Dallas Tractor-Trailer Lawyer
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Any type of accident in Dallas can be very serious, but those involving tractor-trailers are especially devastating. The sheer weight and size of these vehicles can cause terrible damages and injuries that often result in disabilities or death. If you or someone you love were involved in this type of collision, a Dallas tractor-trailer lawyer can help.
Our Dallas car accident lawyers have helped countless accident victims (including truck accident victims) win what they deserve. Contact us today to discuss the details during a FREE, no-risk consultation. We do not collect a fee unless we win for you, so there is no risk on your end.
To schedule your FREE, no-obligation consultation, call us at (469) 998-4069 or contact us online today.
What Is a Tractor-Trailer?
A tractor-trailer is a large truck with a cargo-carrying trailer attached to the back. The “tractor” part of the word refers to the cab and engine, while the “trailer” is the area that holds whatever goods or products are being carried. These types of trucks are also known as semi-trailers in the United States.
Tractor-trailers transport large loads for long distances. Those who drive them are usually employed by a larger trucking company, and they should be under strict supervision and guidelines. However, some drivers and companies will look for ways to increase their work hours and minimize rest, which can lead to serious accidents.
The Severity of Tractor-Trailer Accidents
When a tractor-trailer is involved in a wreck, it can cause significant damage. Large trucks are more prone to serious accidents like rollovers, and they can easily take down other vehicles (and their occupants) with them.
A fully-loaded semi-trailer can weigh up to 80,000 pounds. In comparison, the average car weighs about 3,200 pounds. No matter who was at fault, the other drivers often end up much worse off.
If you were involved in a tractor-trailer accident you did not cause, you should not be held responsible for the damages. Talk to a Dallas tractor-trailer lawyer who knows how to help you build a case and fight for your rights. To discuss the details with an experienced attorney during a FREE consultation, call (469) 998-4069 or reach out through one of our online forms.
Truck Accident Statistics in Texas
According to crash statistics from the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT):
- There were 465 fatal tractor-trailer crashes in the state of Texas in 2018.
- In the same year, 786 tractor-trailer accidents resulted in suspected serious injuries.
- There were 2,530 non-capacity injury accidents and 3,406 possible injury accidents with tractor-trailers in 2018.
The number of total tractor-trailer accidents is lower than passenger vehicle accidents, but tractor-trailer accidents tend to be much more serious and costly.
Why Tractor-Trailer Accidents Happen in Dallas
The trucking industry is very good for the country’s economy, so there is a lot of pressure involved for those who work in the industry. Every day, millions of trucks transport groceries, furniture, building supplies, and much more.
Unfortunately, the importance of tractor-trailers on Dallas roads has its downfalls. Truck drivers are often put under a lot of stress to meet strict deadlines, grueling daily schedules, and quick deliveries. Even with guidelines in place that are supposed to give truckers more rest and “off” time, those standards are not always upheld.
Tractor-trailer accidents can happen because of:
- Driver fatigue
- Drug use
- Drunk driving
- Texting while driving
- Aggressive driving
- Poor truck maintenance
- Lack of experience
Fatigue and drug use are, sadly, too common in the trucking industry. They are also huge players in the causes of accidents. Drivers might take drugs or illegal medications that allow them to stay awake for long hours, for example.
Being on the road for long stretches of time can also become tedious, which might encourage distracted driving or drinking while driving to pass the time. In some cases, a truck accident might happen because the vehicle was poorly maintained. Or, the trucking company might have failed to properly screen, vet, and train the driver.
Determining the Cause of Your Tractor-Trailer Accident
If you were involved in an accident with a tractor-trailer in Dallas, the cause of the crash is very important. If you were not at fault, you should not have to bear the costs — but you’ll need to show what happened and who was responsible.
A Dallas tractor-trailer lawyer will know how to gather evidence and other information to build a personal injury claim. You’ll be able to file this claim with the at-fault party’s insurance company, whether the responsible party is the trucker, their employer, or a third party.
Your lawyer will help you gather evidence and determine who was at fault through actions like:
- Working with accident reconstructionists and other experts
- Examining logbooks for the truck driver to see how long they had been driving and when they last logged a rest period
- Looking at other records, such as cell phone records, fuel receipts, data recorder information, and toll tickets
- Taking pictures at the scene of the accident
- Talking to any eyewitnesses about what they saw before the accident occurred
It’s best to contact a lawyer as soon as you can after the accident. That way, they can begin investigating and working to build your case.
Your lawyer can also help protect your rights if the insurance company tries to contact you. Insurance companies are always looking for ways to reduce how much they have to pay on injury claims, but a Dallas tractor-trailer lawyer will know how to handle them for you.
Speak with a Dallas Tractor-Trailer Lawyer for Free Today
You should not have to pay for the medical costs, lost wages, vehicle damage, and more resulting from a truck accident that was not your fault. If you were hurt or lost a loved one in this type of crash, our Dallas car accident lawyers are here to help.
We can help you build a strong injury claim, and we won’t charge you a fee unless we’re able to win you compensation. Our communication with clients is next to none. We will keep you informed every step of the way. To get a FREE consultation with the best attorney for you as soon as possible, call (469) 998-4069 or contact us online today.