If the quiet moments after the collision are filled with questions about your future, health, and family's financial stability, you need clear answers and a defined path forward. A skilled Fort Worth truck accident lawyer can help you find both.
Collisions involving 18-wheelers and other large commercial vehicles are fundamentally different from typical car crashes. The injuries are often more severe, and the cases involve complex regulations that don't apply to passenger cars.
The trucking company and its insurance provider have teams of lawyers working to protect their interests; you need a dedicated advocate on your side, too. The first step toward protecting your rights is speaking with a legal team that understands what you’re up against.
Contact DFW Injury Lawyers at (817) 646-2527 for a no-cost, no-obligation consultation to discuss your case.
Why Choose DFW Injury Lawyers for Your Truck Accident Claim
When you're facing the resources of a commercial trucking company, you need a law firm that can match their power and determination. DFW Injury Lawyers provides the robust legal representation you require, combined with the personal attention of a local firm.
Deep Roots in the Fort Worth Community
We’re not a nationwide firm that simply advertises here; we’re part of the Fort Worth community. Our attorneys know DFW and have an intimate knowledge of the Tarrant County court system and the local landscape.
We know the heavy commercial traffic that flows down I-35W and across I-30 and represent clients injured on roads like Camp Bowie Boulevard. Our local presence means we’re here for you, ready to meet in person and provide the support you need.
From Sundance Square to the Stockyards, our connection to Fort Worth drives our commitment. We fight for our neighbors, and we’re proud to serve the people of this community when they need it most.
We’re Not Afraid To Challenge Large Trucking Companies
Trucking companies are billion-dollar enterprises with sophisticated legal teams. They immediately build a defense after a crash, often dispatching investigators to the scene while victims are still receiving medical care.
We have a history of challenging these corporations and their insurance carriers. Our firm prepares every case with the expectation that it might go to trial.
Our rigorous preparation signals to the opposition that we are serious and won’t accept a lowball offer that fails to cover the full extent of your damages. We fortify your claim from the very beginning.
Our Detailed Approach
A successful truck accident claim depends on a thorough investigation and compelling evidence. Our legal team moves quickly to secure critical information before it can be lost or destroyed. We assemble a powerful and detailed case on your behalf.
We work with a network of respected investigators and industry professionals to analyze every angle of the crash. We reconstruct the events leading up to the collision to show exactly how negligence occurred.
You can start building your case today. Call DFW Injury Lawyers at (817) 646-2527 to schedule your free case review with a dedicated Fort Worth truck accident lawyer.
Determining Fault in a Commercial Truck Wreck
Identifying all liable parties is one of the most complex aspects of a truck accident case. The truck driver may be at fault, but the chain of responsibility often extends much further. Our team conducts an in-depth investigation to uncover every party whose negligence contributed to your injuries.
Trucking accidents demand a higher level of investigation. You need a law firm with the resources and experience to take on these complex claims. We dig deep to expose the root causes of the collision.
Investigating Truck Driver Negligence
Truck drivers must follow strict federal rules from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). Violations of these rules often lead to devastating accidents. We carefully examine the driver's actions to identify any signs of negligence.
Common examples of driver error we investigate include:
- Hours-of-Service Violations: We analyze logbooks and electronic data to determine if the driver was operating the truck beyond the legally allowed hours, leading to fatigue.
- Distracted Driving: We seek phone records and other data that may show the driver was texting, calling, or otherwise not paying attention to the road.
- Speeding or Reckless Driving: We use police reports, witness statements, and data from the truck's black box to show that the driver operated the vehicle unsafely under the conditions.
- Improper Training: We investigate the driver’s employment history and training records to see if they were qualified to operate the specific type of commercial vehicle involved.
- Driving While Intoxicated: We secure any toxicology reports and evidence related to drug or alcohol use by the driver.
Holding the Trucking Company Liable
The trucking company, or motor carrier, has a legal duty to ensure its vehicles and drivers are safe. When they cut corners on safety to increase profits, they put everyone on the road at risk. Our investigation often reveals that the company's own negligence is a primary cause of the wreck.
We meticulously review the company's practices and records to expose any systemic failures. We look for patterns of poor maintenance, negligent hiring, or pressure on drivers to violate safety rules.
A Fort Worth truck crash lawyer knows how to connect these corporate failures directly to your accident.
Third-Party Responsibility in Tarrant County
In some cases, a party other than the driver or trucking company shares blame for the collision. A complete investigation must consider the actions of every entity involved in the truck's journey. A failure by any of them can lead to a catastrophic equipment malfunction.
Other potentially liable parties in a truck accident case may include:
- Maintenance Companies: A third-party mechanic may have performed faulty repairs on the truck’s brakes, tires, or other critical systems.
- Cargo Loaders: Improperly loaded or secured cargo can shift during transit, leading to the driver losing control of the vehicle.
- Parts Manufacturers: A defective truck part, such as a faulty steering component or a defective tire, may have caused the crash.
- Government Entities: Poor road design or a lack of proper signage may have contributed to the conditions that led to the wreck.
Key Evidence in a Fort Worth Semi-Truck Case
The evidence in a commercial truck accident claim is far more extensive than in a typical car wreck. A Fort Worth truck accident lawyer must act swiftly to preserve this evidence. The trucking company owns much of the most critical data, and it may not survive long without a formal request.
DFW Injury Lawyers sends a spoliation letter to the trucking company right away. This legal notice demands that they preserve all relevant evidence related to the crash.
The Black Box and Electronic Logs
Most modern commercial trucks have an Electronic Control Module (ECM), often called a black box. This device records a wealth of information about the truck's operation just before, during, and after a collision. We work with forensic experts to download and analyze this data.
