Top-Rated Big Rig Accident Law Firm in Dallas, Texas
Collisions involving big rigs, tractor-trailers, semi-trucks, tankers, and other large commercial trucks have a higher potential than other vehicle accidents to cause serious injury or death. This is because of the sheer size of these vehicles. Large trucks may weigh up to 80,000 pounds when fully loaded, and possibly more if they have oversized and overweight vehicle permits. A typical passenger car or SUV stands little chance against that much weight.
If you were injured in a truck accident in the Dallas area, Arnold & Itkin is here to help you. Our trial attorneys are known for securing life-changing results for survivors and families across the country. When it comes to getting you the medical care and financial support you need, we're committed to your full recovery. You can also count on our Dallas truck accident attorneys to be there to offer personal attention and care during this difficult time.
At our Dallas law firm, we know that big rig accidents present unique challenges, including determining liability and navigating complex insurance claims. Our team is adept at handling the intricate details that make each case unique, ensuring that every angle is explored to secure the best possible outcome. We understand the tactics used by large trucking companies and their insurers and are prepared to counter these with well-documented evidence and legal arguments.
Call (888) 493-1629 for a free consultation with one of our 18-wheeler accident lawyers in Dallas. We help clients in nearby areas like Fort Worth, across Texas, and nationwide.
Choose Dallas Truck Accident Attorneys Who Get Results
Our truck accident lawyers in Dallas fight for all people who’ve suffered harm due to a commercial vehicle collision. Our past clients have included occupants of other vehicles, families who’ve lost loved ones to fatal trucking injuries, non-occupants like pedestrians or cyclists, and truck drivers. We’ve seen truckers wrongfully blamed for their injuries by their employers, loading companies, and other parties—and we’ve fought for results so they can get the care they need.
Our truck accident victories include:
$117 million verdict for a pregnant woman injured by an inattentive ambulance driver.
$35.5 million settlement for a family struck by a commercial truck.
$12.4 million verdict for a worker struck by a UPS truck at his job site.
$12 million settlement for a truck driver crushed by his own cargo and wrongfully blamed for the incident.
$11.7 million settlement for a man struck by an 18-wheeler and denied recovery by the trucking company.
$10 million settlement for the families of two people killed by an 18-wheeler running a red light.
These results changed our clients’ lives, in some cases undoing much of the impact of the original accident. Their recovery is why we’re dedicated to seeing the truth brought to light and justice served for the injured and wronged.
Our comprehensive approach goes beyond legal representation, involving a thorough investigation of accident scenes and the gathering of pivotal evidence, including eyewitness accounts and expert testimonies. This meticulous process allows us to construct compelling cases that hold powerful trucking corporations accountable for their actions. Our relentless pursuit of justice not only aims to win substantial settlements but also to instigate changes within the industry to improve safety standards and prevent future tragedies.
Dallas Truck Accidents Are on the Rise
Dallas is, unfortunately, no stranger to trucking accidents. As a large city with an inland port intersected by railroads and interstate highways, 18-wheelers are common on Dallas roadways. In fact, according to an article in D Magazine, Dallas has the second-highest fatality rate from traffic accidents of the 15 most populated cities in the United States. There was an 80% increase in annual traffic fatalities in Dallas from 2010 to 2020.
With their immense size and weight, there's no question that commercial trucks can cause the most damage when involved in an accident. Per 2020 statistics from the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT), there were 3,735 collisions involving commercial vehicles in Dallas County. These accidents claimed 31 lives and caused hundreds of injuries.
One article in The Dallas Morning News discussed the recent increase in Dallas truck accidents. The article considered a spike in fatal commercial trucking accidents in the 12 counties comprising the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex, specifically from 2019 to 2020 and from 2020 to 2021. At least 92 fatal trucking accidents happened in these 12 counties in 2021, an increase of 14 from 2019, despite shelter-in-place orders and fewer vehicles on roads due to COVID-19. Potential causes highlighted in the article include aggressive driving, fatigued truck drivers, and companies that pressure truckers to underreport hours or cut corners to make tight deadlines.
