritize your physical and mental health, as the stress of a car accident claim can be immensely harmful to your long-term health and recovery
• Get the help of a proven law firm that has secured many fair settlements from insurance companies

When you consider the stakes of a car accident claim (or lawsuit), hiring a qualified attorney is a much easier decision to make.

How an Attorney Will Fight for You

An attorney will lead your claim or lawsuit from start to finish by:

• Securing and organizing all relevant evidence
• Documenting each of your accident-related damages
• Determining exactly how much money you deserve from insurers
• Advising you about whether to pursue a lawsuit
• Completing all case-related paperwork
• Leading settlement negotiations
• Taking your case to trial, if necessary

With an attorney from Loncar Lyon Jenkins, you get a legal advisor, a protector, and someone who will fight for your best interests (and your money).

Call Loncar Lyon Jenkins Today for a Free Consultation About Your Car Accident Case

When you are injured in a car accident, call in the Strong Arm. Our attorneys have decades of experience, and we demand that insurance companies pay our clients the money they deserve.

Call Loncar Lyon Jenkins today for a free consultation. There is no cost and no obligation to consult with our firm, so don’t wait to contact us.

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