Truck accidents are often calamitous. From an 18-wheelers to semi-trucks, big trucks, and oil field vehicles, it's undeniable that majority of the time truck accidents are fatal, most especially in Texas. But then, how do you secure a proficient and seasoned truck accident lawyer in Dallas to defend your rights and assist you in obtaining fair remuneration?
Finding an adept truck accident attorney, can be a puzzle in Dallas, Texas. But fret not, we have put together a comprehensive list of the leading Dallas 18-wheeler accident lawyers with a proven track record of triumph. We'll also walk you through why it's crucial to hire a lawyer and what you should consider before signing any legal agreement.
Causes of Semi-Truck Accidents in Dallas
The consequences of a trucking accident are usually devastating as a
result of the sheer size and weight of trucks. Since said trucks are
almost always on the roads, you must be prepared and take extra care
around them on highways or other roadways in your neighbourhood.
In an effort to curb truck accidents in the United States, The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) enforces a wide range of safety regulations on hazardous materials (hazmat) trucks, semi-trucks, tanker trucks, and numerous other commercially operating vehicles on an interstate basis across the country.
Additionally, the Texas Department of Public Safety has its own Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Service laws, to which all vehicles traversing the Lone Star State must adhere to safeguard lives and property.
Sadly, Texas has led the nation in fatal commercial vehicle accidents for over 11 consecutive years. Let's delve into some of the most frequent causes of these unfortunate incidents:
1. Alcohol and Drug Use:
FMCSA regulations strictly forbid the consumption of drugs and alcohol while on duty. As per the Texas Department of Transportation, alcohol was the chief culprit in nearly 1,600 collisions in a single year, injuring over 708 people. Commercial truck accidents often have more dire consequences than those involving other vehicles, prompting the FMCSA to set the blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit for truck drivers at 0.4%.
2. Overspeeding:
This is another significant contributor to big truck crashes in Dallas. While it's important for truck drivers to be punctual in making their deliveries, adherence to speed limits is paramount.
3. Faulty or Defective Trucks:
Given that commercial trucks typically cover vast distances, they must be meticulously inspected upon return from a job or before commencing a new one. However, some trucking companies neglect to conduct these checks. Furthermore, when inspections are carried out, certain issues may be overlooked or dismissed as "minor". In essence, a defective truck poses a danger to both the driver and other road users.
4. Distractions:
Distraction is a recipe for disaster on the road. Though truck drivers are expected to display professionalism at all times, that's not always the case. Travel routes can be extensive and monotonous. In such situations, truck drivers may be tempted to play with their phones or radios or even grab a snack. These trivial distractions can divert the driver's attention from the road for a fleeting second—a second more than enough for an accident to occur.
Studies indicate that truck drivers who text while driving are 23 times more likely to cause a road accident. The FMCSA prohibits texting for truck drivers, with fines reaching up to $2,750, coupled with the potential loss of the driver's commercial license.5. Poor Road Conditions:
From missing signage to road work crews and inadequate design or maintenance, a myriad of road conditions can precipitate truck accidents.
6. Inadequate Cargo Loading:
The FMCSA has established securement rules to guide weight management. A standard car might weigh about 4,000 pounds, whereas a fully loaded truck can weigh up to 80,000 pounds. Non-compliance with the FMCSA's weight limits and protocols can cause a truck to become unbalanced, posing a threat to other road users.
Also Read: Personal Injury Lawyers Dallas, TX
How Can a Truck Accident Lawyer Assist?
A lawyer for 18-wheeler accident can assist in various ways and build for you a compelling claim. This including:
Investigate the Accident:
Identify All Liable Parties:
Handle All Insurance Claims:
File a Lawsuit:
Find the Best Truck Accident Lawyers in Texas by area:
How Does a Truck Accident Claim Work?
When you engage an 18-wheeler or truck wreck lawyer in Dallas, your accident claim could potentially progress through four stages:
Evidence Collection:
Treatment:
Negotiations:
Litigation:
How To Choose The Best Dallas Truck Accident Attorney
Selecting the appropriate Dallas semi-truck accident attorney can be a daunting task, especially if you're doing so for the first time. Here are a few tips and factors to guide you in making the right choice:
Level of Experience:
Check their reputation:
Evaluate their communication skills:
Availability:
Discuss the fees:
Truck Accident Lawyers Near You
As discussed, they are several things to lookout for when searching for a truck accident lawyer in Dallas, Texas. With all those requirements in mind, we have compiled a list of the top rated law firms for the best lawyer for 18 wheeler accident. Consider the following top-rated attorneys.