To combat the increasing rate of trucking accidents in the Dallas area, enforcing stricter compliance with safety regulations and improving roadway conditions is imperative. Community awareness programs on road-sharing practices and defensive driving can also contribute to reducing these accidents. Law enforcement agencies must collaborate with local governments and trucking companies to ensure that the necessary precautions and safety measures are in place to protect Dallas's roads.
Click below for more information on Dallas truck accidents, traffic, and commercial vehicles:
After a Trucking Accident in Dallas: What You Should Do
Experiencing a commercial truck accident can be traumatic. Knowing the right steps to take following the accident can help protect your rights and ensure you receive the necessary support and compensation. Every situation is different, but here are several helpful steps to take after a trucking accident:
Ensure Your Safety & Seek Medical Attention Your immediate priority should be safety. Check yourself and others for injuries and move to a safe location if possible. Call 911 to report the accident and request medical assistance. Even if you don’t feel injured, undergoing a medical evaluation is crucial, as some injuries may not be immediately apparent. See a doctor as soon as you can.
Report the Accident to Authorities When the police arrive, give them a detailed account of what happened. An official police report will be crucial for your insurance claim and any potential legal action. Ensure that the report accurately reflects the events as you recall them, but be cautious about admitting fault or apologizing for the incident. An investigation will reveal its cause.
Stay at the Scene & Exchange Information Unless you are taken from the scene in an ambulance, leaving the scene of a traffic accident is illegal. Exchange contact and insurance information with the truck driver and any other parties involved. Gather details such as names, addresses, phone numbers, driver’s license numbers, license plate numbers, and the trucking company’s information.
Document the Scene If it’s safe to do so, document the accident scene. Take photos of the vehicles involved, any visible injuries, road conditions, traffic signs, and other relevant details. This visual evidence can be vital for proving liability and the extent of damages. If there are any witnesses to the accident, collect their contact information.
Avoid Making Statements Be cautious about what you say at the accident scene. Avoid admitting fault or making statements that could be used against you later. Limit your discussions to factual information and let the authorities handle the investigation. There may be other factors at play that contributed to the collision that you are currently unaware of.
Notify Your Insurance Company Report the accident to your insurance company as soon as possible. Provide them with the necessary details and documentation, but avoid giving recorded statements until you’ve consulted with an attorney. Insurance companies are notorious for attempting to undervalue and underpay claims, delay payment, or even deny valid claims.
Consult a Dallas Truck Accident Attorney It’s essential to consult with an experienced truck accident attorney in Dallas. An attorney can help you understand your rights, navigate the legal process, and help you seek fair compensation for your injuries and damages. They can also handle communications with insurance companies and the trucking companies involved.
How a Local Truck Accident Lawyer in Dallas Can Help Your Case
Choosing a local truck accident attorney in Dallas can offer several key advantages. At Arnold & Itkin, our deep understanding of Texas state laws and federal trucking regulations ensures that your case's legal complexities are thoroughly addressed. Familiarity with local court systems and procedures helps streamline the legal process, which can reduce delays and aid us in managing your case more efficiently. Our established connections with local experts and investigators are crucial for gathering evidence and building a strong case on your behalf.
As a Dallas law firm with extensive experience in trucking accident cases, we offer personalized and accessible service. Being local means we can meet with you in person, understand the specifics of your situation, and develop tailored legal strategies. We're quick to respond to any updates in your case and keep you informed throughout the process.
Local attorneys have insights into the nuances of regional trucking incidents and can quickly access accident locations in Dallas to conduct thorough investigations. This local presence allows us to uncover crucial details about your accident that out-of-state firms might overlook, such as unique traffic conditions, regional company practices, and local witnesses who may provide important testimony.
