Commercial truck accidents in Dallas can result in catastrophic injuries and fatalities for the victims due to the massive size and weight of these vehicles, which can be up to 80,000 pounds when fully loaded. Injured victims may suffer from traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, multiple fractures, and internal organ damage.
These life-threatening injuries may require extensive medical treatment, therapy, and rehabilitation, and can lead to long-term disabilities, lost wages, and pain and suffering. The physical, emotional, and financial toll on victims and their families is immense, which makes it important to hold the negligent parties accountable.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a truck accident, trust the Dallas truck accident lawyers at Angel Reyes & Associates Law to fight for your rights. With over 1,300 verified reviews on Google and 300 client video testimonials, our reputation speaks for itself. As specialists in car accidents and truck accidents, we have recovered over $1 billion for our clients, demonstrating our dedication and success.
As Texas’ only 5-star law firm, we are nationally recognized and award-winning trial lawyers, offering the highest level of client satisfaction with a commitment to ethical standards. Remember, there are no fees unless we win your case. Contact our Dallas big rig accident attorney today for the most powerful legal representation you need to recover maximum damages.
Types of Truck Accident Cases We Have Experience With
- Amazon Truck Accidents
- Garbage Truck Accidents
- Tanker Truck Accidents
- Cement Truck Accidents
- Tow Truck Accidents
- Dump Truck Accidents
Why You Need Early Representation from Our Dallas Truck Accident Attorneys
Getting early legal representation from our seasoned truck collision lawyer in Dallas can make a key difference to your case for several reasons.
Seizing Initiative from the Insurance Companies and Trucking Firms
Insurance carriers and large trucking companies in Dallas will swiftly investigate accidents. Based on our extensive experience of over three decades, we know that they rarely step forward to take responsibility quickly. Instead, while you are hospitalized, recovering from your injuries, or coping with the loss of a loved one, the defendant’s investigators and insurance adjusters may work to distort the facts in their favor.
It is important to understand that these parties have a vested interest in minimizing their liability and responsibility for accidents and shifting the blame onto the injured victims.
Securing and Preserving Evidence Before it Disappears
Our truck accident lawyers in Dallas frequently deal with cases where the negligent truck driver provides a false account to the investigating officer, and our injured client is not in a position to tell their side of the story because they are either in the hospital or struggling with severe physical and emotional trauma. If evidence is not collected promptly, the defendant’s version of events can become the accepted “facts” of the accident.
This is why it helps to engage our Dallas trucking accident attorneys early. We ensure that the insurance company’s legal and investigative teams are not the only ones examining the scene and gathering evidence that could quickly fade away, such as the position of the damaged vehicles, skid marks, impact points, emergency call recordings, witness accounts, black box data, body camera footage, or surveillance camera footage from nearby businesses.
Counteracting the Defendant’s Strategies with Our Aggressive Response
Major insurance companies in Dallas are known to deploy “truck crash rapid response teams” that will move within minutes of the truck driver’s call to inform them about the accident. Our lawyers have seen investigators from trucking companies and insurers arriving before law enforcement has even left the scene in an attempt to gain the first-mover advantage over the injured victim’s legal team.
Our experienced truck accident attorney in Dallas can effectively counter their tactics when you contact us early after the accident. Our teams will also help ensure that you receive the appropriate medical care, physical therapy, and rehabilitation. With early legal representation from us, you can focus on recovering from the accident’s impact, knowing that your battle-tested legal team is fighting on your behalf to ensure that you receive the justice and compensation you rightfully deserve.
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Why You Need a Specialist Dallas Truck Accident Attorney
At Angel Reyes & Associates, we are proud to be one of Dallas’s top truck accident law firms, specializing entirely in truck accident claims. Trucking insurance companies know we fight tirelessly for our clients and have a proven record of success in trials when defendants refuse fair settlements. Here’s why you need a specialized Dallas truck accident law firm like ours:
Proving Vicarious Liability of the Trucking Company is Complex
In truck accident cases (unlike typical car accident cases), the injured victim must prove the vicarious liability of the trucking company and other third parties. Establishing negligence involves proving the fault of the truck driver, the trucking company, the cargo loader, trucking brokers, repair and maintenance providers, or other responsible parties.
