Dallas Truck Accident Lawyers

Have You Been Injured in a Truck Accident?

Our Dallas truck accident lawyers know any type of motor vehicle accident has the potential to be utterly devastating, but collisions with large trucks, buses, tankers, vans, and other large vehicles can cause particularly severe injuries. Trucks can be notoriously dangerous on the road due to their payload size, longer stopping distances, handling ability, cargo distribution, and other factors. Truck accident injury claims are much more challenging than a typical car accident given complex trucking regulations, larger insurance policies involved, and severity of the injuries.

Trucking companies have vast legal and insurance resources that individuals simply do not. They also have experience protecting their interests after one of their trucks collides with a car, motorcycle, or other vehicle. If you or a loved one have been injured in a truck accident, you need Dallas trucking accident lawyers with a strong record of results holding trucking companies responsible for their negligent actions. Call our experienced Dallas injury lawyers anytime 24/7 for a FREE, NO-OBLIGATION CONSULTATION.

As a victim of a serious truck wreck, working to heal your injuries and put your life back together can be a full-time job. Our Dallas truck accident lawyers have the expertise and tenacity to stand up to big trucking companies and collect maximum compensation. Don’t hesitate to call Thompson Law today for the help you need and compensation you deserve.

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Truck Accident Statistics in Dallas, TX

The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) tracks every accident involving large commercial vehicles across the entire state using police crash report data from the Dallas Police and other law enforcement divisions.

Commercial Trucking Accident Statistics in Dallas, TX

TxDOT recorded 1,589 truck crashes in Dallas in 2021, with 519 (32.6%) of those resulting in injuries. Broken down in terms of severity, these accidents consisted of:

  • Fatal crashes:  16 fatality crashes with trucks in Dallas most frequently caused by drinking and driving (23.5%), speeding (23.5%), and faulty evasive action (11.8%).
  • Serious injury crashes:  43 serious injury collisions with trucks in Dallas most commonly caused by speeding (23.8%), changing lanes when unsafe (19.1%), and unsafe speed (19.1%).
  • Minor injury crashes:  163 minor injury crashes most commonly caused by changing lanes when unsafe (27.4%), speeding (21.8%), unsafe speed (14.5%), and failing to drive in a single lane (12.9%).
  • Possibly injury crashes:  313 possible injury crashes most commonly caused by changing lanes when unsafe (32.5%), speeding (18.1%), failing to drive in a single lane (14.1%), and tailgating (12.1%).

Commercial Trucking Accident Statistics in Dallas County, TX

TxDOT recorded 4,125 commercial motor vehicle (CMV) crashes in Dallas County in 2021. Broken down in terms of severity, these accidents consisted of:

  • Fatal crashes:  38 crashes leading to 40 fatally injured people
  • Serious injury crashes:  105 crashes leading to 126 seriously injured people
  • Minor injury crashes:  385 crashes leading to 489 minorly injured people
  • Possibly injury crashes:  631 crashes leading to 901 possibly injured people
  • Non-injury crashes:  2,934 crashes leading to 9,202 uninjured people
  • Unknown severity crashes:  32 crashes leading to 707 people with unknown injuries

SourceCommercial Motor Vehicle (CMV) Involved Crashes and Injuries by County.

We offer victims of trucking accidents FREE CONSULTATIONS and charge NO FEE unless we win. Call Thompson Law today.

Most Common Causes of Truck Accidents in Dallas

Almost 88% of Dallas truck wrecks in 2021 were caused by one of five negligent actions of drivers. The most common causes of trucking accidents in Dallas were, in order of highest incidence:

  1. Changed lane when unsafe:  489 truck crashes were caused by unsafe lane changes (35.7% of all truck wrecks)
  2. Speeding or unsafe speed:  287 trucking crashes were caused by speeding or unsafe speed (20.9% of all truck wrecks)
  3. Failed to drive in single lane:  210 truck crashes were caused by driving in multiple lanes (16.1% of all trucking wrecks)
  4. Tailgating:  107 truck crashes were the result of tailgating (7.8% of all truck wrecks)
  5. Faulty evasive action:  102 truck crashes were the result of faulty evasive action (7.1% of all truck wrecks)

If you are the victim of a big rig accident, call our Dallas truck accident lawyers for a FREE CASE REVIEW.

