Dallas Truck Accident Lawyer | Big Rig Wrecks
A Dallas truck accident lawyer at Varghese Summersett helps victims of 18-wheeler and commercial truck wrecks recover compensation for serious injuries, lost wages, and wrongful death. Our personal injury attorneys handle cases on contingency, meaning you pay nothing unless we win.
Big rig wrecks in Dallas cause devastating injuries that go far beyond typical car accidents. The sheer size and weight of commercial trucks (often 80,000 pounds fully loaded) means collisions frequently result in catastrophic harm or death. Worse, many of these crashes are completely avoidable. Truck drivers often take unnecessary risks, bend federal safety rules, and push through fatigue to meet tight delivery deadlines.
At Varghese Summersett Injury Law Group, we understand the unique complexities of commercial truck accident cases. These claims differ significantly from standard car wrecks due to Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations, complex liability involving multiple parties, and the substantial insurance policies trucking companies carry. We work to hold every responsible party accountable and fight until you receive the compensation you deserve.
Below, our Dallas truck accident lawyers explain what to do after an 18-wheeler wreck, the compensation recovery process, and how our firm can help without any upfront costs.
What Causes Commercial Truck Wrecks in Dallas?
Truck drivers must pass education and safety tests to receive a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) from the Texas Department of Public Safety. But licensing alone doesn’t prevent dangerous behavior on Dallas highways. Long hours, pressure to meet delivery deadlines, and inadequate oversight lead to reckless, distracted, or fatigued driving. The most common causes of truck wrecks include:
Driver Fatigue: Federal regulations under 49 CFR § 395.3 limit truck drivers to 11 hours of driving after 10 consecutive hours off duty. Yet many drivers push past these limits. Fatigue impairs alertness and reaction times, making accidents far more likely.
Distracted Driving: Texting, phone calls, eating, or adjusting navigation systems divert attention from the road. Under Texas Transportation Code § 545.4251, commercial drivers face enhanced penalties for texting while driving.
Speeding: Commercial trucks require significantly more time and distance to stop than passenger vehicles. When truck drivers exceed speed limits or drive too fast for conditions, they lose control and cause accidents.
Impaired Driving: Drivers operating under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or certain medications experience impaired judgment and slower reaction times. Commercial drivers face stricter blood alcohol limits (0.04% versus 0.08% for regular drivers) under 49 CFR § 382.201.
Poor Vehicle Maintenance: Neglected maintenance causes brake failures, tire blowouts, and steering problems. Under 49 CFR Part 396, motor carriers must systematically inspect, repair, and maintain all commercial vehicles.
Improper Loading or Overloading: Cargo that’s improperly loaded or exceeds weight limits affects stability and handling. Shifting cargo can cause drivers to lose control. Federal weight limits under 23 CFR § 658.17 cap trucks at 80,000 pounds gross vehicle weight.
Adverse Weather: Heavy rain, fog, and ice create hazardous conditions. Professional drivers must adjust speed and behavior accordingly. Failure to do so constitutes negligence.
Inadequate Training: Insufficient training leads to poor driving techniques, improper vehicle handling, and failure to respond appropriately to hazardous situations.
Traffic Violations: Running red lights, failing to yield, and improper lane changes increase collision risk significantly.
Tailgating: Following too closely reduces reaction time. When a truck follows a vehicle too closely, rear-end collisions become nearly inevitable during sudden stops.
Every accident is unique. Multiple factors often combine to cause a single crash, which is why thorough investigation matters.
What Should You Do After a Truck Accident in Dallas?
If you’re involved in a wreck with an 18-wheeler or commercial truck in Dallas, taking the right steps protects your health, your rights, and your ability to recover compensation.
Get Medical Attention Immediately
Your health comes first. Call 911 if anyone is injured. Some injuries (like internal bleeding or traumatic brain injuries) may not show symptoms immediately. Get checked by medical professionals even if you feel fine.
Report the Accident to Authorities
Contact local police or highway patrol. Under Texas Transportation Code § 550.026, you must report accidents involving injury, death, or property damage exceeding $1,000. The official accident report becomes evidence for insurance claims and legal proceedings.
Document Everything at the Scene
If safe to do so, photograph the vehicles, damage, skid marks, road conditions, traffic signals, and any visible injuries. Video can be even more valuable. This evidence supports your case later.
Exchange Information
Collect the truck driver’s name, contact information, CDL number, insurance details, and the trucking company’s name and DOT number. Get contact information from any witnesses.
Preserve All Evidence
Keep all medical records, vehicle repair receipts, and communications related to the accident. Do not dispose of damaged property or sign any documents from insurance companies without consulting an attorney.
Avoid Making Statements
Be careful about what you say. Do not admit fault or discuss details with anyone except your attorney. Saying the wrong thing to an insurance adjuster can damage your claim.
Follow Your Doctor’s Orders
Attend all medical appointments and follow prescribed treatment plans. Gaps in treatment give insurance companies ammunition to argue your injuries aren’t serious.
