Best Truck Accident Lawyers in Bilbao

About Truck Accident Law in Bilbao, Spain

Truck accidents in Bilbao are governed by a mix of national Spanish traffic and civil law together with local policing and administrative procedures. Because trucks are large, carry heavy loads, and often operate under company control or international rules, crashes involving trucks tend to cause more serious injuries and complicated liability issues than typical car accidents. Cases can involve vehicle liability, employer liability, cargo damage, cross-border rules, criminal charges for reckless driving, and separate claims against insurers. If you are involved in a truck accident in Bilbao you will commonly deal with local police reports, medical documentation, insurance companies and, if necessary, the local courts in Bizkaia.

Why You May Need a Lawyer

Not every truck accident requires a lawyer, but legal help is often important in the following situations:

- Serious personal injury or death - when medical care, rehabilitation and long-term support are required.

- Disputed liability - when parties or insurers disagree about who caused the accident.

- Multiple parties - when the truck driver, the trucking company, the vehicle owner, the cargo owner or a maintenance provider may share responsibility.

- Cross-border or international transport - when the truck is registered outside Spain or the shipment is international and international conventions apply.

- Complex damages - including lost earnings, permanent disability, psychological harm, and future medical costs that need careful valuation.

- Criminal investigations - when there is suspected reckless driving, driving under the influence, or violating professional driving rules.

- Low or unfair settlement offers from an insurer - when the insurer denies the full amount of damage or offers a quick low settlement.

Local Laws Overview

Key legal features that are especially relevant to truck accidents in Bilbao include:

- Mandatory third-party motor insurance - All motor vehicles in Spain must carry liability insurance that covers damage and injury to third parties. You will typically make compensation claims against the at-fault vehicle's insurer.

- Traffic law and regulations - National traffic rules regulate speed limits, lane use, vehicle weight and cargo securing, driver hours and rest periods. EU rules on driver tachographs and driving-rest times also apply to professional drivers and are often relevant to establishing liability.

- Official compensation scale - Spain uses an official system for calculating certain items of compensation for traffic-accident personal injury. This "baremo" helps set standardized amounts for some types of non-pecuniary damage, but total compensation depends on the full set of losses and medical evidence.

- Civil liability - Civil claims for damages are typically brought in the civil courts when insurers do not settle fairly. Civil law covers loss of income, medical costs, care needs, vehicle and property damage, and non-pecuniary losses such as pain and suffering.

- Criminal liability - If negligent or reckless conduct causes serious injury or death, criminal charges under the Spanish Penal Code may apply. Criminal cases run separately from civil or insurance claims, although outcomes can influence liability assessments.

- Administrative remedies and fines - Police and traffic authorities may issue administrative fines or sanctions for regulatory violations such as overloaded vehicles, lack of proper documentation, or tachograph breaches.

- Local enforcement - In Bilbao the municipal police and the Basque regional police - Ertzaintza - handle accident scene procedures and investigations, and their atestados or police reports are key evidence in later claims.

Because rules combine national law, EU regulations and local procedures, the exact legal path will depend on the facts of each accident. Timely legal advice helps protect rights and meet any procedural deadlines.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I do immediately after a truck accident in Bilbao?

Prioritize safety and medical care. Call emergency services if anyone is injured. If possible, photograph the scene, get witness names and contact details, write down the truck registration and company name, and request a police report - in Bilbao you may deal with Policía Local or Ertzaintza. Seek medical attention even for minor injuries and keep all medical records and invoices.

Do I have to report the accident to the police or my insurer?

Yes. Serious accidents should always be reported to the emergency services and police so a formal report can be prepared. You should also notify your insurer promptly. The other vehicle's insurer must be informed when you intend to claim against them. Notify in writing and keep copies of all communications.

Who can be held responsible in a truck accident?

