If you were injured or lost a loved one in a truck accident in North Texas, truck accident lawyer Dallas can help you hold the negligent parties accountable. Commercial trucks have a higher center of gravity, potentially dangerous cargo, and weights that can exceed 80,000 pounds, all of which contribute to the tragedy that can occur in an accident. When a passenger car is involved in a truck accident, not only is the vehicle severely damaged, but the people inside are frequently critically injured or killed.
Truck accidents are more complicated than regular car accidents, with their own set of state and federal regulations. Unlike a car accident, a truck accident typically involves one or more third parties, in addition to the individuals involved in the collision (and their insurance companies), who have a significant stake in how the settlement process plays out. Third parties may include the company that employs the driver, the owner(s) of the freight in transportation, and those who maintain the truck, unless the car is independently owned and operated by the driver.
Common Causes Of Truck Accidents
Truck accidents injure nearly 90,000 people and kill 5,000 people yearly in the United States. While numerous scenarios can result in a truck accident, some are more common than others. The following are some of the most common causes of truck accidents:
Driver Fatigue: Truck driver fatigue is the most common cause of truck accidents in America. While federal regulations require truck drivers to have a certain amount of rest and time off, drivers and employers frequently disregard these safety rules to make more money. Your safety is jeopardized when drowsy truck drivers become inattentive behind the wheel.
Drug use: When a truck driver is impaired while driving, it is often due to amphetamines rather than alcohol. They are typically used to keep drivers awake, but this can endanger the truck driver and other motorists.
Oversized loads or improperly secured cargo: To meet supply demands, commercial truck storage compartments are sometimes overloaded, but this can throw off a truck’s balance and center of gravity, increasing the likelihood of an accident.
Reckless driving: While all truck drivers should strictly adhere to safety guidelines, the pressure to meet deadlines can sometimes impair their driving judgment.
Distracted driving: Drivers who text while driving, fiddle with GPS devices, or engage in other activities endanger themselves and others on the road.
What To Do After Truck Driver Accidents
If you are involved in a truck accident, you may need clarification on what steps to take. If you are not seriously injured, you should take specific steps immediately following the accident. You should hire a truck accident lawyer in Dallas. These steps are as follows:
- Call 911 to seek emergency support.
- When emergency personnel arrive, request a medical evaluation. Answer police officers’ questions truthfully.
- Give the police the facts, but don’t speculate or claim responsibility for the accident.
- Take pictures of your car, the truck, and injuries with your phone.
Your medical evaluation will determine the extent of your injuries. In the days following the truck accident, you should see your doctor for a thorough examination, as you may have sustained injuries that were not immediately felt and detected by emergency responders. Any physical harm must be documented, as it could be a critical component in your accident claim.
When police officers arrive on the scene of an accident, it is their responsibility to file a police report, which is an accurate and unbiased account of what happened. Answer their questions honestly, but do not speculate on how the accident occurred or whether you were at fault, as this could be used against you. You should also request the truck driver’s contact and insurance information, as well as any other drivers involved, if applicable. If any witnesses were present at the scene, you should also request their contact information.
Why do You Need A Truck Accident Lawyer In Dallas
Accident victims frequently assume that a truck accident can be handled similarly to a passenger vehicle accident. These wrecks, on the other hand, are far more complicated. An experienced truck accident lawyer Dallas will have the resources necessary to investigate an 18-wheeler accident and aggressively pursue the total compensation you require.
When you collaborate with us, we will:
- Determine all parties who are liable.
- Gather and preserve evidence as soon as possible before it is lost or destroyed.
- Document and calculate the total amount of damages owed to you.
- Collaborate with top-tier experts to present a compelling case on your behalf.
- Negotiate a fair settlement aggressively.
- If a settlement cannot be reached, file a lawsuit and seek compensation in court.
Truck accident lawyer Dallas has in-depth knowledge of all state and federal laws that apply to your case. With qualified legal counsel, you can rest assured that your case is in capable hands while you focus on your recovery. Always remain calm and maintain a positive attitude letting your attorney do his work.
What To Look For In A Truck Accident Lawyer Dallas
Provable or concrete attributes are distinguishing characteristics based on facts and data rather than opinions. As a result, trial records, financial transparency, settlement records, and so on are all demonstrable characteristics. While some of these concrete traits will require your judgment, you can generally determine an attorney’s quality and skill level by reviewing five provable features.
Experienced: The more experience a lawyer has, the more expensive they are. While truck accident lawyer Dallas frequently work on contingency, you must still consider costs. Many accident victims are tempted to hire a newly admitted lawyer. While freshly minted attorneys are often less expensive, it is essential to note that they are also green. Experience often triumphs over inexperience if they can demonstrate a track record of success.
Pragmatic: A truck accident lawyer Dallas must also be practical and action-oriented. You should not have to wait too long to devise a strategy. The necessary steps for a personal injury trial are known to experienced lawyers. While consultation is typically just a discussion and overview of fees, once you sign on as a client, your attorney should not take long to get things started.
Communication: Because car accident attorneys are lawyers, they frequently use jargon you may not understand. You want to find a truck accident lawyer Dallas who will communicate with you on your level, even if that means explaining things in layperson’s terms. Most truck accident lawyer Dallas recognize their roles as advocates and salespeople. They must sell you on their line of defense or realistically discuss potential outcomes. Nonetheless, respect is an important consideration when choosing a lawyer.
FAQ
- How Do I Find A Good Truck Accident Lawyer Dallas?
A truck accident lawyer Dallas should be able to discuss their prior experience handling truck accident cases. You want to know if an attorney can provide examples of cases they’ve taken to court or refer to their recent and past roles in representing truck accident victims. You should have faith in the attorney’s knowledge and experience. Be bold and ask the truck accident lawyer Dallas for specifics to establish their expertise. If they are unable or unwilling to satisfy you with their responses, you should look elsewhere.
- How Can I Make My Claim Strong?
- Follow the advice of your lawyer and your doctor.
- Do not speak with any insurance company or adjuster.
- Allow your lawyers to handle all communication with third parties and insurance companies. You may speak with your doctor and the police when necessary, but only with yourself.