Negligent Actions Which Contribute to Truck Accidents

While the causes of trucking accidents above relate to the immediate actions taken by truckers leading to the wreck, the root causes often relate to negligent actions of trucking companies in Texas, truckers, 18 wheeler drivers, and cargo loaders before the truck wreck occurred. Despite the risks involved, many trucking companies and truck drivers still exhibit negligent behavior that contributes to trucking accidents.

  • Truck Driver Fatigue:  The average long-haul trucker works 60 hours per week and drives over 107,000 miles per year. Although their work hours are subject to hours of service regulations, trucking companies often allow or encourage drivers to violate these rules. To cope with fatigue some truck drivers turn to stimulants, such as amphetamines and cocaine. One recent study cited by American Addiction Centers showed 27.6% of truck-driving respondents admitted to consuming drugs, and of those 21.3% consumed amphetamines and 2.2% consumed cocaine.
  • Reckless Driving by Truckers:  A National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) study showed that truck drivers are either subject to or exhibit a variety of risky behaviors. Tight delivery schedules contribute to unsafe driving, such as speeding and working longer hours, with 73% of trucker drivers saying their delivery deadlines are unrealistically tight. They also contribute to drug use so drivers can continue past the point of fatigue.
  • Dangerous Road Conditions for Trucking:  Bad weather can contribute to dangerous road conditions such as ice, fog, fail, and pouring rain. These conditions can make driving difficult for any vehicle, but are especially dangerous for large trucks with longer stopping distances. However, the NIOSH study showed that 24% of truck drivers “often” continued driving in poor weather, despite fatigue, and in heavy traffic, and 47% “sometimes” continued in these conditions.
  • Distracted Driving by Truckers:  Distracted driving is the most common cause of truck accidents in the US, according to a 2009 study that found 71% of large truck crashes occurred when the driver was distracted. Distractions for truck drivers inside their cabs include dialing or texting on cell phones, eating, using dispatching devices, adjusting the radio, or reading. The FMCSA has put restrictions on mobile phone use by truck drivers with fines of up $2,750 for drivers and $11,000 for employers who violate these rules, yet distracted driving accidents are still prevalent.
  • Poor Vehicle Fleet Maintenance:  Lack of maintenance in trucks that leads to crashes can include:  worn brakes or tires, defective couplings, wheel bearing failures, hub separation, cracked windshields or mirrors, rusty axles, and other truck damage. While trucking companies are responsible for inspecting, repairing, and maintaining fleet vehicles, the truck driver also has a duty to inspect the truck before driving.
  • Inadequate Training of Truck Drivers:  The NIOSH study found that 38% of truck drivers said they received inadequate training at the beginning of their careers. Trucking companies have a duty to ensure their drivers are properly vetted with background checks and prepared with training, yet failure to do so is common.
  • Truckers Driving While Intoxicated (DWI):  Truck drivers are not allowed to any drink alcohol within 4 hours of driving, cannot possess alcohol in the cab, and will receive a DWI for a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.04% (i.e., the CDL alcohol limit is half the BAC limit for regular motorists). However, many trucking companies will hire drivers with a prior DUI, alcoholism rates are high for truck drivers, and binge drinking is common in almost 1 in 5 truckers.
  • Poorly Loaded or Secured Cargo:  When cargo is not properly secured on an open flatbed truck it can fall onto the roadway and pose a risk to others. If cargo is not secured and the weight evenly distributed in a closed semi-trailer, it can cause the truck to tip over or a trailer to detach. Proper securing of cargo is the responsibility of the cargo loader, trucking company, and truck driver. Determining who is liable for an accident related to poorly secured cargo is difficult, but can also open more than one policy to pursue. That is why it is important to hire a Dallas truck accident lawyer with experience dealing with trucking cases.

If you or a loved one has been the victim of a trucking accident, call our Dallas truck accident lawyers today for a FREE CONSULTATION.

