Dallas Truck Accident Lawyer

Have you been injured in a serious accident involving an 18-wheeler truck in Dallas or anywhere in the state of Texas? Contact the experienced Dallas truck accident attorneys at Rasansky Law Firm for a free case evaluation.

Big rig, semi, and 18-wheeler accidents are particularly dangerous due to their sheer size. Passenger vehicles tend to take the brunt of these collisions, often resulting in severe and fatal injuries.

Why do truck accidents occur so frequently on Texas roads? Often it comes down to profits over safety. Our Dallas truck accident attorneys have witnessed trucking companies claim that they are revising their safety policies and procedures repeatedly to reduce the number of deadly accidents. Unfortunately, these new protocols are rarely put into action, and trucking companies continue placing profits ahead of the safety of other motorists.

Common Causes of Large Truck Accidents in Texas

Truck accidents are often caused by the reckless actions of drivers. Given the size and weight of these vehicles, we would like to believe that those in control of them are more likely to engage in responsible actions while behind the wheel. Unfortunately, this is far from the truth. Instead, we continue to see numerous victims throughout our state left with life-threatening injuries from truck accidents. 

Seven common causes of truck-vs-car accidents in Dallas:

• Speeding: When a truck driver speeds to meet a deadline, they are acting recklessly. Attempting to move an 80,000-pound vehicle faster than the speed limit is never a good idea. It is tough to stop when you have that much weight and mass behind you.
• Heavy Payloads: Heavy loads can compromise the balance of an 18-wheeler truck. When a trucker carries an unusually heavy load, it becomes more challenging to maneuver and stop, even at normal speeds. Additionally, the damage is far more severe when a loaded-down truck hits a car. Flatbed trucks and tanker trucks are notorious for this, but dump trucks and garbage trucks are often just as bad.
• Lack of Maintenance: Maintaining semi trucks is necessary to avoid mechanical failure. Even the safest truck driver is at a much greater risk of causing an accident if a truck is not properly maintained. Unfortunately, mechanical failures such as brakes or suspension are all it takes to cause a deadly accident.
• Lack of Sleep: Truckers are human, just like the rest of us, and when they are overworked or sleep-deprived, they make mistakes. It’s important to realize that many experienced truckers are paid by the mile, and thus want to push their bodies to the limit in order to earn a better paycheck. Because of this, many commercial truck drivers push themselves too far and end up falling asleep at the wheel. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) already allows truckers to drive as much as 11 hours at a time. Some truckers have been found falsifying hours-of-service records to appease their bosses or increase their pay. Regrettably, driver fatigue is a common factor in a significant amount of crashes involving tractor-trailers in our state.
• Highway Hypnosis: This condition refers to a trance-like state that occurs after a driver travels hundreds of miles watching the same monotonous road scenery. Eventually, a driver can zone out, causing an inhibited ability to react in an appropriate manner.
• Blind Spots: One of the first things new drivers learn when taking a semi-truck driving test is to avoid the blind spot. Most truck mirror systems do not allow the trucker a full view of the area behind them. Loud engine noise also tends to drown out any honks from concerned motorists. This makes it very easy for them to sideswipe other vehicles accidentally.
• Carelessness or Recklessness: Some truckers are simply negligent in their attitude that other motorists should yield to them because of their massive size. Not every motorist can, and the results can be deadly.

If you were harmed due to a commercial truck crash, you might have legal options available to help you move forward. You must seek the assistance of an experienced truck accident attorney as soon as possible to ensure you can get justice. By scheduling a free consultation with our team at Rasansky Law Firm, we can determine the best approach to help you get justice.

Types of Truck Accidents

More than 30,000 accidents involving commercial vehicles occur each year in Texas. These accidents take the lives of hundreds of victims while leaving thousands more with devastating injuries.

There are various types of accidents with tractor-trailers that we see take place in Texas every day. Some of the most common types of accidents involving commercial motor vehicles include:

Underride accidents: Underride accidents are some of the most dangerous types of truck accidents. They occur when a smaller vehicle collides with the rear or side of a tractor-trailer, and the smaller vehicle becomes wedged underneath the trailer. Underride accidents can be devastating, resulting in severe injuries or even death.

Several factors can contribute to underride accidents, including:

• A smaller vehicle traveling too fast for conditions or failing to brake in time
• Commercial trucks making a sudden stop or lane change
• Large trucks turning without signaling
• A defective underride guard on the rear or side of large commercial trucks

Sideswipe accidents: Sideswipe accidents with large trucks are among the most common truck accidents. These accidents occur when the side of a truck collides with another vehicle. Sideswipe accidents are often caused by large trucks making wide turns or changing lanes without checking their blind spots.