The black box data often shows the truck's speed, brake application, RPMs, and steering inputs. This information provides an objective, scientific account of what the truck was doing when the crash occurred and can help us reconstruct the accident with precision.
Alongside the black box data, we obtain the driver’s Electronic Logging Device (ELD) records. These logs track the driver's hours of service and show whether they were complying with federal fatigue rules. We uncover discrepancies or falsifications in these logs to build a stronger case.
Driver Records and Company History
The driver’s qualification file and the trucking company’s safety history are also crucial evidence. We demand access to these records to search for any red flags pointing to a negligence pattern. We scrutinize the driver’s past employment, driving record, and medical history.
We investigate the trucking company's safety rating, history of FMCSA violations, and records of previous accidents. This information helps us assemble a narrative that shows the company had a history of unsafe practices.
Our goal is to expose any corporate culture that prioritizes profits over public safety.
Accident Scene Evidence and Witness Accounts
We may dispatch our own investigators to photograph the location, document property damage, and identify any physical evidence like skid marks or debris fields. We don't just rely on the police report; we conduct our own independent analysis.
We identify and interview anyone who saw the accident happen. A neutral, third-party account of events can help fortify your claim and counter the narrative from the truck driver and their company.
How a Fort Worth Truck Accident Lawyer Calculates Your Claim
After a serious truck accident, you likely face significant financial burdens. Medical bills pile up while you are unable to work, creating immense stress for you and your family. A successful truck accident claim seeks compensation to cover these losses and provide for your future needs.
Since every case is unique, it's impossible to state an average settlement amount. The value of your claim depends on many factors, including the severity of your injuries and the extent of the economic and non-economic damages you have suffered.
A knowledgeable Fort Worth truck accident attorney can help you calculate the full scope of your losses.
Economic Damages
Economic damages are the direct financial losses that result from the accident. We total these tangible costs with documentation like bills, receipts, and income statements.
Our team will assemble proof of all economic damages, such as:
- Medical Expenses: This includes all costs from the emergency room, hospital stays, surgeries, physical therapy, medication, and any anticipated future medical care.
- Lost Wages: We calculate the income you have lost because you were unable to work during your recovery.
- Loss of Earning Capacity: If your injuries prevent you from returning to your previous job or working at all, we pursue compensation for this loss of future income.
- Property Damage: This includes the cost to repair or replace your vehicle and any other personal property destroyed in the crash.
- Vocational Rehabilitation: You may need compensation for training or education that helps you find a new line of work suitable for your physical condition.
Non-Economic Damages
Non-economic damages compensate you for the intangible, personal losses you have experienced. While these losses don't have a direct price tag, they are very real and profoundly affect your quality of life.
Common examples include:
- Pain and Suffering: We seek fair compensation for the significant physical pain and emotional distress caused by your injuries.
- Physical Impairment: Your claim can account for the limitations the injuries have placed on your body and your ability to perform daily activities.
- Mental Anguish: We pursue damages for the emotional trauma you have experienced, including anxiety, depression, and fear resulting from the wreck.
- Loss of Enjoyment of Life: The claim can address your reduced ability to participate in hobbies, family activities, and other life pursuits that once brought you joy.
FAQ for Fort Worth Truck Accident Lawyer
How Is a Commercial Truck Accident Different From a Car Accident?
A commercial truck accident differs from a car accident in several key areas. First, a commercial truck's sheer size and weight mean injuries are often catastrophic, and the property damage is extensive.
Second, complex federal regulations govern the trucking industry, creating another layer of legal complexity that does not apply to passenger cars.
Finally, the responsible parties often include a large trucking corporation with significant financial resources and an aggressive legal team, making it a much more challenging fight than one against a typical auto insurance carrier.
Why Do I Need a Fort Worth Truck Accident Lawyer for My Case?
You need a Fort Worth truck accident lawyer because the trucking company's insurer starts its investigation immediately. Its goal is to pay out as little as possible. These cases involve expert witnesses, complex evidence, and knowledge of federal law.
An experienced attorney protects your rights, preserves crucial evidence, and manages all communications with the insurance companies so you can focus on healing.
What Should I Do if a Trucking Company's Insurer Contacts Me?
If an insurance adjuster from the trucking company contacts you, it’s best not to speak with them. They may sound friendly, but their job is to get you to make a statement that could hurt your claim or convince you to accept a quick, inadequate settlement offer.
Politely decline to provide a recorded statement and refer them to your Fort Worth commercial truck attorney. Anything you say can be used against you later, so let your lawyer handle all communication.
How Long Do I Have To File a Truck Accident Lawsuit in Texas?
In Texas, the statute of limitations for most personal injury cases, including truck accidents, is two years from the accident. While that may seem like a long time, contact an attorney much sooner. Some exceptions exist, especially if a government truck was involved.
A successful claim requires a prompt and thorough investigation to preserve evidence, and waiting too long can permanently damage your case.
Who Is Responsible if a Truck’s Cargo Caused the Wreck?
Several parties may be responsible if improperly loaded or unsecured cargo causes a wreck. The driver has a duty to inspect the load to ensure it's secure before starting a trip. The trucking company may be liable for failing to train the driver properly.
In many cases, a separate cargo loading company is responsible for physically loading the trailer, and their negligence would make them a liable third party. A complete investigation by your Fort Worth truck accident lawyer will uncover which party failed in its duty.
Find Your Path Forward With DFW Injury Lawyers
You don't need to have all the answers right now. You just need to take the first step. Let us handle the complexities of the legal process so you can devote your energy to what matters most—your health and your family.
Take control of your situation. Call DFW Injury Lawyers at (817) 646-2527 to schedule a free, confidential consultation with a committed Fort Worth personal injury lawyer today.