Dallas Truck Accident Lawyers

Commercial Vehicle Crashes in Dallas

Many truck drivers are hard-working individuals who are trained to do their jobs and do their best every day to deliver goods to our stores and front doors in time. Unfortunately, when truck companies put their bottom lines first, accidents and injuries can happen. Truck companies may not always provide their drivers with the training they need to operate equipment properly. Even though truck companies are required to perform regular maintenance on their vehicles, sometimes companies cut corners and fail to perform required maintenance, or take shortcuts in the maintenance they perform, resulting in accidents and equipment failures. Drivers are also required to pass regular medical exams, but if companies fail to ensure that drivers are receiving regular check-ups and if companies fail to vet their drivers and look closely at a driver’s history, sometimes companies hire underqualified or unqualified drivers for the job.

Truck drivers and truck companies are required to abide by strict federal and local regulations. When these laws are broken, accidents can happen, and truck companies can be held liable. The Dallas semi-truck accident lawyers at The Law Giant, Personal Injury & Accident Lawyers investigate companies involved in accidents to look at their track record when it comes to following federal and local regulations. If the law was broken or if shortcuts were taken, the truck companies could be held responsible for the accident, and victims may be entitled to receive compensation.

Aside from the dangers and damage caused by accidents, there are also legal issues created when a commercial vehicle driver is involved in a collision. Semi-truck accident lawyers in Dallas often have to file cases against drivers or their employers on a client’s behalf for causing various kinds of losses and problems. These are usually related to the person’s ability to make a living following an injury, as well as the specific amount of their medical bills. In most cases, a company that employs the driver will be liable for these costs rather than the individual driver. This is different from standard car accidents where an individual driver and their insurance coverage will be liable for the damage.

Because companies, federal laws, insurance companies, and other interests are often involved in truck accident personal injury claims, these claims can be more complicated than car accident claims, but these claims can also involve higher value payouts to victims because truck accidents can also be more serious given the sheer size and weight of the vehicles involved. The Dallas semi-truck accident attorneys at The Law Giant, Personal Injury & Accident Lawyers Lawyers are committed to helping victims and their families fight these big companies and are committed to holding these companies accountable when they cut corners and fail to follow federal laws.

Types of Truck Accidents Our Attorneys Handle

• 18-Wheeler Accidents
• Trailer Accidents
• Underride & Override Accidents
• Jackknife Accidents
• Tractor-Trailer Accidents
• Wide Turn Accidents
• Runaway Truck Accidents
• Hazardous Material Spills
• Rollover Accidents
• Blind Spot Accidents
• Tanker Truck Accidents

Trucks that Carry Hazardous Materials

Some tanker trucks are given the job of transporting things like chemicals, fuels, and explosives. Even though special permits are required to do this kind of work, trucks that carry hazardous materials pose unique and substantial dangers to both human health and the environment. These dangers stem from the potential for accidents, leaks, and spills that can result in devastating consequences to both the environment and the individuals harmed during the crash.

Here are some specific hazards related to trucks transporting hazardous materials:

• Chemical Exposure: Hazardous materials can include toxic chemicals, flammable substances, corrosive materials, and radioactive substances. In the event of an accident or a breach in containment, these materials can expose nearby individuals to harmful fumes, burns, or radiation, leading to acute health problems or long-term illnesses. Communities affected by toxic spills due to major trucking accidents may have the right to seek damages for pollution to their water and land.
• Explosions and Fires: Many hazardous materials are highly flammable or combustible. A collision, puncture, or even static electricity can ignite these materials, leading to explosive fires that can be extremely difficult to control, especially when combined with other dangerous cargo.Burn injuries can result in disfigurement and can be among the most painful injuries a person can experience. Victims and their families may be entitled to seek compensation not only for their medical expenses, but also for pain and suffering resulting from these kinds of injuries and accidents.
• Environmental Contamination: Spills of hazardous materials can contaminate soil, water bodies, and the air. This pollution can have long-lasting effects on ecosystems, killing wildlife, damaging vegetation, and disrupting aquatic habitats. Cleanup can be complex, time-consuming, and costly.. Farmers, landowners, homeowners, and communities impacted by environmental contamination stemming from a truck accident may have the right to seek compensation for losses.
• Evacuation and Shelter-in-Place: Accidents involving hazardous materials often require nearby residents to evacuate their homes or shelter in place to avoid exposure. This disrupts daily life, poses risks to vulnerable populations, and places a burden on emergency services.
• Transportation Accidents: Trucks carrying hazardous materials can be involved in accidents due to factors like driver error, equipment failure, adverse weather conditions, or road hazards. These accidents can lead to spills, leaks, or fires that endanger the truck occupants and those nearby.
• Security Concerns: The transportation of hazardous materials also presents security risks. These materials could be targeted by terrorists or criminals seeking to exploit their dangerous properties for nefarious purposes.
• Regulatory Compliance: Trucks transporting hazardous materials must adhere to strict regulations and safety protocols. Non-compliance can lead to fines, penalties, and legal consequences, adding an extra layer of complexity for trucking companies and drivers. If these regulations were not followed closely by a trucker and their employer, this can also be used as evidence of negligence during the course of a lawsuit.

