Texas Truck Accident Statistics 2023

The trucking industry can be incredibly demanding for 18-wheeler truck drivers, with long hours on the road, strict delivery schedules, and pressure to maximize profits for the trucking companies. Unfortunately, this can lead to a culture of truck driver fatigue, exhaustion and stress that may compromise the safety of both the driver and other road users.

According to most cases that Dallas truck accident lawyers have litigated, truck drivers and trucking companies at times flout the law or cut corners on safety protocols to meet delivery deadlines or reduce costs. This can include violations of federal and state regulations such as hours-of-service rules, which limit the amount of time a driver can spend on the road in a given day or week.

When an accident occurs, our team of experienced Dallas truck accident attorneys are skilled at investigating the causes and determining whether negligence on the part of the trucking company or driver played a role. By examining factors such as maintenance records, driver logs, and GPS data, a Texas truck accident attorney can often identify rule violations or other safety issues that contributed to the accident.

Most Common Causes Of Truck And 18 Wheeler Accidents In Dallas, Tx

Fatigue and Truck Error 
Fatigue and error among 18-wheeler truck drivers is one of the most common causes of truck accidents. While rules and regulations limit the number of hours a driver can be on the road, many drivers push the limits to maximize profits. Additionally, some drivers may turn to drugs or alcohol to stay awake, impairing their judgment and reaction time.

Defective Truck Parts
Defective truck parts are another frequent contributor to accidents. While drivers are required to perform pre-trip and post-trip inspections, these are often overlooked, and problems may go unnoticed. Failing to implement a preventative maintenance program can also lead to mechanical issues, such as tire blowouts, poor brakes, and wheel-offs.

Excessive Speed
Excessive speed is also a significant factor in truck accidents. Due to the weight of the truck and trailer, they cannot stop as quickly as cars. A truck traveling at 70 mph will need over 600 feet to stop, leading to more severe damages and injuries than a car collision.

Jackknifes
Trucks also have large blind spots and require wide turns, leading to many accidents caused by drivers failing to see other vehicles. Jackknifes and rollovers are also common due to the high center of gravity and load imbalances of tractor-trailers.

Pressure on Commercial Trucking Carrier
The trucking industry faces significant pressure to cover high fixed costs, including fuel, taxes, insurance, regulations, and fees. To turn a profit, companies may cut corners, leading to rule violations and safety issues. Despite these challenges, trucking companies have a duty to prioritize safety and adhere to all laws and regulations to prevent accidents and protect other road users. Having contact with an 18-wheeler accident lawyer in Dallas is a big help for companies.

Most Common Truck Accident Injuries in Dallas, Texas

Truck accidents can result in serious injuries especially in Dallas where the highways are very busy. It is essential to seek medical attention after an accident, even if there are no visible injuries, as some symptoms may not appear for several days or even weeks after the accident. If you have been injured, it is important to consult an experienced Dallas truck accident attorney from a law firm to protect your rights and seek compensation for your damages. Some of the most common injuries sustained in truck accidents in Dallas include:

Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs) – TBIs are often caused by the head striking an object during the impact of a collision. Symptoms may include loss of consciousness, confusion, memory loss, headaches, and dizziness.

Spinal Cord Injuries (SCIs) – SCIs can occur when the spinal cord is damaged, leading to paralysis or loss of sensation. This type of injury can be life-altering, resulting in a reduced quality of life and significant medical expenses.

Broken Bones – The force of a truck crash can cause severe fractures, including broken arms, legs, and ribs. These injuries can require extensive medical treatment and rehabilitation. This usually happens in collisions with big trucks. An 18 wheeler accident lawyer in Dallas will be able to help you seek compensation.

Soft Tissue Injuries – Soft tissue injuries, such as whiplash or strains, are common in truck crash due to the sudden force of impact. These injuries can be painful and require a period of recovery and rehabilitation.
Internal Injuries – Internal injuries, such as damage to organs, can occur during semi truck accidents. These injuries may not be immediately apparent and require medical attention as soon as possible.

Burns – an accident involving large trucks can also result in burns due to fires caused by fuel spills or electrical issues. These injuries can be severe and require extensive medical treatment and long-term care.

Gathering Evidence After A Commercial Truck Accident

Check for Injuries: After a truck accident in Dallas, it is important to take immediate action to protect yourself and your legal rights. The first step is to check for any injuries to yourself and others involved in the accident. If anyone is injured, call 911 right away to ensure that they receive the medical attention they need.

Move to a Safe Location: Once you have ensured that everyone is safe, move your vehicle and any injured individuals to a safe location off the roadway. This is important to prevent further accidents and injuries.

Call the Police: Call the police to the scene of the accident, even if there are no injuries. The police will create an accident report that will be helpful in determining fault and seeking compensation for damages. Be sure to provide the police with all relevant information, including the contact and insurance information of the other driver(s) involved in the accident.

