Dallas, Texas Truck Accident Statistics

Dallas Truck Accidents on the Rise

Despite efforts from the Texas Department of Transportation (TDOT) to improve road safety, truck accidents in Dallas saw a concerning rise in 2023. A surge in commercial truck activity and varying road conditions have increased the number of truck-related incidents.

• In 2023, Dallas experienced a notable uptick in truck accidents, with 3,871 Commercial Motor Vehicle (CMV) crashes reported statewide.
• There were 38 reported fatal truck crashes, which resulted in 43 fatalities from these accidents.
• 118 of the crashes were suspected to have caused serious injury.
• 555 of the crashes were suspected to cause minor injuries.
• 564 of the crashes had possible injuries.
• 2,721 crashes were non-injury crashes.
• 818 of the crashes had unknown injuries.
• Dallas County is among the top ten Texas counties for CMV crashes.

What Causes Truck Accidents in Dallas?

Truck accidents pose significant risks to everyone on Dallas roads, but understanding their causes can help reduce the likelihood of these incidents. Several common factors contribute to truck accidents in Dallas, including:

Distracted Driving

Distracted driving can involve various activities, such as eating, drinking, grooming, reading, using a cell phone, or anything else that diverts the driver’s attention. These distractions can affect truck drivers and motorists, leading to accidents.

Driver Fatigue

Both truck drivers and other motorists can be fatigued due to lack of sleep or long hours behind the wheel. Fatigue can impair judgment, slow reflexes, and even cause drivers to fall asleep while driving. Truck drivers may also face fatigue if they violate Hours of Service regulations, leading to accidents.

Speeding

Exceeding the speed limit or driving too fast for road, weather, or traffic conditions frequently contributes to truck accidents. Speeding makes it more difficult to control a vehicle, and truckers and drivers may struggle to avoid collisions.

Improper Passing

Accidents often happen when motorists or truck drivers try to pass each other unsafely. Failing to overtake a truck or another vehicle properly can lead to severe crashes, especially when large trucks are involved.

Equipment Failure

A truck’s safety depends on its parts functioning correctly. The driver can lose control if a critical component, like a tire or brake fails. Equipment failures can stem from defective parts, poor maintenance, or improper inspections.

Impairment

Driving under the influence of drugs, alcohol, or both is a significant cause of truck accidents. Impaired truck drivers or motorists endanger everyone on the road.

Unqualified Truck Drivers

Operating a semi-truck or other large commercial vehicle requires specific training and a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL). Inexperienced or untrained truck drivers lack the skills to handle such a large vehicle safely, increasing the likelihood of accidents.

Failing to Maintain a Lookout

Drivers must remain vigilant and aware of their surroundings. Both truck drivers and motorists who ignore the road and surrounding traffic are more likely to cause accidents.

Improper Cargo Loading

Trucks must adhere to strict weight and size limits. Overloading or improperly securing cargo can make it harder to control the vehicle and may lead to accidents, including rollovers. In cases involving hazardous materials, there’s also the potential for explosions or fires if an accident occurs.

Types of Dallas Truck Crashes

The nature of truck accidents varies, affecting different road users in distinct ways:

Rear-End Collisions

Many truck accidents involved rear-end collisions, highlighting the dangers of following too closely.

Side-Impact Crashes

Side-impact or T-bone accidents were also prevalent, often resulting from trucks running red lights or failing to yield.

Rollover Accidents

Due to the size and weight of commercial trucks, rollover accidents were a major concern, particularly on sharp turns and unstable road surfaces.

Wide Turn Accidents

Wide turn accidents occur when a truck driver swings left to make a right turn or misjudges the space needed to navigate the turn. Since commercial trucks have an extended turning radius, they can unintentionally trap smaller vehicles between the truck and the curb or collide with nearby vehicles.

Jack Knife Accidents

In a jackknife accident, a truck trailer swings out to the side, forming a 90-degree angle with the cab. This can cause the driver to lose control of the trailer, causing severe injuries and extensive damage.

Underride and Override Truck Accidents

Both override and underride accidents are extremely dangerous; each kind of collision can lead to devastating injuries and even fatalities because of the force and weight of the truck striking the smaller vehicle.

Our Dallas Truck Accident Lawyers Can Help

If you or a loved one has been involved in a truck accident, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries, financial losses, and emotional suffering. Truck accidents often result in catastrophic injuries, and pursuing a claim can be complex due to the involvement of multiple parties, including the truck driver, trucking company, and insurers.

At The Law Giant, we have the skills, resources, and record of success needed to guide you through this challenging time. We are dedicated to helping our clients navigate the complexities of truck accident litigation, and with a 99% success rate and reputation for holding large trucking companies accountable, we have what it takes to pursue the compensation you deserve and win big.

Our Dallas truck accident lawyers can help you by:

• Investigating the accident: We’ll perform a comprehensive investigation to gather critical evidence, including black box data, driver logs, vehicle maintenance records, and accident reports, all of which are essential to building a solid case.
• Establishing liability: Truck accidents often involve multiple liable parties, such as the truck driver, trucking company, or even manufacturers. We work to uncover any negligence, safety violations, or regulatory breaches that led to the accident, ensuring those responsible are held accountable.
• Negotiating with insurance companies: Dealing with large trucking companies and their insurers can be overwhelming, especially when they attempt to minimize payouts. We will handle all negotiations on your behalf, ensuring that you receive full compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and the emotional toll of the accident.
• Calculating damages: We work closely with experts to accurately assess the full extent of your economic and non-economic losses, including future medical care, pain and suffering, and reduced quality of life, to secure the maximum compensation possible.
• Taking your case to court: While many truck accident claims are resolved through settlements, we are fully prepared to take your case to trial if necessary, fighting for your rights and advocating for the justice you deserve.

Let The Law Giant Win Big For You

You don’t have to handle a truck accident alone. The Law Giant Personal Injury & Accident Lawyers are here to help fight for the justice and compensation you deserve.

We offer free consultations and work on a contingency basis, meaning there’s no fee unless we win your case. Contact The Law Giant at 469-936-7762 or contact us online to schedule your free consultation and take the first step toward recovery.