Our Dallas commercial motor vehicle accident attorneys possess the expertise and network of specialists in federal and state trucking regulations, truck engineering, medicine, forensics, and accounting. We reconstruct your accident, gather evidence, prove liability, and demonstrate your maximum damages to secure the highest possible compensation for you.
Quick Action is Essential to Preserve Evidence
Evidence such as skid marks, accident debris, surveillance videos, driver’s cameras, black box data, trucker employment records, and forensic evidence from the vehicles is vital to prove the liability of the negligent truck driver and trucking company. Modern trucks contain critical computer information that can be lost or erased. Engine control modules on 18-wheelers store pre-crash data, including speed, braking, and steering details.
Our Dallas trucking accident attorney will issue a spoliation letter or obtain Temporary Restraining Orders (TROs) to prevent the trucking company and other entities that possess critical evidence from destroying it. Our investigative team and accident reconstruction experts will get the black box data securely downloaded and analyzed to determine exactly how your accident happened.
Extensive Resources Required for Trucking Accident Trials
Many law firms cannot match the financial and legal strength of powerful defendants in truck accident cases, often leading to smaller settlements than you deserve. Angel Reyes & Associates has the skills and resources to match or surpass those of the negligent parties to win maximum compensation.
Our Dallas truck accident attorneys will spare no expense in hiring top expert witnesses, collecting and preserving key evidence, identifying multiple liable parties, and investing the necessary resources to build the strongest case. We are dedicated to pursuing the best possible legal strategy for a maximum settlement or court verdict in your favor.
Stakes are High with Texas’ Harsh Rule of Modified Comparative Fault
The modified comparative negligence rule in Texas can play a key role in a truck accident. This legal framework means that if you are found to be 51% or more at fault for the accident, you cannot recover damages. Trucking companies and insurers in Dallas may strategize to claim you are 51% or more at fault to escape their liability altogether.
At Angel Reyes & Associates, our Dallas truck accident lawyers understand these tactics and are prepared to level the playing field. We will gather robust evidence, reconstruct the accident, and vigorously challenge attempts to shift blame. Our formidable record of multi-million dollar recoveries speaks to our ability to prove the negligent truck driver and trucking company’s liability and maximize your damages.
The Angel Reyes & Associates Difference
We’re not just car & truck accident specialists, our 5-star rating is a mark of quality that influences everything we do. We guarantee to: Maximise your settlement, charge you nothing unless you win, and provide 5-star service from the first contact.
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Our Trial-Ready Dallas Truck Accident Attorneys Can Take on Powerful Defendants
Choosing a trial-ready law firm like Angel Reyes & Associates means having a resourceful and experienced team on your side, ready to take on powerful defendants and level the playing field.
Multi-Million Dollar Verdicts and Settlements
Insurance companies take us seriously when they see our record of multi-million dollar verdicts and settlements for those who have suffered truck accident injuries. Our proven track record demonstrates our capability to secure substantial compensation for our clients. This success instills confidence in our clients and strengthens our position in negotiations with insurers, who are often reluctant to face us in court.
True Trial Attorneys
Our Dallas truck accident attorneys are trial attorneys in the truest sense. Entirely comfortable in front of a jury or judge, but just as competent when drawing up a legal brief, our lawyers are committed to the highest standards of ethics and your success. We bring a passion for justice to every client and every case. We command attention in the courtroom and enjoy the utmost respect from our adversaries, ensuring that we are always prepared to fight for the best possible outcome.
Strong Negotiating Leverage for the Highest Settlements
Our formidable record of success, combined with our trial readiness, ensures that we can negotiate from a position of strength. Insurance companies know that we are prepared to take cases to trial if necessary, which often leads to higher settlements. This approach not only provides our clients with the financial compensation they need but also helps them achieve a sense of closure and justice.
FMCSA’s Hours of Service Rules
The complexities of truck accident cases require a specialized approach. At Angel Reyes & Associates, our Dallas truck wreck attorneys are equipped with the knowledge, experience, and resources to investigate and prove the trucking company’s negligence.
Hours of Service (HOS) Rules of the FMCSA
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has established Hours of Service (HOS) regulations to ensure that commercial truck drivers operate safely on the roads. These rules are designed to prevent driver fatigue, which is a significant factor in many truck accidents. Key provisions of the HOS regulations include:
- 11-Hour Driving Limit: Drivers are allowed to drive a maximum of 11 hours after 10 consecutive hours off duty.
