Michael Piri | Texas Accident Attorney | Semi-Truck Accidents

Why Semi-Truck Accidents Are So Complex

Accidents involving large commercial trucks are fundamentally different from typical car crashes. The sheer size and weight of a semi-truck mean the resulting injuries and property damage are often catastrophic. This high potential for severe damages raises the stakes for everyone involved, especially the trucking and insurance companies.

Multiple Liable Parties

In a standard car accident, you are usually dealing with one other driver and their insurance provider. In a semi-truck accident case, identifying the responsible party is far more complex. Several parties could be at fault, including:

• The truck driver: Was the driver fatigued, distracted, or operating the vehicle recklessly?
• The trucking company: Did the company fail to properly train the driver, maintain the vehicle, or enforce safety regulations?
• The truck manufacturer: Was there a defect in the truck or its parts, like faulty brakes or tires?
• The cargo loaders: Was the truck’s cargo improperly loaded or secured, causing the truck to become unstable?

Determining liability requires a deep investigation into driver logs, maintenance records, company policies, and more.

Aggressive Insurance Companies

Because the potential payouts are so high, insurance companies that represent trucking businesses are known for their aggressive tactics. Their primary goal is to minimize their financial liability. They often dispatch teams of investigators and lawyers to the scene of the accident immediately to gather evidence that can be used to shift blame away from their client. They might pressure you into giving a recorded statement or accepting a low settlement offer before you fully understand the extent of your injuries and long-term needs.

Immediate Steps to Take After a Semi-Truck Accident

What you do in the hours and days following a semi-truck accident can significantly impact your ability to recover fair compensation. If you are involved in such a collision, try to take the following steps, if you are able.

1. Prioritize Your Health and Safety

Your first priority is your well-being. Move to a safe location away from traffic if possible. Call 911 immediately to report the accident and request medical assistance. Even if you feel fine, it is crucial to get a thorough medical evaluation. Some serious injuries, like internal bleeding or brain trauma, may not present symptoms right away. Adrenaline can mask pain, giving you a false sense of security. Seeking prompt medical attention creates an official record of your injuries, which is vital for your claim.

2. Document Everything at the Scene

If your injuries do not prevent you from doing so, gather as much evidence as you can at the scene. This information can be invaluable later.

• Take Photos and Videos: Use your phone to document the entire scene. Take pictures of all vehicles involved, road conditions, traffic signs, skid marks, and any visible injuries.
• Exchange Information: Get the names, contact details, and insurance information from the truck driver and any other drivers involved. Also, get the name of the trucking company and the truck’s license plate and USDOT number.
• Speak to Witnesses: Collect names and phone numbers from anyone who saw the accident. Their third-party testimony can be incredibly powerful.

3. Report the Accident but Be Cautious

You will need to report the accident to the police and your own insurance company. When speaking with law enforcement, stick to the facts of what happened. Avoid admitting fault or speculating about the cause of the crash. When you speak to any insurance representative, especially one from the trucking company, provide only the basic details of the accident. Do not agree to a recorded statement or sign any documents without first consulting an attorney.

How Michael Piri Can Help You

Facing the aftermath of a semi-truck accident alone can feel like an impossible battle. This is where an experienced and compassionate attorney like Michael Piri makes all the difference. He provides the expert guidance and unwavering support you need to navigate this challenging time.

Conducting a Thorough Investigation

Michael Piri and his team will launch an immediate and comprehensive investigation into your accident. This goes far beyond the police report. We work with accident reconstruction experts to analyze the crash scene, examine the vehicles, and determine exactly what happened. We subpoena and review critical evidence that trucking companies might try to hide, such as:

• The driver’s qualifications, training history, and driving record.
• Electronic data from the truck’s “black box,” which records speed, braking, and other operational data.
• Driver logs to check for violations of federal hours-of-service regulations.
• Vehicle maintenance and inspection records.

This detailed investigation allows us to build a strong case by identifying all responsible parties and proving their negligence.

Standing Up to Insurance Companies

Insurance adjusters are trained to protect their company’s bottom line. They may seem friendly and helpful, but their goal is to pay you as little as possible. Michael Piri handles all communication with the insurance companies on your behalf. He shields you from their pressure tactics and ensures they cannot take advantage of you. He will fight to make sure any settlement offer fully covers all your damages, both present and future.

Calculating Your True Damages

The costs of a serious accident extend far beyond initial medical bills. Michael Piri works with medical experts, financial planners, and life care specialists to calculate the full value of your claim. This includes compensation for:

• Current and future medical expenses
• Lost wages and diminished earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress and mental anguish
• Permanent disability or disfigurement
• Property damage

By accurately assessing the total impact the accident has had on your life, we can demand the full and fair compensation you are owed.

Providing Compassionate Support

Beyond his legal expertise, Michael Piri understands the human side of these cases. He knows you are going through one of the most difficult times of your life. He provides personalized attention, keeps you informed at every stage, and treats you with the empathy and respect you deserve. You are not just another case number; you are a person who needs a dedicated advocate in their corner.

Take the First Step Toward Justice

If you or a loved one has been injured in a semi-truck accident in Texas, you do not have to face this journey alone. Your focus should be on your physical and emotional recovery. Let a skilled and caring attorney handle the legal complexities.

Contact Michael Piri today for a free, no-obligation consultation. We will listen to your story, answer your questions, and explain how we can help you fight for the justice and compensation you need to rebuild your life.