When you become the victim of a box truck incident, hiring a Dallas Box truck accident lawyer is essential to ensure at-fault parties pay the compensation you and your family deserve.
Many wonder what makes a good attorney in these types of accidents and how they can obtain legal representation that will actually regain their financial losses caused by negligence.
With over 30 years of legal experience, our Dallas accident lawyers at Angel Reyes & Associates – Angel Reyes & Associates are fully committed to prioritizing clients’ compensation needs, and helping them restore their well-being after a box truck accident.
What Is a Box Truck?
Also known as “straight trucks” or “high-sided vans,” box trucks are medium-sized trucks. The cargo section and the driver’s cab of a box truck are hooked to a single frame. The rear end of a box truck resembles a cube, which is where all the equipment is stored for transportation.
Some of the most common essentials transported by box trucks include:
- Wholesale groceries
- Furniture
- Clothes
- Lightweight tools
- Industrial pallets
Amazon, UPS, and U-Haul vehicles are all common types of box trucks. While the exact features depend on the specific type and hauling capacity, these trucks have a large stature for optimal storage space.
Finally, they also come with roll-up doors that occupy minimal space and pull-out ramps that simplify the unloading process. There are also several types of box trucks with distinct designs and hauling capabilities.
Here is a sample of the different types:
- Standard box trucks: A standard truck is a medium-sized vehicle with rear roll-up doors, making it convenient for transporting loose materials.
- Utility box trucks: One of the most intriguing benefits of utility box trucks is their resistance to rough weather conditions. They also come with compartments and drawers in the cargo area that are perfect for storing small-sized merchandise.
- Landscaping box trucks: Landscaping trucks are unique because they come with diesel engines, which means increased fuel efficiency and a longer lifespan. Landscaping companies use them regularly to transport mowers, rakes, shovels, and other landscaping necessities.
What Causes Box Truck Accidents?
Unfortunately, box truck accidents are far too common. Between 2019 and 2021, there were a staggering 1,863 lives lost in truck accidents in Texas. This is double the amount of annual fatalities compared to larger states like California. Nationally, there were 4,768 fatal truck accidents in 2022—3,175 of which involved semi-trucks.
What is behind this alarming trend? Here are five common causes:
1. Faulty Loading
If the cargo on a box truck is not loaded correctly (or there’s excessive weight on the truck) it can cause the vehicle to become unbalanced. When a vehicle becomes unbalanced, the chances of a rollover accident increase, placing the driver and others in harm’s way.
2. Inexperienced Drivers
In Texas, anyone can operate a box truck (even without a Class B commercial driver’s license) if the gross vehicle weight is under 26,001 pounds. While this can be convenient for drivers who need a mid-sized rig to transport deliveries, the result can be deadly if they don’t have the proper experience operating larger trucks.
When inexperienced truck drivers are behind the wheel of a box truck, on-the-road negligence and driver errors increase.
3. Speeding
Unfortunately, speeding is another major contributor to accidents. Because box truck drivers who make several deliveries are often on a tight schedule, they might feel pressured to speed and/or resort to reckless driving habits.
Combined with inexperience, speeding increases road accidents—leading to severe injuries, and, in some cases, death.
4. Weight
It’s no surprise that box trucks are heavier than passenger vehicles. For example, a 26-foot box truck can hold up to 26,000 pounds when fully loaded. This makes them more difficult to manage, which can wreak havoc if drivers make critical errors when transporting materials.
5. Maintenance Problems
Because box trucks are designed to carry heavy loads regularly, this can elevate wear and tear, causing major maintenance problems. Some of the most common box truck maintenance problems include:
- Worn-out steering columns
- Transmission leaks
- Failing brakes
- Tire blowouts
- Oil leaks
Without scheduled inspections, box truck drivers are more likely to experience breakdowns on the road—which means a higher safety risk for nearby drivers.
5 Steps to Take After a Box Truck Accident
If you’re the victim of a box truck accident, it is imperative to take immediate action to ensure your safety as well as eventually obtain the financial compensation you deserve:
1. Contact Emergency Responders
Contacting local law enforcement is crucial, as you can obtain a police report that documents essential information about the accident. Once dispatchers are on the scene, inform them of the specifics of the accident, including how many people were involved.
A local dispatcher can also contact emergency response units so injured parties can receive immediate medical treatment before injuries turn into long-term complications.
2. Seek Medical Treatment
Seek medical attention right away. Even if your injuries are minor, they can worsen over time without proper medical treatment. Some of the most common injuries caused by box truck accidents include:
- Scars and burns
- Spinal cord injuries
- Lacerations
- Muscle strains
- Soft tissue damage
The extent of these injuries vary depending on the severity of the accident, the treatment you receive, and any follow-up care appointments. The important thing to remember is the sooner you receive treatment, the quicker health and well-being can be restored.
3. Document the Incident
Gather documentation you can use to strengthen your personal injury claim. Some examples of documentation include:
- The truck driver’s name, contact information, and insurance company
- The driver’s license number
- The truck driver’s employer’s contact information
- Photos of the truck incident
4. Contact On-Site Witnesses
If other bystanders observed the truck accident, get their contact information. While police officers are tasked with taking witness statements, you can and should approach witnesses who saw the accident.
Because bystanders can provide accurate and detailed information about the accident, their statements could put you and your family in a better position to receive fair compensation.
5. Hire an Experienced Dallas Box Truck Accident Lawyer
A reputable truck wreck lawyer in Dallaswill work with you through every step of the legal process following a box truck accident. An experienced attorney who specializes in box truck accidents can:
- Launch an accident investigation.
- Reinforce injury claims.
- Protect you against the at-fault party.
- Help secure settlements to cover medical treatments and lost wages.
- Take the case to trial if at-fault parties refuse a settlement agreement.
Hire Angel Reyes & Associates – Angel Reyes & Associates for Legal Representation
After a box truck accident, the last thing you need is endless arguments with insurance companies and delayed compensation. That’s why you need Angel Reyes & Associates – Angel Reyes & Associates representing you as your Dallas box truck accident lawyer.
Why hire our legal defense team? Our truck accident attorneys specialize in handling box truck accident cases. We work hard to secure maximum compensation for victims and their families, especially when negligence is involved.
When you hire a Dallas accident lawyer at Angel Reyes & Associates – Angel Reyes & Associates, you are better positioned to receive the financial outcome you deserve to cover expensive medical treatment and lost wages following a truck accident. We fight to ensure responsible parties cover the losses you have suffered.
Peruse our case history for a better understanding of our client wins. In one instance, we were able to secure $7,250,000 for victims following an 18-wheeler incident. And use our case calculator to determine how much you’ll likely receive in compensation.
Speak with a member of our team to see if you have a valid claim.