- 14-Hour On-Duty Limit: A driver cannot drive beyond the 14th consecutive hour after coming on duty, following 10 consecutive hours off duty. This limit includes all the time spent driving and performing other work-related duties.
- 30-Minute Rest Break: Drivers must take a 30-minute break after 8 cumulative hours of driving without at least a 30-minute interruption.
- 60/70-Hour Limit: Drivers cannot drive after 60/70 hours on duty in 7/8 consecutive days. They must take 34 or more consecutive hours off duty to reset their weekly limit.
Evidence We Collect to Prove the Trucking Company’s Liability
Proving that a trucking company pressured its drivers to meet unrealistic deadlines or ignored HOS violations requires thorough investigation and robust evidence. Our Dallas truck accident attorneys at Angel Reyes & Associates will diligently collect the following types of evidence:
Electronic Logging Device (ELD) Data
Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs) automatically record driving time and monitor compliance with HOS regulations. We will obtain and analyze ELD data to identify any discrepancies or violations. This data can reveal if a driver exceeded the allowable driving hours or failed to take mandatory breaks.
Driver Logbooks
Traditional paper logbooks, although less common now due to ELD mandates, may still be used in some instances. We will scrutinize these logs for any signs of falsification or inconsistencies. Comparing logbook entries with other records, such as fuel receipts and toll records, can help uncover discrepancies.
GPS and Telematics Data
GPS and telematics data provide real-time information about a truck’s location, speed, and driving patterns. By analyzing this data, we can establish whether a driver was speeding, taking longer routes, or violating HOS regulations. This evidence can also help reconstruct the events leading up to the accident.
Driver and Company Records
We will request and review the driver’s employment records, including hiring documents, training records, and performance evaluations. These records can provide insights into whether the trucking company conducted proper background checks, adhered to safety protocols, or pressured the driver to meet tight deadlines.
Communication Records
Emails, text messages, and other communication records between the driver and the trucking company can be crucial in proving undue pressure. These records can reveal instructions from the company that encouraged or demanded the driver to violate HOS regulations or meet unrealistic delivery schedules.
Witness Testimonies
Testimonies from other drivers, current and former company employees, or industry experts can provide valuable insights into the trucking company’s practices. Witnesses can testify about the company’s pressure tactics, unrealistic expectations, or negligence in enforcing safety regulations.
Proving Negligence in Hiring and Training
Driver shortages and cost-cutting measures often lead trucking companies to hire less experienced or unqualified drivers. To establish negligence in hiring and training, our attorneys will investigate the following:
- Background Checks: We will examine whether the trucking company conducted thorough background checks on their drivers. This includes reviewing driving records, criminal history, and previous employment verification. Failure to conduct proper background checks can indicate negligence.
- Training Programs: Proper training is essential for safe driving practices. We will evaluate the company’s training programs to determine if they adequately prepared drivers for their roles. Inadequate or non-existent training programs can be a sign of negligence.
Incentivizing and Disincentivizing Drivers
Trucking companies may enact direct or indirect incentive programs that reward drivers for meeting tight deadlines or penalize them for delays. This can lead to dangerous behaviors such as drowsy driving, fatigued driving, distracted driving, and speeding. Our attorneys will look into the following:
- Incentive Programs: We will review company policies and records to identify any incentive programs that may encourage drivers to work excessively. These programs can create undue pressure, leading to unsafe driving practices.
- Disincentive Practices: We will also investigate any disincentive practices that punish drivers for not meeting deadlines. These practices can compel drivers to violate HOS regulations and engage in risky behaviors to avoid penalties.
Types of Truck Accidents Our Attorneys Can Handle for You
Here’s an overview of the types of accidents our Dallas, TX truck wreck lawyers at Angel Reyes & Associates can handle for you:
Underride Accidents: Underride accidents occur when a smaller vehicle slides under the rear or side of a truck. These accidents are often catastrophic and can result in severe injuries or fatalities for occupants of the smaller vehicle.
Override Accidents: Override accidents happen when a truck rides over a smaller vehicle in a collision. This can occur due to braking issues, high speed, or inattentive driving, leading to significant damage and injuries.
Jackknife Accidents: Jackknife accidents occur when a truck’s cab and trailer fold in on each other, resembling the angle of a folding jackknife. These accidents often happen when the truck’s trailer swings out of control, potentially blocking multiple lanes of traffic.
