Dallas Truck Accident Lawyer | Big Rig Wrecks

Big rig wrecks in Dallas are an unfortunate reality, often causing devastation that extends far beyond vehicle and property damage. These accidents, due to the sheer size and weight of the vehicles, often result in serious injuries or even deaths. To make matters worse, these crashes are often completely avoidable, caused by commercial truck drivers who feel obligated to take unnecessary risks, bend rules, and push limits — all in the pursuit of meeting tight delivery deadlines.

Victims of these catastrophic accidents need a champion in their corner, someone to fight for their rights and ensure that they are justly compensated for their physical, emotional, and financial distress. This is where a dedicated Dallas truck accident lawyerr comes into play.

At Varghese Summersett Injury Law Group, we understand the unique complexities of commercial truck accident cases. We know how different they are from typical car accident claims due to factors such as federal regulations on trucking, complex liability issues, and the substantial insurance policies carried by trucking companies. We work tirelessly to hold everyone accountable who had a role in the cause of the collision and we will not stop until you get the compensation you deserve.

In this article, a Dallas truck accident lawyer explains what you should do if you have been seriously injured or a loved one killed in an 18-wheeler or big rig wreck, the process of recovering compensation, and how our firm can help – without any upfront or out-of-pocket costs to you. In fact, you will never receive a bill for our services. We work on contingency, which means we only get paid after we recover compensation or award for you.

Common Causes of Dallas Truck Wrecks

Truck drivers are required to pass education and safety tests to receive a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL), but that doesn’t always prevent them from engaging in risky behavior on Dallas highways. Truck drivers often work long hours and under pressure to meet delivery deadlines. This pressure can result in reckless, distracted, or fatigued driving. According to our Dallas truck accident lawyer, the most common causes of truck wrecks include:

Driver Fatigue: Long hours on the road can lead to driver fatigue, impairing their alertness and reaction times. Fatigued truck drivers are more prone to accidents.

Distracted Driving: Distractions such as texting, talking on the phone, eating, or adjusting navigation systems can divert a truck driver’s attention from the road, increasing the risk of collisions.

Speeding: Commercial trucks require more time and distance to come to a stop compared to smaller vehicles. When truck drivers exceed speed limits or drive too fast for road conditions, they may lose control and cause accidents.

Impaired Driving: Truck drivers operating under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or certain medications can experience impaired judgment, reduced coordination, and slower reaction times, all of which can contribute to accidents.

Poor Vehicle Maintenance: Neglected maintenance of commercial trucks can lead to equipment failures such as brake malfunctions, tire blowouts, or steering problems, increasing the likelihood of accidents.

Improper Loading or Overloading: When cargo is improperly loaded or overloaded, it can affect the truck’s stability and maneuverability. Shifting cargo can cause the driver to lose control, leading to accidents.

Weather Conditions: Adverse weather conditions such as heavy rain, fog, or ice can make driving conditions hazardous. Truck drivers need to adjust their speed and driving behavior accordingly to prevent accidents.

Lack of Training: Insufficient or inadequate training of commercial truck drivers can result in poor driving techniques, improper handling of the vehicle, or failure to respond appropriately to hazardous situations.

Failure to Observe Traffic Laws: Violating traffic laws, such as running red lights, failing to yield right-of-way, or improper lane changes, can increase the likelihood of accidents involving commercial trucks.

Tailgating: Following other vehicles too closely, known as tailgating, reduces the truck driver’s ability to react to sudden stops or obstacles in the road, leading to rear-end collisions.

These are just a few examples of common causes of commercial truck wrecks in Dallas. Of course, every accident is unique and multiple factors can contribute to a crash.

What to Do After a Commercial Truck Accident in Dallas

If you are involved in a wreck with an 18-wheeler or commercial truck in Dallas, it is important to take certain steps to ensure your safety, protect your rights, and put you in the best position for a possible personal injury claim. Here’s what you should do:

Seek Medical Attention

If you or anyone involved in the accident is injured, prioritize getting medical help. Call 911 immediately. Your health and well-being should be the top priority.

Contact the Authorities

Report the accident to the local police or highway patrol. They will arrive at the scene, assess the situation, and create an official accident report. This report can be crucial for insurance claims and legal proceedings.

Document the Scene

If it is safe to do so, gather information about the accident scene. Take photos or videos of the vehicles involved, the damage caused, skid marks, and any other relevant details. This evidence can be useful for insurance claims or legal purposes.

Exchange Information

Collect important details from the other parties involved in the accident, including the truck driver’s name, contact information, insurance details, and the trucking company’s name. Also, obtain contact details from any witnesses present at the scene.