1. Zehl & Associates Injury & Accident Lawyers
The 18-wheeler accident lawyers of this firm are known for winning the largest recoveries in history for truck and 18-wheeler accident victims across Texas and the United States. These trucking lawyers have won over $1 Billion for commercial vehicle accident victims and have consistently set records for recoveries and settlements for accident victims in the past five years. Some of the record settlements include a $32 Million and a $23.5 Million Settlements for truck accident victims, which stands as the two largest truck settlements in the history of Texas.
With several awards and recognition, including Super Lawyers, Top 10 Trucking Trial Lawyers, Top 100 National Trial Lawyers, Million Dollar Advocates Forum, Zehl & Associates Injury & Accident Lawyers is undoubtedly a place to look if you're searching for a truck accident attorney in Dallas that can ensure maximum compensation for your case.
2. The Doan Law Firm, PLLC
The Doan Law Firm, PLLC is the Largest personal injury law firm in Texas and has recovered billions for clients involved in injury accidents. The truck wreck lawyers of The Doan Law Firm, PLLC, respond to texts, emails, and calls within 1 hour and offer free consultations to potential clients. These guys have been recognized in ABC, The New York Times, NBC and FOX as a leading authority on personal injury.
Founding attorney Jimmy Doan has won record-breaking verdicts in trucks and various personal injury cases. Peers highly regard this Dallas truck accident attorney as an expert in mass casualty cases. Some case results include a $3.5 million compensation to a client involved in a semi-truck accident and a $2 million settlement for a client that a big rig driver rear-ended.
3. Rasansky Law Firm
The truck injury attorneys at the Rasansky Law Firm have successfully represented injured clients and their families in Dallas and across Texas for decades. Attorney Jeff Rasansky founded the firm, and for over 30 years, he has successfully recovered tens of millions of dollars for clients and their families. Jeff has been featured in various publications and news outlets and is A.V.'s Preeminent top-rated lawyer with Martindale-Hubbell. He has also been voted "Lawyer of the Year" by Best Lawyers in America and recognized as one of the leading 500 best lawyers in the U.S. by Law Dragon.
He is also consistently recognized as one of the top-rated lawyers by Super Lawyers, Best Lawyers. Some results that have been successfully handled by the trucking lawyers of the Rasansky Law Firm include a $5.97Million verdict for a man paralyzed after being rear-ended by a distracted 18-wheeler driver and a $1.34 Million settlement in a trucking accident case.
4. Law Office of Brian Brunson PLLC
The truck injury attorneys at The Law Office of Brian Brunson PLLC know how to obtain favourable results for even the most complex cases. This firm was named the Best Truck Accident Firm in Dallas in 2020 by Expertise.com and named Top 10 Truck Accident Firm in Dallas by Trust Analytical. If I stayed in Dallas and were searching for truck accident lawyers near me, these guys would be one of the firms I would consult. With over 1,000 successful cases won and over $6 500,000 recovered for clients, these attorneys have undoubtedly demonstrated their resolve regarding trucking and various personal injury cases.
5. Otstott & Jamison, P.C.
For over 50 years, the truck accident attorneys at Otstott & Jamison, P.C. have fought insurance companies and large corporations for injured clients and their families in Dallas and across the U.S. These attorneys have obtained the license to practice in the Supreme Court of the United States of America. Otstott & Jamison, P.C. Attorneys have received awards and recognition from Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum and Martindale Hubbell. Amongst other cases, these attorneys have most recently secured a settlement of $650,000 for the family of a mother and daughter killed in a car/ truck wreck.
Conclusion
The negligence of trucking companies and their operators has increased the likelihood of a truck accident, posing a grave danger for all road users and pedestrians alike. Given how fatal truck accidents can be and how funny insurance and trucking companies can be when it comes to accepting liability in a case, engaging the services of a truck accident attorney in helping one recover their due compensation following a trucking accident cannot be overemphasized. When searching for a truck wreck lawyer in Dallas, consider the above mentioned firms for maximum compensation for your losses.