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Dallas Truck Accident Lawyer

Personal Injury lawyer

The number of truck accidents in Dallas has increased over the last several years. Crashes involving trucks often cause serious injuries or fatalities because of negligent truck drivers.

If you or a loved one experienced an injury or fatality because of an at-fault truck driver, you do not have to fight for compensation alone. At Ward + White, our Dallas truck accident lawyers are ready to help you through the legal process so that you can seek compensation for your injuries or the death of a loved one. 

Let Our Dallas Truck Accident Lawyers Give the Honest and Effective Representation You Deserve

Getting in touch with a reputable, honest, effective, and experienced truck accident attorney is crucial after you are involved in an accident with a commercial truck, 18-wheeler, or another large vehicle. With so many law firms advertising their services, how do you know the right one to choose to get the compensation you deserve?

Our attorneys at Ward + White take representing truck accident victims seriously, and we work to get the best outcome for the truck accident settlement. Our Dallas-based law firm puts clients first and provides personalized attention to every case. We know that all truck accidents are not the same, and we focus on the specific details of each case.

Let our experienced attorneys at Ward + White provide you with the professional and personalized “client-first” services you deserve when working with an attorney after your Dallas truck accident.

Truck Accident Statistics in Dallas

The Texas Department of Transportation indicates 106 fatal crashes, with 118 fatalities on Dallas County interstate in 2021. The statistics indicate that 82 of those fatalities occurred on the highways in the area.

There were 16 fatal crashes with trucks in Dallas that same year. Statistics from the Texas Department of Transportation reveal 40 fatalities associated with crashes in the Dallas area involving commercial vehicles. The agency indicates 105 suspected severe commercial vehicle accidents with 126 suspected serious injuries. Trucks were responsible for 43 of those serious injury truck accident cases.

Minor injury crashes accounted for 163 accidents with trucks in Dallas in 2021, which caused some common truck accident injuries.

Common Causes of Truck Accidents in Dallas

Unsafe lane change. Making a dangerous lane change caused nearly 36% of all truck crashes in Dallas in 2021. 

Speeding. This accounted for over 20% of the trucking accidents on Dallas and interstate roads.

Failing to drive in a single lane. Failing to drive in a single lane caused more than 16% of Dallas truck accident cases. 

Tailgating. This is scary when you look in your rear-view mirror and see a large truck tailgating your vehicle. Large trucks with truck drivers engaged in tailgating were responsible for nearly 8% of the 2021 Dallas truck accidents. 

Taking faulty evasive action. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) lists taking faulty evasive action as “when drivers fail to execute a proper evasive maneuver by not using sufficient steering inputs, not braking appropriately, or a combination of insufficient steering and braking inputs.” Truck drivers caused more than 7% of large truck crashes by faulty evasive action maneuvers.

Negligent Actions Which Contribute to Truck Accidents

Many trucking companies and truck drivers exhibit negligent behavior and actions that cause commercial motor vehicles to crash into passenger vehicles. A driver in a passenger vehicle and the passenger vehicle occupants are little matches for a tractor-trailer or semi-truck.

Ward + White understands the catastrophic injuries often caused by a truck accident, including when the driver commits negligence while driving on interstates and highways. The experienced truck accident lawyers are here for you when a large truck driver causes your accident.

Some negligent acts committed by truck drivers include:

Reckless driving.

The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) performed a study and found that reckless driving was a negligent action that truck drivers engage in that can result in crashes that cause injuries and fatalities. Some causes of reckless driving include having a tight schedule that leads the driver to commit acts such as speeding and violating the driver-hour regulations.

Reckless driving.

The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) performed a study and found that reckless driving was a negligent action that truck drivers engage in that can result in crashes that cause injuries and fatalities. Some causes of reckless driving include having a tight schedule that leads the driver to commit acts such as speeding and violating the driver-hour regulations.

Driving while intoxicated.

 Truck drivers are not allowed to have alcohol in their truck’s cab or drink within four hours of driving commercial motor vehicles. Yet, driving while intoxicated is a negligent action that some drivers engage in while on the job. The trucking industry and some individual trucking companies hire drivers even if they have a prior driving while intoxicated charge or conviction

Driving while intoxicated.

 Truck drivers are not allowed to have alcohol in their truck’s cab or drink within four hours of driving commercial motor vehicles. Yet, driving while intoxicated is a negligent action that some drivers engage in while on the job. The trucking industry and some individual trucking companies hire drivers even if they have a prior driving while intoxicated charge or conviction

Distracted driving.