Preserve Evidence

Preserve all evidence related to the accident, such as medical records, vehicle repair receipts, and any communication with other parties involved. This evidence can support your case if you pursue legal action.

Avoid Making Statements

Be cautious about what you say regarding the accident. Avoid making any admissions of fault or discussing the details of the accident with anyone other than your attorney. Saying the wrong thing could jeopardize your claim.

Follow Medical Advice

Adhere to the treatment plan prescribed by your healthcare providers. Attend all medical appointments, follow their instructions, and keep records of your medical treatment and expenses.

Contact an Experienced Dallas Truck Accident Lawyer

Contact a personal injury attorney who specializes in commercial truck accidents. They can provide legal advice, assess your case, and help protect your rights. An attorney can also negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf. Reach out to Varghese Summersett Injury Law Group for a free consultation to discuss next steps in pursuing a personal injury claim.

Laws and Regulations Commercial Truck Drivers Must Follow

There are numerous state and federal laws and regulations governing the trucking industry. If truck drivers or shipping owners violate these laws and regulations, they can be liable for any resulting accidents and injuries.

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) is responsible for enforcing safety regulations for interstate commercial trucking. Truck drivers can’t drive for more than 11 hours after being on duty for 14 consecutive hours. Federal regulations also dictate how long truck drivers must rest between shifts and how often they must take required breaks.

In Texas, truck drivers are also regulated by the Texas Department of Public Safety, which has state rules for truck driving licensing, maintenance, and operation. Texas truck drivers, for example, must have a CDL, maintain a driving log, and operate a well-maintained and frequently-inspected truck.

When negligent truck drivers and trucking companies fail to adhere to the trucking laws, they should be held accountable. If their negligence results in a wreck, the Dallas truck accident lawyers at Varghese Summersett will make sure any responsible parties are held accountable.

Liability for injuries in a Dallas Commercial Truck Accident

The potential defendants in a commercial truck accident case in Dallas could include the truck driver, the trucking company, the truck owner, the shipping company or cargo loading company, and the truck builder or its parts manufacturer. Our experienced Dallas truck accident lawyer will thoroughly investigate your case to identify all possible defendants in an effort to recover the full and fair compensation you deserve.

We have represented dozens of clients who were seriously injured in large truck accidents or whose family member was killed. We leave no stone unturned in our investigation and will build a case against anyone who played a role in your life-altering wreck.

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Why You Need an Experienced Dallas Truck Accident Lawyer

Truck accidents differ significantly from regular car accidents. Due to the size and weight of trucks, collisions often result in severe damage and injuries. To secure fair compensation, you need a truck accident lawyer in Dallas who knows the law and how to navigate the complex legal landscape surrounding truck accidents. Here’s what our attorneys can do for you:

Investigate the Accident

Our truck accident lawyers will thoroughly investigate the accident, gathering crucial evidence such as police reports, witness statements, truck driver logs, and vehicle maintenance records. This evidence will help build a strong case on your behalf.

Determine Liability

Determining liability in a truck accident can be complicated, as multiple parties may be at fault. Our experienced Dallas truck accident lawyers will identify all potentially liable parties, including the truck driver, trucking company, and manufacturers of defective truck components.

Calculate Damages

We calculate damages by thoroughly assessing various factors such as medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, pain and suffering, emotional distress, and other relevant factors to determine the fair and just compensation that the injured party deserves.

Negotiate with Insurance Companies

Insurance companies often try to minimize their payouts to truck accident victims. Our Dallas truck accident lawyers will negotiate aggressively with insurers, ensuring you receive the compensation you deserve.

File a Lawsuit if Necessary

If a fair settlement cannot be reached through negotiations, our attorneys are prepared to file a lawsuit on your behalf and represent you in court.

Trial

If your case goes to trial, our truck accident lawyer will present a compelling case on your behalf, providing evidence to support your claims for maximum compensation and fight for you. This will involve questioning witnesses, presenting expert testimony, and rebutting the defense’s arguments.

Collect Compensation for You

Once a verdict or settlement is reached, we will help you collect the compensation awarded, ensuring that the responsible parties fulfill their obligations.

Throughout the process, our Dallas truck accident lawyer will be your advocate, fighting for your rights and seeking fair compensation for your injuries and damages. We have extensive experience handling these complex cases. We understand the unique challenges that come with 18-wheeler accident cases, such as federal regulations and the trucking industry’s practices, which can play a crucial role in your case.

Types of Injuries Eligible for Compensation in Dallas Truck Accidents

In Dallas truck accidents, victims who sustain various types of injuries may be eligible for compensation. Some common injuries eligible for compensation include:

Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs): These injuries can result from direct impact to the head or sudden acceleration and deceleration forces during a truck accident. TBIs can range from mild concussions to severe brain damage, leading to long-term or permanent cognitive and physical impairments.

