In 2022, injuries were reported in 32% of truck accidents nationwide. Texas saw the most accidents involving trucks, with a total of 19,424.
Angel Reyes & Associates – Angel Reyes & Associates’s Dallas flatbed truck accident lawyers work hard to secure victims and other affected parties the compensation they deserve following a flatbed truck incident. Our expertise includes personal injury lawsuits and relentless client justice advocacy; we guarantee our commitment to pursuing your maximum overall recovery.
WHAT IS A FLATBED TRUCK?
Flatbed trucks carry large or oversized loads that exceed standard shipping dimensions. Their open design makes loading and unloading construction materials, machinery, vehicles, and cargo containers simple using forklifts or cranes.
Unlike enclosed trailer trucks, they allow greater flexibility when loading and strapping down bulky items safely during transportation.
TYPES OF FLATBED TRUCKS
Flatbed trucks come in different styles to accommodate a variety of oversized cargo.
- With their open platforms, standard flatbeds offer versatility for hauling general freight.
- Drop deck or lowboy flatbeds sit lower to the ground for transporting extra tall loads.
- Extendable flatbeds can adjust their length to handle cargo that exceeds standard size limits.
- Stretch flatbeds also extend in length but have a fixed maximum size to accommodate specific freight dimensions.
- Specialized flatbeds are equipped with cranes, hydraulics, and other features for niche industries like construction and machinery moving.
5 COMMON CAUSES OF FLATBED TRUCK ACCIDENTS
Flatbed truck accidents happen for several reasons and lead to significant injuries for Dallas drivers. Here are five typical causes of accidents.
1. IMPROPERLY SECURED CARGO
Failing to securely fasten and balance the load prior to driving out onto the roads can lead to shifting or falling loads that cause accidents.
2. POOR MAINTENANCE
Drivers who neglect regular maintenance can result in equipment failures, such as brake issues or tire blowouts.
3. DRIVER FATIGUE
Long hours on the road can leave drivers tired, impairing judgment and reaction times while increasing accident risks.
4. DISTRACTED DRIVING
Texting, eating, or using electronic devices while driving is considered a distraction and can easily take the driver’s focus away from the road.
5. ADVERSE WEATHER CONDITIONS
Adverse weather conditions like rain, snow, or fog can present drivers of flatbed trucks with additional challenges when driving them. Slippery roads and reduced visibility increase the risk of accidents.
ESTABLISHING LIABILITY IN A FLATBED TRUCK ACCIDENT
Who’s liable in a flatbed truck accident?
Pinpointing responsibility in the aftermath of an accident is not a straightforward task. Various entities could be held accountable for a collision or incident involving a flatbed truck, including:
- The trucking company
- The construction company
- The truck owner
- The driver
- Third parties
Blame hinges on the specific circumstances of the accident and the contributing factors. For instance, drivers may bear responsibility if they were impaired, distracted, or neglected safety protocols. Pre-existing mechanical issues with the vehicle may lead to the trucking company being liable for damages and on-site injuries, with responsibility extending to the maintenance crew assigned to the truck.
In cases where external factors like adverse weather conditions impact the flatbed truck’s performance, determining liability becomes challenging. Poorly maintained roads prior to an accident may also shift responsibility to local entities such as road maintenance contractors.
A truck wreck lawyer in Dallas can help establish liability and identify at-fault parties.
6 STEPS TO TAKE IMMEDIATELY AFTER A FLATBED TRUCK ACCIDENT
As soon as an accident takes place, it’s imperative that you are aware of how best to ensure both your safety and protect your rights. Take these steps.
1. ASSESS INJURIES
Prioritize checking on all individuals involved in an accident to assess whether anyone sustained injuries. If there are injuries, call emergency assistance immediately for medical assistance if required.
2. MOVE YOUR VEHICLE
For safety’s sake, when possible, move your vehicle off the roadway into a secure area to prevent additional accidents or traffic congestion.
3. INFORM AUTHORITIES
Inform local authorities immediately following any incident to document and provide necessary guidance and direction.
4. SHARE INFORMATION
For insurance purposes, sharing contact and insurance details between parties involved is crucial for full understanding and compliance purposes.
5. RECORD THE INCIDENT
After an incident occurs, take photographs of all vehicles involved and the damage caused. Documenting this event could prove invaluable when filing insurance claims and legal actions.
6. COLLECT WITNESS DETAILS
If there are witnesses, gather their contact details, as their accounts can be helpful for your legal team.
WHY HIRE A DALLAS FLATBED TRUCK ACCIDENT LAWYER FOR YOUR CASE?
Following a flatbed truck accident, you need to consult an experienced truck accident lawyer in Dallas. Navigating injury claims without an experienced attorney can be daunting, and victims may fail to secure the financial compensation they deserve. Additionally, insurance firms representing truck drivers or their companies might actively deny providing compensation payments to victims.
Experienced truck wreck lawyers in Dallas can easily navigate the tangled legal terrain to gather vital evidence that demonstrates negligence on behalf of drivers or companies.
An experienced commercial vehicle lawyer can secure equitable compensation to cover various aspects, including medical expenses, lost income, and permanent disability, as well as property damage or even wrongful death claims.
QUESTIONS TO STRENGTHEN YOUR FLATBED TRUCK ACCIDENT CASE
Your Dallas flatbed truck accident lawyer will need insight into potential legal actions following the collision. There are often several inquiries to determine the best legal route to take. Questions may include:
- Details of the Accident: What were the specific circumstances surrounding your flatbed truck accident? Are there any eyewitnesses, and have their statements been collected?
- Injuries and Damages: What injuries did you sustain from this accident, and have you sought medical care for them?
- Maintenance & Mechanical Issues: Did the flatbed truck exhibit signs of mechanical trouble before or during its accident? Has the trucking company taken reasonable precautions in maintaining its vehicles, or was there evidence of neglect before or at the time of the collision?
- Driver Conduct: Are there signs of impairment or distraction from the flatbed truck driver? Was the driver in compliance with safety regulations and traffic laws? Have you sought advice from a Dallas flatbed truck accident lawyer?
- Medical Treatment and Prognosis for Injury Recovery: What medical treatments have you received, and what is the prognosis for your recovery? Will any future expenses or ongoing care need to be incurred?
- Identify Potential Legal Action: Are you seeking compensation for medical bills, lost wages, or pain and suffering?
THE VALUE OF HIRING A DALLAS FLATBED TRUCK ACCIDENT LAWYER
When involved in a flatbed truck accident in Dallas, acting promptly is crucial. The dedicated team of truck accident lawyers in Dallas at Angel Reyes & Associates – Angel Reyes & Associates is prepared to advocate for your rights. With more than three decades of experience, we have diligently assisted numerous clients, successfully won over 40,000 cases, and secured a remarkable $1 billion in settlements for our clients.
How much is your case worth? You can find out more with our online case calculator to start your journey to justice.
PARTNER WITH REYES BROWN LAW
Angel Reyes & Associates – Angel Reyes & Associates is a trusted ally for victims of auto and 18-wheeler accidents, offering a track record of successful cases and securing compensation for financial losses. With a commitment to client well-being, our firm operates on a contingency fee basis—ensuring that you only pay if your case is won, alleviating additional financial burdens.
If you are facing a flatbed truck case, don’t hesitate to contact Angel Reyes & Associates – Angel Reyes & Associates for expert guidance from a commercial vehicle lawyer.
