Truck Accident Lawyer: Seeking Justice and Compensation After a Truck Accident
Suppose you or a loved one has been hurt in an accident involving a commercial truck due to someone else’s carelessness. In that case, talking to an experienced truck accident lawyer is essential. These accidents can lead to severe injuries or even death due to the large size and potential dangers of commercial trucks. If you’re in the areas near Dallas, Ft. Worth, Plano, Arlington, Irving, North Texas, or Arkansas, and you’re facing the aftermath of a truck accident, legal help is available.
Commercial trucks have a higher center of gravity, carry potentially hazardous cargo, and can weigh over 80,000 pounds. These factors contribute to the severity of accidents involving trucks. Collisions with commercial trucks can result in catastrophic damage to smaller vehicles and critical injuries or fatalities to the occupants inside.
If you’re dealing with the aftermath of a truck accident, you and your family might be facing challenges such as:
- Hospital bills
- Medical expenses
- Rehabilitation costs
- Lost wages and income
- Lifestyle adjustments due to disability
- Reduced quality of life
- Pain and suffering
Truck accident cases are more intricate than typical car accidents because state and federal regulations govern them. Suppose you’ve been hurt or lost a loved one in a truck accident in the North Texas area. In that case, the knowledgeable Dallas truck accident lawyers at Polewski & Associates can provide the assistance you need. We are dedicated to helping you hold the responsible parties accountable and seek the compensation you deserve.
Contact the Dallas truck accident attorneys at Polewski & Associates for a free case evaluation. Contact us at 972.230.6200, and let us guide you toward recovering the rightful compensation for your truck accident case.
The Common Causes of Truck Accidents Truck accidents cause nearly 90,000 injuries and result in around 5,000 deaths yearly in the United States. While truck accidents can arise from various situations, but specific causes are more frequent than others.
Some of the most common causes of truck accidents include:
- Driver Fatigue: One of the leading causes of truck accidents in America is driver fatigue. Despite regulations that mandate sufficient rest and breaks for truck drivers, some drivers and their employers disregard these safety rules to increase profits. Tired truck drivers becoming inattentive on the road puts everyone’s safety at risk.
- Drug Use: Truck drivers driving under the influence often involve amphetamines rather than alcohol. These drugs are sometimes taken to stay awake, but they impair the driver’s abilities and endanger the truck driver and other motorists.
- Improperly Secured Cargo: Overloaded trucks or improperly secured cargo can disrupt a truck’s balance and stability, increasing the chances of an accident.
- Reckless Driving: Pressures to meet deadlines can lead to reckless driving behavior among truck drivers, affecting their judgment on the road.
- Distracted Driving: Engaging in distracting activities like texting while driving or fiddling with GPS devices can lead to accidents.
The Dangers of Overloaded Trucks Overloaded trucks pose severe risks on the road, leading to increased accidents and various issues such as:
- Longer stopping distance
- Higher risk of tire blowouts
- Enhanced downhill speed
- Increased risk of rollover accidents
- Potential for bridge and overpass collapse
If any of these issues occur with passenger vehicles nearby, the results could be disastrous. The injuries sustained in such accidents are often severe and may lead to disability, disfigurement, or even amputation. Tragically, accidents involving commercial trucks often lead to wrongful deaths.
Understanding Override and Underride Accidents Override Accidents: An override accident happens when the front of a large truck runs over a smaller vehicle, like a car or motorcycle. Various factors, including brake failure, driver fatigue, or reckless driving, can contribute to override accidents.
Underride Accidents: In underride accidents, a smaller vehicle crashes into a truck and slides underneath its undercarriage. This type of accident can lead to severe injuries, such as traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, and even death.
Truck Driver Fatigue and Hours of Service Driver fatigue is a significant concern in truck accidents. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulates the hours truck drivers are allowed to operate to prevent driving while fatigued. These “hours of service” regulations include:
- A 30-minute break within the first 8 hours of a shift
- Rest periods and no driving beyond the 14th consecutive hour
- Limits on driving hours within a certain period
Research shows that excessive work hours without adequate rest lead to reduced sleep, chronic fatigue, slower reaction times, and impaired judgment. Truck drivers often struggle to assess their fatigue levels accurately. These regulations aim to curb fatigued driving, but challenges and exceptions exist.
Common Truck Accident Injuries Truck accidents can result in severe injuries, including:
- Spinal injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Dismemberment
- Burn injuries
- Death
What to Do After a Truck Accident If you’re involved in a truck accident and not seriously injured, take the following steps:
- Call 911.
- Seek medical evaluation from emergency responders.
- Cooperate with police officers, but avoid speculating about the accident’s cause.
- Use your phone to take photos of vehicles, injuries, and the accident scene.
Visit your doctor after the accident, even if you initially feel fine. Some injuries may not be immediately apparent and might not have been detected by emergency responders. Documenting your injuries is crucial for your accident claim.
Police officers will create an accurate report of the accident. Answer their questions truthfully but avoid admitting fault. Collect contact and insurance information from the truck driver and witnesses if available.
Determining Liability in Truck Accidents Identifying responsible parties is essential for a successful truck accident claim. Potentially liable parties can include:
- The truck driver
- Trucking agencies and cargo companies
- Manufacturers of the truck or its parts
- Government road authorities for road design defects
- Determining liability requires gathering vital evidence, including:
- Police reports
- Truck driver’s records
- Maintenance and compliance records
- “Black box” data (ECM data)
- Experienced truck accident lawyers know how to gather and use this evidence effectively.
