Truck accidents are unlike ordinary car crashes. A fully loaded 18-wheeler can weigh up to 80,000 pounds — 20 times more than the average passenger vehicle — and the resulting injuries are often catastrophic or fatal. If you or a loved one has been injured in a collision with a commercial truck in the Dallas area, you are not just dealing with one driver; you are up against a trucking company, its insurer, and a team of lawyers whose job is to minimize what they pay you.
At Manuel Diaz Law Firm, our truck accident attorneys in Dallas know how to investigate these cases quickly, preserve critical evidence, and hold trucking companies fully accountable for the harm they cause.
Why Truck Accident Cases Are Different From Car Accidents
Multiple Parties May Be Liable
Unlike a typical car accident involving two drivers, a truck accident claim can involve several potentially liable parties: the truck driver, the trucking company, the company that loaded the cargo, the truck’s owner (if leased), the manufacturer of a defective part, and even a maintenance contractor. Identifying every liable party is essential to maximizing your compensation.
Federal Regulations Apply
Commercial trucks and their drivers are regulated by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), which sets strict rules on driver hours-of-service, vehicle maintenance, cargo loading, and driver qualifications. Violations of these federal regulations are often the root cause of truck accidents and can significantly strengthen a victim’s claim.
Evidence Disappears Quickly
Trucking companies often have rapid-response teams that arrive at accident scenes to investigate — and sometimes to protect the company’s interests before your attorney even gets involved. Critical evidence, including the truck’s electronic logging device (ELD) data, dashcam footage, and maintenance records, can be altered, lost, or destroyed if not preserved immediately.
Common Causes of Truck Accidents in Texas
- Driver fatigue from violating hours-of-service limits
- Distracted driving, including cell phone use
- Improperly loaded or secured cargo
- Poor vehicle maintenance, including brake and tire failures
- Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- Speeding or unsafe lane changes given the truck’s size
- Inadequate driver training or unqualified drivers
- Defective truck parts or equipment failure
Types of Truck Accident Injuries
Due to the sheer size and weight difference between commercial trucks and passenger vehicles, truck accident injuries tend to be severe, including:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
- Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
- Multiple fractures and crush injuries
- Internal organ damage and internal bleeding
- Severe burns
- Wrongful death
What to Do After a Truck Accident in Texas
Seek Medical Attention Immediately
Even if you feel fine, some injuries — particularly internal injuries and traumatic brain injuries — do not present symptoms right away. Medical documentation also protects your legal claim.
Preserve Evidence Quickly
Trucking companies are not required to keep certain records (like electronic logging data) indefinitely. Contacting an attorney immediately allows us to send a spoliation letter demanding the trucking company preserve all relevant evidence before it disappears.
Do Not Speak to the Trucking Company’s Insurer
Trucking companies carry large commercial insurance policies, and their insurance adjusters are trained to minimize payouts. Do not give a recorded statement or accept any settlement offer before speaking with an attorney.
Compensation Available in a Texas Truck Accident Case
- Current and future medical expenses
- Lost wages and loss of earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Property damage
- Emotional distress
- Wrongful death damages, when applicable, for surviving family members
Frequently Asked Questions About Truck Accidents in Texas
How long do I have to file a truck accident claim in Texas?
Generally, you have 2 years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit in Texas. However, truck accident cases require rapid evidence preservation, so it is important to contact an attorney as soon as possible — not just before the deadline.
Who is liable if the truck driver was an independent contractor?
Trucking companies often try to classify drivers as independent contractors to avoid liability. However, under the doctrine of vicarious liability and FMCSA regulations, trucking companies can often still be held responsible depending on the level of control they exercised over the driver.
What if the truck accident involved a jackknife or rollover?
Jackknife and rollover accidents often point to specific causes such as speeding, improper braking, overloaded or improperly secured cargo, or driver error. An investigation into the cause is critical to determining liability.
How much is my truck accident case worth?
Truck accident cases often involve significantly higher damages than typical car accidents due to the severity of injuries involved. The value depends on your medical expenses, lost income, and the extent of your injuries. We offer a free case evaluation to help you understand what your claim may be worth.
Contact a Truck Accident Lawyer in Dallas Today
At Manuel Diaz Law Firm, our Dallas truck accident attorneys move quickly to investigate your case, preserve critical evidence, and fight the trucking companies and insurers who will try to minimize your claim. We work on a contingency fee basis — you pay nothing unless we win.
We offer a free initial consultation and serve clients throughout Dallas County, Tarrant County, Denton County, and all of North Texas. We are fully bilingual — hablamos espanol. Call (855) 900-3429 or contact us at diazlf.com.
Manuel Diaz Law Firm
8100 John W. Carpenter Fwy, Suite 200, Dallas, TX 75247
Serving Dallas County, Tarrant County, Denton County, and all of North Texas