Head-on collisions: Head-on truck crashes can occur when the fronts of large trucks crash into the front of other vehicles. These large truck crashes are often a result of truck driver fatigue. When drivers fall asleep while operating their vehicles, they can enter the opposite traffic lanes and crash into other vehicles. They are also caused by drivers who drift into other lanes due to speeding or distracted driving.

Wide turn accidents: It is no secret that trucks generally require a lot of space to make turns. However, this type of situation can lead to a life-altering crash. Truck accidents involving wide turns often occur when the truck driver attempts to make a turn that is too wide for the size and weight of the vehicle. This can result in the truck tipping over or jackknifing, which can cause serious injuries or even death.

Rear-end collisions: Rear-end collisions are the most common type of truck accident, accounting for nearly 20% of all commercial vehicle accidents. They often occur when a truck rear-ends another vehicle, though they can also happen when a truck is hit from behind by another vehicle.

Jackknife accident: This type of truck accident occurs when the trailer of the truck swings around toward the cab. A truck can jackknife due to a variety of reasons. Jackknife accidents are often caused by sudden braking or driving too fast on icy roads. These accidents can be very dangerous, as the trailer can swing into oncoming traffic or into other vehicles nearby.

Rollover truck crashes: Rollover truck accidents are some of the most dangerous types of truck accidents. They often occur when a truck driver loses control of their vehicle, causing it to tip over onto its side or even upside down. Rollover truck accidents can be caused by many factors, including speeding, aggressive driving, weather conditions, and even mechanical problems.

No matter what type of collision occurs, trucking accidents are often devastating. These incidents can result in serious injuries that require medical care. If you were hurt due to another driver’s negligence, you must seek the assistance of our Dallas truck accident lawyers immediately. Our team can help you pursue a truck accident claim for compensation against the responsible driver. Contact our Dallas truck accident law firm to schedule a free consultation.

Types of Commercial Vehicles Involved in These Crashes

Commercial vehicle accidents happen every day in our state, resulting in serious injuries for those involved. When it comes to truck accidents, many people think about massive 18-wheelers. However, various types of commercial vehicles can be involved in these accidents. Some types of commercial vehicles include:

• Big rigs
• Flatbed trucks
• Street sweepers
• Armored trucks
• Cement trucks
• Box trucks
• Garbage trucks
• 18-wheelers
• Tanker trucks
• Marcellus shale trucks
• Coal trucks
• Tractor-trailers
• Logging trucks
• Tow trucks

In general, if a commercial driver’s license is required to operate the vehicle, it can fall under truck accident laws and guidelines. If this is the case for your accident, you must reach out to our skilled legal team at Rasansky Law Firm immediately.

Any commercial truck accident can result in devastating pain and suffering for victims. Injured parties must take swift legal action to ensure they have the best chances of getting justice after being harmed. Filing a timely truck accident claim can make a big difference in your ability to get justice after being harmed.

 

Why are 18-Wheeler Truck Accidents So Deadly?

18-wheeler accidents can cause severe injuries and death due to their massive size compared to other vehicles on the road. This means greater force upon impact. The typical injuries that result from 18-wheeler collisions include broken bones, spinal cord injuries, paralysis, brain damage, and even death.

The Dallas truck accident lawyers at Rasansky Law Firm evaluate each 18-wheeler truck accident thoroughly, looking at every possible angle and every potential party that may share in the blame. Potentially-liable parties can include the trucking company operating the semi, the manufacturer of your car or the 18-wheeler, road construction companies’ failure to provide appropriate notice of road defects or road hazards, fleet maintenance companies for failing to maintain the vehicle, and others.

Common Truck Accident Injuries

Truck accidents in Texas leave thousands of people injured every year. In some cases, victims suffer minor injuries that require some medical treatment. In more severe cases, victims remain hospitalized for several days and must follow up with months of therapy and rehabilitation.

Although no two truck accidents are alike, we see many similarities regarding the types of injuries that crash victims endure. Some of the most common injuries from truck accidents include:

Broken bones: Fractures can occur in any bone in the body, but the most common site of fractures in truck accidents is the ribs. The force of the impact can cause the ribs to break, resulting in severe internal injuries. A broken bone can sometimes puncture a lung or other vital organ. In addition to ribs, fractures of the femur and pelvis are common in truck accidents. These types of fractures can be severe because they often require surgery to repair. A pelvis fracture can also cause internal bleeding that can be life-threatening.