The FMCSA lists several studies that confirm the high rate of distracted driving incidents among truckers. One study found that driver inattention was the leading factor in truck crashes and near-crashes.

Distracted driving.

The FMCSA lists several studies that confirm the high rate of distracted driving incidents among truckers. One study found that driver inattention was the leading factor in truck crashes and near-crashes.

Truck driver fatigue.

 Truck driver fatigue is a leading factor in a truck wreck, including a wreck that causes devastating injuries and large medical expenses for the party who is not at fault. Trucking companies often allow drivers to violate work-hour regulations. The NIOSH study reveals that 24% of truck drivers admitted that they often continued driving, even when fatigue and other conditions were a factor. Inadequate training of truck drivers.

Truck driver fatigue.

 Truck driver fatigue is a leading factor in a truck wreck, including a wreck that causes devastating injuries and large medical expenses for the party who is not at fault. Trucking companies often allow drivers to violate work-hour regulations. The NIOSH study reveals that 24% of truck drivers admitted that they often continued driving, even when fatigue and other conditions were a factor. Inadequate training of truck drivers.

Inadequate training of truck drivers.

Inadequate training should not be a factor in crashes that involve large commercial vehicles. Yet, as the Dallas truck accident attorneys at Ward + White know, the inadequate training of drivers causes many trucking accidents that often lead to victims filing a truck accident claim for fair and just compensation.

Inadequate training of truck drivers.

Inadequate training should not be a factor in crashes that involve large commercial vehicles. Yet, as the Dallas truck accident attorneys at Ward + White know, the inadequate training of drivers causes many trucking accidents that often lead to victims filing a truck accident claim for fair and just compensation.

Dangerous road conditions.

These conditions cause many crashes, including truck crashes. Trucks have longer stopping distances, putting other drivers on Dallas interstates and highways at risk of becoming victims of large truck accidents. Snow, ice, strong winds, pouring rain, and fog are examples of dangerous road conditions that can lead to crashes with trucks and truck accident case because of severe injuries or fatalities.

Dangerous road conditions.

These conditions cause many crashes, including truck crashes. Trucks have longer stopping distances, putting other drivers on Dallas interstates and highways at risk of becoming victims of large truck accidents. Snow, ice, strong winds, pouring rain, and fog are examples of dangerous road conditions that can lead to crashes with trucks and truck accident case because of severe injuries or fatalities.

Common Injuries Sustained in Dallas Truck Accidents

Accidents that occur with large trucks result in serious injuries and deaths. Do not assume that because you do not see severe injuries, you do not have them. There are many severe, even life-threatening, injuries you cannot see. You may not immediately feel the pain of devastating injuries because of the stress and shock at the accident scene. Always go to the hospital or your doctor as soon as possible after the accident.

Whiplash

This form of neck injury is caused by a sudden head jerk, often due to a car crash impact. Symptoms can include neck pain, stiffness, headaches, and fatigue.

Broken bones

A broken bone can occur in any part of the body and is usually the result of a direct impact on another object. Common fractures suffered in car accidents include breaks to the arm, leg, and ribs.

Soft tissue injuries:

These are injuries to the body’s muscles, tendons, and ligaments. They are often caused by the sudden force of impact in a car accident and can result in pain, swelling, and stiffness.

Internal organ damages:

Damages to internal organs are often catastrophic. Factors such as the force of impact in a car accident determine the severity of the organ impairment.

Common Injuries Sustained in Dallas Truck Accidents

Accidents that occur with large trucks result in serious injuries and deaths. Do not assume that because you do not see severe injuries, you do not have them. There are many severe, even life-threatening, injuries you cannot see. You may not immediately feel the pain of devastating injuries because of the stress and shock at the accident scene. Always go to the hospital or your doctor as soon as possible after the accident.

The Dallas personal injury attorneys at Ward + White are here to help you obtain the compensation you deserve. We will investigate your case, gather evidence, build a strong case, and represent you in court on your behalf.

Liable Parties in Texas Truck Accidents

The drivers of commercial trucks are not the only responsible parties in many accidents. Most people will likely think the driver is the only possible liable party. Our professional and experienced lawyers at Ward + White will aggressively represent you to hold responsible parties accountable for personal injury claims against you.

Liable parties in Texas truck accidents often include several parties, including:

Truck Drivers

The truck driver who commits acts of negligence or engages in actions or behaviors not permitted by the trucking industry is often liable in lawsuits.

The Truck Owner

The truck’s owner can be held liable in a truck accident lawsuit.

