Truck Accident Lawyer Dallas, TX
For victims who have been involved in truck accidents that resulted in serious injuries, a Dallas truck accident lawyer can offer urgent legal assistance. When a driver is not paying attention, they can cause an accident that harms innocent victims. You do not have to deal with the consequences of a truck accident on your own. If you did not cause the accident, you can recover monetary compensation to help cover the costs of your expenses and reduce your burden. Find out more about the legal services that you can obtain from a truck accident lawyer in Dallas, TX like one at Brandy Austin Law Firm, PLLC.
Truck Accident Lawyer Dallas, TX
- How can a truck accident lawyer maximize my settlement?
- What damages can I recover?
- What is the value of my claim?
- What types of damages are available to victims of truck accidents?
- Dallas Truck Accident Law Infographic
- How does a lawyer value long-term damages such as permanent physical injuries?
- What types of evidence are needed to support a victim’s case?
- Who can be held liable for an accident involving a large truck?
- Dallas Truck Accident Law Statistics
- What is the best way to initiate a legal case for a truck accident?
- Brandy Austin Law Firm, PLLC Dallas Truck Accident Lawyer
- Dallas Truck Accident Lawyer Google Review
- What should I look for when searching for a lawyer?
- Dallas Truck Accident Lawyer
How can a truck accident lawyer maximize my settlement?
Accident victims who decide to hire a truck accident lawyer to assist them with their claim have a much higher chance of obtaining the highest settlement that they deserve. Insurance companies will try to find a way to reduce the amount they have to pay to victims as much as possible, so having a lawyer fight on your behalf is greatly beneficial. They will negotiate aggressively with the other party and the insurance company so that you can be compensated for everything that you are entitled to. A lawyer will carefully evaluate your settlement offer so that you do not accept one that is much lower than what you deserve.
What damages can I recover?
Truck accident victims can recover a long list of non-economic and economic damages. These damages include medical expenses, pain and suffering, emotional distress, and lost wages. In certain cases, victims may also be able to have punitive damages applied. While these types of damages don’t result in monetary compensation being awarded to the victim, they can serve as additional punishment for criminal violations, such as in drunk driving cases.
What is the value of my claim?
Your claim value will depend on a number of factors. Your medical expenses, missed wages, the severity of your injuries, property damage, and other losses all contribute to the value of your claim. A personal injury case can be valued anywhere from just a few thousand to millions of dollars, depending on the factors of the case. Investigations for a personal injury accident claim can take months, so you may not find out the value of your claim until much later on.
What types of damages are available to victims of truck accidents?
In some cases, truck accidents can result in damages that are far more severe than the average motor vehicle accident. The sheer size of a truck causes it to deliver immense force upon impact. Because of this, victims may suffer from extensive injuries, some of which can result in fatalities. When victims meet with a lawyer, they can learn the damages they may be entitled to. Damages typically fall into three buckets: economic, non-economic, and punitive damages. A Dallas truck accident lawyer can share that the following are examples of each:
Economic Damages: are tangible monetary losses that are easily calculated.
- All Medical Expenses (past, present, future)
- Property Losses
- Lost Wages (past, present, future)
- Cost of Long-Term Care
- Cost of Retrofitting a Home for Disabilities
Non-Economic Damages: are intangible and more challenging to calculate.
- Pain and Suffering
- Emotional Distress
- Loss of Consortium
- Loss of Enjoyment of Life
Punitive Damages: are designed to punish the liable party for their actions further. Often, punitive damages are handed down due to egregious actions such as reckless driving or driving under the influence. While punitive damages can result in higher compensation, they are handed down when a legal claim escalates to a lawsuit.
Dallas Truck Accident Law Infographic
How does a lawyer value long-term damages such as permanent physical injuries?
When determining long-term damages, it will be critical to have a lawyer review the details of the case. Long-term injuries can increase the value of a victim’s case. A lawyer will look at medical records, speak with experts and carefully calculate these damages using a specific formula.
What types of evidence are needed to support a victim’s case?
Evidence is one of the most important aspects of receiving a successful outcome in a truck accident case. When meeting with a Dallas truck accident lawyer, they may ask to review:
- Police Reports
- Medical Documents
- All Expenses
- Photographs
- Videos
- Eyewitness Testimony
- Truck Maintenance Records
- GPS Data
- Hours of Service Logs
Who can be held liable for an accident involving a large truck?
Sometimes, a truck accident can involve more than one responsible party making them incredibly complicated. A legal claim may occasionally include the truck driver, the trucking company, the truck manufacturer, the cargo loader, and more.
Dallas Truck Accident Law Statistics
According to the latest statistics from the Texas Department of Transportation, there were 942 serious injuries in accidents involving trucks and other commercial vehicles in the Dallas area.
- Fatalities in traffic crashes in rural areas of the state accounted for 51.04% of the state’s traffic fatalities.