Spinal cord injuries: Spinal cord injuries can have a devastating impact on victims’ lives. These injuries can occur at any level of the spine, potentially causing paralysis. When it comes to spinal cord injuries, they can either be complete or incomplete. Spinal cord injuries that are complete result in the total loss of function below the level of the injury. When a spinal cord is incomplete, some level of function below the level of the injury can be preserved. The extent of paralysis and other symptoms will vary depending on the severity of the injury and where it occurs on the spine.

Traumatic brain injuries: Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) are one of the most common truck accident injuries. Traumatic brain injuries can range from mild to severe and can have long-term effects on a victim’s physical, cognitive, and emotional health and well-being.

Internal organ injuries: A number of different internal organ injuries can occur as a result of a truck accident. These include injuries to the lungs, heart, kidneys, and liver. Internal bleeding is also a common injury with any of these organs. Any type of internal organ injury can be devastating and life-threatening. These injuries require emergency medical treatment or can become fatal.

Burn injuries: Burn injuries from truck accidents can be caused by a number of factors. These include contact with hot surfaces, chemicals, or even explosives. Burn injuries can range from mild to severe in nature and can require extensive medical care.

Cuts and lacerations: Cuts and lacerations can range in severity from minor cuts to deep wounds that require immediate medical care. In some instances, these injuries can result in damage to the nerves and muscles. Cuts and lacerations are often caused by flying debris or broken glass. They can also be caused by sharp edges on the truck itself, such as the bumper or grill.

Any type of truck wreck injury can be incredibly debilitating. Many victims require extensive medical treatment and face towering medical bills for care. After being hurt in a truck accident, you must reach out to our truck accident lawyers to see how a personal injury claim can help you move forward. Our team can help you pursue a truck accident lawsuit after identifying the liable parties.

Liable Parties in Texas Truck Accidents

Unlike most auto accidents, those involving commercial transport vehicles often have much heftier insurance policies available for victims. This is because truck accidents often result in catastrophic injuries and extensive damages. Truck accidents frequently have several parties who can be named in personal injury lawsuits in Texas. Some parties who are liable for the injuries and damages in truck accidents throughout Texas include:

Truck Drivers: The truck driver bears the most significant share of liability in most truck accidents. This is because driver error is a leading cause of truck accidents. When truck drivers engage in reckless, negligent, or distracted behaviors while operating their vehicles, they are likely to cause life-altering accidents involving others on the road.

The Truck Owner: The truck’s owner must ensure drivers are qualified, responsible, and diligent while operating their vehicles. Truck owners need to verify licenses, confirm experience, and ensure the driver has a good driving record.

The Trucking Company: Trucking companies are often rushed to hire new drivers to deliver loads that they take shortcuts. When trucking companies fail to ensure drivers are licensed and experienced, they can be held liable for instances where accidents occur.

Cargo Company: Cargo companies must load products onto trailers with care and consideration. It is imperative that the products are evenly distributed to prevent tip-overs from happening. When trucks are not loaded correctly, it can lead to shifts in the load. It is equally important that cargo is adequately secured in the trailer. When cargo companies engage in reckless and negligent practices, it can lead to significant accidents.

Manufacturers: Semi-trucks must function as they are intended. Trucks with faulty brakes, accelerators, and other malfunctioning parts can be impossible to control. As a result, drivers are likely to be involved in collisions. When truck accidents are caused by defective or malfunctioning parts or vehicles, the truck manufacturer and other parties can be held liable for injuries and damages.

Victims injured in truck accidents need legal guidance from qualified attorneys who have a thorough understanding of federal and state laws and regulations surrounding truck accidents. The team at Rasansky Law Firm has decades of experience helping victims maximize their recoveries after being involved in a truck accident. Contact our law firm today to protect your legal rights and get the justice you deserve.

Maximize Your Recovery After a Truck Accident in Texas

The Dallas truck accident lawyers at Rasansky Law Firm have extensive experience helping victims move forward after being involved in a truck accident. We strive to help our clients achieve their recovery goals and overcome the effects of their accidents. One way of doing this is helping our clients obtain the maximum compensation possible to cover the economic and non-economic damages they face.

