What Do Stats Say?
Incidents involving large vehicles are dangerously common. Due to their sheer size, big rig, semi-truck, and 18-wheeler accidents can be fatal or seriously injure victims. In addition, the latest figures are alarming. According to the 2020 report published by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 4,965 people died in truck accidents that year alone. Although many trucking companies claim that they have revised their safety policies to protect people's integrity, truck accidents continue to happen, and many motorists end up injured due to these incidents. Therefore, anyone who has been injured or affected in any way in a crash or incident involving a large vehicle should seek help from experienced Dallas truck accident lawyers. With the assistance of truck accident attorneys, victims can obtain fair compensation, hold at-fault parties accountable for their negligence, and get the peace of mind they need to recover after such a devastating experience.
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What Our Clients Have To Say
I have worked with Schuerger Shunnarah twice and they have been very helpful on my personal injury cases. They went above and beyond my expectations and did a great job both times.
- Ashley C.
Schuerger Shunnarah helped me receive a settlement on my case in just months. I was treated with respect and dignity. Thanks to their help, I have been able to get my life back to normal.
- Michael S.
They provided me with excellent service throughout my personal injury case. They were available to answer my questions and helped me understand the process. I am very grateful for them!
- Deshawn B.
Common Causes of Truck Accidents in Dallas
Whether they are in Dallas, TX, or another US city, truck drivers are considered negligent when they operate their trucks in a reckless or careless manner and put other people at risk.
These negligent behaviors include not complying with safety precautions, violating traffic rules, and others. In this regard, the most common causes of truck accidents are the following:
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Breaking the law: Traffic rules have been designed to keep other vehicle operators and passengers safe while on the road. If such laws are violated, the chances of causing an accident are high.
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Distracted driving: Many truck drivers also cause accidents because they get distracted at some point while driving. Making calls or texting are some of the most common distractions.
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Driving while intoxicated (DWI): Texas law states that operating a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) equal to or greater than 0.08 percent or while under the influence of drugs is illegal. Some truck drivers resort to alcoholic beverages or other substances to stay awake on long trips. However, it increases the risk of accidents.
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Speeding: Failing to drive at a safe speed can also cause many truck accidents, especially in spaces that are not designed for fast driving or if vehicles are heavily loaded.
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Tailgating: Many truck accidents are also caused by tailgating, which is also described as driving too closely behind another vehicle.
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Truck driver fatigue: Since truck drivers often operate their vehicles and tractor-trailers for hours, they can become fatigued while on road or suffer "highway hypnosis," which can result in accidents.
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Abrupt or unsafe lane changes: Due to their size and design, trucks have many blind spots and limited visibility. Therefore, if a driver tries to change or switch lanes too fast or without using a turn signal, they can cause an accident.
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Poor road and weather conditions: Many accidents are also caused by external factors, including roads in poor condition or with debris and extreme weather.
Besides the causes mentioned above, many truck accidents also result from:
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Cutting curves too sharply
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Disobeying state motor carrier regulations
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Faulty evasive action
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Failing to drive in a single lane
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Inadequate training
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Poorly secured cargo
Identifying the cause of the truck accident is essential to building a strong case and determining fault. Therefore, if they are still unclear on what caused the incident or how to prove liability, victims should contact an experienced attorney.
With a Dallas truck accident lawyer on their side, those who have been injured in an incident involving a large vehicle can collect solid evidence that the crash was not their fault, prove the driver was negligent, and more!
Injuries that Victims May Suffer After a Truck Accident
Trucks are powerful and large vehicles that can cause serious and fatal injuries if involved in accidents. These are some of the most common:
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Traumatic brain injury (TBI)
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Spinal cord injuries, including paralysis
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Scarring
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Burns, lacerations, and other skin injuries
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Disfigurement
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Internal organ injuries
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Fractured bones
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Nerve damage
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Joint trauma
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Puncture wounds
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Amputation or dismemberment
In the worst-case scenario, a truck accident can result in permanent disability or death.
Factors That May Influence the Compensation Amount
Several factors can influence the amount that victims receive as compensation for a truck accident, including the following:
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Type and severity of injuries sustained
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Treatment received
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Lost time at work
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Diagnosis
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Liability arguments
Insurance companies and at-fault parties will do everything possible to reduce the amounts victims can receive as compensation. However, a reliable Dallas truck accident lawyer will always go the extra mile to help them get the sum they deserve after such a scary and devastating experience!
