Were you injured in a crash with an 18-wheeler, box truck, or commercial vehicle in Dallas, Texas? Commercial trucking corporations often have large insurance policies to address such injuries.
A Dallas commercial truck accident lawyer at Trujillo Gonzalez, P.C. can ensure they pay what they owe you. Call (972) 550-6818 for a free case evaluation.
We have hundreds of years of combined experience handling commercial vehicle accident claims. We routinely take on large trucking companies and hold them accountable.
Why Dallas Truck Wreck Victims Choose Trujillo Gonzalez, P.C.
Trucking companies send adjusters and defense teams to crash scenes within hours to protect themselves and start building their defense.
You need a dedicated legal team that acts just as quickly to protect your interests and puts you in a position to recover full compensation from the parties who hurt you.
Our Dallas, TX truck accident lawyers provide:
- Extensive courtroom experience, with hundreds of trials and arbitrations to verdict.
- Proven case results of $275+ million in settlements and verdicts for injured clients.
- Industry recognition by the Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum and other top organizations
- Personalized service where your calls and questions are always answered.
- No upfront fees; you owe no legal fees unless we win compensation for you.
Contact our Dallas office today to schedule a free consultation with an experienced Dallas personal injury lawyer. Our legal team assists clients in both English and Spanish.
Which Federal Regulations Apply to Commercial Trucking Cases?
Interstate trucking companies must follow Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations under 49 C.F.R. Parts 390–399. Texas applies most of these safety rules to trucks operating solely within the state. Proving a company broke these rules can serve as evidence of negligence in a personal injury claim.
Regulations that may pop up in your case include:
- Hours of service laws, limiting driving time to 11 hours after 10 straight hours off duty
- Electronic logging device (ELD) rules, requiring digital records of a driver’s hours
- Drug and alcohol testing, mandating routine drug screens
- Inspection and repair standards, requiring companies to keep detailed maintenance records
- Cargo securement rules, preventing shifting or falling loads
Under Chapter 72 of the Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code, commercial trucking trials are split into two phases. The first phase determines fault and standard financial damages, while punitive damages are evaluated in a second phase.
If a trucking company admits the driver was working within the scope of employment during the crash, claims against the employer are usually moved to the second phase.
Common Injuries From Commercial Truck Crashes
Because commercial trucks are so much larger than passenger cars, victims often suffer severe, life-changing injuries in truck collisions. These include:
- Traumatic brain injuries and memory issues
- Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
- Broken bones and severe fractures
- Internal organ damage and internal bleeding
- Severe burns and chemical exposure
- Amputations and lost limbs
- Crush injuries and deep tissue damage
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
Many accidents result in the wrongful death of one or more vehicle occupants, leaving families to grieve and navigate wrongful death claims to recover compensation for their loss.
Main Causes of 18-Wheeler Crashes in Dallas
As a major transportation hub, Dallas highways have heavy commercial traffic. Not surprisingly, it has a high truck accident rate.
Common causes of truck crashes include:
- Driver fatigue from driving too many hours without rest
- Speeding in bad weather or heavy traffic
- Distracted driving, such as texting or checking navigation screens
- Unsafe lane changes without checking blind spots
- Poor maintenance, leading to brake failures or blown tires
- Overloaded cargo that makes the truck unstable
- Wide turns that cut into other lanes
- Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs (drunk driving)
Despite the prevalence of truck crashes in Dallas, these collisions are largely preventable when the driver or trucking company uses reasonable care while operating and maintaining the truck.
Determining the Value of a Commercial Truck Accident Claim
Federal law requires commercial trucks to carry insurance coverage ranging from $750,000 for basic freight up to $5,000,000 for hazardous materials. This coverage can help address the damages you’ve suffered due to the accident.
But your total payout depends on:
- The severity and long-term impact of your injuries
- Past medical bills and expected future treatment costs
- Lost wages and reduced earning potential
- Pain and suffering, emotional distress, and scarring
- The insurance policy limits available
- Evidence showing extreme recklessness or gross negligence
Under Tex. Civ. Prac. & Rem. Code § 41.008, punitive damages may be awarded in cases involving gross negligence or extreme misconduct like drunk driving. An experienced attorney will help you evaluate the economic and non-economic damages you can recover.
Statute of Limitations for Truck Accident Claims in Texas
Under Tex. Civ. Prac. & Rem. Code § 16.003, personal injury and wrongful death lawsuits must be filed within two years of the crash or death. Missing this deadline means losing your right to compensation.
Waiting too long to hire a lawyer is a massive risk. Hiring an attorney quickly helps preserve key evidence and your filing rights in court.
Speak With a Dallas Commercial Truck Accident Attorney Today
A severe truck crash can cause unexpected medical bills, lost income, and a long recovery. While trucking companies focus on protecting their profits, we focus on protecting you.
When you hire our firm, we will:
- Send legal notices to preserve digital logs, dashcam video, and repair records
- Review driver logs, training history, and safety records
- Identify all responsible parties and available insurance policies
- Work with crash reconstruction experts and medical specialists
- Handle all calls and negotiations with insurance companies
- Take your case to court if the insurer refuses to offer a fair settlement
Call Trujillo Gonzalez, P.C. at (972) 550-6818 to speak with a Dallas commercial truck accident lawyer today.