At Thompson Law

We provide truck wreck victims with dedicated and tenacious legal representation, ensuring that you get fair value for your claim. Our Dallas truck accident lawyers will build a strong case with supporting evidence so that you recover the money that you deserve.

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What You Should Do After a Truck Accident

Steps to Take After a Truck Wreck

If you are physically capable of moving and standing after a truck wreck, then be sure to take the following steps:

  1. Move to Safety:  Get to a safe location off the road to avoid being the victim of a secondary collision, and turn on your hazard lights to signal other drivers that an accident has occurred.
  2. Call the Police:  All accidents involving injury or property damage must be reported to the police by law. Further, calling 911 will alert the Dallas Police Department and EMS to work on ensuring your safety, creating a Dallas crash report, and contacting an ambulance, if needed. Describe how you believe the accident happened and nothing more.
    • DO NOT:  Apologize for the accident, comment on how you feel physically, sign any insurance company documents or statements, or allow an insurance adjuster to record your statement.
  3. Exchange Info and Take Pictures: You should take photos of every vehicle involved in the collision to document property damage, as the trucking company will not share their photos with you later. When exchanging info with the truck driver, be sure to take pictures and write down the information, such as drivers license, insurance card, and license plate.
  4. Look for Witnesses:  Scan to see if anyone witnessed the truck crash. Also, look for camera which may have captured the collision, such as a dash camera or cameras at nearby businesses.
  5. See a Doctor:  Seeking medical care after a truck accident protects your physical health, and establishes a relationship between the wreck and your injuries.
  6. Call Our Dallas Truck Accident Lawyers: Insurance claims involving a personal injury attorney have been shown to result in up to a 3x increase in compensation to victims of accidents, versus claims handled independently by an individual. Our lawyers have a strong track record of providing excellent results for our clients, and we stand ready to assist with your claim.

If you’re the victim of a truck wreck, call our Dallas truck accident lawyers for a FREE CONSULT.

Common Truck Accident Injuries

The power and size of large trucks can inflict some of the most serious and devastating injuries on accident victims. Injuries our Dallas truck accident lawyers frequently see after collisions with large trucks include:

The most important thing you can do following a serious truck accident injury is take care of yourself. At Thompson Law, our wish is for every client to recover as fully as possible and receive the best compensation possible.

Please call Thompson Law anytime 24/7 and grant our Dallas truck accident lawyers the opportunity to help you and your family after a truck wreck.

Representation at No Upfront Cost From Our Dallas Truck Accident Lawyers

Call Our Dallas Truck Accident Lawyers Today!

If you are asking yourself “When is the best time to contact a personal injury lawyer after a truck accident,” the answer is NOW! Thompson Law offers FREE CASE REVIEWS, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. Further, we work on a contingency fee basis, meaning we charge NO FEE unless we win.

You will not incur any attorney fees, court costs, legal expenses, or any other costs unless we recover money on your behalf. If our Dallas truck accident lawyers do obtain a settlement for you, our fee will only come out of a portion of the settlement.

No Win No Fee sign for Personal Injury Case - Dallas truck accident law firm

If you are looking for Dallas truck accident lawyers, give us a call today and let us do the fighting for you. If you do not need an accident lawyer today, save our contact card in your phone instead of searching “truck accident lawyer near me” after you are in an accident, so we will be there for you when you do need us.

It does not matter whether you live in Dallas, were visiting Dallas, or were just traveling through when your truck crash occurred – the Dallas truck accident lawyers at Thompson Law can help. Our attorneys can assist you with everything from getting an accident report, to understanding your rights, to filing an injury claim.

The statute of limitations in Texas is 2 years in most injury accidents. If you have been injured in a truck accident, call us today or submit a form for a NO COST, NO-OBLIGATION CONSULTATION with a Dallas truck accident lawyer at Thompson Law. Take action to protect your right to a full value monetary recovery. The sooner you know your options, the faster you’ll be on the path to recovery.

Truck Accident FAQs

Truck/18 Wheeler Accident

If you are injured in any type of accident, your first priority should be to seek immediate medical attention, even if you are not certain that you are injured. Seeking immediate medical treatment does two things: 1) it ensures injuries you sustained are diagnosed and treated; and, 2) it helps eliminate any doubt by the insurance company that your injuries were caused by the accident.