Liability can fall on the truck driver, the trucking company, the vehicle owner, maintenance or loading contractors, or even third parties that caused hazardous road conditions. If the driver was working at the time, employer liability is commonly an issue under civil law. Each case requires investigation to determine which parties share responsibility.

How do I claim compensation for injuries and losses?

Start by gathering evidence - police report, medical records, photographs, witness statements, and wage records. Most claims are first handled through the at-fault party's insurer. If the insurer refuses or offers an unsatisfactory settlement, you can bring a civil claim in the courts. A lawyer experienced in traffic and personal injury law can assess damages and guide negotiations or litigation.

Is there a time limit to make a claim after a truck accident?

There are legal time limits for different types of claims. Deadlines depend on whether you pursue an insurance claim, an administrative complaint, a civil suit or a criminal complaint. Deadlines can be short, so seek legal advice early to avoid losing rights through missed time limits.

What evidence is most important for proving a truck accident claim?

Key evidence includes the police atestado, medical records and reports, photographs of the scene and vehicles, witness statements, tachograph and logbook data for professional drivers, maintenance records, and documentation of lost income and expenses. Expert reports - for example from accident reconstruction specialists - are often critical in complex truck cases.

What if the truck is registered outside Spain or it is an international shipment?

International carriage introduces additional rules - notably the CMR convention for international road transport of goods - and foreign insurers or foreign courts may be involved. Cross-border elements make claims more complex so you should consult a lawyer familiar with international transport law and European cross-border enforcement.

Can I claim for future care and loss of earning capacity?

Yes. If injuries cause ongoing care needs, permanent disability or reduced ability to work, you can claim for future medical costs, rehabilitation, home adaptations, and loss of future earnings. Proper medical expert reports and vocational assessments are required to quantify future losses.

Should I accept a quick settlement offer from the insurer?

Be cautious. Early offers are sometimes low and not reflective of longer term medical needs or future losses. Before accepting any settlement, get an assessment of long-term medical prognosis and total damages. A lawyer can review offers and advise whether they are fair.

Can a truck driver face criminal charges after an accident?

Yes. If the conduct behind the accident amounts to criminal negligence, reckless driving, driving under the influence, or breaches that lead to death or serious injury, criminal charges under the Spanish Penal Code may be brought. Criminal proceedings are separate from civil claims for compensation.

Additional Resources

These local and national resources can be helpful when you need information or support after a truck accident in Bilbao:

- Dirección General de Tráfico - national traffic authority for rules and guidance.

- Dirección General de Seguros y Fondos de Pensiones - regulator for insurers and insurance-related complaints.

- Policía Local de Bilbao and Ertzaintza - local police units that handle accident response and incident reports in Bilbao.

- Colegio de Abogados de Bizkaia - local bar association for lawyer referrals and guidance on legal representation.

- Oficina de Atención a la Víctima - public victim support offices that can provide information and practical help for victims of traffic incidents.

- Courts in Bizkaia - local civil, criminal and administrative courts where claims and proceedings are processed.

- Occupational and transport safety agencies - for issues involving employer liability, vehicle maintenance and professional driver rules.

Next Steps

If you need legal assistance after a truck accident in Bilbao follow these steps:

- Get urgent medical care and keep all medical documentation.

- Secure the police atestado or incident report - this is core evidence.

- Collect evidence at the scene - photos, witness contacts, truck details and any available tachograph or logbook data.

- Notify your insurer and keep written records of all communications with insurers and other parties.

- Preserve documents related to income, expenses, vehicle repair estimates and any correspondence about the accident.

- Consult a lawyer with experience in traffic and truck accident claims - a lawyer can quickly assess liability, explain deadlines, handle negotiations with insurers, and, if necessary, represent you in court.

- If you need a referral, contact the Colegio de Abogados de Bizkaia or local victim assistance offices for recommendations.

Act promptly - legal deadlines and evidence preservation are critical. A qualified local lawyer can protect your rights and guide you through the insurance, administrative and judicial processes required to seek full compensation.