Recent Cases Filed for Truck Accident Victims in Dallas & Beyond
Per the Texas Department of Transportation, Dallas County has the second-highest rate of commercial vehicle accidents in the state. As a result, our firm frequently files cases on behalf of the victims of serious truck wrecks.
Some of our recent commercial trucking accident cases include:
Our work in the trucking industry has helped countless people rebuild their lives. It's work that's vital to public safety, but most importantly, it's vital for holding companies accountable for harming people again and again. It's why we pour so much of our time, effort, and resources into maximizing the outcome of these cases.
By relentlessly pursuing these cases, we not only seek justice for those affected but also strive to push for reform within the trucking industry. Our legal actions can serve to correct the systemic practices that often contribute to these accidents, advocating for stricter adherence to safety protocols and regulations. Through public awareness campaigns and legal intervention, we aim to reduce the occurrence of truck-related accidents and protect future generations from similar incidents.
Dallas Oil Truck Accidents: A Local Concern
Dallas is surrounded by roads used by oil companies and large oil trucks. Often, roads near oilfields aren’t designed to handle the traffic brought by the oil reserves in a region. When an oil truck is involved in an accident, the materials they carry can worsen a terrible situation. Because of this, oil companies have a legal and ethical obligation to ensure their drivers are trained, safe, and never worked to the point that they can’t drive safely.
The unique hazards posed by oil trucks include the risk of spills and fires, which can lead to environmental disasters and severe safety risks for other road users. A single oversight in these situations can lead to catastrophic results, which is why our firm is committed to holding negligent parties responsible. We advocate for stronger regulations in the oil transportation sector to ensure safety measures are not just recommendations but enforced practices, reducing the potential for these dangerous incidents significantly.
Why 18-Wheeler Accidents Are Devastating
Per recent data, there were 4,119 fatalities caused by trucking accidents in the U.S. in 2019. Of those who were killed during these crashes, 16% were truck occupants, while 82% were occupants of other vehicles, pedestrians, cyclists, and motorcycle riders. Additionally, 118,000 trucks were involved in traffic accidents that caused injuries.
Since 2019, fatalities involving large trucks have increased by 31%.
Truck crashes are so devastating because of their size and weight. A big rig is typically 20-30 times heavier than other vehicles on the road, placing those in smaller vehicles at a serious disadvantage. Large trucks are harder to operate, require 20-40% more distance to stop safely, and require constant inspections and maintenance to avoid disaster.
Causes of Dallas truck accidents include:
Driver fatigue
Speeding
Following too closely
Unsafe hiring practices
Unsafe maneuvers
A lack of training
Rushed driving schedules
Unsafe driving routes
Improper cargo loading
Inadequate maintenance
Drug and alcohol use
Operator negligence
The complexity of 18-wheeler operation necessitates rigorous training and adherence to safety standards. Unfortunately, violations such as incorrect cargo loading or maintenance failures often go unchecked, contributing significantly to accidents. Additionally, the legal landscape surrounding these incidents can be complicated by multiple parties sharing responsibility, from trucking companies to maintenance providers. Our firm is equipped to navigate this complexity to advocate for our clients.
Trucker Fatigue: A Key Driver Behind Dallas Truck Wrecks
Fatigue slows down response time, weakens focus, and impairs decision-making. It’s no wonder then that fatigue is a factor in 10–20% of all road accidents, with some experts estimating as high as 50%. So, when it comes to trucking, the question is what the industry is doing to ensure truckers get adequate rest. The answer is, sadly, not much.
Carriers often contract out deliveries to individual owner-operators who aren’t paid by the hour but either by the mile or per delivery. This puts drivers in a difficult position, as sometimes the time a delivery takes (due to traffic, distance, etc.) can end up costing a driver money. This incentivizes skipping breaks and putting long hours behind the wheel, which makes everyone unsafe. Some carriers allow or even encourage this behavior, in violation of trucking regulations.