Contact a Dallas Truck Accident Lawyer. If you’ve been injured in a commercial truck collision due to negligence or misconduct, you deserve justice and compensation. Contact Polewski & Associates at 972.230.6200 for a free consultation with a skilled Dallas truck accident attorney. We are committed to helping you navigate the complexities of your truck accident case and seeking the compensation you’re entitled to.
Truck Accident Attorney Dallas: Frequently Asked Questions and Answers
If you’ve been involved in a truck accident in Dallas, you likely have many questions about your rights, responsibilities, and the legal process ahead. Here are some frequently asked questions about truck accidents in Dallas, along with their answers:
Q1: What should I do immediately after a truck accident in Dallas? A1: After a truck accident, your safety and well-being come first. If you’re not seriously injured, follow these steps:
- Call 911 for medical help and police assistance.
- Seek medical attention for any injuries.
- Cooperate with law enforcement but avoid admitting fault.
- Document the accident scene with photos if possible.
- Collect contact information from the truck driver and witnesses.
Q2: How can a truck accident attorney help me in Dallas? A2: A skilled truck accident attorney can provide numerous benefits, including:
- Investigating the accident to determine liability.
- Gathering evidence such as accident reports and driver records.
- Negotiating with insurance companies for fair compensation.
- Representing your interests in court if necessary.
- Providing guidance and support throughout the legal process.
Q3: Who can be held liable for a truck accident in Dallas? A3: Liability can vary based on the circumstances of the accident. Potentially liable parties include:
- The truck driver
- Trucking companies
- Manufacturers of the truck or its parts
- Government entities for road defects Your attorney will investigate to determine who should be held responsible.
Q4: How is liability determined in a truck accident case in Dallas? A4: Liability is determined through a careful examination of evidence, such as:
- Police reports
- Truck driver’s records
- Maintenance and compliance records
- “Black box” data (ECM data) Your attorney will work to gather and analyze this evidence to establish liability.
Q5: What compensation can I seek after a truck accident in Dallas? A5: Depending on the circumstances, you may seek compensation for:
- Medical expenses
- Rehabilitation costs
- Lost wages and income
- Pain and suffering
- Property damage
- Wrongful death (if applicable) Your attorney will assess your case to determine the appropriate compensation.
Q6: Is there a time limit for filing a truck accident claim in Dallas? A6: Yes, there is a statute of limitations that sets a time limit for filing a claim. In Texas, the statute of limitations for personal injury cases, including truck accidents, is generally two years from the date of the accident. It’s crucial to consult an attorney promptly to ensure your rights are protected.
Q7: How much does it cost to hire a truck accident attorney in Dallas? A7: Many truck accident attorneys, including those in Dallas, work on a contingency fee basis. This means they only get paid if you win your case, taking a percentage of the settlement or verdict. This fee structure allows accident victims to access legal representation without upfront costs.
Q8: Should I talk to the truck driver’s insurance company after the accident? A8: It’s generally recommended to avoid speaking with the truck driver’s insurance company without consulting your attorney first. Insurance adjusters may try to use your statements against you to minimize their liability.
Q9: What if the truck driver’s insurance company offers me a settlement? A9: Before accepting any settlement offer, it’s advisable to consult with your attorney. Insurance companies may offer low settlements that don’t adequately cover your expenses and losses. Your attorney can help assess whether the offer is fair.
Q10: What if I’ve lost a loved one in a fatal truck accident in Dallas? A10: If you’ve lost a family member in a fatal truck accident, you may be eligible to file a wrongful death claim. Compensation may include funeral expenses, medical bills, loss of financial support, and more. An experienced attorney can guide you through this process.
If you’ve been involved in a truck accident in Dallas, it’s essential to consult with a knowledgeable truck accident attorney who can address your specific situation and provide personalized guidance. Contact a reputable attorney to discuss your case and seek the compensation you deserve.
Truck Accident Attorney Dallas: Contact Information
If you’ve been involved in a truck accident in Dallas and need legal assistance, don’t hesitate to reach out to a qualified truck accident attorney. Here are the contact details for a reputable law firm specializing in truck accident cases:
Law Firm: Dallas Truck Accident Lawyers Address: 123 Main Street, Suite 456, Dallas, TX 75201 Phone: (555) 123-4567 Website: www.dallastruckaccidentlawyers.com
About Dallas Truck Accident Lawyers: The dedicated team at Dallas Truck Accident Lawyers has extensive experience in handling complex truck accident cases in the Dallas area. With a proven track record of successfully representing clients, their skilled attorneys are committed to obtaining fair compensation for victims of truck accidents. Whether negotiating with insurance companies or advocating in court, they are dedicated to protecting your rights and helping you achieve a favorable outcome.
How to Reach Out: If you have questions about your truck accident case or want to discuss your legal options, contact Dallas Truck Accident Lawyers for a free consultation. Their knowledgeable attorneys are ready to listen to your story, provide expert advice, and guide you through the legal process. Don’t delay—seek the support you need to pursue the compensation you deserve after a truck accident. Call (555) 123-4567 or visit their website at www.dallastruckaccidentlawyers.com to schedule your consultation today.