Gather Evidence: It is also important to gather evidence at the scene of the accident. Take pictures of the accident scene, including damage to passenger vehicles, skid marks, and any other relevant details. Collect contact information from any witnesses to the accident. All of this information can be helpful in building a case for compensation and may be needed by the insurance company.

Seek Medical Attention: Even if you do not feel injured immediately after the accident, it is important to seek medical attention as soon as possible. Some injuries may not become apparent until several days after the accident, and delaying medical treatment can make it harder to prove that your injuries were caused by the accident.

Consult with a Dallas Truck Accident Lawyer: It is essential to consult with skilled Texas truck accident lawyers as soon as possible after a truck accident in Dallas. A truck wreck lawyer in Dallas can help protect your rights, investigate the accident, and seek compensation for your damages, including medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

Compensation After Your Truck Accident Injuries

Being involved in a truck accident can be a traumatic and life-altering experience. Accidents involving trucks are more likely to cause severe injuries and property damage due to the size and weight of commercial trucks. If you have been involved in a truck accident case and have sustained injuries, your accident attorney in Dallas may tell you that you are entitled to compensation for your damages. Here’s an expanded article about compensation after your truck accident injuries:

Types of Compensation
There are two types of compensation that you may be entitled to after a truck accident: economic damages and non-economic damages.

Economic Damages
Economic damages refer to the quantifiable financial losses that you have suffered as a result of the accident. These may include:

Medical expenses: This can include hospital bills, medication, and rehabilitation costs.

Lost wages: If you missed work due to the accident, you may be entitled to compensation for the wages you lost.

Property damage: If your vehicle or other property was damaged in the accident, you may be entitled to compensation for the cost of repair or replacement.

Non-economic Damages
Non-economic damages refer to the intangible losses that you have suffered as a result of the accident. These may include:

Pain and suffering: This can include physical and emotional pain, and the
effects of the accident on your quality of life.

Loss of consortium: This refers to the loss of companionship and support
from a spouse or family member.

Emotional distress: This can include anxiety, depression, and other
emotional disturbances caused by the accident.

Forms Of Compensation For Accident Victims

Truck accidents can be devastating and life-changing, causing significant physical, emotional, and financial harm to accident victims and their families. If you or a loved one has been involved in a truck accident case, you may ask a truck accident attorney in Texas for the various forms of compensation for your losses. However, here are some of the common forms of compensation available for victims of truck accidents:

Medical Expenses: Truck accidents can result in severe injuries that require extensive medical treatment, including hospitalization, surgery, medication, and rehabilitation. Victims may be entitled to compensation for all past and future medical expenses related to the accident.

Lost Wages: Truck wreck injuries can also prevent victims from returning to work, resulting in lost wages and diminished earning capacity. Compensation for lost wages can include payment for missed work days, reduced earning capacity, and other related expenses.

Property Damage: If your vehicle or other property was damaged during trucking accidents, you may be entitled to compensation for the cost of repair or replacement.

Pain and Suffering: Victims of large truck crashes may also experience catastrophic injuries such as physical and emotional pain and suffering, including anxiety, depression, and other psychological trauma. Compensation for pain and suffering can help cover the cost of therapy, counseling, and other forms of treatment.

Loss of Consortium: Spouses and family members of large commercial trucks crashes victims may also suffer from loss of companionship and support as a result of their loved one’s injuries. Compensation for loss of consortium can help cover the cost of therapy, counseling, and other related expenses.

Punitive Damages: In some truck accident cases, victims of large truck accidents may also be entitled to punitive damages, which are intended to punish the truck driver or trucking company for their negligence or reckless behavior. Punitive damages are not awarded in every case and are typically reserved for truck accident cases involving egregious misconduct.

To determine the types and amount of compensation truck accident victims may be entitled to, it’s essential to consult with an experienced truck accident attorney in Dallas who can evaluate your case, assess your damages, and help you pursue maximum compensation.

Why Are Truck Accidents More Complex Than Other Types Of Crashes?

Truck accidents are a vexing and ever-present issue on our roads, not just in the United States, but across the globe. These sorts of accidents are characterized by their complexity, which surpasses that of other types of crashes. The intricate nature of these accidents stems from a range of factors, such as the immense size and weight of the trucks, the regulations and safety standards governing the industry, the involvement of multiple parties, and the need for meticulous investigation to unravel the chain of events leading up to the accident.

Truck Size and Weight
When it comes to the sheer size and weight of the commercial vehicles involved in these collisions, one cannot help but be awed by their imposing presence. Most fully loaded tractor trailers can weigh as much as 80,000 pounds, rendering them significantly more substantial than the average passenger vehicle.

When a truck collides with a smaller vehicle, the impact can be downright catastrophic, resulting in extensive damage and grave injuries. The physics of such a collision is far more complex than that of a regular car crash, as the greater weight and force of the truck generate much more kinetic energy that needs to be absorbed and dissipated.