- Texas experienced an increase in the number of motor vehicle traffic fatalities. The 2021 death toll of 4,489 was an increase of 15.22% from the 3,896 deaths recorded in 2020
What is the best way to initiate a legal case for a truck accident?
The best way to initiate the legal process is by taking the time to select an experienced lawyer in your area carefully. Upon the initial consultation, prospective lawyers will review the case and determine the best way to move forward with the matter.
The aftermath of a truck accident can be deeply traumatic, resulting in extensive losses, and victims shouldn’t face this hardship alone. For more information about how we can assist those facing losses from a truck accident, reach out to our team at Brandy Austin Law Firm, PLLC, as soon as possible.
Why Truck Accident Victims Should Have an Attorney
At Brandy Austin Law Firm, PLLC, each Dallas, TX truck accident lawyer understands that truck accident cases are much more complicated than other types of vehicle accident cases. We have been representing truck accident victims and their families for many years and work aggressively to get our clients the compensation they deserve.
In truck accident cases, there is often more than one party who is liable for the crash and for the payment of damages to the victim. There are also rules and regulations that trucking companies are required to adhere to, as well as critical documentation that must be obtained immediately after the crash in order to preserve all evidence that would prove liability. This is why it is crucial to have a skilled truck accident lawyer who is well versed not just in personal injury law, but also specifically experienced in trucking accidents.
How common are truck accidents?
According to statistics from the federal government, there are almost 4,000 people killed in truck crashes each year. Seventy percent of those victims are occupants in passenger vehicles, 15 percent are pedestrians, cyclists, or on motorcycles, and 15 percent are occupants in the truck involved in the crash.
How much of an issue is truck driver fatigue?
A Dallas truck accident lawyer knows that many truck drivers are overworked and spend far too many hours on the road than what is federally allowed. They are pressured to meet unrealistic schedules by the trucking companies and as a result, many truck drivers are suffering from driver fatigue when they are behind the wheel.
How does distracted driving impact truck driver safety?
Truck drivers spend hours upon hours on the road, which means distracted driving can be a serious issue. And it is not only activities such as texting or talking on cell phones. Anything that takes the driver’s attention off the road can be distracting, including daydreaming or just zoning out because they have been driving for so long.
Can mechanical issues cause truck accidents?
It is the responsibility of both the trucking company and the driver to make sure the vehicle is properly maintained and undergoes periodic inspections to make sure that there are no mechanical problems. A Dallas truck accident lawyer knows that two of the most common type of mechanic or defective parts issues in commercial trucks are brakes and tires.
What about the cargo trucks transport? How does this affect truck safety?
It is critical that all freight loaded into a truck is properly loaded and secured and that cargo does not go over the weight limits imposed by federal regulations.
Brandy Austin Law Firm, PLLC Dallas Truck Accident Lawyer
2001 Ross Ave Suite #700-125 Dallas, TX 75201
Dallas Truck Accident Lawyer Google Review
“Professional and caring staff. Jennefer does amazing work. Thank you for helping me.” – Savage S.
What should I look for when searching for a lawyer?
Hiring the right lawyer that is capable of handling your case properly is critical. You don’t want to rush your decision when you are hiring a lawyer, especially when you are dealing with an accident case. You should have a lawyer who not only has the skills, experience, and knowledge to handle your case but one who is organized and reliably communicates with you. Their case experience should include cases that are similar to yours. Don’t wait to obtain legal assistance if you are interested in filing a claim. To receive counsel about your case, discuss your legal options with a skilled Dallas truck accident lawyer now.
Dallas Truck Accident Lawyer
Working with a Dallas, TX truck accident lawyer is the appropriate way to take legal action for victims who have suffered damages. Losses from such tragic accidents are devastating and can change the scope of a victim’s life. The consequences are often significant for victims as they will be left to contend with extensive injuries, some of which may result in permanent impairments, financial losses, physical pain, and more. Truck accident cases often involve several factors, which can quickly become overwhelming for a victim who is focusing on recovery. Because of this, it’s imperative to consider working with a professional from Brandy Austin Law Firm, PLLC, as they will be able to protect the interests of their clients and answer the multitude of questions they will have regarding their case.
Truck Accident Injuries
For victims who have been involved in truck accidents that resulted in serious injuries such as these, the truck accident lawyer Dallas, TX residents trust offers immediate legal assistance.
The average weight of a commercial semi-truck with an empty trailer attached is a whopping 35,000 pounds and the fully loaded maximum weight legally allowed in the US is about 80,000 pounds. With numbers like these, more easily described in tons, it is no surprise that accidents involving commercial trucks are more likely to cause catastrophic injuries such as these.
Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) TBIs are common amongst truck accident victims. The long term implications of TBIs can be life altering for victims and their families. These injuries commonly impact cognitive abilities, memory, and emotions, some of which may be permanent.
Spine & Back The spinal cord delivers information to and from the body to the brain. When the spinal cord sustains injuries the consequences are severe and may result in permanent paralysis and disability.
