In Dallas, a commercial vehicle is any motor vehicle owned or operated by a business for transporting goods, passengers, or materials, often weighing 80,000 pounds or more. These include everything from massive tractor-trailers to delivery vans and buses. When an accident involves one of these vehicles, the situation often involves multiple insurance policies, corporate legal departments, and government regulations, creating a complicated environment that requires deep legal know-how and strategic action.
The personal injury attorneys at Tracey Fox & Walters offer experienced, focused representation to protect your rights after a commercial vehicle accident. We have a strong understanding of the tactics used by large corporations and insurers and will work to get you the financial compensation you deserve.
Common Types of Commercial Vehicles Involved in Crashes
Typical commercial vehicles in Dallas encompass:
- Semi-trucks and 18-wheelers
- Box trucks and delivery vans
- Garbage and dump trucks
- Buses and passenger vans
- Flatbed and tow trucks
How Commercial Vehicle Accidents Differ From Typical Car Wrecks
When a commercial truck or business vehicle is part of a crash, liability often goes beyond just the driver. Trucking companies, cargo loaders, maintenance crews, and even vehicle manufacturers can all share responsibility. This means instead of dealing with one driver and one insurance policy, you may face multiple responsible parties and complicated legal issues.
Unique Liability and Insurance Challenges in These Cases
Commercial drivers usually carry much larger insurance policies than regular motorists—often multi-million dollar plans with layers of coverage limits and exclusions. Figuring out which insurance applies and who is truly responsible takes thorough investigation. Commercial trucking companies and their insurers often try to avoid admitting liability or try to reduce payouts by shifting blame.
Common Causes of Commercial Vehicle Accidents in Dallas
Commercial vehicle accidents in Dallas often result from a mix of driver behavior, vehicle conditions, and environmental factors. These crashes usually happen when necessary safety precautions aren't followed or when mechanical issues go unnoticed, This essentially turns what should be a routine trip into a catastrophic accident. Because commercial vehicles are large and carry heavy loads, even minor mistakes can cause serious consequences on busy Dallas roads.
Frequent causes of commercial vehicle accidents include:
- Distracted Driving: Handling phones, GPS devices, or other in-cab distractions diverts attention from the road.
- Driver Fatigue: Long hours and tight deadlines push drivers beyond safe limits, impairing reaction times and judgment.
- Speeding and Aggressive Driving: Excessive speed and risky maneuvers, like unsafe lane changes, increase collision risks.
- Blind Spot Collisions: Large trucks have extensive blind spots, leading to crashes when drivers fail to check properly before changing lanes.
- Mechanical Failures: Brake problems, tire blowouts, and steering defects caused by wear or poor maintenance can trigger accidents.
- Improper Loading or Overloading: Cargo that isn’t secured or exceeds weight limits affects vehicle control and stability.
- Adverse Weather and Poor Road Conditions: Rain, fog, potholes, and confusing signage can unsettle even experienced drivers.
Who Can Be Held Liable in a Commercial Vehicle Crash?
Figuring out liability in a commercial vehicle accident involves carefully examining all potential parties who may have contributed to the crash. Liability does not rest solely on the driver; it often includes multiple parties connected to the vehicle’s operation, maintenance, and cargo.
Potential parties who may be held liable include:
- The commercial vehicle driver for negligence like speeding, distracted driving, or violating traffic laws
- The trucking or transportation company if the driver was performing job duties during the accident, or if the company was negligent in hiring, training, or supervising the driver.
- Cargo loaders may be responsible for the improper or unsafe loading of freight
- Vehicle manufacturers, if a defect or malfunction contributed to the crash
- Maintenance or repair providers if inadequate upkeep or faulty repairs caused mechanical failure
Working with experienced personal injury lawyers can ensure all liable parties are considered and those found at fault are held responsible.