Spinal cord injuries: Damage to the spinal cord can lead to partial or complete paralysis, as well as chronic pain and other complications. Spinal cord injuries may require extensive medical treatment, rehabilitation, and assistive devices.

Fractures and broken bones: Truck accidents can cause fractures in various parts of the body, including limbs, ribs, and the pelvis. These injuries may require surgery, casting, and physical therapy for a full recovery.

Internal injuries: The force of a truck accident can cause damage to internal organs, blood vessels, and the diaphragm. Internal injuries may require emergency surgery and can have long-lasting effects on a victim’s health.

Burn injuries: In cases where a truck accident results in a fire or explosion, victims may suffer severe burns that require extensive medical treatment, including skin grafts and reconstructive surgery.

Lacerations and abrasions: Cuts and scrapes from shattered glass or debris can cause scarring, disfigurement, and potential infection.

Neck and back injuries: Whiplash, herniated discs, and other neck and back injuries can result from the force of a truck accident. These injuries may cause chronic pain and limited mobility, often requiring ongoing treatment and therapy.

Amputations: In severe cases, a truck accident may result in the loss of a limb or the need for surgical amputation due to irreparable damage.

Emotional Distress: The emotional trauma of a truck accident can lead to PTSD, which may require therapy and treatment to manage.

Wrongful Death: If a loved one is fatally injured in a truck accident, surviving family members may be eligible to pursue compensation for funeral expenses, loss of financial support, and loss of companionship.

These are just some examples of the types of injuries that may be eligible for compensation in a Dallas truck accident case. If you have been injured in a truck accident, it’s essential to consult with our experienced truck accident lawyer.

Damages a Dallas Truck Accident Lawyer Can Seek on Your Behalf

A Dallas truck accident lawyer can seek various types of damages on your behalf to compensate for the losses you have suffered due to the accident. These damages can be categorized into economic, non-economic, and, in some cases, punitive damages. Here are some common types of damages your lawyer may pursue:

Economic Damages

Economic damages in Texas refer to the monetary losses – measurable financial impacts – suffered by an individual as a direct result of a negligent accident including:

• Medical expenses: Compensation for past and future medical costs associated with your injuries, including hospital stays, surgeries, medications, physical therapy, and any necessary assistive devices.

• Lost wages: Compensation for any lost income due to missed work because of the injuries sustained in the accident.

• Loss of earning capacity: If your injuries result in long-term or permanent disability, you may be compensated for the reduction in your ability to earn a living.

• Property damage: Reimbursement for repairs or replacement of your vehicle and other personal property damaged in the accident.

Non-Economic Damages

Non-economic damages refer to the intangible losses suffered by an individual that re not easily quantifiable in monetary terms including:

• Pain and suffering: Compensation for the physical pain and discomfort you’ve experienced due to your injuries.

• Emotional distress: Compensation for the psychological and emotional impact of the accident, such as anxiety, depression, or PTSD.

• Loss of consortium: Compensation for the impact of your injuries on your relationship with your spouse, including the loss of companionship, affection, and support.

• Disfigurement and scarring: Compensation for any permanent disfigurement or scarring resulting from your injuries.

Punitive Damages

In cases where the defendant’s conduct was particularly egregious or reckless, the court may award punitive damages to punish the wrongdoer and deter similar behavior in the future.

Affording a Dallas truck accident lawyer

You shouldn’t have to worry about how you’ll pay for a lawyer after a serious accident with an 18-wheeler or other large commercial truck. We work on a contingency basis, which means that you only pay us if we successfully recover compensation for you. We advance expenses, and we only get paid if you get paid.

We also offer a free, no-obligation consultation, so there is absolutely no financial risk to you. This approach allows you to focus on recovery, while we concentrate on fighting for the justice and compensation you deserve. We believe that everyone should have access to legal representation, regardless of their financial situation.

Injured in a Dallas Truck Accident? Contact us today.

If you’ve been injured or a loved one killed in an accident in Dallas with a big rig, 18-wheeler, semi-truck, tractor-trailer, or box truck, you may be entitled to substantial compensation from the truck driver, trucking company, cargo loader, or a negligent third-party. Don’t wait to seek legal representation. Our skilled truck wreck lawyers in Dallas can help you navigate the legal process and secure the compensation you deserve.

Accidents involving commercial trucks can become very complicated, so having an experienced Dallas truck accident lawyer on your side is vitally important. The sooner we can investigate your case and preserve the evidence, the better the outcome. Call us today at 817-207-4878 for a free consultation with an experienced Dallas truck accident lawyer or reach out online.