The attorneys at Rasansky Law Firm believe that victims should never be forced to spend tens of thousands of dollars on costs related to their accidents due to another person’s actions. For this reason, we help them obtain the maximum amount of compensation available for damages they face, including:

• Medical bills for doctor appointments, surgery, hospitalization, and various treatments.
• Long-term costs related to therapy, rehabilitation, and medication.
• Lost income related to taking time off for appointments and recovery.
• Lost earning capacity for victims who are left permanently impaired.
• Mental anguish as well as pain and suffering.
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• Loss of consortium.

If victims lose their lives in truck accidents resulting from the actions of other drivers, we help their families obtain full and fair compensation through wrongful death claims. Our truck accident attorneys in Texas help families maximize their recoveries for funeral arrangement costs, burial services fees, loss of benefits, and more. If you were injured in a truck accident, or your loved one lost their life due to another driver’s actions, contact our law firm today to explore legal options available for you.

How Our Dallas Truck Accident Lawyers Can Help

After being hurt in a truck accident, you will most likely require medical care that takes up a lot of time and financial resources. Insurance companies tend to take advantage of the vulnerability of victims by offering them quick cash after being harmed. Many accident victims are unaware of the negative consequences that accepting a settlement offer immediately after a crash can have. For this reason, you must seek the assistance of a Dallas truck accident attorney as soon as possible.

Following your crash, our lawyers at Rasansky Law Firm will take all of the legal work off your hands to ensure you can get justice and receive fair compensation for your damages. Throughout the duration of truck accident cases, our legal team offers clients various services to ensure they can protect their legal rights. Some of the services you can depend on our Dallas truck accident attorney for include:

• Investigate your accident: When you hire us, our Dallas truck accident lawyer will investigate your truck crash immediately. We’ll collect evidence from the accident scene, interview witnesses, and review relevant medical records. We’ll also assess the damage to your vehicle and estimate the cost of repairs or replacement.
• Build your case: Once our Dallas truck accident lawyers clearly understand what happened and who is liable, we will start building a strong truck accident case for you. We’ll negotiate with the insurance companies and fight for the full compensation you deserve under the law.
• Educate you with regard to your legal rights: You must understand your legal rights after a truck accident. Our Dallas truck accident lawyers can help educate you about your rights and options. Our team will help you make informed decisions about your truck accident case.
• Provide access to experts who can help: We will provide the resources you need to get your life back on track. We will connect you with experts who can help build your case. Our team works with expert reconstructionists who can prove various details surrounding your crash. We work with financial experts who can calculate all the damages you face. We also work with medical experts who can help prove your injuries and demonstrate the level of care you require. Our personal injury attorneys will work diligently to ensure that the responsible parties are held accountable for their actions.
• Handle communication with the insurance company: It is no secret that the insurance company will do everything in its power to downplay the severity of your injuries. The insurance adjuster may even offer you a lowball settlement for your damages. Our team will handle communications with the insurance company to ensure they do not try to take advantage of you.
• Demand compensation for your damages: We will work tirelessly to get you the compensation you deserve, and we will not rest until you are satisfied with the outcome of your case. We understand the many challenges accident victims face, and we are here to help you overcome them. To do so, our Dallas truck accident lawyers can help you demand compensation for your damages to ensure you have the money you need to cover your expenses and losses moving forward.
• Represent you in court: Our team has decades of experience representing truck accident victims inside and outside of the courtroom. If we are unable to come to a settlement agreement with the insurance company, we will present evidence and information for your truck accident claim in court to a judge and jury to help you achieve a favorable verdict for your case.

If you have been harmed in a truck accident due to another driver’s negligent or reckless actions, you must reach out to our truck accident lawyer immediately for a free case evaluation. Our legal team can get started on your case immediately to ensure you can get justice.

Contact a Dallas truck Accident lawyer Today.

If you sustained injuries in a truck accident due to another driver’s negligent actions, you must act quickly to protect your legal rights and best interests. Do not try to negotiate with the negligent party on your own. Trucking companies are ruthless when it comes to tricking victims into ruining their own truck accident cases. They will try to minimize your accident claims, distort the facts, and outright lie to you. Never accept their terms, and do not attempt to negotiate. Doing this only diminishes the value of your case.

Being represented by a knowledgeable attorney gives you the best chance to get the compensation you deserve. Contact Rasansky Law Firm to speak with a Dallas truck accident lawyer. If we take your case, there is no up-front cost to you. We only get paid if we successfully recover compensation. We take all the financial risk so that you can focus on recovery.