In light of these specific dangers, there are stringent regulations in place to govern the transportation of hazardous materials. These regulations cover everything from proper labeling and packaging to driver training and emergency response procedures. Ensuring strict adherence to these regulations is crucial to mitigating the risks associated with trucks carrying hazardous materials and protecting the safety of both people and the environment.

Truck Accident Compensation

Truck accident attorneys in Dallas at The Law Giant, Personal Injury & Accident Lawyers work diligently to get their clients compensation for their losses following a collision. The costs that a person has to pay are often referred to as damages, which can come in the form of economic, non-economic, and punitive damages. These damages vary depending on the circumstances of the accident and the extent of the injuries or losses incurred. Here’s a breakdown of these types of damages:

Economic Damages

These are tangible, quantifiable losses that have a direct financial impact on the victim. In the context of a truck accident in Dallas, economic damages may include:

• Medical Expenses: Compensation for past and future medical bills, including hospitalization, surgeries, doctor visits, rehabilitation, prescription medications, and medical equipment.
• Lost Income: Reimbursement for the wages or income that the victim has lost due to the accident and related injuries. This may also cover future lost earning capacity if the victim’s ability to work is permanently affected.
• Property Damage: Compensation for the repair or replacement of damaged property, such as the victim’s vehicle or personal belongings.

Non-Economic Damages

These damages are less tangible and are designed to compensate the victim for the physical and emotional pain and suffering caused by the accident. Non-economic damages may include:

• Pain and Suffering: Compensation for physical pain, emotional distress, and psychological trauma resulting from the accident.
• Loss of Enjoyment of Life: Damages for the loss of the ability to participate in activities and enjoy life as the victim did before the accident.
• Loss of Consortium: In cases involving severe injuries or death, the spouse or family members may be eligible for compensation for the loss of companionship, support, and services.
• Punitive Damages: In Texas, punitive damages are awarded in rare cases where the defendant’s conduct is deemed to be especially reckless, grossly negligent, or intentional. These damages are intended to punish the at-fault party and deter similar behavior in the future. However, Texas law places caps on punitive damages, limiting their amount.

It’s essential to note that Texas follows a modified comparative fault system. This means that if the victim is found partially responsible for the accident, their damages may be reduced proportionally. If the victim is found to be more than 50% at fault, they may not be eligible for any compensation.

Navigating the complexities of truck accident claims in Dallas requires legal expertise, as the laws can be intricate. Victims are encouraged to consult with experienced personal injury attorneys to assess their case, determine the available damages, and pursue fair compensation for their losses.

Common Causes of Dallas Truck Accidents

There are many factors that can lead to a truck accident. A Dallas truck accident lawyer at The Law Giant, Personal Injury & Accident Lawyers can investigate your accident, review police reports, and speak to witnesses to determine the cause of your truck accident. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s Large Truck Crash Causation Study identified several reasons and factors leading to serious truck accidents. As the study indicates, “Motor vehicle crashes are complex events… Elements that influence the occurrence of a crash may take place hours, days, or months before a crash.” These factors can include elements like driver training, vehicle manufacturing issues, vehicle design issues, and highway issues.

Three “critical events” resulted in crashes evaluated in the study:

• Lane Departure
• Loss of Control
• Rear-End Collision

The study identified several “critical reasons’ for these critical events. Reasons included:

• Speeding or traveling too fast given road conditions
• Improperly secured cargo
• Vehicle system failure
• Poor road conditions
• Driver error
• Driver distraction

12% of accidents studied were the result of driver impairment, critical illness (like a heart attack), or falling asleep behind the wheel.

