Truck crashes can be some of the most catastrophic accidents that occur on the road. 18-wheelers can weigh as much as 40 tons, easily more than 20 times the weight of an average passenger car. No matter what safety features our vehicles have installed, there’s only so much they can do when facing an out of control big rig.
Far too often, these crashes are caused by the negligent, reckless, or wrongful actions taken by the truck driver or the trucking company that employs them. If you were seriously injured in a collision with a big rig or 18-wheeler, contact a Dallas truck accident attorney from our law firm today to discuss your case and begin planning your first steps to compensation.
Contact Aldous Law today at (214) 526-5595 or by reaching out to us online. Our truck accident lawyers in Dallas can help.
Common Causes of Truck Accidents in Dallas
Some common causes of truck accidents include:
- Hours of Service Violations: When truck drivers exceed legal driving limits, fatigue significantly impairs their reaction time and judgment, making them a danger on the road.
- Impaired Driving: Operating a commercial truck under the influence of drugs or alcohol drastically reduces a driver's ability to focus and react, leading to severe collisions.
- Distracted Driving: Any activity that diverts a truck driver's attention—from texting to eating—can have devastating consequences due to the vehicle's size and speed.
- Mechanical Failure: Accidents often result from critical component failures like faulty brakes or tire blowouts, frequently stemming from poor maintenance or manufacturing defects.
- Truck Driver Negligence: This includes reckless driving (speeding, aggressive maneuvers) and improper cargo loading, both of which can cause loss of control or instability.
Types of Truck Accidents We Handle
Our attorneys handle a wide range of truck accidents, including:
- Jackknife accidents: Trailer swings out and “folds” into the cab, often due to sudden braking or slippery conditions.
- Rollover accidents: A truck tips onto its side, commonly from sharp curves, shifting cargo, or tire blowouts.
- Rear-end collisions: Truck strikes the back of a car, causing severe impacts due to its heavier weight.
- Head-on collisions: Among the deadliest crashes, usually from a truck crossing into oncoming traffic.
- T-bone (side-impact) accidents: Often occur at intersections when trucks run red lights or stop signs.
- Sideswipe crashes: Frequently happen when a truck changes lanes without seeing a vehicle in its blind spot.
- Underride accidents: A car slides beneath the trailer, usually catastrophic.
Who Can Be Held Liable in a Truck Accident?
Determining liability in a truck accident is often difficult because many different parties could be involved. Those who might be held accountable include:
- Truck drivers (when violating laws or regulations)
- Trucking companies (for poor training, maintenance, or hiring practices)
- Vehicle manufacturers or maintenance providers (for defective parts or inadequate repairs)
- Freight companies and cargo loaders (for improperly secured or hazardous cargo).
What to Do After a Dallas Truck Accident
- Call 911 and seek immediate medical attention, even if injuries seem minor.
- Gather evidence and document the scene: take photos, collect contact info from witnesses, and secure a copy of the police report.
- Notify your insurance company, but avoid discussing your claim with the trucking company’s insurer before consulting a lawyer.
- Consult a qualified truck accident attorney to protect your rights and maximize your claim.
Proving Liability in a Truck Accident Case
Figuring out who is responsible in a truck accident isn’t always straightforward. Unlike traditional car accidents, truck crashes typically require a more in depth investigation to uncover potential liability. Here are some of the most important tools and records used to help determine who is at fault:
- Electronic Logging Device (ELD) Data: ELDs automatically record driving time, engine hours, vehicle movement, and miles driven. This data is important to show whether the driver followed their Hours of Service (HOS) regulations. If the logs show the driver was behind the wheel for too long or skipped mandatory breaks, it could point to driver fatigue as a factor in the crash.
- Maintenance Logs and Inspection Reports: These records show the condition of the truck before the crash. Maintenance logs list all repairs, servicing, and part replacements, while inspection reports (before, during, and after trips) document the truck's operational status and any noted defects before or during a journey. If a trucking company skipped maintenance or ignored warning signs, these documents can show that mechanical failure may have played a role in the crash.
- Accident Reconstruction Experts: These specialists analyze things like vehicle damage, skid marks, vehicle positions, and even debris to figure out how the accident happened. By using engineering and physics to estimate vehicle speed, braking distances, and points of impact, accident reconstruction experts can explain the sequence of events in a clear, objective way that points to who may be at fault.
What Compensation Can You Recover?
Experiencing a truck accident can lead to significant physical, emotional, and financial burdens. If another party's negligence caused the crash, you may be eligible for compensation covering:
- Medical expenses (current and future)
- Lost wages and diminished future earning potential
- Pain, suffering, and emotional distress
- Property damage
- In wrongful death cases, funeral expenses and loss of financial support.