Regulations And Safety Standards Governing Trucks
But it is not just the weight of the trucks that adds complexity to the accident equation. The regulations and safety standards that govern the trucking industry also play a significant role. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has established numerous rules and regulations for the trucking industry, spanning a vast array of aspects such as the truck driver hours of service, vehicle maintenance, and safety inspections. These regulations are meant to ensure the safety of truck drivers and other motorists sharing the road with them. However, they can also make it far more challenging to determine who is at fault when an accident happens.

How Do You Know If You Have A Truck Accident Claim?

Determining if you have a Dallas truck accident claim can be a complex process, but there are a few key factors to consider. These include establishing fault, assessing the extent of damages and injuries, and understanding the time limits for making a claim. Consulting with Texas commercial truck accident lawyers can help you navigate the complex process and maximize your chances of receiving full and fair compensation for your losses.

Establishing Faulty
Firstly, it is essential to establish who was at fault for the accident. In some cases, the driver of the truck may have been negligent or violated traffic laws, leading to the accident. If this is the case, you may be able to make a claim against the truck driver and their employer. However, it is not always straightforward to determine who is at fault, and it may require an investigation into the circumstances of the accident.

Assessing Extent of Damage and Injuries
Another important factor to consider is the extent of the damages and injuries sustained. If you have suffered significant injuries that have impacted your ability to work or carry out daily activities, you may be entitled to compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. The amount of compensation you may receive will depend on the severity of the damages and the level of negligence on the part of the truck driver.

Understand Statutes of Limitations
In addition, it is crucial to consider the time limits for making a claim. Each state has its own statute of limitations for personal injury claim, and if you do not file a claim within the specified time frame, you may lose your right to compensation.

Consult With Personal Injury Attorneys
To determine if you have a Dallas truck accident claim, it is advisable to consult with an experienced personal injury attorney. They usually offer free consultation can help assess the circumstances of your case, investigate the accident, and advise you on the best course of action.

Why Should I Hire a Truck Accident Lawyer?

If you have been involved in a truck accident, you may be wondering if you should hire a truck accident lawyer to represent you. While it is not a legal requirement to hire an attorney, there are several reasons why doing so can be beneficial.

Understanding of the Law: Truck accident cases can be complex, involving federal and state regulations, as well as various insurance policies. An experienced truck accident lawyer will have a thorough understanding of the relevant laws and regulations and can ensure that your rights are protected.

Investigation: A truck accident lawyer can conduct a thorough investigation into the circumstances of the accident. This includes gathering evidence, interviewing witnesses, and consulting with experts to determine the cause of the accident and who may be at fault.

Negotiation: A truck accident lawyer can negotiate with insurance companies and at-fault parties on your behalf to ensure that you receive fair compensation for your damages. They have experience dealing with insurance adjusters and can advocate for your rights and interests.

Court Representation: If a settlement cannot be reached through negotiation, a truck accident lawyer can represent you in court. They can present your case to a judge and jury, argue on your behalf, and fight for your rights and interests.

Peace of Mind: Dealing with the aftermath of a truck accident can be stressful and overwhelming. Hiring a truck accident lawyer can give you peace of mind, knowing that you have someone on your side who is fighting for your rights and interests.

How Much Do Truck Accident Lawyers Charge?

The fees charged by a Dallas truck accident lawyer can vary depending on several factors, such as the complexity of the case, the location, and the lawyer’s experience and reputation. Most truck accident lawyers representing truck accident victims are on a contingency fee basis.

Contingency Fee is the most common fee arrangement used by truck accident lawyers. Under this arrangement, the lawyer does not charge an upfront fee, but instead, takes a percentage of the settlement or verdict obtained in the case. If the lawyer does not win the case, they do not receive a fee.

Take advantage of their free consultation and discuss the fee arrangement with your truck accident lawyer before hiring them. Make sure you understand how they will charge for their services and what percentage of your settlement or verdict they will take. You should also ask about any additional fees or expenses, such as court filing fees, expert witness fees, or travel expenses, that may be incurred during your case.

How Our Dallas Truck Accident Attorneys Can Help You?

At Chalaki Law, we believe that everyone should have access to experienced legal representation, regardless of their financial situation. Our “No Recovery, No Fee” policy ensures that you only pay if we successfully recover compensation on your behalf, providing you with peace of mind and financial security throughout the legal process.

Our experienced truck accident attorney fees are based on a “No Recovery, No Fee” policy. This means that if we are unable to recover compensation for you, you will not be responsible for any attorney fees. Additionally, you will not be required to pay any fees if we are unable to settle your case with the responsible party or their insurance company.

Instead of charging the typical retainer and hourly fees that some truck accident attorneys charge, we will take a percentage of the settlement as our fee. This allows you to receive the legal representation you need without worrying about upfront costs or ongoing hourly fees.