Often, the shock and adrenaline of an accident can mask symptoms of injuries, so making the mistake of skipping a medical examination can have profound consequences. By seeking prompt medical treatment, you protect both your health and your ability to seek compensation for your injuries with the help of your attorney.

If you were in a motor vehicle accident we have also detailed here what to do after a car accident.

A skilled personal injury lawyer is necessary to get full and fair compensation for injuries you sustained in an accident. Most defendants, whether individual drivers or commercial vehicle operators, are covered by liability insurance. Those insurance companies are not obligated to protect or take care of you. Insurance companies exist to protect the defendant (their customer) who caused the wreck. 

A personal injury attorney can help you obtain compensation for every category of damages to which you are legally entitled. These damages can include things like: medical bills, lost wages, property damage, pain & suffering, punitive damages, loss of limb, diminished mental function, physical impairment, scarring or disfigurement, emotional or mental trauma, and loss of consortium (in wrongful death claims). Further, you may be entitled to future medical bills, future lost income, future pain and suffering, and other damages in severe injury cases.

The largest factor affecting your claim’s value is the severity or magnitude of your injuries. More severe injuries typically require more medical treatment. So it is essential to have all your injuries documented properly by seeking immediate treatment with doctors or hospitals, and continuing under the care and direction of your doctors as long as necessary to heal. Without prompt and consistent medical treatment and documentation, an injury claim becomes very difficult to pursue, let alone win. 

Of course, other factors an also have an impact, and each and every case is different. Were you injured in a commercial vehicle wreck or truck wreck that totaled your car, or was it a fender bender that did very little damage? Was the other driver intoxicated or drunk, or speeding? A multitude of factors may play into your claim’s overall likely value. An experienced personal injury lawyer will be able to visit with you and talk to you more specifically about factors which may affect your particular claim.  

In Texas, you usually have two (2) years from the date of incident to file a personal injury claim before it is barred by the statute of limitations. There are exceptions to this 2-year time limit in Texas, for minors and others. Further, other states have different time limits, and the limit that applies is typically for the state in which the accident occurred.

The safest course of action for someone injured in a car wreck, truck wreck, slip and fall, or any other type of accident is to consult with a personal injury attorney. This will help ensure that you do not miss the applicable limitations period. Moreover, it will ensure the right investigations are conducted, and the proper steps are taken to preserve the evidence, photos, witness statements, and records needed to successfully pursue your claim. 

If you are injured in a hit-and-run wreck (and are unable to locate the driver) or are hurt in a collision where the other driver does not have insurance, you are not necessarily out of options in terms of financial recovery. You may still be able to recover for your personal injuries if your own policy has Uninsured Motorist (UM) coverage or Personal Injury Protection (PIP). It’s a good idea to contact your insurance company to confirm what types of coverage you have on your policy before an accident, but if you have been hit be sure to ask these questions before finalizing your claim request. Even if you do not have UM or PIP, the attorneys and investigators at Thompson Law can work to track down the other driver in a hit-and-run accident. To do this, we rely on witnesses who may have captured a photo of the car or license plate and/or available surveillance camera footage that might have captured the wreck.  

Typical damages you can recover in a personal injury claim include: medical bills, lost wages, property damage, pain and suffering, and in some cases even punitive damages. In severe injury cases, other damages may be recoverable, such as: future medical bills, future lost income, future pain and suffering, loss of body member or mental function, physical impairment, disfigurement, emotional or mental trauma, and loss of consortium (in wrongful death claims).

Uninsured Motorist (UM) Coverage can help save the day if you are hit by an uninsured driver or if you are the victim in a hit-and-run collision. In short, UM coverage is an add-on coverage that drivers can add to their auto insurance policies that will protect them in the event that they are in an auto accident with a driver who either does not have insurance or cannot be located. You can contact your insurance provider to confirm whether your policy includes UM. If you do not have this coverage, the personal injury attorneys at Thompson Law recommend that you consider adding UM to your auto insurance policy today. 

