Corpus Christi Caller Times' 2021 Best of the Best Attorneys

 There can be many components in a trucking accident. Some of the most common causes are: 

• Driver fatigued/driving drowsy
• Drug or alcohol impairment
• Distracted driving (including mobile device use)
• Speed not appropriate for conditions
• Unsecured loads
• Improper turning or lane changing
• Failure to maintain vehicle 

It is wise to have an experienced personal injury attorney in your corner, even if you are initially accused of being at fault. 

An accident involving a truck can be complicated to investigate and analyze. It is possible that upon further examination by an experienced attorney, new evidence or a new perspective may impact the outcome.  

There are several things that can impact whether or not a trucking accident goes to court:

• How clear it is who is legally responsible 
• Is the insurance company willing to pay a reasonable settlement?

Although the goal is to have alternative dispute resolution, a case may go to court. We treat every claim as though it will be tried to verdict.

Commercial vehicles can include fleet vehicles, passenger transports, company cars, 18-wheelers, delivery trucks, and other vehicles used for business.

Large trucking companies typically have teams of lawyers dedicated to investigating and challenging trucking accident claims so they can try to minimize or eliminate company responsibility. These companies can afford a long, drawn-out process that can feel overwhelming to an individual who is not represented. There are also trucking regulations which can complicate the case, and state and federal laws that can limit the responsibility of the company. 

If you have lost a family member in an 18-wheeler accident, you can file a wrongful death lawsuit against the driver of the 18-wheeler as well as the trucking company and any other parties determined to be negligent.

Robert J. Heil has been successfully litigating in accident lawsuits for more than 17 years. He understands the regulations and laws involved, and he has a passion for seeing justice served.

Commercial vehicle and truck accident cases can be complex because there are multiple parties that could be held liable for your injuries, including the vehicle’s driver, the company that owns or operates the commercial motor vehicle, or the vehicle’s manufacturer.

Companies are generally responsible for the actions of their employees. Unqualified management of a commercial vehicle fleet could lead to unqualified drivers. Employers may be liable for:

• Failure to properly train drivers
• Failure to maintain vehicle
• Negligent hiring practices
• Failure to verify proper driver licensing or certification
• Negligent supervision

Deciding who to sue (and where to sue) largely depends on the facts surrounding your case and how the accident was caused. An attorney with experience handling commercial vehicle accidents understands how to determine who the negligent party is.

Robert J. Heil has helped victims in commercial motor vehicle accidents stand up against large companies and corporations and get them the compensation they deserve. When up against a law firm with extensive legal and financial resources and a proven record of winning big cases, companies are more apt to offer an appropriate settlement amount.