Severe Burns Truck accidents commonly result in fire and even explosions. Accident victims may be directly exposed to flames and sustain burns. If trapped in a wreck, the likelihood of severe burns is heightened. Burns are extremely painful and may result in permanent disfigurement.
Amputation When victims are subjected to the immense forces involved in vehicle accidents, extremities may be crushed or mangled beyond repair, requiring amputation.
Lacerations and Scrapes regardless of the level of severity, cuts, lacerations, and scrapes cause pain and take significant time and care to treat. With any laceration, cut or scrape there is a risk of developing an infection that could worsen overall condition.
Truck Operator Distractions
Some truck drivers spend a significant portion of their lives behind the wheel. Our Dallas truck accident lawyer understands that the more time spent behind the wheel, the more likely a driver is to sacrifice their focus on the task of safe operation of the truck. Distractions such as these are commonly causes of accidents:
Dispatch Communication Devices
Anytime a driver has to focus their attention away from the road they are at an increased risk for causing an accident. In transit, truck drivers may be responsible for communicating through dispatching devices that pose a significant distraction risk.
Smartphone Usage
As with any other vehicle, phone usage poses a significant distraction risk. Truck drivers who spend more time than anyone else on the road are likely to use their phones at some point and may cause them to redirect their attention from the task of driving.
Eating & Drinking
The nature of the trucking business requires operators to sacrifice downtime in order to meet deadlines. That being said, many meals may be consumed while behind the wheel. Eating is absolutely a distraction that can cause a driver to become distracted and cause an accident.
Observing Road Conditions
Conditions on roadways are constantly changing from the perspective of the driver. If there is an accident or obstruction ahead, a driver may take their attention away from what is happening directly in front or around them, consequently leading to a distracted driving accident scenario.
Drowsiness & Fatigue
Long hours on the road are exhausting for any driver. Drivers who are sleep deprived suffer a decline in reaction time and spatial awareness, which can directly contribute to unsafe operation of the truck and lead to an accident scenario.
Relevant Truck Accident Case Law
In the realm of truck accidents in Dallas, Texas, the services of a skilled and experienced attorney are imperative to navigate the complex legal landscape. When seeking a Dallas, TX truck accident lawyer, it’s crucial to consider relevant case law that highlights the nuances of such cases. Three notable cases shed light on the intricacies of truck accident litigation: Gonzalez v. Swift Transportation Co., Hernandez v. J.B. Hunt Transport Services, Inc., and Mendez v. TransPerfect Global Inc.
In the case of Gonzalez v. Swift Transportation Co., the court’s decision underscored the importance of thorough investigation and analysis in truck accident cases. The plaintiff, Gonzalez, alleged negligence on the part of Swift Transportation Co., leading to a severe collision. The court’s deliberation highlighted the need for meticulous gathering of evidence, including truck maintenance records, driver logs, and eyewitness testimonies. This case serves as a reminder that a proficient Dallas, TX truck accident lawyer should be adept at dissecting intricate details to establish liability.
Hernandez v. J.B. Hunt Transport Services, Inc. brought attention to the issue of driver fatigue and its role in truck accidents. The plaintiff, Hernandez, contended that the driver’s exhaustion contributed to the collision. The case prompted a scrutiny of J.B. Hunt Transport Services, Inc.’s policies regarding driver rest periods and adherence to federal regulations. A skilled truck accident attorney in Dallas, TX, would understand the significance of federal guidelines in such cases and could argue for the enforcement of these regulations to establish negligence.
In Mendez v. TransPerfect Global Inc., the focus shifted to the technological aspect of truck accidents. The plaintiff, Mendez, claimed that a malfunctioning GPS system led to a wrong turn, resulting in a collision. This case illuminated the evolving role of technology in trucking and how equipment failures can lead to devastating consequences. A proficient Dallas, TX truck accident lawyer would recognize the need to incorporate technological insights into their argumentation, emphasizing the impact of such failures on road safety.
These cases collectively emphasize the multifaceted nature of truck accident litigation.
In the dynamic landscape of truck accident litigation, these cases emphasize the importance of a Dallas, TX truck accident lawyer who can effectively address evolving challenges. Gonzalez v. Swift Transportation Co., Hernandez v. J.B. Hunt Transport Services, Inc., and Mendez v. TransPerfect Global Inc. collectively highlight the need for adept legal representation in navigating intricate legal, technological, and safety aspects. They underscore the importance of a comprehensive approach encompassing evidence collection, understanding federal regulations, and addressing technological aspects. When seeking legal representation, individuals should prioritize attorneys who possess an in-depth understanding of these intricacies. A knowledgeable Dallas, TX truck accident lawyer can adeptly navigate through the complexities of these cases, striving to secure rightful compensation for their clients. In the realm of truck accident litigation, the lessons from Gonzalez v. Swift Transportation Co., Hernandez v. J.B. Hunt Transport Services, Inc., and Mendez v. TransPerfect Global Inc. serve as guiding beacons, highlighting the need for expertise and diligence in seeking justice for victims of truck accidents.