Dallas Commercial Drivers Lawyer
Commercial drivers traverse Dallas roads daily, and the majority of them are responsible drivers. But a commercial driver sometimes engages in negligent behavior, such as drunk driving—and causes an accident. If this describes your situation, we recommend speaking to a Dallas commercial drivers lawyer as soon as possible.
Our Dallas car accident lawyers know what it takes to build a strong case and win. We do not charge you a fee unless we get you paid, so there is no risk to get started. For a FREE consultation to learn more, call us at (469) 998-4069 or contact us online.
Types of Commercial Drivers in Dallas
A commercial driver is another who operates a commercial motor vehicle for their job. Commercial drivers might drive vehicles like:
- Semi-trucks
- Tractor-trailers
- Passenger buses
- Limousines
- Cargo vans
Most people picture large trucks when they think of commercial vehicles. While semis and other trucks are good examples, a commercial vehicle can include anything used to transport goods or paying customers.
Commercial Driver’s License Requirements
Before someone can become a commercial driver, they must obtain a commercial driver’s license (CDL) issued by the Texas Department of Public Safety (TxDPS). The driver must undergo individual training and gain specific skills before they can get their CDL.
There are three different classes of CDLs, depending on how the driver will use their license:
- Class A CDL: Holder can operate a combination of vehicles with a gross combined weight of 26,001 or higher as long as the vehicle(s)’s gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) is over 10,000 pounds.
- Class B CDL: Holder can operate a single vehicle with a 26,001 pounds or greater GVWR, that is towing a car with less than 10,000 pounds GVWR, and a vehicle that can transport 24 passengers or more.
- Class C CDL: Holder can operate a single vehicle or combination of vehicles that is not Class A or B and transports 16 to 23 passengers or transports certain hazardous materials.
Commercial drivers have higher driving standards they must meet compared to other motorists. If a commercial driver is negligent on the roads, they can cause a severe accident.
Why Accidents with Commercial Drivers Are So Dangerous
Most commercial vehicles are much larger than other cars on the road. For example, the sheer size and weight of semi-trucks can do a lot of damage during a collision.
Common injuries from truck accidents include:
- Spinal cord injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Broken bones
- Paralysis
- Loss of limb
- Wrongful death
If a commercial driver caused your accident, you have rights. Texas law dictates that the at-fault party in an injury accident is legally responsible for the costs. However, as the victim of the accident, the burden is still on you to gather evidence of the driver’s fault and file a personal injury claim with the driver’s insurance company.
Commercial driver accident cases are often complicated, but a Dallas commercial drivers lawyer can help. Your lawyer can begin gathering information to use in your claim and pursuing the fullest compensation possible while you focus on healing from your injuries.
To learn more about how an experienced attorney can help your case, call (469) 998-4069 or reach out through one of our online forms to get a FREE, no-obligation consultation.
DUI Commercial Driving Accident
Unfortunately, some commercial drivers will turn to drugs, alcohol, or other illegal substances during their long hours. Truck drivers are especially prone to poor decisions when their employers push them to meet unrealistic and unhealthy deadlines.
A truck driver might consume stimulating drugs or alcohol to help them cope with the long hours, job pressure, and lack of rest. This is no excuse, however. Driving under the influence (DUI) is never okay for any driver, particularly when operating a motor vehicle for work reasons.
Determining Liability in a Commercial Driving Accident
Before you can pursue compensation for your damages, you’ll need to gather evidence that:
- The at-fault party was negligent;
- The driver’s negligence directly led to your accident; and
- You suffered injuries and other damage because of the accident.
The at-fault party in a commercial vehicle accident, especially if DUI was involved, is usually the commercial driver. However, there are situations where another party might be fully or partially at fault:
- The driver’s employer might be partly to blame if they were negligent for hiring the driver.
- If a drunk driver caused the accident but hazardous materials spilled from the commercial vehicle because they were poorly loaded, an individual or company responsible for loading the cargo might be partially at fault.
- Poor road conditions or vehicle defects might have contributed to the accident, leading a government entity or manufacturing company somewhat to blame.
An experienced Dallas commercial drivers lawyer will look at the accident from every possible angle. If more than one party is at fault for your accident, your lawyer can help you file a claim with each party.
Statute of Limitations for Commerical Driving Accidents
Don’t wait to get started on your case. Evidence can disappear quickly, and people’s memories fade within a short period. State laws also constrain the amount of time you have to take action.
In Texas, you typically have two years from an auto accident date to file a claim for compensation. If you are bringing a case against a government entity, you only have six months to file a notice of claim. Some local government entities require notice even sooner, such as within 45 to 90 days of the accident.
The best way to stay on track is by talking to a Dallas commercial drivers lawyer right away. Your lawyer can begin working on your case immediately and ensure you don’t miss any steps or deadlines. Plus, most lawyers (like our Dallas car accident lawyers) offer a free consultation.
Speak with a Dallas Commercial Drivers Lawyer for Free Today
Besides the FREE consultation, we do not charge you unless we can win compensation for your damages. You won’t have to worry about upfront costs or risky fees whether or not you win. We are ready to fight for your success and compensation.
Contact us today at (469) 998-4069 or through one of our online forms to get your FREE consultation. We’ll listen to your concerns and discuss how we can help.