Accidents involving an 18-wheeler or semi-truck often result in more severe injuries and the potential for loss of life because an 18-wheeler can weigh anywhere from 20 to 80 thousand pounds, much heavier than the average commuter vehicle.
You should also know that a commercial trucking company has its own lawyer and insurance adjuster who look for ways to avoid paying damages. You do not have to hire your own 18-wheeler and semi-truck lawyer serving Dallas to seek recovery, but there are several benefits if you do, including:
- An understanding of Texas liability and negligence laws
- Resources to gather evidence and secure testimony
- Communicating with all liable parties so that you may focus on feeling better
- Protecting and preserving your rights as a plaintiff
To learn more about how our firm may be able to help you after an 18-wheeler or semi-truck accident, call D. Miller & Associates, PLLC at (713) 850-8600.
Violations of Federal Regulations May Be Cause for Proving Negligence
Federal and state laws control the trucking industry. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) is the primary regulatory agency for 18-wheelers and semi-trucks. All trucking companies and drivers must follow their established guidelines, as well as state laws related to intrastate commercial trucks.
If our legal team can determine that your accident was related to a violation of these laws, you could recover damages for injuries. A lawyer with D. Miller & Associates, PLLC will look for such common violations as:
- Inadequate rest based upon the number of hours driving
- Lack of proper licenses and training
- Loads that are more than the truck’s maximum weight allowance
- Improper maintenance
Some 18-wheeler accidents are caused by a defective product that the manufacturer knowingly or unknowingly installed. Our firm can help you recover damages in these types of cases too.
18-Wheeler and Semi-Truck Accidents Caused by Reckless Driving
A commercial trucking company may be held accountable if a driver did not take reasonable measures to prevent you from harm.
All motorists have a duty of care to others who share the road. This duty includes obeying traffic laws and staying at the scene of an accident to share information and give aid to injured motorists.
An 18-wheeler and semi-truck lawyer serving Dallas with D. Miller & Associates, PLLC may be able to help you recover damages if the truck driver breached his or her duty of care in some way, including:
- Driving while fatigued
- Driving drunk (DWI)
- Distracted driving
- Failure to yield
- Speeding
- Driving too fast for traffic, weather, and road conditions
- Aggressive driving (road rage)
- Failure to drive at a safe distance behind traffic
- Fleeing the scene (hit and run)
It is our goal to help you recover the damages you may be entitled to receive. To learn more, call (713) 850-8600 for a free case evaluation.
Our Legal Team Gathers Evidence to Build a Compelling Case
Our 18-wheeler and semi-truck accident lawyers examine the details of your accident to find supporting evidence of negligence.
This evidence may include:
- Data from the truck’s GPS or other onboard digital information systems
- Police reports
- Witness statements
- FMCSA and Texas Department of Transportation reports and information
- Driver’s history of prior accidents or violations
- Results from blood alcohol or drug tests, if applicable
- Photos or videos, such as closed-circuit or traffic camera footage
- Photos, test results, and medical notes relating to your injuries
An 18-wheeler and semi-truck accident lawyer serving Dallas with D. Miller & Associates, PLLC will identify all liable parties for your injuries and damages.
When You Should Contact Our Firm
We realize that an accident involving an 18-wheeler or semi-truck can result in significant injuries and stress. Since 2002, D. Miller & Associates, PLLC have helped injured men and women to recover damages in motor vehicle accidents and other types of personal injuries.
We suggest that you call our firm as soon as possible after the accident. A member of our team can meet with you for a free case evaluation at your home or the hospital.
There are a few reasons why we recommend that you act quickly:
- You deserve to focus on resting and feeling better.
- You want to avoid the stress and frustration of dealing with the other party’s insurance adjuster or lawyer.
- Evidence may erode, or disappear, which makes it more challenging to build a strong case.
- Investigators should interview witnesses promptly before they forget the details of what they saw and heard.
Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code Ch. 16 generally imposes a statute of limitations of two years from the date of the accident to file a claim. If you wait too long, you will not have the opportunity to take legal action. We invite you to call D. Miller & Associates, PLLC today for a free case evaluation: (713) 850-8600.
What Kind of Damages You Could Recover
The sheer size and weight of an 18-wheeler and semi-truck make any kind of collision more likely to lead to significant injuries or loss of life. According to the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT), there were 37,515 accidents involving commercial vehicles last year.
An 18-wheeler and semi-truck lawyer serving Dallas with D. Miller & Associates, PLLC will carefully consider your injuries, expected prognosis, and damages. In our experience, clients injured in an 18-wheeler accident are more likely to have long-term losses such as diminished earning capacity or a lengthy rehabilitation and recovery period.
Some of the types of damages you could recover include:
- Medical bills
- Lifecare costs
- Lost income
- Disability
- Disfigurement
- Property damage
- Pain and suffering
- Mental anguish
- And possibly others
We are committed to obtaining financial recovery and justice for you and your loved ones.
Call an 18-Wheeler and Semi-Truck Lawyer Serving Dallas
You do not have to face pursuing financial recovery on your own. It would be our privilege to help you recover damages.
Please contact D. Miller & Associates, PLLC to find out how our firm is ready to help. For a free case evaluation, call (713) 850-8600.
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