How Truck Accident Claims Differ from Car Accident Cases
Because of the size and weight of their vehicles, drivers and trucking companies have a major responsibility to act with care in operating these commercial trucks. The trucking industry is required to follow a variety of rules and regulations intended to keep both their drivers and other motorists safe.
The Dallas truck accident lawyers at Aldous Law understand these rules and regulations just as well, if not better than anyone, and understand the steps to take when investigating the cause of a truck accident.
Federal Trucking Regulations
Some of the regulations put in place by the FMCSA include:
- Zero alcohol/drug use policy
- Maintenance requirements for trucks
- Avoiding prescription medications that may cause drowsiness
- Limitations on hours/miles driven before stopping for rest breaks
Any time a truck driver is involved in a collision, the trucking company will launch an investigation into the accident to determine who was at fault, and whether or not the driver could have done anything to prevent the crash.
Statute of Limitations for Filing a Truck Accident Claim in Texas
For personal injury claims, Texas generally gives you two years from the date of the truck accident to file a personal injury claim in civil court. This applies to claims for injuries you sustained, medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and property damage.
If the injured party was a minor at the time of the accident, the two year statute of limitations typically does not begin until the minor turns 18, this means a lawsuit can potentially be filed up until their 20th birthday.
For wrongful death claims, Texas sets the timeline to file a claim within two years of the date of your loved one's death. This will allow you to seek compensation for funeral expenses, loss of financial support, and loss of companionship.
How a Dallas Truck Accident Lawyer Can Help
Hiring an experienced truck accident attorney can help you avoid the pitfalls that often occur after a collision. Here's how legal representation can make a difference:
- Comprehensive Case Evaluation: A truck accident attorney will assess the details of your case to determine its full value, including all current and future medical costs, lost wages, and non-economic damages like pain and suffering.
- Handling Communication: Your lawyer will manage all communication with insurance companies, trucking firms, and their legal teams, ensuring your words aren't misused to devalue your claim.
- Gathering Evidence: Attorneys have the resources to conduct thorough investigations, collect crucial evidence such as black-box data, trucking logs, and witness statements, and build a compelling case.
- Ensuring Proper Documentation: Your lawyer will ensure the accident is reported correctly to the police and that critical paperwork is completed accurately and on time.
- Protecting You from Lowball Offers: Insurance companies often offer settlements that are far below what you might deserve. A skilled truck accident attorney will negotiate on your behalf to pursue maximum compensation.
- Expert Knowledge of Trucking Regulations: Attorneys who specialize in truck accidents understand complex trucking laws and regulations, such as rest requirements and maintenance logs, that could affect liability.
- Advocacy in Court if Necessary: If settlement negotiations fail, your attorney can take your case to trial to fight for the compensation you’re entitled to.
Having a knowledgeable legal advocate by your side can make all the difference in securing proper compensation after a devastating truck accident. If you’ve been injured, don’t leave your case to chance. Contact a Dallas truck accident lawyer at Aldous Law to protect your rights and guide you through the legal process.
Why Choose Aldous Law for Your Truck Accident Case
At Aldous Law, our Dallas truck accident lawyers have fought for hundreds of clients since we first opened our doors. While many law firms are content to accept a settlement, we pride ourselves on being ready and willing to take your personal injury case in front of a jury in order to maximize your compensation.
Through our tireless efforts, we have secured more than $1 billion in verdicts and settlements.
If you were seriously injured in a truck accident caused by someone else’s negligence, you shouldn’t be responsible for your medical bills. Rely on our Dallas truck wreck attorneys who have a record of fighting for the injured. Contact our legal team today to discuss your options and how we can help.
Schedule a Free Consultation with a Dallas Truck Accident Lawyer
For experienced and skilled representation, consider hiring our Dallas truck crash lawyers. Let's schedule a case consultation to discuss next steps and how we can best represent your best interests. After hearing the specifics of your case, we'll develop a plan of action customized to you.
Contact us today to explain your situation to one of our attorneys and begin planning out your next steps. Call (214) 526-5595 now.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dallas Truck Accident Cases
What should I do immediately after a truck accident in Dallas?
Call 911, make sure you and others are safe, seek medical attention, document the scene, exchange information, and notify your insurance. Contact a truck accident attorney as soon as possible.
What types of damages can I recover in a Dallas truck accident case?
You may be entitled to compensation for medical costs, lost earnings, pain and suffering, and property damage. In severe cases, you may also pursue damages for ongoing care or in wrongful death suits.
How long does an 18-wheeler lawsuit take in Texas?
The timeline varies depending on the case complexity, severity of injuries, and cooperation from the opposing parties. Some settle in months, others take years if they go to trial.
Does your insurance go up if you get hit in Texas?
If you are not at fault, your rates typically shouldn’t rise. However, every policy and insurer is different. It’s wise to discuss your specific circumstances with your agent.
If you’ve been injured in a Dallas truck accident, let Aldous Law guide you every step of the way.