What to Do After a Commercial Vehicle Accident in Dallas
After a commercial vehicle accident in Dallas, the immediate aftermath can feel disorienting, but taking clear actions helps protect your health, your rights, and the basis of your legal claim.
Here are key steps to take after a commercial vehicle accident in Dallas:
- Call 911 and request emergency services immediately
- Check for injuries and get medical help for all parties involved
- Stay at the accident scene until authorities arrive
- Exchange names, insurance details, and contact information with other drivers
- Take detailed photos and videos of the crash scene, vehicles, and injuries
- Collect contact information of any witnesses present
- Keep all medical records, repair estimates, and related documents
- Avoid discussing fault or specifics about the accident with others at the scene
- Notify your own insurance company but do not make any detailed claims until consulting an attorney
How a Commercial Vehicle Accident Lawyer Can Help Victims in Dallas, Texas
A commercial vehicle accident lawyer plays an important role in managing your personal injury claim after a collision involving a business-operated vehicle. At Tracey Fox & Walters, our lawyers handle everything from investigating the accident to identifying responsible parties, including drivers, companies, cargo loaders, and manufacturers. Our guidance helps you to understand the complicated insurance policies and federal regulations surrounding an accident with a commercial vehicle.
Why Choose Tracey Fox & Walters to Represent You?
If you’ve been injured in a commercial vehicle accident in Dallas, turn to Tracey Fox & Walters. Our attorneys bring unparalleled strategies to your personal injury claim. We are prepared to take on the powerful insurance companies and their corporate defenses. Our commitment is to obtain the full compensation you deserve while easing the burden of legal paperwork and negotiations. Reach out to Tracey Fox & Walters today for a free consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions About Commercial Vehicle Accidents
What’s the average settlement for a commercial vehicle accident?
Settlement amounts for commercial vehicle accidents in Texas vary widely depending on factors like injury severity, medical costs, lost wages, and the complexity of the case. Commercial vehicle accident settlements tend to be higher due to larger insurance policies and more severe injuries. For truck accidents specifically, settlements can range from around $40,000 for minor injuries to several million dollars in catastrophic cases, with some notable settlements exceeding $1 million.
Can I sue both the driver and the company?
Yes. Liability in a commercial vehicle accident often extends beyond the driver to include the trucking or transportation company, cargo loaders, maintenance providers, and sometimes vehicle manufacturers. Companies can be held responsible if the driver was acting within the scope of employment. This means you can pursue claims against multiple parties to maximize compensation.
How long do I have to file a claim in Texas?
In Texas, the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury claim, including those resulting from commercial vehicle accidents, is generally two years from the date of the accident. Missing this deadline typically bars your right to sue, making it critical to consult an attorney as soon as possible to protect your claim.
Do commercial vehicle companies carry higher insurance coverage?
Yes, commercial trucking companies must maintain insurance with minimum coverage ranging from $300,000 to $5 million per truck, depending on the cargo and vehicle type. This often means higher insurance limits are available, which can increase the potential settlement or judgment.
How long does it take to resolve a commercial vehicle accident case?
The timeframe varies based on the complexity of the accident, number of parties involved, severity of injuries, and whether a settlement is reached or the case goes to trial. Some claims resolve in a few months, while others may take a year or more, especially if litigation is necessary.
Will I have to go to court?
Many commercial vehicle accident claims are settled out of court through negotiations with insurance companies and the responsible parties. However, if a fair settlement cannot be reached, your case may proceed to trial. Your lawyer will prepare you for each possible outcome.
What if the at-fault driver was on the job but in a personal vehicle?
If the driver was performing work duties, even in a personal vehicle, the employer may still bear responsibility under certain legal doctrines. Your attorney can evaluate the specific details to identify all potential sources for compensation.
Can I still recover damages if I was partially at fault?
Yes, Texas follows a comparative fault system. As long as you are not more than 50% responsible for the accident, you can still recover damages, though your compensation will be reduced according to your percentage of fault.
