Large trucks such as 18-wheelers, tankers, and semis can cause severe damage, life-changing injuries, and even fatalities when involved in accidents on Dallas roads. According to the most recent data, Texas recorded nearly 450 fatal crashes involving 18-wheelers, continuing a concerning trend of increasing accidents from previous years.
With heavy commercial traffic and congested highways, Dallas drivers face a heightened risk of accidents involving 18-wheelers and other large commercial trucks. If you or a loved one has been injured in a collision with a semi truck or an 18-wheeler, knowing your legal options can make all the difference in securing the maximum compensation for your injuries and losses.
What Should I Do After Being Hit by an 18-Wheeler?
After receiving medical treatment and stabilizing your health, your next step is gathering documentation to support your claim. Here’s what to focus on.
- Report the Accident to the Police: Obtain a copy of the police report if you haven’t already. This report will provide essential details about the accident, including the truck driver's contact information, how the truck crash happened, and any citations issued.
- Notify Your Insurance Company: Even if the other driver’s insurance is responsible for your damages, you should inform your insurance company immediately. Your insurance may cover certain expenses upfront, depending on your coverage, while your claim against the truck driver or trucking company progresses.
- Gather Documentation and Evidence: If you haven’t already, collect evidence from the accident scene. Photos of the damage to your vehicle, the 18-wheeler, and the accident scene will help establish fault. Also, gather witness statements, medical records, and repair estimates. These documents are critical for building a solid case.
- Consult a Truck Accident Lawyer: Given the complexity of truck accident claims, it’s wise to consult a lawyer experienced in handling 18-wheeler accident cases. A lawyer can investigate the crash, obtain key evidence like trucking logs and electronic data, and help you navigate the legal process. The sooner you seek legal advice, the stronger your case may be.
Compensation in a Dallas 18-Wheeler Accident Case
After an 18-wheeler hits you, you’re probably wondering how much compensation you might be able to recover. The compensation available depends on many factors, including the severity of your injuries, your economic losses, and the circumstances of the crash. Typical damages awarded in truck accident claims include:
- Medical Expenses: Compensation for past and future medical bills, including hospital stays, surgeries, rehabilitation, and any ongoing care you may need.
- Lost Wages: If your injuries prevent you from working, you may be entitled to recover compensation for lost income and future earning potential if you cannot return to your previous job.
- Pain and Suffering: This includes compensation for the physical pain, emotional distress, and overall impact on your quality of life due to the accident.
- Vehicle Damage: Compensation for repairs to your car or the replacement value if your vehicle is totaled.
- Wrongful Death: In the tragic event of a fatal accident, surviving family members can seek compensation for funeral expenses, loss of companionship, and financial support.
Each case is unique, and a truck accident injury lawyer can help assess the full scope of your damages to ensure that you receive fair compensation for your injuries.
Can I Still Recover Compensation If I Was Partially at Fault?
Yes, even if you share some responsibility for the accident, Texas law allows you to recover damages under its modified comparative negligence rule. If an insurance company is assigning blame to you, it’s essential to consult with an attorney.
An experienced lawyer can help challenge unfair fault assignments by thoroughly investigating the accident. They may work with accident reconstruction experts or review critical evidence to determine who is responsible. Insurance companies often try to reduce their payout by assigning fault to you, but an attorney will advocate for your rights and help ensure the blame is accurately placed where it belongs.
Why You Need a Truck Accident Lawyer in Dallas
18-wheeler accidents differ significantly from typical car accidents. These cases involve large trucking companies with experienced legal teams ready to minimize liability. Having a knowledgeable attorney on your side levels the playing field. Here’s how a Dallas truck accident lawyer can help you.
Identifying Liable Parties
Multiple parties may be responsible for your accident. The truck driver, their employer, the trucking company, and even the truck’s manufacturer could be held liable, depending on the circumstances. An attorney will investigate all potential sources of liability to maximize your chances of recovery.
Preserving Evidence
Trucking companies are required by federal law to retain certain records, but only for a limited time. These records, including driving logs, vehicle maintenance records, and electronic data, can be crucial for proving negligence. Without timely legal intervention, decisive evidence may be lost. Your attorney can work to secure this evidence before it’s destroyed.
Handling Insurance Companies
Insurance adjusters aim to settle claims for as little money as possible. They might offer you a lowball accident settlement early on, hoping you’ll accept it without fully understanding the value of your claim. Additionally, adjusters may try to get you to say something that could be used to undermine your case or reduce your compensation.
This is where having a lawyer becomes critical. Your attorney will handle all communication with the insurance company, safeguarding you from accidentally saying anything that could hurt your claim. By negotiating on your behalf, your lawyer ensures you won’t settle for less than what you’re entitled to receive.
Maximizing Your Compensation
Your attorney will assess your economic and non-economic losses, ensuring your claims are considered. They’ll help determine the value of your past and future medical bills, past and future lost income, future care needs, and intangible losses like past and future pain and suffering.
Examples of Truck Accident Settlements
At the Francis Firm, we’ve successfully helped numerous clients recover compensation after serious truck accidents. Some of our recent settlements include:
- $1,200,000 Settlement: In a case where a truck driver changed lanes without checking, causing a multi-vehicle collision that injured two passengers.
- $1,050,000 Settlement: For a couple injured by a commercial tanker driver who didn’t have a valid CDL license. The available insurance coverage limited the settlement, but we recovered the maximum amount allowed.
These examples demonstrate the potential for significant financial recovery in truck accident cases, but every case is unique. Your lawyer will work hard to maximize your settlement based on the specifics of your situation.
Contact a Texas 18-Wheeler Accident Attorney
When you’ve been hit by an 18 wheeler, you need more than just legal representation—you need an advocate who will stand up to the trucking companies and insurers working against you. At Francis Injury, we approach every case with the determination and attention it deserves, treating your fight for justice as our own.
Our team of experienced attorneys has a strong track record of winning against tough opponents. With extensive courtroom experience and a dedication to securing the compensation you need, we are ready to handle your case from start to finish. One of our attorneys is also a board-certified personal injury trial lawyer, bringing experience and commitment that sets us apart.
Don’t let the trucking companies or their insurance adjusters dictate the outcome. Contact Francis Injury after an accident by calling us today at (817) 329-9001 or reach out online for a free consultation. You won’t pay any fees unless we win your case.