Efforts to combat trucker fatigue must involve both policy changes and technological advancements. Implementing mandatory rest periods and using technologies such as electronic logging devices (ELDs) to monitor drivers' hours can help reduce fatigue-related incidents. Public awareness and training for drivers on recognizing and managing fatigue symptoms can also be critical in enhancing road safety.
Who Is at Fault for Trucking Accidents in Dallas?
Truck accidents are devastating and have one other common characteristic: they can be complicated. At Arnold & Itkin, our 18-wheeler accident lawyers in Dallas are ready to put in the work required to determine what caused an accident. Sometimes, crashes are caused by the negligent operational practices of truck carriers. Often, they're caused by negligence on the part of multiple parties. Our truck accident law firm is ready to investigate your situation, determine who is at fault, and fight for the compensation you deserve and need to move forward.
Various parties may be held accountable after a truck accident in Dallas:
Truck Drivers: It only takes a moment of negligence for a truck driver to cause or contribute to a serious traffic accident in Dallas. Distracted driving, using alcohol or drugs (including prescription medications), and defying hours-of-service regulations are common ways that truck drivers can cause a serious collision.
Trucking Companies: Often, trucking companies place too much stress on their drivers. Rigid work schedules, difficult routes, and poor vehicle maintenance can cause big rig accidents that are not a driver's fault. Truck operators may be to blame for encouraging reckless behavior from their drivers.
Truck Manufacturers: Faulty parts can cause unpredictable accidents that aren’t the fault of drivers or their companies. When truck manufacturers engineer unsafe products and parts, they should be held accountable. For example, manufacturers might fail to test the functionality of brakes.
Other Parties: Fault may also lie with the owner of the truck, companies involved with the freight being hauled, such as loading or unloading, other drivers who violate traffic laws or act without proper caution or care, and even municipalities or other entities responsible for road construction and maintenance.
Establishing liability in 18-wheeler accident cases entails detailed investigations and expert analysis. Our legal team is adept at identifying the culpable parties through extensive examination of driving logs, mechanical reports, and other relevant data. We collaborate with accident reconstruction experts to provide clarity in complex situations, ensuring all responsible parties are held accountable for their role in the incident.
Injuries Caused by Dallas Truck Accidents: Serious & Life-Altering
Because of their immense size and weight, commercial trucks often cause significant injuries to occupants of smaller vehicles in a crash. Besides being painful, these preventable injuries can require extensive medical treatment and can change the rest of a person’s life. Often, truck accident injuries are catastrophic, profoundly affecting one's quality of life.
Truck accident survivors often face extensive medical bills, a decreased or eliminated ability to work, and discomfort or pain that might last their entire lives. Because of this, they deserve compensation from the parties that unfairly caused their hardships. Our trucking attorneys in Dallas are committed to helping survivors get the treatment and support they need.
Beyond the immediate physical recovery, victims of truck accidents may grapple with emotional trauma and psychological challenges. Rehabilitation and long-term care are often necessary components of the recovery process, affecting every aspect of a survivor's life, including career, relationships, and mental health. Our firm prioritizes comprehensive care that addresses these multifaceted needs, ensuring clients have access to resources that promote their overall well-being and future stability.
What Regulations Must Commercial Trucks Follow?
Commercial trucks are regulated by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). This agency designs the rules and requirements that every truck driver and operator must follow. Since the FMCSA has such thorough regulations, it’s likely that one or more were violated before an accident.
Trucks that operate within the borders of our state must follow the laws in the Texas Transportation Code. While slightly different, these laws resemble many of the requirements laid out by the FMCSA.
Adherence to these regulations is crucial for maintaining road safety and preventing accidents. Violations, such as exceeding permissible driving hours, can lead to driver fatigue and increase the likelihood of accidents. Regular audits and inspections by regulatory bodies can help ensure compliance. Trucking companies must foster a culture of safety that prioritizes regulatory adherence and continuous driver education to mitigate risks effectively.
