Truck Accidents

Clark Law Group > Personal Injury > Truck Accidents

Park Cities Truck Wreck Lawyer for Collisions Caused by Driver Fatigue, Traffic Violations, or Unsecured Cargo

Drivers will often need to share the road with 18-wheeler trucks and other commercial vehicles. These trucks are much larger and heavier than passenger vehicles. Even though truck drivers are required to obtain training in the safe operation of commercial vehicles, maintain special driver’s licenses, and follow a number of laws and regulations, they may still become involved in accidents with other vehicles. These collisions are likely to inflict serious injuries on people in other cars and trucks, and victims can sometimes struggle to establish liability for these accidents and receive compensation that addresses their injuries and damages. Following a truck accident, it is important to get legal help from a personal injury attorney who understands the issues involved in these cases.

Clark Law Group believes in protecting the rights of injury victims, and we provide strong and effective representation in cases involving truck accidents. We understand the devastation that these accidents can inflict on a person and their family, and we are dedicated to making sure victims have the resources they need to make a full recovery and provide for their ongoing needs. We can investigate the circumstances surrounding a truck wreck, determine whether a collision occurred because of the negligence of a truck driver or other parties, negotiate with insurance companies on a victim’s behalf, and ensure that a person follows the correct steps that will allow them to receive full and fair compensation for their damages.

Addressing Negligence and Liability in Commercial Truck Accidents

There are many reasons why truck accidents may occur, and these will often involve negligence by truck drivers or other parties. We help address commercial truck accident liability and provide representation in truck crashes caused by:

Driver fatigue – Drowsy driving is dangerous in any vehicle, but it can be deadly when it causes a truck driver to fall asleep at the wheel or affects their ability to drive safely. To prevent fatigue, truck drivers are required to follow strict regulations that dictate the number of hours they can drive and when they must take breaks and get sleep. However, truck drivers may violate these rules, and they may be encouraged to do so by trucking companies that wish to make sure cargo is delivered more quickly. Even when following regulations, truck drivers may become fatigued due to sleep disorders, health conditions, or unsafe driving practices.
Intoxicated driving – The legal blood alcohol limit is lower for drivers of commercial vehicles, and truck drivers may face DWI charges if they have a BAC of .04 percent or higher. Drunk driving can be especially dangerous for those who operate 18-wheelers and other large trucks, and it may make it impossible for drivers to avoid a collision. Truck drivers may also be intoxicated by controlled substances such as illegal stimulants used to combat fatigue or prescription opioids, and these drugs can significantly impair their ability to drive safely.
Traffic violations – Collisions may occur because truck drivers exceed speed limits, follow too closely behind other vehicles, make illegal turns, disobey traffic signs or signals, or break other traffic laws.
Negligent maintenance or defective parts – The failure of a truck’s brakes, trailer couplings, steering systems, engines, or other parts may cause a driver to lose control. These issues may occur because a vehicle was not properly inspected or maintained, or parts that were designed or manufactured defectively may break down and cause accidents.
Falling or shifting cargo – If items are not loaded or secured properly in a truck’s trailer or cargo area, they may move while a truck is in motion, leading to balance issues that affect a driver’s ability to maintain control of their vehicle. Accidents may also occur if cargo falls from a truck and strikes other vehicles or lands in the road.

Many truck wrecks are caused by the truck driver losing control of the truck, often due to inattentive or reckless driving. Rear-end collisions involving semi trucks are also common, and they can occur when a truck driver fails to begin braking in time. Jackknife accidents, where the truck folds at the coupling between the cab and the trailer, can cause multi-vehicle accidents.

Truck accidents can happen anywhere, from right in front of your house to many miles from home while you are on a road trip. Highways are a common location for truck accidents, as most truck drivers spend a large amount of their time on these roads. Accidents that occur on highways or freeways can be particularly dangerous, as the truck is usually traveling at a high rate of speed.

Aside from giving semi-trucks plenty of space, there may be little that you can do to avoid truck accidents. Most truck wrecks are caused by negligent trucking practices. They often happen without warning, and there is little that drivers of smaller personal vehicles can do to dodge a commercial truck that has lost control or failed to stop in time.

First, summon emergency medical help for anyone who needs it by calling 911. Unless you need urgent transportation to the hospital, you should remain at the scene of the accident in a safe location until the police arrive to take a report. You should then contact an attorney as soon as possible. Trucking companies and their insurance companies will likely have access to attorneys, so it is wise to find your own lawyer and level the playing field.

A jackknife crash occurs when a commercial truck folds in on itself at the point where the cab is connected to the trailer. These accidents often occur when the truck driver loses control of the vehicle, and it begins to spin out of control.

Truck accident settlements can sometimes reach into six-figure sums or more. You are likely entitled to compensation for all expenses and financial losses associated with the accident, in addition to compensation for noneconomic damages such as emotional distress or pain and suffering. Lost wages and medical bills are often the two largest categories of compensation, particularly when the plaintiff has suffered a catastrophic injury.

You can safely assume that the truck driver or trucking company’s insurance company will have attorneys on the case. You will likely need your own attorney just to level the playing field. A truck accident lawyer can conduct their own independent investigation of the accident, looking for evidence that might help your case. Your attorney can also take the stress and pressure of pursuing the case off of you while you are recovering.

Contact Our Dallas Commercial Truck Accident Lawyer

Our attorneys can help victims take legal action following a truck accident, and we work to ensure that our clients will be fully compensated for all of the damages they have suffered. To schedule a consultation and get legal help with your case, contact us at 469-906-2266. We assist with commercial truck wrecks in Dallas County, University Park, Plano, Park Cities, Denton County, Highland Park, Fort Worth, Lake Highland, McKinney, Dallas, Coppell, North Dallas, Collin County, Lakewood, Mesquite, Valley Ranch, Garland, Preston Hollow, Irving, Carrollton, Grand Prairie, and Farmers Branch.