Contact an Experienced Dallas Truck Accident Lawyer
Contact Varghese Summersett Injury Law Group for a free consultation. Commercial truck cases involve complex regulations and aggressive insurance defense. You need attorneys who know how to investigate these wrecks and fight back.
What Laws Govern Commercial Truck Drivers in Texas?
Commercial trucking is heavily regulated at both federal and state levels. When truck drivers or trucking companies violate these rules, they can be held liable for resulting accidents.
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) enforces safety regulations for interstate commercial trucking. Key federal rules include:
Hours of Service (49 CFR § 395): Drivers cannot drive more than 11 hours after 10 consecutive hours off duty. They cannot drive beyond the 14th hour after coming on duty. After 8 hours of driving, they must take a 30-minute break. These rules exist because fatigued driving kills.
Drug and Alcohol Testing (49 CFR Part 382): Commercial drivers must submit to pre-employment, random, post-accident, and reasonable suspicion testing. The blood alcohol limit for CDL holders is 0.04%, half the limit for regular drivers.
Vehicle Maintenance (49 CFR Part 396): Motor carriers must systematically inspect, repair, and maintain all vehicles. Drivers must complete pre-trip and post-trip inspections and document defects.
The Texas Department of Public Safety adds state-level requirements. Texas truck drivers must maintain a valid CDL, keep accurate driving logs, and operate properly inspected vehicles.
When negligent truckers and trucking companies fail to follow these regulations, they should be held accountable. Our Dallas truck accident lawyers make sure they are.
Who Can Be Held Liable in a Dallas Truck Accident?
Unlike typical car accidents, commercial truck crashes often involve multiple liable parties. Potential defendants include:
The Truck Driver: For negligent driving, hours-of-service violations, distracted driving, or impairment.
The Trucking Company: Under the legal doctrine of respondeat superior, employers are liable for employees’ negligent acts within the scope of employment. Companies may also face direct liability for negligent hiring, inadequate training, or pressuring drivers to violate safety rules.
The Truck Owner: If different from the trucking company, the vehicle owner may be liable for maintenance failures.
Cargo Loading Companies: Improperly loaded or secured cargo that contributes to an accident creates liability for the party responsible for loading.
Vehicle and Parts Manufacturers: Defective brakes, tires, or other components can cause accidents. Product liability claims may apply.
Maintenance Contractors: Third parties who performed negligent repairs or inspections can be held accountable.
Our experienced Dallas truck accident lawyers thoroughly investigate every case to identify all responsible parties. We’ve represented dozens of clients seriously injured in large truck accidents and families who lost loved ones. We leave no stone unturned.
Why Hire a Dallas Truck Accident Lawyer?
Truck accident cases differ significantly from regular car accidents. The stakes are higher, the injuries more severe, and the defendants more sophisticated. Trucking companies and their insurers deploy teams of investigators and lawyers immediately after crashes. You need advocates who can match that firepower. Here’s what our attorneys do:
Investigate the Accident Thoroughly
We gather police reports, witness statements, truck driver logs, electronic logging device (ELD) data, vehicle maintenance records, black box data, and any available video footage. We act quickly because trucking companies are required to preserve this evidence for only limited periods.
Identify All Liable Parties
We determine everyone who bears responsibility, including the driver, trucking company, cargo loaders, and manufacturers of defective components.
Calculate Your Full Damages
We assess medical expenses, lost wages, future earning capacity, property damage, pain and suffering, emotional distress, and other losses to determine fair compensation.
Negotiate Aggressively with Insurers
Insurance companies try to minimize payouts. We push back hard, armed with evidence and legal expertise, to ensure you receive what you’re owed.
File a Lawsuit if Necessary
If negotiations don’t produce a fair settlement, we’re prepared to file suit and take your case to trial.
Try Your Case
Should your case go to trial, we present compelling evidence, question witnesses, introduce expert testimony, and argue forcefully for maximum compensation.
Collect Your Compensation
After a verdict or settlement, we ensure responsible parties pay what they owe.
Throughout this process, our Dallas truck accident lawyers serve as your advocates. With our combined decades of experience and board-certified attorneys, we understand challenges unique to 18-wheeler cases, including FMCSA regulations and trucking industry practices.
What Injuries Qualify for Compensation?
Commercial truck accidents cause severe injuries due to the massive force involved. Common injuries that may entitle you to compensation include:
Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs): Direct head impact or violent acceleration/deceleration can cause concussions to severe brain damage. TBIs often result in permanent cognitive and physical impairments.
Spinal Cord Injuries: Damage to the spinal cord can cause partial or complete paralysis, chronic pain, and lifelong complications requiring extensive medical care and assistive devices.
Fractures and Broken Bones: The force of truck collisions breaks limbs, ribs, pelvises, and other bones. Many fractures require surgery and extensive physical therapy.