Talk to a Truck Accident Attorney in Dallas: (888) 493-1629
Figuring out your next steps can be difficult, particularly when you're already dealing with the pain and trauma of a trucking accident. At Arnold & Itkin, we are here to make your life easier. People come to us at the most difficult times of their lives, and we offer the insight and support they need to make informed decisions. In addition to offering free consultations, if we take your case, you pay no upfront costs and nothing at all unless we win. There's no risk.
Fault can be different depending on the circumstances of a truck accident. In some cases, drivers cause accidents. In other instances, unsafe trucking companies are to blame for serious accident. In many cases, multiple parties contributed to a preventable accident. One of the best ways to discover who might be at fault for your crash is by calling our big rig accident lawyers in Dallas. Read more about determining fault after a trucking accident.
How Much Does Hiring a Dallas Truck Accident Law Firm Cost?
Getting help from our Dallas 18-wheeler accident lawyers costs nothing up front. Our firm works on something called a contingency fee. Simply put, this means that we cover all costs associated with a case and only collect a fee if we win results for you. Working this way means our counsel is attainable for everyone. It also means that our clients can focus on their recovery rather than worrying about how they’ll pay their legal bills.
What Can a Dallas Trucking Accident Lawyer Help With?
An attorney can help you recover lost wages, medical bills, the cost of future care, and compensation for things such as mental and emotional suffering. Importantly, your truck accident lawyer should be focused on getting the compensation that you need and deserve, not the compensation that the other party offers.
What Steps Should I Follow After a Truck Accident?
After a truck accident in Dallas, the first and foremost priority is to ensure your safety and the safety of others involved. Call 911 and report the accident to the authorities, ensuring that all necessary medical assistance is provided. Next, document the accident scene thoroughly, taking photos and notes, and avoid making statements that may imply fault. After ensuring safety and documentation, contact your insurance company to report the accident, but refrain from giving recorded statements until you have sought legal advice. Consulting with a Dallas truck accident lawyer is critical to understanding your rights and ensuring that your claim is handled professionally.
Are Truck Accident Investigations More Complicated?
Truck accident investigations can be more complicated because of complex regulations, how many parties can be involved with one at once, and difficult insurance policies. This makes hiring the right law firm to handle your case crucial. While some law firms work for fast settlements, others will demand the compensation a client deserves, even if it takes a complex investigation and extensive trial work.
How Long Do I Have to File a Lawsuit After a Dallas Truck Accident?
Anyone involved in a Dallas truck accident has two years from the date of their incident to file a claim. However, you should call an attorney even if it has been more than two years since your accident. There are some cases where filing a case is still possible, even if the time limit has passed. Additionally, calling an attorney as soon as possible is crucial to ensuring a chance at a thorough independent investigation.
How Do Dallas Truck Accident Lawyers Determine Liability?
Determining liability in a truck accident requires a thorough investigation that typically involves examining evidence such as driving logs, maintenance records, and the accident scene itself. Dallas truck accident lawyers collaborate with experts in accident reconstruction and other relevant fields to analyze this data and identify all parties that may be responsible. Liability can extend beyond the truck driver to include the trucking company, vehicle and parts manufacturers, and others, depending on the circumstances of the accident. An experienced lawyer can navigate the complexities involved and build a robust case to seek fair compensation.
What Are the Common Causes of Big Rig Accidents?
Big rig accidents in Dallas are often caused by a combination of factors, including driver fatigue, speeding, and improper vehicle maintenance. Other prevalent causes include distracted driving, aggressive driving behaviors, and violations of traffic laws. In some instances, accidents result from systemic issues within trucking companies, such as unrealistic delivery schedules that pressure drivers to cut corners.
What Compensation Can I Expect from a Truck Accident Claim?
Compensation from a truck accident claim in Dallas typically covers medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other related costs. The exact amount of compensation depends on various factors, including the severity of injuries, the impact on one's quality of life, and the degree of negligence involved. An experienced truck accident lawyer can help evaluate your claim's worth by reviewing the details of the case and negotiating with insurance companies to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.