The Trucking Company

The trucking company that hired the driver, particularly if the driver has previous DUIs or other red flags on their driving record, is potentially liable for crashes.

Cargo Company

The truck manufacturer is sometimes held liable in cases brought by personal injury lawyers on behalf of their clients. The freight manufacturer can also be held responsible in some cases.

FAQ

frequently asked questions about dallas personal injury

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Personal injury is any physical or mental detriment you suffer because of someone else’s negligence. Additionally, wrongful death is also classified under this aspect of the law because of the element of negligence.

The value of your injury case depends on a multitude of factors, including the severity of your injuries, the extent of your economic damages, and the strength of your legal claim.

The statute of limitations for personal injury cases in Dallas, TX, is two years from the date of the accident. This law is mentioned under the Texas Civil Practice & Remedies Code §16.003.

Most personal injury cases are resolved out of court, but some may go to trial if the insurance company denies offering a fair settlement. In this case, hiring a lawyer becomes a necessity than an option.

The cost of a personal injury attorney varies greatly. Some more experienced lawyers may demand higher service fees than new attorneys. If budget is an issue, consider hiring a lawyer with contingency payment. This means you only have to pay them if they successfully win your case.

If any of the elements of a personal injury case are present, you may have a valid personal injury case. The aspects of a personal injury case are: 

The defendant’s insurance company may try to lowball you during the settlement negotiation. Many lawyers advise injury victims to reject this initial settlement offer. It’s advisable to accept a proffer only if your attorney approves it.

What You Should Do After a Truck Accident

Taking care of yourself first is of the utmost importance after you are involved in a truck accident. Go to the hospital from the scene if you have injuries or a headache. Ask an occupant or police officer to document the scene for you.

Call the police immediately. The law requires that all accidents be reported immediately. Do not make statements that may be used against you later. Do not apologize, and do not sign any insurance statement.

Are you able to stand and move? Gather evidence by taking pictures of the wreck from several angles. Include photos of skid marks, damage to your passenger car, and damage to the truck, and note any paint transfers.

Exchange information and photograph the truck driver’s commercial driver’s license. Write down the license plate number of the truck.

Take down witness contact information and get witness statements. 

Contact our trusted attorneys at Ward + White, where we put clients first.

Refrain from speaking with the truck driver’s insurance company representative, an insurance adjuster, or anyone from the trucking company. Refer them to your Dallas truck accident attorney

Time Limit for Filing Your Truck Accident Claim

The statute of limitations for filing a personal injury lawsuit is two years. People who cannot settle have to file accident claims two years after their accident involving a truck.

Two years is a short time. Reaching out to our experienced personal injury attorneys at Ward + White can help you reach a settlement or take your claim to court

Collecting Damages After a Dallas Truck Wreck

Getting the maximum full and fair compensation for your injuries is likely your primary goal in holding the truck driver, the trucking company, and other legally liable parties accountable.

A truck accident law firm with knowledge of personal injury law and experience helping clients get compensation is the choice that many people make when they contact Ward + White.

There are different types of damages that you may be able to recover after a commercial truck acciden

Economic Damages

Economic damages are the actual financial losses that you incur after an accident. Some examples of economic damages include lost wages, medical bills, therapy bill costs, medications and treatments, and other expenses.

Non-economic Damages

Non-economic damages are damages that do not have a specific cost. Examples of non-economic damages include pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of consortium, and loss of enjoyment of activities you participated in before the accident. Humiliation because of disfigurement is another example of non-economic damage.

Punitive Damages

Punitive damages seek to punish the party or parties who are responsible for your injuries from the Dallas truck crash. Negligent actions or behaviors being accountable for an accident is an example of when the court awards punitive damages. 

How Our Dallas Truck Accident Lawyers at Ward + White Can Help You

We stand by our “client-first” commitment at Ward + White. If you have been injured in a truck crash in Dallas, reaching out to us is the start of seeking the compensation that you deserve for your injuries.

Our attorneys have experience negotiating a settlement and fighting for our clients in the courtroom if the at-fault parties refuse compensation. We investigate the facts, gather evidence and work on your case while you recover from your injuries.

We work for the best possible outcome in every case. Our Ward + White attorneys realize that every case is a unique case. We are here for you and your family.

Arrange a Free Consultation With Our Team of Truck Accident Lawyers

Call us today and discover how we can help you with your truck crash case. At Ward + White, our Dallas truck accident lawyers can explain the legal process and discuss how to proceed so that you receive the best possible outcome.