Knowing how comparative negligence works is vital if you live in a state that uses it. In simple terms, comparative negligence implies both drivers can share fault for an accident, but one driver can be more at fault than the other. For example, you are texting while driving when another driver runs a stop sign and hits your car.

A jury finds that the driver who ran the stop sign is 80 percent at fault, but they believe you would have had a better chance of avoiding the accident if you were not texting at the time. They find you 20 percent at fault. You can only collect enough compensation to cover the other driver’s fault. In this case, you would get $8,000 if the jury thinks your case is worth $10,000.

Having the police respond to the accident scene is of paramount importance. Make sure that YOU call them and insist that they come and investigate the accident. When the police arrive, they will separate the drivers and witnesses from one another and take statements from everyone involved. Be cooperative, detailed, and firm in describing the accident. The investigating officer will usually determine fault based upon these statements, and it is essential that your version of the events is heard and believed. If you think that you may be injured, make that clear to the officer. If an ambulance or other medical professionals arrive on scene, get checked out. If not, make plans to visit an emergency room or doctor soon after you leave the scene. Before you do leave for this care, the officer will provide you with a report number and their contact information. Make sure this information is safely saved, as it will be very important in any auto accident injury claim you may have.  

Call an attorney. Your first instinct might be to call your insurance company, but it’s best to seek legal council first so you don’t accidentally admit guilt or take responsibility for the accident. In many cases your attorney will call the insurance company for you to prevent that from happening.

Absolutely not. It’s important to leave the investigation to the professionals. They know exactly how to work a case to determine all of the facts and details.

Typically, yes. If a family member is seriously injured or killed in an accident, or if the injured party is a minor child, then it may be appropriate under the law for a parent, spouse, relative, or legal guardian to file a claim or lawsuit on behalf of the injured or deceased party.  These types of claims are complex, and usually depend on the type of relationship involved, as well as the individual facts and circumstances of the injury. Calling the experienced personal injury attorneys at Thompson Law is step one to explore filing a legal claim on behalf of your loved one. 

Even if you are partially to blame for a car accident, you may be able to recover some of your damages from the other party. Under Texas’s proportionate responsibility system (also known as comparative negligence), unless you as the claimant/plaintiff are determined more than 51% at fault, you may recover legal damages that are reduced by the percentage you are determined at fault. For example, if you are determined to be 30% at fault, you can recover 70% of your damages from the other responsible party (you can’t recover the other 30% because that was the amount of liability that was determined to lie with you). The personal injury attorneys at Thompson Law can help you navigate this proportionate responsibility system – so reach out online or call anytime for a free consultation.     

If the other vehicle involved in your crash was an 18 wheeler or another commercial vehicle, call an attorney immediately. Companies who own commercial vehicles and 18 wheelers often have their own team of investigators who will arrive on the scene immediately working on the driver’s defense case. The sooner you involve an attorney of your own, the better your chances are of receiving compensation for your injuries and damages.

Drivers of 18 wheelers and other commercial vehicles are held to a higher standard of driving. If they neglect to turn on their flashing lights when they’re on the side of the road, don’t move over far enough onto the shoulder, don’t properly secure their cargo, or don’t leave enough clearance when making a left turn, and in many other cases, the driver could be considered negligent. If you want to know if the driver of the 18 wheeler involved in your case was negligent, contact a personal injury attorney.

No. They aren’t trying to help you. They’re trying to protect their drivers and reduce their costs. That’s why they have a team of lawyers ready to flock to the scene of any accident. Don’t accept any form of compensation until you talk to your attorney. Most victims of 18 wheeler crashes sustain more injuries than victims of normal crashes, and can receive higher compensation as a result. Don’t let them fool you into accepting a smaller payout for your injuries and damages. Your injuries could require years of medications and surgeries, and the company will try everything to avoid making huge payouts. Call your attorney and let them do the negotiating on your behalf.

