Commercial trucks are a constant presence on Dallas highways, vital for transporting goods across the city and throughout the nation. However, when a massive truck is involved in a collision, the sheer scale and force can lead to catastrophic injuries or tragic fatalities for those in smaller vehicles. If you or a loved one has suffered in a Dallas truck accident, the aftermath can be overwhelming, leaving you to face mounting medical bills, lost income, and profound emotional distress.
At Tracey Fox & Walters, our experienced truck accident attorneys are dedicated to helping victims navigate the personal injury claims process. We are well-versed in truck accident litigation and are here to fight tirelessly for the maximum compensation you deserve, allowing you to focus on recovery.
Common Causes of Truck Accidents in Dallas
While every collision is unique, certain factors frequently contribute to the devastating truck wrecks we see on Dallas roads:
Negligent or Fatigued Truck Drivers
Many truck crashes result from driver negligence or fatigue. Truck drivers often face tight schedules and long hours, increasing the risks of distracted driving, drowsiness, speeding, or impaired operation. Fatigued drivers may react slowly or fail to follow safety protocols, causing serious collisions.
Overloaded or Improperly Secured Cargo
Improperly loaded or overloaded cargo affects truck stability and braking, leading to jackknife or rollover accidents. When cargo shifts or falls onto the road, it endangers nearby vehicles and can cause catastrophic crashes.
Trucking Company Negligence and Maintenance Failures
Trucking companies hold responsibility for proper vehicle maintenance and driver training. Failure to inspect brakes, tires, or mechanical systems regularly can lead to dangerous equipment failures on the road. Companies ignoring hours-of-service regulations also face liability for accidents caused by driver exhaustion.
What to Do After a Truck Wreck in Dallas
- Seek Medical Attention Immediately: Your health is the priority. Even if injuries seem minor, some symptoms may worsen later. Prompt medical evaluation ensures your safety and establishes documentation for your injury claim.
- Report the Crash and Preserve Evidence: Call 911 and notify police to create an official accident report. Take photos of the scene, vehicle damage, skid marks, and gather contact information from witnesses. Collecting detailed evidence early preserves your case’s strength.
- Avoid Speaking to the Trucking Company’s Insurance: Insurance adjusters often try to minimize payouts by obtaining statements that can weaken your claim.
- Contact Tracey Fox & Walters: Consult a qualified truck accident lawyer before engaging with the trucking company’s insurer to protect your rights.
Who Can Be Held Liable in a Trucking Accident?
Truck Drivers, Employers, and Commercial Carriers
Truck drivers who act negligently or recklessly carry responsibility. However, trucking companies are also liable under employer rules if they fail to maintain vehicles, uphold safety regulations, or properly train drivers.
Parts Manufacturers and Third-Party Cargo Loaders
Defective truck parts, such as brakes or tires, can cause crashes. Manufacturers or maintenance providers may be held accountable if these defects contributed to the accident. Similarly, cargo loading companies can face liability for improperly secured loads.
Injuries Commonly Sustained in Truck Accidents
Truck crashes often cause severe trauma due to the vehicle’s size and weight. Common injuries include:
- Broken bones, fractures, and sprains
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
- Spinal cord damage and paralysis
- Internal organ injuries
- Amputations
- Severe lacerations and burns
- Neck and back injuries
- Scarring and disfigurement
If you've been hurt in a truck accident in Dallas, our attorneys can help you seek financial compensation for your injuries. We've helped thousands of clients through negotiated settlements and jury verdicts.
How a Dallas Truck Accident Attorney Can Help
Truck accident lawyers bring essential experience and resources to handle complex claims involving commercial trucks. Experienced truck accident attorneys conduct thorough investigations, gather critical evidence such as black-box data, maintenance records, and witness statements, and build a compelling case.
At Tracey Fox & Walters, our personal injury attorneys will negotiate assertively with insurance companies to secure fair settlements and are prepared to litigate if necessary. Having knowledgeable attorneys by your side helps protect your legal rights and maximizes your chance for just compensation.
Understanding Truck Accident Claims and Compensation
Truck accident claims seek damages for economic and non-economic losses, including medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, emotional distress, and property damage. Insurance companies often pressure accident victims to accept low settlements quickly. Your claim requires careful examination by attorneys familiar with trucking industry standards and federal regulations governing commercial carriers.
Dealing with the Trucking Company’s Insurance Provider
Insurance adjusters prioritize minimizing payouts. They may use tactics to downplay the severity of the accident or blame victims. Skilled legal counsel communicates directly with insurers, reframes the claim appropriately, and prevents victims from being taken advantage of under settlement pressure.
How Truck Accidents Differ from Car Accidents
Commercial truck accidents differ markedly from typical car crashes due to:
- The massive weight and size of trucks causing more devastating impacts
- Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations affecting driver and company liability
- Higher insurance policy limits and multiple liable parties
- Greater evidentiary complexity including electronic logging devices and cargo manifests
- Specialized legal and technical challenges requiring truck accident attorney expertise
Frequently Asked Questions About Truck Accidents in Dallas
What is the statute of limitations for filing a truck accident claim in Texas?
You generally have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit in Texas. Missing this deadline may forfeit your right to compensation.
How much does a truck accident attorney cost?
Most truck accident attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay no upfront fees and the lawyer only collects a percentage of your settlement or verdict if successful.
How long does a Dallas truck accident claim take to resolve?
Most truck accident cases in Dallas resolve within 6–18 months, depending on the complexity of the accident, the severity of your injuries, the number of liable parties, and whether the insurance company is willing to settle. Some complex claims can take longer, particularly if they go to trial.
What if I was partially at fault for the truck accident?
Texas uses a modified comparative negligence rule. This means you can still recover damages if you were less than 51% at fault, but your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault. If you are found 51% or more at fault, you cannot recover damages.
How does insurance work in truck accident cases?
Truck accidents involve both personal and commercial insurance policies. Commercial trucks must carry significantly higher liability insurance than passenger vehicles because of the potential for severe injury and damage. Multiple insurance policies—covering the truck driver, trucking company, and sometimes third parties—may apply. Navigating this process typically requires professional legal assistance to ensure you’re adequately compensated.
Talk to a Trusted Dallas Truck Accident Attorney Today
If you or a loved one have been injured in a truck accident, don’t wait to protect your legal rights. Contact Tracey Fox & Walters’ dedicated Dallas truck accident lawyers for a free consultation. We will review your case, explain your options, and help you pursue the full compensation you deserve. Call now at (713) 495-2333 or reach out online to get started.