Therefore, anyone who has been injured or affected by a truck accident should seek professional help and take legal action against liable parties.
We understand that monetary compensation is not enough to deal with all the pain and anguish a truck accident can cause. However, recovering such damages can help victims have peace of mind while they heal.
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Why Call Dallas Truck Accident Lawyers
Truck accidents can be devastating for everyone involved. Besides suffering injuries, victims have to pay expensive bills, go through complicated legal processes, experience chronic pain, and more.
However, trucking companies or other liable parties will do everything possible to defend their actions and avoid paying millions in compensation.
Fortunately, a Dallas truck accident attorney can hold a negligent trucking company or driver liable for their recklessness.
In addition, truck accident lawyers can help victims handle every step in the process, from collecting evidence to interviewing potential witnesses, in order to build a solid case and get the best possible results.
An experienced truck accident attorney can also help victims calculate damages to pursue fair compensation and negotiate with all parties involved to reach the right settlement.
Some victims choose to represent themselves in these cases, but they can be complex, especially if they involve big commercial vehicles operated by a trucking company. Therefore, calling an experienced attorney is the best way to go!
Dallas Truck Accident Information Center
Getting Compensation for a Truck Accident in Dallas
Whether the accident was caused by commercial trucks or other passenger vehicles, victims have the right to seek compensation for all damages and losses they may suffer.
In Dallas, those who were injured in such incidents can file a truck accident claim and recover monetary compensation for physical and emotional damages, including the following:
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Pain and suffering
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Medical bills
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Loss of earning capacity
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Lost wages
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Rehabilitation costs
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Mental anguish or emotional distress
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Loss of enjoyment of life
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Loss of the use of a body part
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Loss of spouse or family support in wrongful death cases
Client Testimonial
They were polite and really cared throughout the entire process and made me feel like my case was important. I would highly recommend them to anyone that didn’t get a fair offer from the insurance company like me!
- Brian D.
Who Can Be Liable For a Truck Accident?
If victims want to obtain compensation for a truck accident in Texas, they must prove that a third party was responsible for the incident.
However, in a truck accident, different parties may share the blame, including the following:
Truck Driver
If the truck driver doesn't comply with the traffic rules or commits a negligent action, such as speeding or texting while driving, they can be considered liable.
However, truck drivers are subject to the "reasonable truck driver" standard. Therefore, if victims plan to accuse them of negligence, they should file a legal case.
Trucking Company
Some truck drivers are independent contractors. However, many trucking companies hire staff to operate their vehicles. If an employee is involved in an accident, they could be held responsible under vicarious liability.
Furthermore, if the truck driver has a history of roadway offenses, the company could be held liable for negligently supervising, hiring, and retaining an employee.
Another Driver
In some cases, reckless drivers can linger in a truck driver's blind spots or cut off big rigs and make them lose control, causing serious or fatal accidents.
Truck Manufacturers
If the accident was caused by defective truck parts or designs, truck manufacturers may be partially or wholly responsible for the accident.
Shipping Company
When accidents are caused by unsafe or unsecured cargo because they failed to make sure it didn't shit during transportation, shipping companies can be held responsible.
Victims who still don't know who was at fault in the truck accident or must hold different parties accountable for negligence can rely on our law firm.
At Schuerger Shunnarah Trial Attorneys, we have a team of personal injury attorneys with extensive experience in truck accidents willing to help victims fight for their rights and take legal action against at-fault parties.
How Our Dallas Truck Accident Attorneys Can Help
At Schuerger Shunnarah Trial Attorneys, we understand how traumatic truck accidents can be. Therefore, we are willing to help all victims fight for their rights and get the compensation they deserve.
Operators and manufacturers of large commercial motor vehicles have multiple standards and safety protocols to comply with in order to avoid incidents that could put people at risk. If these parties fail to do this and someone gets hurt, we can take legal action to hold them accountable for their actions!
Our legal team has years of experience representing truck accident victims and is ready to provide legal assistance to all people who have suffered due to drivers' or companies' negligence and carelessness.
Contact Us and Get a Free Consultation Today!
Our law firm has seasoned Dallas truck accident lawyers who will go the extra mile to defend all victims, even if it means fighting against the most important trucking companies in the state.
If you are one of them, don't hesitate to contact us and get a free consultation today. We go to war for you!