25% of accidents studied were the result of driver inattention or distraction.

These are factors that can result in drivers or truck companies being found negligent for an accident. For example, when truck drivers fail to report medical problems or diagnoses or fail to abide by federal hours of service laws, accidents can happen. When truck companies fail to perform regular maintenance or fail to set reasonable expectations that drivers take breaks, accidents can occur.

If you believe truck driver negligence resulted in your crash, reach out to our truck accident lawyers in Dallas, Texas. We are here to help.

How a Dallas Truck Accident Attorney Can Help

If you’ve been in a truck accident, your family’s focus should be on healing. Families face additional challenges, which can include unexpected medical expenses, lost wages if a loved one can no longer work, and added strain if a serious injury results in a loved one’s permanent disability. Truck accident claims can be complicated. Adjusters may require added documentation and even push back on some high-value insurance claims.

Insurance companies may even offer victims and their families what may, on the surface, appear to be an attractive settlement, but families may not realize that their truck accident claim might be worth far more money. Because truck accident claims often involve companies, drivers, and even other service providers, there are far more potentially responsible parties involved. A Dallas truck accident lawyer can help you and your family navigate the complexities of the truck accident claim process while negotiating with insurance companies so that you and your family can focus on what matters—healing and moving forward.

Here are some key ways a Dallas truck accident lawyer can help:

• Estimating the value of your claim. Did you know that you and your family might be entitled to seek compensation not only for medical expenses incurred right after an accident, but for ongoing medical expenses and rehabilitation costs? If you or someone you love was permanently disabled, these costs can add up over the years. A Dallas semi-truck accident lawyer at The Law Giant, Personal Injury & Accident Lawyers can speak to medical experts and others to properly estimate the value of your truck accident claim.
• Negotiating with Insurance Companies. Insurance companies may hire their own lawyers to protect their bottom lines for major claims. Having your own Dallas semi-truck accident attorney on your side can even the playing field and result in a fairer negotiation when it comes to looking at the fine print of an insurance policy and determining what should be covered.
• Identifying all Stakeholders. Truck accident claims can be complicated because multiple stakeholders might be responsible for your injuries. Truck companies, truck drivers, maintenance personnel, even equipment manufacturers may have a role to play in your truck accident and could potentially be found liable. Our truck crash lawyers in Dallas, TX can help identify all negligent parties involved.
• Navigating the Claims Process. The Dallas truck accident attorneys at The Law Giant, Personal Injury & Accident Lawyers stand beside you every step of the way. Many truck accident claims can be settled outside of court, but we are not afraid to fight companies and insurance adjusters in court if needed. When you need serious legal representation for serious injuries, you need The Law Giant, Personal Injury & Accident Lawyers.

These are just some of the ways the Dallas truck accident lawyers at The Law Giant, Personal Injury & Accident Lawyers can help. We only get paid if you win and offer clients a free initial consultation. Contact us today for a no-obligation consultation for an honest assessment of your claim with our Dallas, TX legal team.

What to Do If a Truck Hits You in Dallas

Being involved in a commercial truck accident in Dallas can have severe consequences due to the size and weight of these vehicles. These accidents often result in catastrophic injuries, extensive property damage, and even fatalities. If you find yourself in this unfortunate situation, it is crucial to take immediate action and seek the assistance of a semi truck accident lawyer in Dallas with experience in handling these accident cases.

The truck accident lawyers at The Law Giant, Personal Injury & Accident Lawyers in Dallas understand the complexities involved in these cases. They are familiar with the specific regulations and laws that govern the trucking industry, such as hours of service regulations, maintenance requirements, and driver qualifications. With their expertise, they can thoroughly investigate the accident, gather evidence, and determine liability. They will work tirelessly to hold all responsible parties accountable, including the truck driver, trucking company, and any other parties involved.

Call 469.759.1323 for a FREE consultation with our injury lawyers. The Law Giant, Personal Injury & Accident Lawyers has a proven track record of successfully handling complex truck accident claims in Dallas. Our team of experienced truck accident lawyers has the knowledge and resources necessary to build a strong case on your behalf. We will fight for your rights and pursue maximum compensation for your injuries, medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages resulting from the commercial truck wreck.