Many times it can be the fault of both the driver and the 18 wheeler company. Truck drivers can be at fault just like any other motorist for failing to follow the rules of the road. However, 18 wheeler companies and their employees have federal laws they are required to follow that govern things like how many consecutive hours of driving are allowable, minimum numbers of resting hours between jobs, when and how to do inspections, and so on. Also, the 18 wheeler companies have specific duties and responsibilities regarding training their drivers and supervising their work. When trucking companies refuse to follow standard rules, regulations, and practices regarding the commercial and transportation industry, people can get hurt and companies can be found at fault for contributing to or causing the collision through their irresponsible decisions. An experienced 18-wheeler accident lawyer will know what violations to look for and how to hold both the driver and the company responsible for endangering the motoring public on the roads we all share.  

If you or a family member are injured in an automobile accident, you cannot afford NOT to hire the very best attorney available. Thompson Law works on a contingency fee basis. What this means is that you only pay legal fees IF we win for you and AFTER your case is settled. We understand that legal fees upfront are simply too much to deal with after a serious accident where you are dealing with property damage repairs, medical bills, missed work and lost wages. The fact that you owe $0 upfront is an added bonus when you hire great legal representation at Thompson Law.  

If you were injured as the result of someone else’s negligence, there is a good chance we can help you out. We will look at the facts of your accident, whether a car wreck, truck wreck, motorcycle accident, or on-the-job-injury and examine whatever reports or records are available. If we believe that you were injured and it was someone else’s fault, it is likely to be a case we can take. The more information and documentation you can give us about your accident and your injuries, the quicker we can evaluate your case and let you know. Give us a call or reach out online anytime! 

The best personal injury attorney has three major characteristics: Excellent customer service, cutting edge technology, and a willingness to take cases and win at trial. Ask your potential attorney about the client experience they offer, what kind of technology they use to make your life easier, and when was the last time they took a case to jury trial. Asking these types of questions will give you guidance on what kind of experience you can expect as a client and what kind of results you can expect at the end of your case.

Thompson Law has high ratings from clients for its emphasis on customer service, and its attorneys have achieved significant results on small, large, and complex cases alike. No matter if you have been involved in a minor car wreck or are dealing with catastrophic injuries from a rarer and more devastating event like a terrible workplace accident, dog bite, or an 18 wheeler wreck, Thompson Law can assist you.  

Yes! Thompson Law is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to provide free consultations. If you have been injured in a truck wreck or car accident, hurt in a slip and fall incident, or otherwise injured from the negligence of another person or party, give us a call any time at 1-800-LION-LAW. We can speak to you over the phone, chat online through our website or social media outlets, or arrange an in-person meeting at your convenience. Our team is ready to help! 

Thompson Law is available 24/7 to provide free consultations and to sign up new clients. We can sign you up over the phone or we can send one of our experienced licensed investigators to meet you at the hospital or at your home if you prefer. Whether you live in Arlington, Ft. Worth, El Paso, McAllen, or even outside of the state of Texas, we are always here to assist you and provide the resources you need at a difficult time. We do the hard work for you so that you can focus on healing from your injuries.  

Let’s be honest: this isn’t a legal show on TV and your case will not settle in the next hour – or even tomorrow.  The true answer is: it depends.  We find that most cases settle within 7-10 months from date of incident; but the timeframe in your case could be shorter or longer depending on: the facts and circumstances of the accident; the length of time it takes you to complete medical treatment; and the character of the insurance company, or companies, involved in your case.  In the event that your case cannot settle pre-litigation and it becomes necessary to file a lawsuit, the litigation process alone can take 1 to 2 years due to the court system and legal process necessary to prepare for trial.  But because so much of the timeline depends on the facts and circumstances of your unique case, call Thompson Law today to discuss the personal injury claims process

Thompson Law Guarantee

Thompson Law receives an attorney fee and you pay no legal fees as our client unless we pay you. Thompson Law has 350 years of combined experience in legal representation and has won over $1.8 billion dollars in cash settlements for our clients. We master the art of managing client cases with empathy, compassion, respect and, of course, prodigious skill. Contact us today for a free, risk-free consultation to discuss your accident and your options.

State law limits the time you have to file a claim after an auto accident. If you have been injured in an accident, call now to get the help you need.