Accidents involving big rigs are often life-changing. Semi-truck accidents happen frequently on Dallas streets, leaving victims to face physical, emotional, and financial hardships. Having a reliable ally during these trying times is essential, and that’s where Kraft & Associates, Attorneys at Law, P.C. comes in. Serving the Dallas community for more than 50 years, we pride ourselves on our unwavering dedication to justice for semi-trailer truck accident victims. With a deep understanding of the legal landscape and a genuine concern for our clients, we’re here to champion your cause. Call our Dallas truck accident lawyers at (214) 999-9999 or complete our contact form for a free case review.
Why Hire a Lawyer After a Big Rig Truck Accident?
You might want to tackle a big rig truck accident claim alone. Maybe you’re worried about the cost of hiring an attorney. That’s an understandable concern, but not hiring an attorney for your truck accident case is a huge mistake. Here are a few reasons you need a Dallas truck accident lawyer on your side.
- Severe injuries – Truck accidents frequently cause catastrophic injuries, and your primary focus needs to be your medical treatment. An attorney can handle your case while you focus on your recovery.
- Maximizing compensation – Between your medical bills, lost wages, and other expenses from a truck accident, you’re looking at a significant financial loss. An attorney can use their knowledge and skill to ensure that all the components of your accident-related losses are taken into account in your compensation.
- Insurance headaches – Insurance companies frequently leave accident victims hanging by offering settlements that don’t reflect all of the victim’s losses. An experienced attorney knows how to handle insurance companies and negotiate effectively.
- Trial preparation – If your case goes to trial, you need someone with a thorough understanding of courtroom procedures and strategies, which an attorney can provide.
Why Choose Kraft & Associates, Attorneys at Law, P.C., for Your Big Rig Truck Accident?
We know you have many truck accident attorneys to choose from in Dallas. However, not all attorneys are the same, and you need a dedicated, experienced advocate in your corner. With that in mind, here are a few reasons to choose Kraft & Associates, Attorneys at Law, P.C. for your case:
- More than 50 years of legal experience
- A large, diverse legal team to support you
- A genuine commitment to our clients and the communities we serve
- A proven track record of successful results for our clients
How Our Attorneys Can Help You in a Big Rig Truck Accident
Should you choose our Dallas truck accident attorneys at Kraft & Associates, Attorneys at Law, P.C. to represent you, here are a few ways we can help with your personal injury claim:
- Investigation: Our attorneys can investigate the accident thoroughly, collecting crucial evidence from the scene and securing any video footage or witness statements.
- Deal with Insurers: We can handle all communication with the insurance companies to safeguard your rights and interests, and we can negotiate for the best possible settlement.
- Determine Liability: Our big rig accident attorneys can identify all liable parties to maximize your potential compensation.
- Legal Knowledge: Our team knows trucking laws and regulations inside and out, and we can use that knowledge to build your case.
- Maximize Compensation: By assessing medical costs, lost wages, and pain and suffering, our firm will work to obtain the maximum possible compensation for you.
- Representation in Court: If negotiations don’t result in a fair settlement, we can present a compelling case to a judge or jury on your behalf.
What to Do After a Big Rig Truck Accident in Dallas, TX
The weeks and months following a big rig truck accident are critical for protecting your rights and setting yourself up for a favorable outcome. After starting medical treatment, here are the vital steps to take during this period:
- Keep Accident-Related Documents: Start a file where you store all accident-related information. This should include medical records, expense receipts, therapy sessions, and correspondence with insurance companies.
- Avoid Social Media: Be careful not to discuss the details of the accident, especially on social media. Insurance companies or other parties can use anything you post against you later.
- Follow Medical Advice: Stick to the treatment plan prescribed by your healthcare provider. Skipping appointments or not following through with treatment can be seen as evidence that your injuries are not severe.
- Keep a Diary: Start a daily journal noting your physical and emotional state, detailing your pain, discomfort, or any challenges you face due to the accident.
- Be Cautious with Early Settlement Offers: Insurance companies might offer a quick settlement. Don’t accept any offer until you discuss it with your attorney to ensure it’s in your best interest.
