The Texas Department of Transportation (TXDOT) reports that more tractor trailer accidents occur in Dallas County than any other county in Texas, with the exception of Harris County, which contains the Houston metropolitan area. The trucking industry can play an essential role in supporting the Texas economy, but the dangers of the occupation may fall on other drivers. Accidents involving semi trucks can lead to serious injuries and fatalities, and the devastating effects on victims and their families can last for years.
If you or a loved one has suffered severe or fatal injuries in a truck collision in Dallas County, a tractor trailer accident lawyer serving Dallas, TX can help you pursue financial recovery. Contact D. Miller & Associates, PLLC™ today at (713) 850-8600 to discuss your case with our legal team.
Tractor Trailer Accidents Can Occur for Many Reasons
The Texas A&M Transportation Institute (TTI) conducted a study on the causes of large truck accidents in the United States and found that, in most tractor trailer accidents in which the truck driver holds responsibility for the accident, human error played a primary role in causing them.
Despite the fact drivers can prevent many of these collisions from occurring through reasonable means, such as attentive driving and technological features, the study found some of the prevalent behaviors involved in truck accidents, such as:
- Fatigue
- Failing to stop
- Failing to yield the right-of-way
- Using the wrong lane
- Speeding
The study found that fatigued driving alone led to a 270% greater risk of injuries and fatalities in a collision.
Tractor Trailer Accidents Pose a Serious Risk to Those Involved
According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), occupants of passenger vehicles have suffered the most severe injuries and fatalities in accidents involving tractor trailers. Of all fatal accidents involving a car and a large truck in 2018, passenger vehicle occupants accounted for 96% of the victims who lost their lives.
The IIHS attributes these tragic statistics to the inherent dangers of tractor trailers, particularly in terms of size and weight. They often weigh many times more than passenger vehicles, and their high ground clearance sometimes allows cars to slide underneath in accidents. They also require more time to come to a complete stop, which can present a danger to surrounding vehicles when the tractor trailer driver must brake quickly.
If you have suffered injuries or lost a loved one in a large truck collision, a tractor trailer accident lawyer serving Dallas, TX can help you with the legalities of your case. Call D. Miller & Associates, PLLC™ at (713) 850-8600 and a representative from our legal team will respond as soon as possible to speak with you about your case evaluation.
A Tractor Trailer Accident Lawyer Serving Dallas, TX Can Help You Establish Liability in Your Case
In order to pursue a tractor trailer accident claim, you must prove that the liable party had a responsibility to protect your safety and, through their actions or omissions, breached that duty and caused the injuries that led to your losses. A tractor trailer accident lawyer serving Dallas, TX can help you do this by collecting the information you need to seek fair financial compensation in your case.
Evidence in Tractor Trailer Accident Cases
To establish liability, an attorney may gather evidence from the scene of the accident and documentation relating to your injury to demonstrate negligence. These items may include:
- Photos and videos of skid marks, property damage, and debris
- Photos of your injuries
- Police reports
- Eyewitness statements
- Cellphone records
- Medical records and statements
- Information from the truck’s black box
Your own testimony may lend credence to your case, as well.
Settling with the Insurance Company
Once you have proven fault in your case, you can work with the insurance company to pursue financial recovery. Unfortunately, insurance companies may try to offer the victim a settlement that does not sufficiently cover their losses.
A tractor trailer accident lawyer serving Dallas, TX can help with handling all communication and negotiations with the insurance company on your behalf. In some cases, lawyers prefer to settle your case out of court to minimize the time and risk involved in the process. However, if they cannot reach a fair settlement amount, they will take your case to trial to seek adequate recovery.
Texas Statutes of Limitations on Tractor Trailer Accident Claims
Victims of tractor trailer accidents and their families may have a right to pursue legal action, but Texas has time frames, known as statutes of limitations, for how much time they have to file their claims. If they fail to file within the statute of limitations, they risk forfeiting their opportunity to seek financial recovery in their case.
Under Texas law, those filing a personal injury claim to seek financial compensation for their own injuries have up to two years from the date of their accident to do so. Similarly, loved ones of victims who lost their lives in tractor trailer accidents usually have up to two years from the date of their passing. However, Texas has restrictions on who can file a wrongful death suit.
A tractor trailer accident lawyer serving Dallas, TX can help you determine if you can file a claim and avoid preventable delays.
Contact D. Miller & Associates, PLLC™ Today to Get Started
If you or a loved one has suffered injuries in a tractor trailer accident, a tractor trailer accident lawyer serving Dallas, TX at D. Miller & Associates, PLLC™ can help you establish liability in your case, assess your damages, and pursue the financial recovery you need. Contact us today at (713) 850-8600 to discuss your case with our legal team.