Rollover Accidents: Rollover accidents involve a truck tipping over onto its side or roof. These accidents can happen due to sharp turns, uneven road surfaces, excessive speed, or improper loading of cargo.
Tire Blowout Accidents: Tire blowout accidents occur when a truck’s tire suddenly bursts, causing the driver to lose control. These accidents can lead to swerving, loss of vehicle stability, and collisions with other vehicles.
Blind Spot Accidents: Trucks have large blind spots, especially on the sides and rear of the vehicle. Accidents occur when a truck driver fails to see a smaller vehicle in these blind spots and makes a maneuver that results in a collision.
Rear-End Collisions: Rear-end collisions involving trucks can be particularly devastating due to the weight and size disparity between trucks and passenger vehicles. These accidents often result from distracted driving, tailgating, or sudden braking.
Wide Turn Accidents: Trucks require more space to make turns, especially wide turns. Accidents occur when a truck driver fails to signal properly, misjudges the turn radius, or does not account for nearby vehicles.
Hazardous Material Spills: Accidents involving trucks carrying hazardous materials can lead to spills that pose serious health and environmental risks. Our Dallas truck accident claim attorneys are experienced in handling cases involving hazardous material spills and the resulting damage.
Multi-Vehicle Pileups: Truck accidents can trigger multi-vehicle pileups on highways and busy roads. These accidents involve numerous vehicles and can result in extensive injuries and fatalities for truck accident victims.
FMCSA Insurance Minimums for Commercial Trucks in Texas
The FMCSA, under the U.S. Department of Transportation, sets specific insurance requirements for commercial trucks operating across state lines and within Texas. These regulations are designed to ensure adequate financial protection for both truck operators and the public in the event of accidents or incidents involving these larger vehicles.
Primary Liability Insurance
- Bodily Injury Liability (BIL): The FMCSA requires a minimum coverage of $750,000 for BIL per accident if the truck weighs over 10,000 pounds and transports non-hazardous materials.
- Bodily Injury Liability (BIL): If the truck transports hazardous materials, the minimum coverage increases to $1,000,000.
- Property Damage Liability (PDL): The minimum PDL coverage required is $750,000.
Cargo Insurance
Depending on the type of cargo being transported, additional cargo insurance may be required to cover damage or loss of goods during transit.
Passenger Carrier Insurance
For trucks carrying passengers, such as buses, higher insurance minimums apply. The minimum coverage for passenger carriers ranges from $5,000,000 to $25,000,000, depending on the seating capacity and type of service provided.
Compliance and Enforcement
- MCS-90 Endorsement: Truck operators must ensure compliance with FMCSA insurance requirements and carry proof of insurance through the MCS-90 endorsement, which guarantees coverage even if the insurance policy lapses or is canceled.
- Penalties for Non-Compliance: Failure to maintain the required insurance coverage can result in severe penalties, including fines, suspension of operating authority, and potentially civil penalties in case of accidents.
Get Our Proven Dallas Truck Accident Lawyer on Your Side
At Angel Reyes & Associates, we have the skills, resources, and experience to take on powerful adversaries and large insurance companies in complex truck accident cases. Our Martindale-Hubbell ‘AV-rated’ Dallas truck crash lawyers will leave no stone unturned to hold the negligent parties liable, level the playing field during settlement negotiations and in court. We ensure our case is backed by solid evidence and we always try to recover the highest compensation for your injuries and losses.
Call us at (877) 914-8729 or contact us online to schedule your free consultation. You don’t have to pay us anything unless we win.
Driving Directions to the Dallas Office
Our Dallas Office is located at 8222 Douglas Ave #400, Dallas, TX 75225 on Douglas Ave. One of the most convenient ways to reach us is through the TX-12 Loop/NW Hwy, which will lead you directly to Douglas Ave, and you will find our location on your left. We are located close to NorthPark Center and the Preston Center.
We are proud to have established ourselves as the preeminent personal injury law firm in Texas. Our attorneys are fully committed to ensuring our clients get full and fair compensation for their suffering. Our legal team handles a wide range of cases including auto accident lawsuits, personal injury claims, business litigation, dangerous prescription drugs, product defect, and wrongful death lawsuits in all locations. You can contact us to schedule a free consultation.
If you have any questions about how to reach us at Angel Reyes & Associates or need specific directions to our location, please feel free to contact us. We look forward to hearing from you.