- Hire an Attorney: Engaging a knowledgeable truck accident lawyer can give you an edge during negotiations with insurance companies.
How Much Does a Lawyer Charge for a Big Rig Truck Accident Case?
Our Dallas big rig truck accident attorneys work on a contingency basis. That means you don’t owe us any attorney fees unless we get money for you. This system allows those with fewer resources to afford quality legal representation.
Who Is Liable in a Big Rig Truck Accident?
One complicating factor in big rig crashes is that they frequently involve multiple liable parties. Depending on how the collision happened, the responsible parties could include:
- The Truck Driver: The person behind the wheel might be liable for a collision if they were fatigued, drove recklessly, were under the influence of drugs or alcohol, or failed to comply with traffic laws.
- The Trucking Company: The company that employs the truck driver may share liability for a collision, especially if they encouraged overworking, skipped mandatory vehicle inspections, or hired an unqualified driver.
- The Truck’s Owner: If someone other than the trucking company or the driver owns the truck, the owner might be responsible for failing to maintain the vehicle properly or ensuring it meets safety standards.
- Cargo Loaders: Incorrectly loaded or unsecured cargo can lead to accidents. Those responsible for loading the truck can be liable if their negligence contributed to the collision.
- Truck Maintenance Companies: If an accident resulted from a mechanical failure, the maintenance provider might be at fault for not adequately servicing the vehicle.
- Manufacturers: If a defective truck part or equipment malfunction played a role in the accident, the manufacturer could be liable.
- Other Motorists: In some cases, other drivers might have acted negligently or recklessly, contributing to conditions that caused the truck accident.
- Government Agencies: Occasionally, poorly maintained roads, missing signage, or malfunctioning traffic signals – aspects under the jurisdiction of local governing bodies – can be a factor in truck accidents.
Time Limit to File a Big Rig Truck Accident Lawsuit in Texas
According to Texas law, the standard deadline to file a personal injury lawsuit is two years from the date you sustained your injuries. If you miss this deadline, the courts will most likely dismiss your case automatically.
There are a few essential details to understand about this deadline. First, some exceptions to the two-year statutory deadline exist. For example, people under 18 have extra time to file a lawsuit. On the other hand, if you wish to sue a government agency in Texas, you must file a notice of claim within six months of your injury date.
Second, while two years may sound like a long time, it’s crucial to hire an attorney and get started on your case as soon as possible. Vital evidence can disappear within days or weeks of a truck crash, and it takes time to document your injuries, estimate your financial losses, and file a lawsuit.
Compensation in a Dallas Big Rig Truck Accident Claim
You can claim compensation for many crash-related damages, such as:
- Past and future medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Reduced future earnings
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Diminished quality of life
- Damaged personal property
Common Causes of Big Rig Truck Accidents in Texas
Some examples of negligence that can cause a truck crash include:
- Truck drivers being unsafe (speeding, tailgating, driving while impaired, driving while fatigued, dangerous lane changes, etc.)
- Trucking companies hiring unsafe or unqualified drivers
- Trucking companies pushing drivers to ignore Hours of Service regulations or other safety regulations
- Cargo loaders or maintenance companies not doing their jobs properly
- Manufacturing or design defects with a truck’s components
- Other drivers acting negligently and causing a truck driver to swerve, brake suddenly, etc.
- Government agencies doing a poor job with road design, signage, etc
Common Injuries in Big Rig Truck Accidents in Texas
Semi-trucks can weigh up to 30 times more than passenger cars and sit higher off the road. That extra weight and height mean big rig trucks tend to cause more severe injuries than you see in typical car accidents. Common injuries from truck accidents in Dallas include:
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Crush injuries
- Puncture injuries
- Severed or amputated limbs
- Spinal cord injuries, including paralysis
- Internal bleeding
- Internal organ injuries
- Broken bones and fractures
- Psychological trauma
Find an Experienced Big Rig Truck Accident Lawyer Near You
The Dallas truck accident attorneys at Kraft & Associates, Attorneys at Law, P.C. stand firm in their commitment to those injured in these terrible collisions. Call us today at (214) 999-9999 or fill out our online form for a free consultation.