Internal Injuries: Damage to organs, blood vessels, and internal structures may require emergency surgery and cause lasting health problems.
Burn Injuries: Fires and explosions following truck accidents cause severe burns requiring skin grafts, reconstructive surgery, and long-term treatment.
Lacerations and Scarring: Cuts from shattered glass and debris cause permanent scarring and disfigurement.
Neck and Back Injuries: Whiplash, herniated discs, and other spinal injuries cause chronic pain and limited mobility, often requiring ongoing treatment.
Amputations: Severe crashes may result in limb loss or require surgical amputation due to irreparable damage.
Emotional Distress: Truck accident trauma can cause PTSD, anxiety, depression, and other psychological conditions requiring therapy.
Wrongful Death: When truck accidents kill, surviving family members may recover compensation for funeral expenses, lost financial support, and loss of companionship.
What Damages Can You Recover?
A Dallas truck accident lawyer can pursue several categories of damages to compensate for your losses.
Economic Damages
Economic damages cover measurable financial losses under Texas law:
Medical Expenses: Past and future costs for hospital stays, surgeries, medications, physical therapy, rehabilitation, and assistive devices.
Lost Wages: Income lost due to missed work while recovering from injuries.
Loss of Earning Capacity: Compensation for reduced ability to earn a living if injuries cause long-term or permanent disability.
Property Damage: Repair or replacement costs for your vehicle and other damaged property.
Non-Economic Damages
Non-economic damages compensate intangible losses that aren’t easily quantified:
Pain and Suffering: Physical pain and discomfort from your injuries.
Emotional Distress: Psychological impact including anxiety, depression, and PTSD.
Loss of Consortium: Impact on your relationship with your spouse, including lost companionship, affection, and support.
Disfigurement and Scarring: Permanent physical changes from your injuries.
Punitive Damages
Under Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code § 41.003, courts may award punitive damages when a defendant’s conduct was particularly egregious, fraudulent, or malicious. These damages punish wrongdoers and deter similar behavior.
How Much Does a Dallas Truck Accident Lawyer Cost?
You shouldn’t worry about legal fees after a serious truck accident. We work on a contingency basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you. Our fee is a percentage of your settlement or verdict. We advance all case expenses. You never receive a bill regardless of outcome.
We also offer free initial consultations. There’s no financial risk in contacting us to discuss your case.
Injured in a Dallas Truck Accident? Contact Us Today.
If you or a loved one was injured or killed in an accident with a big rig, 18-wheeler, semi-truck, tractor-trailer, or commercial vehicle in Dallas, you may be entitled to substantial compensation. The truck driver, trucking company, cargo loader, or other negligent parties should be held accountable.
Don’t wait. Evidence disappears. Witnesses forget. Federal regulations require trucking companies to preserve electronic logs for only six months and other records for varying periods. The sooner we investigate, the stronger your case.
Our Dallas truck accident lawyers have the experience, resources, and determination to fight for the compensation you deserve. Call us today at 817-207-4878 for a free consultation or contact us online.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dallas Truck Accident Claims
What is the statute of limitations for truck accident cases in Texas?
Under Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code § 16.003, you have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. Miss this deadline and you lose your right to compensation, no matter how serious your injuries.
How much does a truck accident lawyer cost in Dallas?
Most truck accident attorneys work on contingency, collecting a percentage of your recovery only if you win. At Varghese Summersett, you pay nothing upfront and owe nothing if we don’t recover compensation for you.
Can I still recover damages if I was partially at fault?
Yes. Texas follows a modified comparative negligence rule under Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code § 33.001. You can recover damages as long as you’re less than 51% at fault. Your compensation is reduced by your percentage of responsibility.
What if the trucking company denies liability?
Trucking companies routinely deny responsibility. Our lawyers thoroughly investigate every case, gathering evidence including driver logs, ELD data, maintenance records, and black box information to prove liability.
How long does a truck accident case take to resolve?
Timeline varies based on case complexity, injury severity, and whether parties are willing to negotiate. Some cases settle in months; others require litigation and take longer. Our attorneys work efficiently while protecting your right to full compensation.
Do I have to go to court for my truck accident case?
Most cases settle through negotiation without trial. However, if insurers refuse fair settlements, our trial-tested attorneys are prepared to argue your case before a jury.
How much compensation can I get for a truck accident?
Compensation depends on your specific circumstances, including injury severity, medical costs, lost income, and impact on your quality of life. Commercial truck policies often carry $1 million or more in coverage, meaning significant compensation may be available for serious injuries.
Can I sue the trucking company, not just the driver?
Yes. Under respondeat superior doctrine, employers are generally liable for employees’ negligence during work. Trucking companies may also face direct liability for negligent hiring, inadequate supervision, or pressure to violate safety rules.
What if the truck driver fled the scene?
In hit-and-run cases, you may recover compensation through your own insurance policy’s uninsured motorist coverage. Our attorneys help you navigate this process and identify other potential sources of recovery.